Flexible display device and driving method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a flexible display device and a driving method thereof. The flexible display device comprises a display panel, a supporting layer arranged on the non-display side of the display panel, a rotating shaft and a shell arranged on the side, away from the display panel, of the supporting layer. The shell is provided with a fixed supporting part and a movable supporting part, the movable supporting part is provided with at least one cavity penetrating in the thickness direction of the movable supporting part, and the cavity comprises a first sub-cavity close to the supporting layer, a second sub-cavity away from the supporting layer and a third sub-cavity connected with the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity; a micro-channel is arranged in the movable supporting part, each first sub-cavity is connected and communicated with the micro-channel, the end, close to the supporting layer, of at least one first sub-cavity is covered with the supporting layer, the end, away from the supporting layer, of one second sub-cavity is slidably connected with an electromagnet, and a magnet is arranged in the third sub-cavity; the magnet can seal one end, deviating from the supporting layer, of the first sub-cavity; and the vacuumizing equipment is connected and communicated with the micro-channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a flexible display device and a driving method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of flexible display technology, roll-up display is another innovative application field of flexible display panels. The roll-up display mode enables consumers to switch the display area of ​​the flexible panel at will according to their needs. When the screen is pulled out from the hinge, the display screen unfolds like a scroll. The screen will not interrupt the customer's continuous experience during the unfolding process. The strong sense of fashion and technology brings customers a better visual and usage experience.

[0003] However, after the conventional roll-up display device is unfolded, there is a gap between the sliding housing and the support member of the display panel, which causes the entire device to feel sunken when being touched. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible display device and a driving method thereof, which are used to improve the overall flatness and sliding smoothness of the flexible display device. The specific scheme is as follows:

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a flexible display device, comprising:

[0006] A display panel having a planar display portion and a scrollable display portion connected to each other;

[0007] A support layer is arranged on the non-display side of the display panel, the support layer comprises a planar support member arranged corresponding to the planar display portion and a plurality of support bars arranged corresponding to the roll-up display portion, and the extension direction of the support bars is perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the roll-up display portion;

[0008] A rotating shaft, on which at least part of the scroll display portion and the support bar are wound;

[0009] A housing is arranged on a side of the support layer away from the display panel, the housing comprising a fixed support portion arranged corresponding to the planar support member and a movable support portion arranged to slide relative to the fixed support portion, and the surfaces of the fixed support portion and the movable support portion close to the support layer are flush;

[0010] Wherein, the movable support part has at least one cavity penetrating along its thickness direction, and the cavity includes: a first sub-cavity close to the support layer, a second sub-cavity far from the support layer, and a third sub-cavity connecting the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity; the interior of the movable support part has a microchannel, and each of the first sub-cavities is connected and communicated with the microchannel. At least one end of the first sub-cavity close to the support layer is covered by the support layer. One end of one of the second sub-cavities facing away from the support layer is slidably connected to an electromagnet, and a magnet is disposed in the third sub-cavity, and the magnet can seal one end of the first sub-cavity facing away from the support layer.

[0011] A vacuum pumping device is connected and communicated with the microchannel.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-section of the magnet along the thickness direction of the movable support part is a first cross-section, a cross-section of the first sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support part is a second cross-section, and a width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part is greater than or equal to a width of the second cross-section along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-section of the second sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support part is a third cross-section, and a width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part is greater than or equal to a width of the third cross-section along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-section of the third sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support part is a fourth cross-section, and a width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part is less than a width of the fourth cross-section along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, cross-sectional shapes of the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support part are square, and a cross-sectional shape of the third sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support part is oval or square.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross-sectional shape of the magnet along the thickness direction of the movable support part is an ellipsoidal rod shape, and a cross-sectional shape of the electromagnet along the thickness direction of the movable support part is circular or square.

[0017] In a possible implementation, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible washer is further included, which is located on the side of the first sub-cavity close to the magnet, covers part of the inner wall of the third sub-cavity, and has a through hole corresponding to the first sub-cavity.

[0018] In a possible implementation, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixed support portion includes a first comb bar extending along the extension direction of the support bar and a plurality of first comb teeth connected to the first comb bar and extending along the unfolding direction of the sliding and rolling display portion, the moving support portion includes a second comb bar extending along the extension direction of the support bar and a plurality of second comb teeth connected to the second comb bar and extending along the unfolding direction of the sliding and rolling display portion, and the first comb teeth are engaged with the second comb teeth;

[0019] The microchannel includes: a first sub-microchannel located in the second comb bar and extending along the extension direction of the second comb bar, and a second sub-microchannel located in each of the second comb teeth and extending along the extension direction of the second comb teeth; each of the second sub-microchannels is connected and communicated with the first sub-microchannel, and each of the first sub-cavities is connected and communicated with the second sub-microchannel.

[0020] In a possible implementation, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the second sub-microchannels is connected and communicated with at least one of the cavities.

[0021] In a possible implementation, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the second sub-microchannels is connected and communicated with a plurality of cavities arranged at equal intervals.

[0022] In a possible implementation, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the cavities connected and communicated by each of the second sub-microchannels are arranged in an array along the extension direction of the support bar and the unfolding direction of the sliding and rolling display portion.

[0023] In a possible implementation, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a driving component connected to the electromagnet is further included, and the driving component is used to control the polarity of the electromagnet.

[0024] Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a driving method for a flexible display device, which is used to drive the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the driving method includes:

[0025] Controlling the polarity of the electromagnet to be opposite to the polarity of the magnet near one end of the electromagnet, controlling the electromagnet to move and sequentially adsorbing each of the magnets to the bottom of the third sub-cavity, so that the movable support part reciprocates under the rotation of the rotating shaft;

[0026] The polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to be the same as the polarity of the magnet close to one end of the electromagnet, and the electromagnet is controlled to move and each of the magnets is repelled to the top of the third sub-cavity in turn, so that the magnet seals the end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer, so that when the shaft stops rotating, the sealed microchannel is evacuated by the vacuum pumping device to achieve vacuum adsorption of the movable support part and the support layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device capable of scrolling and displaying provided in the related art;

[0028] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of another flexible display device capable of scrolling and displaying provided in the related art;

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a flexible display device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure when in a non-sliding state;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible display device after sliding open;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic plan view showing the panel and the support layer;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A schematic plan view of the middle housing when it is in a non-sliding state;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A schematic plan view of the middle shell after it is slid open;

[0034] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the internal structure;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure in;

[0036] Figure 10 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local structure in;

[0037] Figure 11A - Figure 11D Schematic structural diagram of the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure during driving;

[0038] Figure 12A - Figure 12D Schematic structural diagram of the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure during driving;

[0039] Figure 13 Schematic flow chart of a driving method for a flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 14 Planar schematic diagram of a flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. And, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present disclosure shall have the ordinary meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms such as "including" or "comprising" used in the present disclosure mean that the elements or items appearing before this word cover the elements or items listed after this word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or items. The terms such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms such as "inner", "outer", "upper", "lower", etc. are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0043] It should be noted that the sizes and shapes of the various figures in the drawings do not reflect the true proportions, and the purpose is only to schematically illustrate the content of the present disclosure. And the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0044] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1FIG. 0 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible display device that can be slid and rolled out in the related art, including: a display panel 1 having a flat display portion 11 and a slidable and rollable display portion 12 connected to each other, a support layer 2 provided on the non-display side of the display panel 1, a rotating shaft 3, and a housing 4 provided on the side of the support layer 2 facing away from the display panel; wherein, the support layer 2 includes a flat support member 21 corresponding to the flat display portion 11 and a plurality of support bars 22 corresponding to the slidable and rollable display portion 12, the extending direction of the support bars 22 is perpendicular to the unfolding direction (horizontal direction) of the slidable and rollable display portion 12, at least a part of the slidable and rollable display portion 12 and the support bars 22 are wound around the rotating shaft 3, the housing 4 has a fixed support portion 41 corresponding to the flat support member 21 and a movable support portion 42 slidably arranged relative to the fixed support portion 41, and the surfaces of the fixed support portion 41 and the movable support portion 42 close to the support layer 2 are flush. From the retracted state to the slid-out state, it is necessary to "slide out" the slidable and rollable display portion 12 inside the whole machine outside the whole machine, that is, the slidable and rollable display portion 12 is flexible. Under the action of the asymmetric modulus support layer 2, it has a certain support property in the unfolding direction of the slidable and rollable display portion 12 and has rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the unfolding direction. In order to improve the support property of the slidable and rollable display portion 12, the fixed support portion 41 and the movable support portion 42 generally adopt comb-shaped supports, and the combs extend along the unfolding direction. Therefore, the movable support portion 42 forms a horizontal and vertical support with the support bars 22 in the unfolding direction.

[0045] Since the movable support portion 42 and the support layer 2 belong to two structures, there is no glue connection between these two structures, and they belong to a sliding connection. Therefore, after the movable support portion 42 slides open, there will be a gap G between the movable support portion 42 and the support layer 2, as Figure 2 shown, resulting in a sinking feeling when the whole machine is touched, that is, every time it is touched, a floating feeling will be generated.

[0046] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a flexible display device, as Figure 3 - Figure 8 shown, Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the flexible display device in the un-slid state, Figure 4 is Figure 3 a schematic structure diagram of the flexible display device shown in Figure 5 after being slid open, Figure 3 and Figure 4 are schematic plane diagrams of the display panel and the support layer in Figure 6 and Figure 3 is a schematic plane diagram of the housing in the un-slid state in Figure 7 and Figure 4 is a schematic plane diagram of the housing after being slid open in Figure 4 The housing in Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram along the CC' direction in Figure 8 and Figure 7Schematic diagram of the internal structure. The flexible display device includes:

[0047] A display panel 1, having a flat display portion 11 and a scrollable display portion 12 connected to each other;

[0048] A support layer 2, disposed on the non-display side of the display panel 1. The support layer 2 includes a flat support member 21 corresponding to the flat display portion 11 and a plurality of support bars 22 corresponding to the scrollable display portion 12. The extending direction Y of the support bars 22 is perpendicular to the unfolding direction X of the scrollable display portion 12;

[0049] A rotating shaft 3, at least part of the scrollable display portion 12 and the support bars 22 are wound around the rotating shaft 3;

[0050] A housing 4, disposed on the side of the support layer 2 away from the display panel 1. The housing 4 has a fixed support portion 41 corresponding to the flat support member 21 and a movable support portion 42 slidably disposed relative to the fixed support portion 41. The surfaces of the fixed support portion 41 and the movable support portion 42 close to the support layer 2 are flush;

[0051] Wherein, the movable support portion 42 has at least one cavity H penetrating in its thickness direction. The cavity H includes: a first sub-cavity H1 close to the support layer 2, a second sub-cavity H2 away from the support layer 2, and a third sub-cavity H3 connecting the first sub-cavity H1 and the second sub-cavity H2; there is a micro-channel L inside the movable support portion 42. Each first sub-cavity H1 is connected and communicated with the micro-channel L. At least one end of the first sub-cavity H1 close to the support layer 2 is covered by the support layer 2. One end of one second sub-cavity H2 away from the support layer 2 is slidably connected to an electromagnet 5. There is a magnet 6 in the third sub-cavity H3, and the magnet 6 can seal one end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2;

[0052] A vacuum pumping device (not shown), connected and communicated with the micro-channel L.

[0053] The above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 4 and Figure 9 shown, Figure 9 is Figure 4Partial structural schematic diagram in [description]. For example, one end of the magnet 6 close to the support layer 2 is the N pole, and one end of the magnet 6 close to the electromagnet 5 is the S pole. The initial polarity of the electromagnet 5 is the S pole. When the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, control the polarity of the electromagnet 5 to be the S pole. In this way, the electromagnet 5 repels the magnet 6, and control all the magnets 6 to seal one end of the first sub-cavity H1 facing away from the support layer 2, that is, the magnet 6 blocks the air passage between the micro-channel L and the support layer 2. Connect a vacuum pumping device through the micro-channel L to pump out the air, then a vacuum adsorption is formed between the support layer 2 and the moving support part 42. At this time, the moving support part 42 of the whole machine and the support layer 2 can be stably adsorbed together, maintaining the flatness of the display panel 1 and avoiding the feeling of sinking when the whole machine is touched; as Figure 10 shown, Figure 10 is Figure 4 a partial structural schematic diagram in [description]. When the rotating shaft 3 rotates to drive the moving support part 42 to slide, for example, during the unfolding or folding process of the scroll display part 12, by controlling the polarity of the electromagnet 5 to be opposite to the polarity of the end of the magnet 6 close to the electromagnet 5, that is, controlling the polarity of the electromagnet 5 to be the N pole. In this way, the electromagnet 5 and the magnet 6 can attract each other. After the electromagnet 5 adsorbs the magnet 6 in one cavity H, control the electromagnet 5 to move to the bottom of the next cavity H to adsorb the next magnet 6 until all the magnets 6 are adsorbed. After the magnet 6 is adsorbed, air enters between the moving support part 42 and the support bar 22 through the bottom of the cavity H to break the vacuum. At this time, the moving support part 42 and the support bar 22 can move relative to each other smoothly, that is, the moving support part 42 can slide open or close smoothly. Therefore, the present disclosure can improve the flatness and sliding smoothness of the whole machine through the technology of micro-channel + magnet.

[0054] Specifically, the vacuum pumping device can be located in the middle frame of the display device. As Figure 4 shown, the vacuum pumping device can be connected and conducted with the micro-channel L through the third sub-micro-channel L3. One end of the third sub-micro-channel L3 can be connected and conducted with the second sub-micro-channel L2, and the other end of the third sub-micro-channel L3 is connected and conducted with the vacuum pumping device.

[0055] It should be noted that the present disclosure can ensure that when the moving support part 42 moves, the distance of each movement can make the support layer 2 just cover each first sub-cavity H1 by designing the relationship between the motor controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft 4 and the moving displacement of the moving support part 42, and by designing the number and distribution positions of the first sub-cavities H1.

[0056] In some embodiments, the materials of the fixed support part and the moving support part can be stainless steel, non-magnetic metal, etc., to ensure that the magnet can move unobstructed inside the moving support part.

[0057] In some embodiments, one end of the magnet close to the support layer can also be the S pole, and one end of the magnet close to the electromagnet is the N pole. The initial polarity of the electromagnet can be the S pole or the N pole, as long as it is ensured that when the rotating shaft stops rotating, the polarity of the electromagnet is the same as that of the magnet, and during the rotation of the rotating shaft, the polarity of the electromagnet is opposite to that of the magnet.

[0058] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the cross-section of the magnet 6 along the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 is the first cross-section, and the cross-section of the first sub-cavity H1 along the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 is the second cross-section. The width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display portion 12 is greater than or equal to the width of the second cross-section along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display portion 12. In this way, when the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, by controlling the electromagnet 5 to repel the magnet 6, it is ensured that the magnet 6 can block the first sub-cavity H1, so that a sealed micro-channel L can be formed between the magnet 6 and the support layer 2. Then, the sealed micro-channel L is evacuated by a vacuum pumping device, so that the moving support portion 42 and the support layer 2 of the whole machine can be stably adsorbed together, maintaining the flatness of the display panel 1.

[0059] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the cross-section of the second sub-cavity H2 along the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 is the third cross-section, and the width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display portion 12 is greater than or equal to the width of the third cross-section along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display portion 12, so as to prevent the magnet 6 from falling out of the cavity H when the electromagnet 5 leaves the bottom of the cavity H.

[0060] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the cross-section of the third sub-cavity H3 along the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 is the fourth cross-section, and the width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display portion 12 is less than the width of the fourth cross-section along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display portion 12, so as to ensure that the magnet 6 can move in the third sub-cavity H3 under the action of the adsorption or repulsion of the electromagnet 5.

[0061] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the first sub-cavity H1 and the second sub-cavity H2 in the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 may be square, but are not limited thereto; the cross-sectional shape of the third sub-cavity H3 in the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 may be oval or square, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, for the specific shapes of the first sub-cavity H1, the second sub-cavity H2, and the third sub-cavity H3, as long as it can be satisfied that: the magnet 6 can block one end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2, the magnet 6 can move up and down in the third sub-cavity H3, and the magnet 6 will not fall in the third sub-cavity H3.

[0062] In some embodiments, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the cross-sectional shape of the magnet 6 in the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 may be an ellipsoidal rod shape, which can improve the sealing performance between the magnet 6 and one end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2; the cross-sectional shape of the electromagnet 5 in the thickness direction of the moving support portion 42 is circular or square, which can ensure the smooth sliding of the electromagnet 5.

[0063] In some embodiments, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, it may further include a flexible gasket (not shown) located on the side of the first sub-cavity H1 close to the magnet 6. The flexible gasket covers the inner wall of a part of the third sub-cavity H3, and the flexible gasket has a through hole corresponding to the first sub-cavity H1, that is, the flexible gasket is arranged around the first sub-cavity H1 on the side of the third sub-cavity H3 close to the first sub-cavity H1. This can improve the sealing performance between the magnet 6 and the first sub-cavity H1.

[0064] Optionally, the material of the flexible gasket may be rubber.

[0065] In some embodiments, in the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 - Figure 8 shown, the fixed support portion 41 includes a first comb bar 411 extending along the extension direction Y of the support bar 22 and a plurality of first comb teeth 412 connected to the first comb bar 411 and extending along the unfolding direction X of the sliding and rolling display portion 12. The moving support portion 42 includes a second comb bar 421 extending along the extension direction Y of the support bar 22 and a plurality of second comb teeth 422 connected to the second comb bar 421 and extending along the unfolding direction X of the sliding and rolling display portion 12. The first comb teeth 412 are engaged with the second comb teeth 422;

[0066] The microchannel L includes: a first sub-microchannel L1 located within the second comb bar 421 and extending along the extension direction of the second comb bar 421, and second sub-microchannels L2 located within each second comb tooth 422 and extending along the extension direction of the second comb tooth 422; each second sub-microchannel L2 is connected and communicated with the first sub-microchannel L1, and each first sub-cavity H1 is connected and communicated with the second sub-microchannel L2. By arranging the second sub-microchannel L2 to be connected and communicated with the first sub-cavity H1 above the third sub-cavity H3, when the magnet 6 blocks one end of the first sub-cavity H1 close to the third sub-cavity H3, a sealed microchannel L can be formed between the magnet 6 and the support layer 2, so that when the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, the sealed microchannel L can be evacuated by a vacuum pumping device, realizing that the moving support part 42 and the support layer 2 can be stably adsorbed together, maintaining the flatness of the display panel 1.

[0067] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 - Figure 8 shown, each second sub-microchannel L2 is connected and communicated with at least one cavity H, so as to improve the flatness and uniformity of the display panel 1.

[0068] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 6 - Figure 8 shown, each second sub-microchannel L2 is connected and communicated with a plurality of cavities H arranged at equal intervals, so as to further improve the flatness and uniformity of the display panel 1.

[0069] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 6 - Figure 8 shown, the cavities H connected and communicated with each second sub-microchannel L2 are arranged in an array along the extension direction Y of the support bar 22 and the unfolding direction X of the sliding and curling display part 12, so as to further improve the flatness and uniformity of the display panel 1.

[0070] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the material of the support layer can be stainless steel (SUS).

[0071] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, it further includes a driving component (not shown) connected to the electromagnet 5, and the driving component is used to control the polarity of the electromagnet 5; specifically, the driving component controls the polarity of the electromagnet 5 by applying currents in different directions to the electromagnet 5.

[0072] Next, in combination with specific schematic diagrams for Figure 3 and Figure 4The working process of the flexible display device shown is described. One end of the magnet 6 close to the support layer 2 is the N pole, and one end of the magnet 6 close to the electromagnet 5 is the S pole. The initial polarity of the electromagnet 5 is the S pole.

[0073] (1) When the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, as Figure 11A shown, a voltage V is applied to the electromagnet 5 through the driving component to control the polarity of the electromagnet 5 to be the S pole; as Figure 11B shown, the electromagnet 5 is controlled to move to the bottom of the cavity H. In this way, the electromagnet 5 repels the magnet 6, and the magnet 6 seals one end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2; as Figure 11C shown, the electromagnet 5 is controlled to move to the bottom of the next cavity H; as Figure 11D shown, when the electromagnet 5 moves to the bottom of the next cavity H, it repels the next magnet 6. The electromagnet 5 is moved to the bottom of all cavities H until all magnets 6 are repelled to one end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2, that is, all magnets 6 block the air passage between the micro-channel L and the support layer 2. The micro-channel L is evacuated by a vacuum pumping device, and then a vacuum adsorption is formed between the support layer 2 and the moving support part 42. At this time, the moving support part 42 of the whole machine and the support layer 2 can be stably adsorbed together, maintaining the flatness of the display panel 1.

[0074] (2) When the rotating shaft 3 rotates to drive the moving support part 42 to slide, for example, during the unfolding or folding process of the scroll display part 12, as Figure 12A shown, the polarity of the electromagnet 5 is controlled to be the N pole, and the electromagnet 5 is controlled to move; as Figure 12B shown, when the electromagnet 5 moves to the bottom of the cavity H, the electromagnet 5 adsorbs the magnet 6 in one cavity H, and air enters between the moving support part 42 and the support bar 22 through the bottom of the cavity H to break the vacuum; as Figure 12C shown, the electromagnet 5 is controlled to move to the bottom of the next cavity H; as Figure 12D shown, when the electromagnet 5 moves to the bottom of the next cavity H, it adsorbs the next magnet 6. The electromagnet 5 is moved to the bottom of all cavities H until all magnets 6 are adsorbed. At this time, relative movement can occur smoothly between the moving support part 42 and the support bar 22, that is, the moving support part 42 can slide open or close smoothly.

[0075] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a driving method for the above flexible display device. Since the principle of solving problems by this driving method is similar to that of the above flexible display device, therefore, the implementation of the driving method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can refer to the implementation of the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0076] In some embodiments, the driving method for the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, asFigure 13 As shown, it may include the following steps:

[0077] S1301. Control the polarity of the electromagnet to be opposite to the polarity of the end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, control the movement of the electromagnet, and sequentially adsorb each magnet to the bottom of the third sub-cavity, so that the moving support part makes a reciprocating motion under the rotation of the rotating shaft;

[0078] S1302. Control the polarity of the electromagnet to be the same as the polarity of the end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, control the movement of the electromagnet, and sequentially repel each magnet to the top of the third sub-cavity, so that the magnet seals one end of the first sub-cavity facing away from the support layer. When the rotating shaft stops rotating, evacuate the sealed micro-channel through a vacuum device to achieve vacuum adsorption between the moving support part and the support layer.

[0079] It should be noted that other essential components in the flexible display device should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and will not be elaborated here, nor should it be regarded as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0080] In specific implementation, the above flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is a liquid crystal display device or an OLED display device. The flexible display device also includes other necessary components and compositions, such as a housing, a main circuit board, a power cord, etc. Those skilled in the art can make corresponding supplements according to the specific usage requirements of the display device, which will not be elaborated here, nor should it be regarded as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0081] In specific implementation, the above display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a full-screen mobile phone as shown in Figure 14 Of course, the above display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be any product or component with a display function, such as a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, etc. Other essential components of the display device should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and will not be elaborated here, nor should it be regarded as a limitation to the present disclosure. The display device includes but is not limited to components such as a radio frequency unit, a network module, an audio output & input unit, a sensor, a display unit, a user input unit, an interface unit, a memory, a processor, and a power supply. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the above structure does not constitute a limitation to the above display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, the above display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include more or fewer of the above components, or combine some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0082] A flexible display device and a driving method thereof provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, one end of a magnet close to the support layer is the N pole, and one end of the magnet close to the electromagnet is the S pole. The initial polarity of the electromagnet is the S pole. When the rotating shaft stops rotating, the polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to be the S pole. In this way, the electromagnet repels the magnet, and all the magnets are controlled to seal one end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer, that is, the magnet blocks the air passage between the micro-channel and the support layer. The vacuum pumping device is connected through the micro-channel to pump out the vacuum, so a vacuum adsorption is formed between the support layer and the moving support part. At this time, the moving support part of the whole machine and the support layer can be stably adsorbed together, maintaining the flatness of the display panel and avoiding the feeling of sinking during touch control of the whole machine; when the rotating shaft rotates to drive the moving support part to slide, for example, during the unfolding or folding of the sliding and rolling display part, by controlling the polarity of the electromagnet to be opposite to the polarity of the end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, that is, controlling the polarity of the electromagnet to be the N pole, the electromagnet and the magnet can attract each other. After the electromagnet adsorbs the magnet in one cavity, the electromagnet is controlled to move to the bottom of the next cavity to adsorb the next magnet until all the magnets are adsorbed. After the magnet is adsorbed, air enters between the moving support part and the support bar through the bottom of the cavity to break the vacuum. At this time, relative movement can occur smoothly between the moving support part and the support bar, that is, the moving support part can slide open or close smoothly. Therefore, the present disclosure can improve the flatness of the whole machine and the smoothness of sliding through the technology of micro-channel + magnet.

[0083] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art can make additional changes and modifications once they know the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to include the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0084] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalent technologies, the present disclosure also intends to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, wherein: include: A display panel having a planar display portion and a scrollable display portion connected to each other; A support layer is arranged on the non-display side of the display panel, the support layer comprises a planar support member arranged corresponding to the planar display portion and a plurality of support bars arranged corresponding to the roll-up display portion, and the extension direction of the support bars is perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the roll-up display portion; A rotating shaft, on which at least part of the scroll display portion and the support bar are wound; A housing is arranged on a side of the support layer away from the display panel, the housing comprising a fixed support portion arranged corresponding to the planar support member and a movable support portion arranged to slide relative to the fixed support portion, and the surfaces of the fixed support portion and the movable support portion close to the support layer are flush; The movable support part has at least one cavity penetrating along the thickness direction thereof, and the cavity includes: a first sub-cavity close to the support layer, a second sub-cavity away from the support layer, and a third sub-cavity connecting the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity; the movable support part has a micro-channel inside, each of the first sub-cavities is connected and conducted with the micro-channel, at least one of the first sub-cavities has an end close to the support layer covered by the support layer, one end of one of the second sub-cavities away from the support layer is slidably connected to an electromagnet, and the third sub-cavity has a magnet inside, and the magnet can seal the end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer; A vacuum pump is connected to the microchannel.

2. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross section of the magnet along the thickness direction of the movable support portion is a first cross section, the cross section of the first sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support portion is a second cross section, and the width of the first cross section along the unfolding direction of the slide display portion is greater than or equal to the width of the second cross section along the unfolding direction of the slide display portion.

3. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein: The cross section of the second sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support portion is a third cross section, and the width of the first cross section along the unfolding direction of the roll-up display portion is greater than or equal to the width of the third cross section along the unfolding direction of the roll-up display portion.

4. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein: A cross section of the third sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support portion is a fourth cross section, and a width of the first cross section along the unfolding direction of the roll-up display portion is smaller than a width of the fourth cross section along the unfolding direction of the roll-up display portion.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the moving support portion is square, and the cross-sectional shape of the third sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the moving support portion is elliptical or square.

6. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The cross-sectional shape of the magnet along the thickness direction of the moving support part is an ellipse, and the cross-sectional shape of the electromagnet along the thickness direction of the moving support part is a circle or a square.

7. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a flexible gasket located on a side of the first sub-cavity close to the magnet, the flexible gasket covers a portion of the inner wall of the third sub-cavity, and the flexible gasket has a through hole arranged corresponding to the first sub-cavity.

8. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The fixed support portion includes a first comb rod extending along the extension direction of the support strip and a plurality of first comb teeth connected to the first comb rod and extending along the unfolding direction of the scroll display portion, and the movable support portion includes a second comb rod extending along the extension direction of the support strip and a plurality of second comb teeth connected to the second comb rod and extending along the unfolding direction of the scroll display portion, the first comb teeth meshing with the second comb teeth; The microchannel includes: a first sub-microchannel located in the second comb rod and extending along the extension direction of the second comb rod, and a second sub-microchannel located in each of the second comb teeth and extending along the extension direction of the second comb teeth; each of the second sub-microchannels is connected and communicated with the first sub-microchannel, and each of the first sub-cavities is connected and communicated with the second sub-microchannel.

9. The flexible display device according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the second sub-microchannels is connected to at least one of the cavities.

10. The flexible display device according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the second sub-microchannels is connected to a plurality of cavities that are arranged at equal intervals.

11. The flexible display device according to claim 10, wherein: The cavities connected and conducted by the second sub-microchannels are distributed in an array along the extending direction of the support strips and the unfolding direction of the scroll display portion.

12. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 11, wherein: It also includes a driving component connected to the electromagnet, and the driving component is used to control the polarity of the electromagnet.

13. A method for driving a flexible display device, for driving the flexible display device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The driving method comprises: Controlling the polarity of the electromagnet to be opposite to the polarity of the magnet near one end of the electromagnet, controlling the electromagnet to move and sequentially adsorbing each of the magnets to the bottom of the third sub-cavity, so that the movable support part reciprocates under the rotation of the rotating shaft; The polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to be the same as the polarity of the magnet close to one end of the electromagnet, and the electromagnet is controlled to move and each of the magnets is repelled to the top of the third sub-cavity in turn, so that the magnet seals the end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer, so that when the shaft stops rotating, the sealed microchannel is evacuated by the vacuum pumping device to achieve vacuum adsorption between the movable support part and the support layer.

Images