Flexible display apparatus and driving method thereof

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] With the development of flexible display technology, slide-roll display is another innovative application field of flexible display panel. The slide-roll display mode realizes that consumers can randomly switch the display area of the flexible panel according to their own needs. In the process of pulling the screen out of the rotating shaft, the display screen is unfolded like a picture scroll. The screen does not interrupt the continuity of the customer's experience in the process of unfolding. The fashion and technology are super strong, which brings better visual and use experience to customers.

[0003] However, the existing slide-roll display device has a gap between the sliding shell and the support of the display panel after unfolding, which causes the whole machine to have a sinking feeling when touched. SUMMARY

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

[0005] The flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure comprises:

[0006] The display panel has a planar display part and a slide-roll display part connected to each other.

[0007] The support layer is arranged on the non-display side of the display panel. The support layer comprises a planar support part corresponding to the planar display part and a plurality of support strips corresponding to the slide-roll display part. The extension direction of the support strip is perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the slide-roll display part.

[0008] The rotating shaft is used to wind at least part of the slide-roll display part and the support strip.

[0009] The shell is arranged on the side of the support layer away from the display panel. The shell has a fixed support part corresponding to the planar support part and a moving support part slidingly arranged opposite to the fixed support part. The fixed support part and the moving support part are flush with the surface of the support layer.

[0010] The moving support part has at least one cavity penetrating along the thickness direction thereof, the cavity comprising 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 moving support part has a micro flow channel inside, each first sub-cavity is connected to the micro flow channel, one end of at least one first sub-cavity close to the support layer is covered by the support layer, one end of one second sub-cavity away from the support layer is connected to an electromagnet, the third sub-cavity has a magnet inside, and the magnet can seal one end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer.

[0011] The vacuumizing device is connected to the micro flow channel.

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

[0013] In a possible implementation, in the 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 moving support part is a third cross section, and a width of the first cross section along the unrolling direction of the scroll display part is greater than or equal to a width of the third cross section along the unrolling direction of the scroll display part.

[0014] In a possible implementation, in the 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 moving support part is a fourth cross section, and a width of the first cross section along the unrolling direction of the scroll display part is less than a width of the fourth cross section along the unrolling direction of the scroll display part.

[0015] In a possible implementation, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, cross sections of the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the moving support part are square, and a cross section of the third sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the moving support part is elliptical or square.

[0016] In a possible implementation, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a cross section of the magnet along the thickness direction of the moving support part is an elliptical rod, and a cross section of the electromagnet along the thickness direction of the moving support part is circular or square.

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

[0018] In a possible implementation, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed support part comprises a first comb rod extending along the extension direction of the support strip, and a plurality of first comb teeth connected with the first comb rod and extending along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part, the movable support part comprises a second comb rod extending along the extension direction of the support strip, and a plurality of second comb teeth connected with the second comb rod and extending along the unfolding direction of the scroll display part, and the first comb teeth are engaged with the second comb teeth.

[0019] The micro flow channel comprises a first sub-micro flow channel located in the second comb rod and extending along the extension direction of the second comb rod, and a second sub-micro flow channel located in each second comb tooth and extending along the extension direction of the second comb tooth, each second sub-micro flow channel is connected and conducted with the first sub-micro flow channel, and each first sub-cavity is connected and conducted with the second sub-micro flow channel.

[0020] In a possible implementation, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, each second sub-micro flow channel is connected and conducted with at least one cavity.

[0021] In a possible implementation, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, each second sub-micro flow channel is connected and conducted with a plurality of cavities arranged at equal intervals.

[0022] In a possible implementation, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cavities connected and conducted by each second sub-micro flow channel are arranged in an array along the extension direction of the support strip and the unfolding direction of the scroll display part.

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

[0024] Correspondingly, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a driving method of a flexible display device, which is used to drive the flexible display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the driving method comprises the following steps of:

[0025] The polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to be opposite to the polarity of the end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, the electromagnet is controlled to move and sequentially adsorb each magnet to the bottom of the third sub-cavity, so that the moving 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 end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, the electromagnet is controlled to move and sequentially repel each magnet to the top of the third sub-cavity, so that the magnet seals the end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer, and the micro flow channel is vacuumized by the vacuumizing device when the rotating shaft stops rotating, so as to realize vacuum adsorption of the moving support part and the support layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

[0029] Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure in an unslid state;

[0030] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of the flexible display device shown in FIG. Figure 3 after sliding;

[0031] Figure 5 A planar schematic diagram of a display panel and a support layer in Figure 3 and Figure 4

[0032] Figure 6 A planar schematic diagram of a housing in Figure 3 in an unslid state;

[0033] Figure 7 A planar schematic diagram of a housing in Figure 4 after sliding;

[0034] Figure 8 An internal structural schematic diagram of Figure 7

[0035] Figure 9 A partial structural schematic diagram in Figure 4

[0036] Figure 10 A partial structural schematic diagram in Figure 4

[0037] ​​​​Figures 11A-11D A structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device in a driving process is provided for the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figures 12A-12D A structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device in a driving process is provided for the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13 A structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device in a driving process is provided for the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 14 A structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device in a driving process is provided for the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[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 described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of, rather than all of, the embodiments of the present disclosure. And the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort belong to the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present disclosure should be understood as the usual meanings understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. The “includes” or “contains” and similar words used in the present disclosure mean that the elements or objects appearing before the words cover the elements or objects listed after the words and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The “connection” or “connection” and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connection, but can include electrical connection, whether direct or indirect. “In”, “out”, “up”, “down” and the like only represent relative positional relationships, which may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.

[0043] It should be noted that the size and shape of each figure in the drawings do not reflect the true proportions, but only serve to illustrate the present disclosure. And the same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions throughout.

[0044] As Figure 1 shown, Figure 1As shown in a structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device capable of sliding and rolling display provided in the related art, the flexible display device comprises a display panel 1 having a planar display part 11 and a sliding and rolling display part 12 connected to each other, a support layer 2 arranged on a non-display side of the display panel 1, a rotating shaft 3, and a shell 4 arranged on a side of the support layer 2 away from the display panel; wherein the support layer 2 comprises a planar support part 21 arranged corresponding to the planar display part 11 and a plurality of support strips 22 arranged corresponding to the sliding and rolling display part 12, the extending direction of the support strips 22 is perpendicular to the unfolding direction (horizontal direction) of the sliding and rolling display part 12, at least part of the sliding and rolling display part 12 and the support strips 22 are wound on the rotating shaft 3, the shell 4 has a fixed support part 41 arranged corresponding to the planar support part 21 and a moving support part 42 arranged slidingly opposite to the fixed support part 41, and the fixed support part 41 and the moving support part 42 are flush with the surface of the support layer 2. From the retracted state to the sliding-out state, the sliding and rolling display part 12 needs to be “slid out” of the whole machine, that is, the sliding and rolling display part 12 is flexible. Under the action of the asymmetric modulus support layer 2, the sliding and rolling display part 12 has a certain support in the unfolding direction and rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the unfolding direction. In order to improve the support of the sliding and rolling display part 12, the fixed support part 41 and the moving support part 42 generally adopt comb-shaped support, and the combs extend along the unfolding direction, so that the moving support part 42 forms horizontal and vertical support with the support strips 22 in the unfolding direction.

[0045] Since the moving support part 42 and the support layer 2 belong to two structures respectively, the two structures are not connected by glue, and the two structures are connected by sliding, so that after the moving support part 42 is slid open, there is a gap G between the moving support part 42 and the support layer 2, as shown in Figure 2 , which causes the whole machine to have a sinking feeling when touched, that is, a floating feeling is generated every time the machine is touched.

[0046] In order to solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a flexible display device, as shown in Figures 3-8 , wherein the flexible display device comprises a display panel 1, a support layer 2, a rotating shaft 3, and a shell 4. Figure 3 As shown in a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the flexible display device in a non-sliding-open state, Figure 4 , as shown in a structural schematic diagram of the flexible display device after being slid open, Figure 3 , as shown in a plan view of the display panel and the support layer in Figure 5 , as shown in a plan view of the shell in a non-sliding-open state in Figure 3 , as shown in a plan view of the shell after being slid open in Figure 4 , and as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 6 , as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 3 , as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 7 , as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 4 , and as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 4 , and as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 7 , as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 8 , as shown in a cross-sectional view of the shell along the direction of CC’ in Figure 7a schematic diagram of an internal structure of the flexible display device, the flexible display device comprising:

[0047] a display panel 1 having a planar display portion 11 and a rollable display portion 12 connected to each other;

[0048] a support layer 2 disposed on a non-display side of the display panel 1, the support layer 2 comprising a planar support 21 corresponding to the planar display portion 11 and a plurality of support strips 22 corresponding to the rollable display portion 12, the support strips 22 extending in a direction Y perpendicular to an unfolding direction X of the rollable display portion 12;

[0049] a rotating shaft 3, at least part of the rollable display portion 12 and the support strips 22 being wound around the rotating shaft 3;

[0050] a housing 4 disposed on a side of the support layer 2 away from the display panel 1, the housing 4 having a fixed support portion 41 corresponding to the planar support 21 and a movable support portion 42 slidingly disposed opposite the fixed support portion 41, the fixed support portion 41 and the movable support portion 42 being flush with a surface of the support layer 2;

[0051] wherein the movable support portion 42 has at least one cavity H extending through a thickness direction thereof, the cavity H comprising 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, the movable support portion 42 having a micro flow channel L inside, each first sub-cavity H1 being connected to the micro flow channel L, one end of at least one first sub-cavity H1 close to the support layer 2 being covered by the support layer 2, one end of one second sub-cavity H2 away from the support layer 2 being slidingly connected to an electromagnet 5, and the third sub-cavity H3 having a magnet 6 therein, the magnet 6 being capable of sealing one end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2;

[0052] a vacuumizing device (not shown) connected to the micro flow channel L.

[0053] The flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages of Figure 4 and Figure 9 as shown in Figure 9 , and Figure 4A partial structural diagram is shown. For example, the end of magnet 6 near the support layer 2 is the N pole, and the end of magnet 6 near electromagnet 5 is the S pole. The initial polarity of electromagnet 5 is the S pole. When the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, the polarity of electromagnet 5 is controlled to be the S pole. In this way, electromagnet 5 repels magnet 6, and all magnets 6 are controlled to seal the end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2. That is, magnet 6 blocks the air passage between microchannel L and support layer 2. Vacuum is drawn through the vacuum pump connected to microchannel L, and a vacuum adsorption is formed between support layer 2 and movable support part 42. At this time, the movable support part 42 of the whole machine can be stably adsorbed together with support layer 2, maintaining the flatness of display panel 1 and avoiding the sinking feeling of the whole machine when touched; Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 for Figure 4 The partial structural diagram shows that when the rotating shaft 3 rotates, causing the movable support part 42 to slide, for example, during the unfolding or retracting of the sliding display part 12, the polarity of the electromagnet 5 is controlled to be opposite to that of the magnet 6 near the electromagnet 5, i.e., the polarity of the electromagnet 5 is controlled to be the N pole. This allows the electromagnet 5 and the magnet 6 to attract each other. After the electromagnet 5 attracts a magnet 6 from a cavity H, it moves to the bottom of the next cavity H to attract the next magnet 6, until all magnets 6 are attracted. After the magnets 6 are attracted, air enters between the movable support part 42 and the support bar 22 through the bottom of the cavity H, breaking the vacuum. At this time, the movable support part 42 and the support bar 22 can smoothly move relative to each other, i.e., the movable support part 42 can smoothly slide open or close. Therefore, this disclosure improves the overall flatness and sliding smoothness of the machine through the microchannel + magnet technology.

[0054] Specifically, the vacuum pump can be located within the middle frame of the display device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the vacuum pumping device can be connected to the microchannel L through the third sub-microchannel L3. One end of the third sub-microchannel L3 can be connected to the second sub-microchannel L2, and the other end of the third sub-microchannel L3 can be connected to the vacuum pumping device.

[0055] It should be noted that this disclosure can ensure that when the movable support part 42 moves, the distance it moves each time is such that the support layer 2 just covers each of the first sub-cavities H1 by designing the relationship between the motor controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft 3 and the moving displacement of the movable support part 42, as well as designing the number and distribution of the first sub-cavities H1.

[0056] In some embodiments, the fixed support and the movable support may be made of stainless steel, non-magnetic metal, etc., to ensure that the magnet can move freely inside the movable support.

[0057] In some embodiments, the magnet near the end of the support layer can also be S-pole, the magnet near the end of the electromagnet can be N-pole, the initial polarity of the electromagnet can be S-pole or N-pole, as long as the polarity of the electromagnet and the polarity of the magnet are the same when the rotating shaft stops rotating, and the polarity of the electromagnet and the polarity of the magnet are opposite during the rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0058] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cross section of the magnet 6 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 is a first cross section, the cross section of the first sub-cavity H1 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 is a second cross section, and the width of the first cross section along the unrolling direction X of the scroll display part 12 is greater than or equal to the width of the second cross section along the unrolling direction X of the scroll display part 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, by using a vacuum extraction device to extract vacuum from the sealed micro-channel L, the moving support part 42 of the whole machine and the support layer 2 can be stably adsorbed together, and the flatness of the display panel 1 is maintained.

[0059] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cross section of the second sub-cavity H2 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 is a third cross section, and the width of the first cross section along the unrolling direction X of the scroll display part 12 is greater than or equal to the width of the third cross section along the unrolling direction X of the scroll display part 12. In this way, it can be avoided that the magnet 6 falls from the cavity H when the electromagnet 5 moves away from the bottom of the cavity H.

[0060] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the cross section of the third sub-cavity H3 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 is a fourth cross section, and the width of the first cross section along the unrolling direction X of the scroll display part 12 is less than the width of the fourth cross section along the unrolling direction X of the scroll display part 12. In this way, it can be ensured that the magnet 6 can move in the third sub-cavity H3 under the adsorption or repulsion of the electromagnet 5.

[0061] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the first sub-cavity H1 and the second sub-cavity H2 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 can be square, and is not limited to this; the cross-sectional shape of the third sub-cavity H3 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 can be oval or square, and is not limited to this. Specifically, the specific shape of the first sub-cavity H1, the second sub-cavity H2 and the third sub-cavity H3 can meet the following conditions: the magnet 6 can block the 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 flexible display device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the magnet 6 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 can be elliptical, which can improve the sealing between the magnet 6 and the end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2; the cross-sectional shape of the electromagnet 5 along the thickness direction of the moving support part 42 is circular or square, which can ensure that the electromagnet 5 can slide smoothly.

[0063] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the flexible gasket (not shown) can be further arranged on the side of the first sub-cavity H1 close to the magnet 6, the flexible gasket covers part of the inner wall 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. In this way, the sealing between the magnet 6 and the first sub-cavity H1 can be improved.

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

[0065] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3-8 As shown, the fixed support part 41 includes a first comb rod 411 extending along the extension direction Y of the support strip 22, and a plurality of first comb teeth 412 connected with the first comb rod 411 and extending along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display part 12; the moving support part 42 includes a second comb rod 421 extending along the extension direction Y of the support strip 22, and a plurality of second comb teeth 422 connected with the second comb rod 421 and extending along the unfolding direction X of the scroll display part 12, and the first comb teeth 412 and the second comb teeth 422 are engaged;

[0066] The micro flow channel L includes: a first sub-micro flow channel L1 located in the second comb rod 421 and extending along the extension direction of the second comb rod 421, and a second sub-micro flow channel L2 located in each second comb tooth 422 and extending along the extension direction of the second comb tooth 422; each second sub-micro flow channel L2 is connected and communicated with the first sub-micro flow channel L1, and each first sub-cavity H1 is connected and communicated with the second sub-micro flow channel L2. By setting the second sub-micro flow channel L2 to be connected and communicated with the first sub-cavity H1 located 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 micro flow channel L is formed between the magnet 6 and the support layer 2, so that the sealed micro flow channel L is vacuumized by the vacuumizing device when the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, and the movable support part 42 and the support layer 2 can be stably adsorbed together, and the flatness of the display panel 1 is maintained.

[0067] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figures 6-8 each second sub-micro flow channel L2 is connected and communicated with at least one cavity H, so that the flatness and uniformity of the display panel 1 can be improved.

[0068] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 6-8 each second sub-micro flow channel L2 is connected and communicated with a plurality of cavities H arranged at equal intervals, so that the flatness and uniformity of the display panel 1 can be further improved.

[0069] In some embodiments, in the flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 6-8 each cavity H connected and communicated by each second sub-micro flow channel L2 is arranged in an array along the extension direction Y of the support strip 22 and the development direction X of the scroll display part 12, so that the flatness and uniformity of the display panel 1 can be further improved.

[0070] In some embodiments, in the 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 flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 the driving component (not shown) connected with the electromagnet 5 is further included, 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 loading currents in different directions to the electromagnet 5.

[0072] The above will be described in detail in combination with specific schematic diagrams. Figure 3 and Figure 4The operation of the flexible display device shown is described below. The end of magnet 6 closest to support layer 2 is designated as the N pole, and the end of magnet 6 closest to electromagnet 5 is designated as the S pole. The initial polarity of electromagnet 5 is the S pole.

[0073] (1) When the rotating shaft 3 stops rotating, as Figure 11A As shown, a voltage V is applied to electromagnet 5 by the driving component, controlling the polarity of electromagnet 5 to be the S pole; as Figure 11B As shown, the electromagnet 5 is moved to the bottom of cavity H, thus the electromagnet 5 repels the magnet 6, and the magnet 6 seals the end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2; as shown Figure 11C As shown, the electromagnet 5 is controlled to move to the bottom of the next cavity H; as... Figure 11D As 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 the end of the first sub-cavity H1 away from the support layer 2. That is, all magnets 6 block the air passage between the microchannel L and the support layer 2. The microchannel L is evacuated by a vacuum pump, and a vacuum adsorption is formed between the support layer 2 and the movable support part 42. At this time, the movable support part 42 of the whole machine can be stably adsorbed together with the support layer 2, maintaining the flatness of the display panel 1.

[0074] (2) When the rotating shaft 3 rotates and drives the movable support part 42 to slide, for example, during the unfolding or retracting of the sliding display part 12, such as Figure 12A As shown, the polarity of electromagnet 5 is controlled to be N pole, and the movement of electromagnet 5 is controlled; as Figure 12B As shown, when electromagnet 5 moves to the bottom of cavity H, it attracts magnet 6 from inside cavity H, allowing air to enter between the movable support 42 and the support bar 22 through the bottom of cavity H, thus breaking the vacuum. Figure 12C As shown, the electromagnet 5 is controlled to move to the bottom of the next cavity H; as... Figure 12D As shown, when the electromagnet 5 moves to the bottom of the next cavity H, it attracts the next magnet 6. The electromagnet 5 is moved to the bottom of all cavities H until all magnets 6 are attracted. At this time, the moving support part 42 and the support bar 22 can move smoothly relative to each other, that is, the moving support part 42 can slide open or close smoothly.

[0075] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure provides a driving method for the above-mentioned flexible display device. Since the principle of this driving method in solving the problem is similar to that of the above-mentioned flexible display device in solving the problem, the implementation of the driving method provided in this disclosure can refer to the implementation of the above-mentioned flexible display device provided in this disclosure, and repeated details will not be described again.

[0076] In some embodiments, the driving method for the flexible display device provided in this disclosure, such asFigure 13 As shown, the method can include the following steps:

[0077] S1301, control the polarity of the electromagnet opposite to the polarity of the end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, control the electromagnet to move and sequentially adsorb each magnet to the bottom of the third sub-cavity, so that the moving support part reciprocates under the rotation of the rotating shaft;

[0078] S1302, control the polarity of the electromagnet same as the polarity of the end of the magnet close to the electromagnet, control the electromagnet to move and sequentially repel each magnet to the top of the third sub-cavity, so that the magnet seals the first sub-cavity away from the end of the support layer, so that when the rotating shaft stops rotating, the sealed microchannel is vacuumized by the vacuumizing device, and the moving support part and the support layer are vacuum adsorbed.

[0079] It should be noted that other essential components in the flexible display device are understood by those skilled in the art, and are not described here, nor should they be considered as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0080] In specific implementation, the above-mentioned flexible display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure is a liquid crystal display device or an OLED display device, and the flexible display device further includes other necessary components and components, such as a shell, a main circuit board, a power line, etc. Those skilled in the art can make corresponding supplements according to the specific use requirements of the display device, and this is not described here, nor should it be considered as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0081] In specific implementation, the above-mentioned display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a full-screen mobile phone as shown in Figure 14 Of course, the above-mentioned display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be a tablet computer, a television, a display, a notebook computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, etc. Any product or component with display function. Other essential components of the display device are understood by those skilled in the art, and are not described here, nor should they be considered as a limitation on the present disclosure. The display device includes but is not limited to: 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, etc. In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that the above structure does not constitute a limitation on the above-mentioned display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, in other words, the above-mentioned display device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can include more or less components, or combine certain components, or different component arrangement.

[0082] The flexible display device and the driving method thereof provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to control the polarity of the electromagnet to be opposite to the polarity of the magnet near the end of the electromagnet, i.e., the polarity of the electromagnet is N, so that the electromagnet and the magnet can attract each other. After the electromagnet attracts the magnet in one cavity, the electromagnet is controlled to move to the bottom of the next cavity to attract the next magnet, until all the magnets are attracted. After the magnets are attracted, air enters between the moving support part and the support strip through the bottom of the cavity to break the vacuum. At this time, the moving support part and the support strip can move relative to each other smoothly, i.e., the moving support part can be smoothly opened or closed. Therefore, the technology of the micro flow channel + magnet can improve the flatness and the sliding smoothness of the whole machine.

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

[0084] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations 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 modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, wherein, include: The display panel has a flat display section and a sliding display section that are connected to each other; A support layer is disposed on the non-display side of the display panel. The support layer includes a planar support member corresponding to the planar display section and a plurality of support bars corresponding to the sliding display section. The extension direction of the support bars is perpendicular to the unfolding direction of the sliding display section. A rotating shaft, on which at least a portion of the sliding display section and the support strip are wound; A housing is disposed on the side of the support layer away from the display panel. The housing has a fixed support portion corresponding to the planar support member and a movable support portion slidably disposed relative to the fixed support portion. The surfaces of the fixed support portion and the movable support portion are flush with the surfaces of the support layer. The movable support portion has at least one cavity extending through its thickness direction. The cavity includes: a first sub-cavity near 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 portion has a microchannel inside, and each of the first sub-cavities is connected and conductive to the microchannel. At least one of the first sub-cavities is covered by the support layer at one end near the support layer. One of the second sub-cavities is slidably connected to an electromagnet at one end away from the support layer. The third sub-cavity contains a magnet, which 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 as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the magnet along the thickness direction of the movable support is a first cross-section, and the cross-section of the first sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support is a second cross-section. The width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction of the sliding display is greater than or equal to the width of the second cross-section along the unfolding direction of the sliding display.

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

4. The flexible display device as described in claim 2, wherein, The cross-section of the third sub-cavity along the thickness direction of the movable support is the fourth cross-section, and the width of the first cross-section along the unfolding direction of the sliding display is smaller than the width of the fourth cross-section along the unfolding direction of the sliding display.

5. The flexible display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity have a square cross-sectional shape along the thickness direction of the movable support, and the third sub-cavity has an elliptical or square cross-sectional shape along the thickness direction of the movable support.

6. The flexible display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the magnet along the thickness direction of the movable support is elliptical, and the cross-sectional shape of the electromagnet along the thickness direction of the movable support is circular or square.

7. The flexible display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a flexible washer located on the side of the first sub-cavity near the magnet, the flexible washer covering part of the inner wall of the third sub-cavity, and the flexible washer having a through hole corresponding to the first sub-cavity.

8. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, 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 display portion. The movable 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 display portion. The first comb teeth and the second comb teeth mesh with each other. The microchannel includes: a first sub-microchannel located within the second comb bar and extending along the extension direction of the second comb bar, and a second sub-microchannel located within each of the second comb teeth and extending along the extension direction of the second comb teeth; each second sub-microchannel is connected and communicates with the first sub-microchannel, and each first sub-cavity is connected and communicates with the second sub-microchannel.

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

10. The flexible display device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, Each of the second sub-microchannels is connected and conductive to a plurality of equally spaced cavities.

11. The flexible display device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The cavities connected 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 display section.

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

13. A driving method for a flexible display device, used to drive the flexible display device as described in any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The driving method includes: The polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to be opposite to the polarity of the magnet near the end of the electromagnet. The electromagnet is controlled to move and sequentially attract each of the magnets to the bottom of the third sub-cavity, so that the moving support part reciprocates under the rotation of the shaft. The polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to be the same as the polarity of the magnet near the end of the electromagnet. The electromagnet is controlled to move and sequentially repel each magnet to the top of the third sub-cavity, so that the magnet seals the end of the first sub-cavity away from the support layer. When the rotating shaft stops rotating, the vacuum device is used to evacuate the sealed microchannel, thereby achieving vacuum adsorption between the moving support and the support layer.

Images