Display device

Abstract

The application relates to a display device, comprising: a support module, comprising a first support substrate, a second support substrate, and a folding assembly connected between the first support substrate and the second support substrate, the first support substrate and the second support substrate being capable of rotating relative to each other around a central axis through the folding assembly, so as to switch the display device between an unfolded state and a folded state; a display module, which is arranged on one side of the support module in a stacked manner; and a support piece, which is arranged between the folding assembly and the display module and is capable of being deformed recoverably under external force, so as to switch between a first mode and a second mode; wherein when the display device is in the unfolded state, the support piece is in the first mode, and the support piece protrudes towards the display module to support the display module. In the display device, when the display device is in the unfolded state, the support piece can support the folding display part, effectively preventing the folding display part from being concave downwards, thereby effectively reducing the indentation of the folding display part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With societal progress and technological advancements, people's demands for electronic devices have gradually increased, leading to a trend towards larger screens and ultra-thin designs for devices such as mobile phones and tablets. However, the increasing screen size of electronic devices has resulted in excessively large overall dimensions, making them inconvenient to carry. To balance portability with the advantages of large screens, foldable electronic devices have emerged, offering both portability and a larger display area, resulting in a better visual experience and richer functionality, effectively improving the user experience.

[0003] Currently, foldable electronic devices typically include a flexible display screen and a support device to carry it. The support device can switch between a folded and unfolded state to facilitate the folding or unfolding of the flexible display screen. However, during the use of foldable electronic devices, as the number of folds increases, the dents at the fold points of the flexible display screen become more and more obvious, thus affecting the display effect and consequently the user experience, hindering the further promotion of foldable electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a display device to address the increasingly noticeable dents at the folding points of foldable electronic devices.

[0005] A display device, comprising:

[0006] The support module includes a first support substrate, a second support substrate, and a folding assembly connected between the first support substrate and the second support substrate. The first support substrate and the second support substrate are rotatable relative to each other about a central axis through the folding assembly, so that the display device can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0007] The display module is stacked on one side of the support module; and

[0008] A support member is disposed between the folding assembly and the display module. The support member is capable of recoverable deformation under external force to switch between a first form and a second form.

[0009] When the display device is in the unfolded state, the support member is in the first form, and the support member protrudes toward the display module to support the display module; when the display device is in the folded state, the support member is in the second form, and the support member protrudes toward the folding assembly to support the folding assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the support member is a sheet-like structure, and the cross-section of the support member perpendicular to the central axis is fan-shaped.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the support is in the second configuration, the curvature of the support is the same as the curvature of the display module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the material forming the support includes spring steel or titanium alloy.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thickness of the support member is 0.1mm-0.3mm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support extends along the central axis from one edge of the support module to the other edge of the support module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the display device includes a plurality of the support members, all of which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the central axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the side of the support member closest to the first support substrate is fixedly connected to the support module, and the side of the support member closest to the second support substrate is detachably attached to the support module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support member is fixedly connected to the first support substrate or the folding assembly on the side closest to the first support substrate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the folding component includes:

[0019] The first connecting portion is connected to the first supporting substrate;

[0020] The second connecting portion is connected to the second supporting substrate; and

[0021] A rotating part is rotatably connected to the first connecting part and the second connecting part;

[0022] One side of the support member is fixedly connected to the first connecting part.

[0023] In the aforementioned display device, when the display device is in the unfolded state, the support member can support the folding display section, effectively preventing the folding display section from denting downwards, thereby effectively reducing dents in the folding display section. When the display device is in the folded state, the support member deforms and holds the folding assembly, thereby relieving the pressure of the folding assembly on the folding display section, thus preventing damage to the folding display section under pressure, and effectively extending the service life of the display device. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the device in a folded state.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a support module for a display device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a display device according to an embodiment of this application in its unfolded state.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a display device according to an embodiment of this application when it is in a partially folded state.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support module and support member of a display device according to another embodiment of this application.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 100. Display device; 120. Support module; 121. First support substrate; 123. Second support substrate; 125. Folding assembly; 1252. First connecting part; 1254. Second connecting part; 1256. Rotating part; 140. Display module; 141. First display part; 143. Second display part; 145. Folding display part; 160. Support member. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0036] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0040] See Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a display device 100, which is a product with image display capabilities. For example, the display device 100 can be used to display static images, such as pictures or photographs, or it can be used to display dynamic images, such as videos. In some embodiments, the display device 100 can be a mobile phone, a handheld device, or a portable computer, etc.

[0041] The display device 100 includes a support module 120 and a display module 140. The support module 120 is used to support and fix the display module 140, and the display module 140 is used to display static or dynamic images.

[0042] The support module 120 includes a first support substrate 121, a second support substrate 123, and a folding assembly 125, which is connected between the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123. The first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 can rotate relative to each other around a central axis via the folding assembly 125, so that the display device 100 can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The display module 140 is stacked on one side of the support module 120, and the display module 140 can be unfolded or folded under the action of the support module 120.

[0043] Please combine Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, the display module 140 is specifically a flexible display module that can be bent and folded, including a first display part 141, a second display part 143 and a foldable display part 145, wherein the foldable display part 145 is connected between the first display part 141 and the second display part 143.

[0044] The first display unit 141 is stacked on one side of the first support substrate 121 in the thickness direction, and the shape and size of the first display unit 141 match the shape and size of the first support substrate 121. A first display surface for displaying images is formed on the side of the first display unit 141 away from the first support substrate 121, and the first support substrate 121 is used to support and fix the first display unit 141.

[0045] The second display portion 143 is stacked on one side of the second support substrate 123 in the thickness direction. The shape and size of the second display portion 143 match the shape and size of the second support substrate 123. A second display surface for displaying images is formed on the side surface of the second display portion 143 away from the second support substrate 123. The second support substrate 123 serves to support and fix the second display portion 143.

[0046] The folding display section 145 is stacked on one side of the folding assembly 125 in the thickness direction, and the shape and size of the folding display section 145 match the shape and size of the folding assembly 125. The surface of the folding display section 145 away from the folding assembly 125 forms a folding display surface for displaying images.

[0047] The first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 can be rotated around a central axis by the folding assembly 125, so that the folding display part 145 can be bent to drive the first display part 141 and the second display part 143 to rotate relative to each other.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, when the display device 100 is in the unfolded state, the angle formed between the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 is 180°, and the first display surface of the first display part 141, the second display surface of the second display part 143, and the folding display surface of the folding display part 145 together form a complete display plane.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, when the display device 100 is in a folded state, the angle between the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 is less than 90°, the folded display portion 145 is in a bent state, and the first display surface of the first display portion 141 and the second display surface of the second display portion 143 approach or even overlap each other. When the display device 100 is in a folded state, the angle between the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 is not limited and can be set as needed to meet different requirements.

[0050] During their research, the inventors discovered that in some display devices, when the display device is in a folded state, the limited space created by the folding components can cause pressure on the folded display section, leading to damage to the folded display section and display abnormalities.

[0051] To reduce the stress on the folding display when it is folded, some display devices have inwardly recessed grooves in their folding components to provide space for the folding display. This allows the folding display to have a larger radius of curvature and more dispersed stress after bending, thereby effectively reducing the risk of damage to the folding display and extending the service life of the display device.

[0052] However, the inventors further discovered during their research that although the above-mentioned technical solution of setting grooves in the folding component alleviates the stress on the folded display part to a certain extent when the display device is in a folded state, the presence of grooves on the folding component causes the folded display part to lack support and sink downward when the display device is in an unfolded state, resulting in dents on the folded display part and the dents becoming more and more obvious.

[0053] For the above technical issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the display device 100 in this application also includes a support member 160, which is disposed between the folding assembly 125 and the display module 140. The support member 160 can undergo recoverable deformation under external force to switch between a first form and a second form.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown in the attached figure, this is an exploded view of a display device according to an embodiment, illustrating the state of the support member located inside the display device. When the display device 100 is in the unfolded state, the support member 160 is in a first configuration, protruding towards the display module 140 to support the display module 140. Figure 5 As shown in the accompanying drawing, this figure illustrates a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of a display device according to an embodiment. When the display device 100 is in a folded state, the support member 160 is in a second configuration, and the support member 160 protrudes toward the folding assembly 125 to abut against the folding assembly 125.

[0055] Thus, when the display device 100 is in the unfolded state, the support member 160 can support the folded display section 145, effectively preventing the folded display section 145 from denting downwards, thereby effectively reducing dents in the folded display section 145. When the display device 100 is in the folded state, the support member 160 deforms and abuts against the folding assembly 125, thereby relieving the pressure of the folding assembly 125 on the folded display section 145, thus preventing damage to the folded display section 145 under pressure, and effectively extending the service life of the display device 100.

[0056] Please refer to the previous document. Figure 3 Both the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 are rectangular frames or rectangular flat plates, and the folding assembly 125 is a long strip. The first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 are respectively connected to opposite sides in the width direction of the folding assembly 125. It can be understood that the shape and structure of the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 are not limited and can be set as needed to meet different requirements.

[0057] The folding assembly 125 is a hinge structure, including a first connecting part 1252, a second connecting part 1254 and a rotating part 1256 that are mated with each other. The rotating part 1256 is rotatably connected to the first connecting part 1252 and the second connecting part 1254, thereby driving the first support substrate 121 and the second support substrate 123 to rotate.

[0058] Specifically, in some embodiments, the first connecting portion 1252 has a long strip-shaped sheet structure, one side of the first connecting portion 1252 in the width direction is connected to one side edge of the first support substrate 121 in the width direction, and the other side of the first connecting portion 1252 in the width direction is rotatably connected to the rotating portion 1256.

[0059] The second connecting part 1254 has a long strip-shaped structure. One side of the second connecting part 1254 in the width direction is connected to one edge of the second support substrate 123 in the width direction, and the other side of the second connecting part 1254 in the width direction is rotatably connected to the rotating part 1256.

[0060] It is understood that the specific construction of the folding component 125 is not limited and can be configured as needed to meet different folding requirements.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the support member 160 is a sheet-like structure, and the cross-section of the support member 160 perpendicular to the central axis is fan-shaped. The protrusion direction of the support member 160 can be switched in the thickness direction of the folded display portion 145 under the action of external force. The protrusion direction of the support member 160 in the first form and the second form are opposite.

[0062] It should be noted that the support member 160 has a bistable structure, meaning it possesses two stable equilibrium states: a first state and a second state. Before external forces such as pressure are applied to the support member 160, it can stably maintain its current state (e.g., the first state). After a certain external force is applied to the support member 160, it can quickly switch to another state (e.g., the second state) without remaining in any intermediate state other than the first or second state for an extended period.

[0063] Specifically, in the display device 100, when the display device 100 is in the unfolded state, the support member 160 is in a first state, and the support member 160 protrudes toward the folding display section 145 to support the folding display section 145. When the display device 100 is in the folded state, the support member 160 is in a second state, and the support member 160 protrudes toward the folding assembly 125 to abut against the folding assembly 125.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, when the support member 160 is in the second configuration, the curvature of the support member 160 is the same as the curvature of the folding display portion 145, thereby closely fitting the folding display portion 145 and providing a better cushioning effect. It is understood that when the support member 160 is in the first and second configurations, its shape can be set as needed to meet different support and cushioning effects.

[0065] In some embodiments, the material forming the support member 160 includes spring steel or titanium alloy, thereby possessing good elasticity and fatigue resistance, and being able to be repeatedly bent without experiencing fatigue deformation other than in the first and second configurations. It is understood that the material forming the support member 160 is not limited to these and can be configured as needed to meet different requirements.

[0066] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the thickness of the support member 160 is 0.1mm-0.3mm. Specifically, in one embodiment, the thickness of the support member 160 may be 0.2mm. In this way, sufficient support can be ensured while preventing excessive gaps from forming when the display device 100 switches to the folded state.

[0067] Conversely, if the thickness of the support member 160 is less than 0.1mm, its rigidity will be insufficient, failing to effectively support the display module 140 and reduce dents. If the thickness of the support member 160 is greater than 0.3mm, it will increase the thickness and weight, resulting in excessive gaps when the display device 100 switches between folded and open states, affecting the aesthetics of the display device 100. Therefore, the thickness of the support member 160 is not limited to this and can be set as needed to meet different requirements.

[0068] In some embodiments, the side of the support member 160 near the first support substrate 121 is fixedly connected to the support module 120, and the side of the support member 160 near the second support substrate 123 is detachably attached to the support module 120.

[0069] Thus, the support member 160 is fixedly connected to the support module 120 on one side to prevent it from shifting. At the same time, since the other side of the support member 160 is not fixedly connected to the support module 120, a certain deformation space is left for the support member 160, so that the support member 160 can quickly switch between the first form and the second form.

[0070] In one specific embodiment, the support member 160 is fixedly connected to the first connecting portion 1252 of the folding assembly 125 on the side near the first support substrate 121. In other embodiments, the support member 160 is directly fixedly connected to the first support substrate 121 on the side near the first support substrate 121.

[0071] It is understood that the fixed connection method between the support component 160 and the support module 120 is not limited. In some applications, the support component 160 and the support module 120 can be connected by detachable or non-detachable methods such as welding or screw connection to meet different connection requirements.

[0072] Based on the different constructions of the folding assembly 125, the number and shape of the support members 160 can be set as needed. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, there is only one support member 160. The support member 160 has a long strip structure and extends along the central axis from one edge of the support module 120 to the other edge of the support module 120. The length of the support member 160 is the same as the length of the support module 120.

[0073] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width and thickness of the support member 160 are equal at different locations, while in other embodiments, the width and / or thickness of the support member 160 may be different at different locations, thereby meeting the requirements for support and stress relief at different locations.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown in the accompanying drawing, this is a schematic diagram of the assembly of a support module and support members of a display device according to an embodiment, illustrating the state of the support members located inside the display device. In some embodiments, the display device 100 includes a plurality of support members 160, all of which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the central axis. The shape, size, and material of each support member 160 may be the same or different, and the distance between two adjacent support members 160 can be set as needed to meet different requirements.

[0075] The aforementioned display device 100, by providing a support member 160 between the folding assembly 125 and the folding display section 145, utilizes the characteristic that the support member 160 can reverse inside and outside under external force, effectively reducing the risk of dents appearing on the folding display section 145 of the display device 100, thereby effectively improving the display effect of the display device 100 and extending the service life of the display device 100.

[0076] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0077] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: The support module includes a first support substrate, a second support substrate, and a folding assembly connected between the first support substrate and the second support substrate. The first support substrate and the second support substrate are rotatable relative to each other about a central axis through the folding assembly, so that the display device can switch between an unfolded state and a folded state. The display module is stacked on one side of the support module; as well as A support member is disposed between the folding assembly and the display module. The support member is capable of recoverable deformation under external force to switch between a first form and a second form. When the display device is in the unfolded state, the support member is in the first form, and the support member protrudes toward the display module to support the display module; when the display device is in the folded state, the support member is in the second form, and the support member protrudes toward the folding assembly to support the folding assembly.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member has a sheet-like structure, and the cross-section of the support member perpendicular to the central axis is fan-shaped.

3. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the support member is in the second configuration, the curvature of the support member is the same as the curvature of the display module.

4. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The materials used to form the support include spring steel or titanium alloy.

5. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the support member is 0.1mm-0.3mm.

6. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member extends along the central axis from one edge of the support module to the other edge of the support module.

7. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display device includes a plurality of the support members, all of which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the central axis.

8. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the support member closest to the first support substrate is fixedly connected to the support module, and the side of the support member closest to the second support substrate can be detachably attached to the support module.

9. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The support member is fixedly connected to the first support substrate or the folding assembly on the side closest to the first support substrate.

10. The display device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The folding assembly includes: The first connecting portion is connected to the first supporting substrate; The second connecting portion is connected to the second supporting substrate; and A rotating part is rotatably connected to the first connecting part and the second connecting part; One side of the support member is fixedly connected to the first connecting part.

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