Flexible display device

Abstract

This invention discloses a flexible display device, including a support unit and a flexible display screen. The support unit includes several support structures arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each support structure includes a support body extending along a second direction. The support body has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, with the first surface used to contact the flexible display screen. The support structure also includes a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from the second surface and extending along the second direction. The first and second support portions are inclined towards each other and form a buffer space with the support body. The first support portion, the support body, and the second support portion can form a triangular support structure, improving the deformation resistance of the support structure, enhancing the support stability of the flexible display screen, and improving the impact resistance of the flexible display device. The buffer space can absorb impact force, improving the impact resistance and reliability of the flexible display device and extending its service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a flexible display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of display technology, flexible display devices have attracted much attention due to their advantages such as thinness, lightness, and good bending flexibility. In particular, roll-up flexible display devices allow users to flexibly adjust their display area according to actual needs, making them easy to unfold and use, as well as easy to roll up and carry, thus improving ease of use and user experience.

[0003] In related technologies, the support structure of roll-up flexible display devices lacks overall rigidity and has weak support performance, making it difficult to effectively protect the flexible display screen. Furthermore, during the unfolding and rewinding process of the flexible display device, the flexible display screen is prone to localized arching and deformation, affecting the flatness and consistency of the display effect.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flexible display device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible display device that can improve the deformation resistance of the flexible display device and enhance its reliability and service life.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A flexible display device is provided, including a support unit and a flexible display screen. The support unit includes a plurality of support structures arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each support structure includes a support body extending along a second direction. The support body has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The first surface is used to contact the flexible display screen. The support structure further includes a first support portion and a second support portion, both of which extend along the second direction and are spaced apart on the second surface. The first support portion and the second support portion are inclined toward each other and form a buffer space with the support body; the first direction and the second direction form an angle.

[0007] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the supporting body, the first supporting part and the second supporting part are integrally formed components.

[0008] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the support body is provided with a support area and a transmission area on the side where the second surface is located, and the first support part and the second support part are provided in the support area; The support structure further includes a joint located within the transmission area and configured to engage with a transmission component of the flexible display device.

[0009] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the support body is provided with the transmission area and the joint portion at the middle position in the second direction; And / or, the transmission area and the joint are provided at the end position of the support body along the second direction.

[0010] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the transmission component includes a transmission gear, a first tooth groove is formed between the joint portions of two adjacent support structures, the teeth of the transmission gear can be engaged in the first tooth groove, and the joint portion can be engaged in the second tooth groove formed between two adjacent teeth of the transmission gear.

[0011] As an alternative to the flexible display device of the present invention, in the first direction, the size of the joint is smaller than the size of the support body, so that a joint groove is formed between the joint and the support body, and two adjacent joint grooves surround the first tooth groove.

[0012] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the joint portion is provided with avoidance grooves on both opposite sides along the first direction.

[0013] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the first surface and the outer surface of the first support portion, as well as the first surface and the outer surface of the second support portion, are connected by a first arc-shaped transition surface.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the second surface and the inner surface of the first support portion, as well as the second surface and the inner surface of the second support portion, are connected by a second arc-shaped transition surface.

[0015] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, a buffer element is provided in the buffer space.

[0016] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the buffer includes lubricating oil or TPU material.

[0017] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the flexible display device further includes a connector, wherein the support structure is provided with a connecting portion at both ends along the second direction, and each pair of adjacent connecting portions of the support structure is connected by the connector.

[0018] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the connector includes a connecting ring, and the connecting portion includes two connecting posts spaced apart along the first direction, and the connecting ring is sleeved on two adjacent connecting posts of two adjacent support structures.

[0019] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the flexible display device further includes a support base, the support base being located on the side of the support structure opposite to the flexible display screen, and the first support portion and the second support portion of the support structure being able to slide in contact with the support base.

[0020] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the flexible display device further includes a transmission component, and the support base is provided with a mounting groove. The transmission component includes a transmission gear rotatably disposed in the mounting groove.

[0021] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, a plurality of transmission gears are spaced apart in the second direction, and the plurality of transmission gears are connected to each other by a transmission shaft.

[0022] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the flexible display screen has a sliding area, and a plurality of support structures of the support unit are arranged sequentially in the sliding area along a first direction; The end of the support base has an arc-shaped side surface, which corresponds to a portion of the sliding roll area.

[0023] As an optional embodiment of the flexible display device of the present invention, the flexible display device further includes a track structure having a transmission groove, and a connecting portion is provided at the end of the support structure, the connecting portion being located in the transmission groove and slidingly engaging with the transmission groove.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The flexible display device provided by this invention comprises several support structures arranged sequentially in the sliding area of ​​the flexible display screen. The first surface of each support structure is connected to the flexible display screen, meaning there is surface contact between the support structure and the flexible display screen. This large contact area allows the multiple support structures to provide uniform support to the flexible display screen, preventing arching and ensuring the flatness and display consistency of the flexible display screen. By providing a first support portion and a second support portion on the side where the second surface of the support body is located, and by tilting the first and second support portions towards each other, a triangular support structure is formed between the first support portion, the support body, and the second support portion. This improves the deformation resistance of the support structure, enhances the support stability of the support unit for the flexible display screen, and improves the impact resistance of the flexible display device. Simultaneously, during the unfolding and rewinding of the flexible display screen, the buffer space formed between the first and second support portions and the support body absorbs impact forces, providing a cushioning effect. This reduces the overall weight of the support structure while further improving the impact resistance and reliability of the flexible display device, extending its service life.

[0025] Furthermore, since the first and second support parts extend in the same direction as the support body (both extend along the second direction), the overall rigidity of the support structure is enhanced in its extension direction, which can provide effective support for the flexible display screen, enabling the flexible display screen to be fully supported in the second direction, and further improving the impact resistance of the flexible display device. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a flexible display device (hidden flexible display screen) provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the flexible display device (with the flexible display screen hidden) provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a first cross-sectional view of the support structure provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a second cross-sectional view of the support structure provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a first partial cross-sectional view of the flexible display device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a second partial cross-sectional view of the flexible display device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the flexible display screen and the support unit of the flexible display device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture: 1. Supporting structure; 2. Connecting components; 11. Support body; 12. First support part; 13. Second support part; 14. Joint part; 15. Buffer space; 16. First tooth groove; 17. Connecting part; 111. First surface; 112. Second surface; 113. Support area; 114. Transmission area; 115. First arc-shaped transition surface; 116. Second arc-shaped transition surface; 117. Protrusion; 141. Avoid the groove; 161. Joint groove; 171. Connecting column; 100. Flexible display screen; 200. Transmission components; 300. Track structure; 400. Supporting base; 201. Transmission gear; 202. Transmission shaft; 2011, Second tooth groove; 301. Transmission groove; 401. Mounting slot; 402. Curved side. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] In related technologies, roll-up flexible display devices typically use a bamboo-joint structure as a support component. Due to the long roll-up area, multiple bamboo-joint structures are often connected in series to achieve overall support. This segmented support method results in insufficient overall structural rigidity and weak support performance. In actual use, when the flexible display device is subjected to external impacts or vibrations, the impact resistance of the bamboo-joint structure support component is limited, making it difficult to effectively protect the flexible display screen. Consequently, the mechanical strength and impact resistance of the entire display device cannot be fully guaranteed.

[0033] Furthermore, during the repeated unfolding and rewinding of the flexible display screen, the structural rigidity and stability of the bamboo-shaped support component are insufficient, making it unable to provide uniform and reliable support for the flexible display screen. This can easily lead to arching, wrinkling, or deformation in local areas of the flexible display screen, affecting the flatness and consistency of the display effect. It may also accelerate the aging or damage of the flexible display screen due to stress concentration, reducing the reliability and service life of the flexible display device.

[0034] This embodiment provides a flexible display device that can improve the deformation resistance of the flexible display device and enhance its reliability and service life.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the flexible display device includes a support unit and a flexible display screen 100. The support unit includes several support structures 1 arranged sequentially along a first direction. (See reference...) Figure 3 , Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The support structure 1 includes a support body 11 extending along a second direction. The support body 11 has a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 disposed opposite to each other. The first surface 111 is used to contact the flexible display screen 100. The support structure 1 also includes a first support portion 12 and a second support portion 13, both of which extend along the second direction and are spaced apart on the second surface 112. The first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 are inclined toward each other and form a buffer space 15 between themselves and the support body 11; the first direction and the second direction form an angle.

[0036] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The orientation of the flexible display screen 100 is as follows: the first direction is the X direction, which is the sliding direction of the flexible display screen 100; the second direction is the Y direction, which is the width direction of the flexible display screen 100.

[0037] In the flexible display device provided in this embodiment, several support structures 1 are arranged sequentially in the sliding area of ​​the flexible display screen 100, and the first surface 111 of the support structure 1 is connected to the flexible display screen 100 (e.g., it can be bonded), that is, there is surface contact between the support structure 1 and the flexible display screen 100, with a large contact area, so that the multiple support structures 1 can provide uniform support force to the flexible display screen 100, thereby preventing the flexible display screen 100 from arching and ensuring the flatness and display consistency of the flexible display screen 100. By providing a first support part 12 and a second support part 13 on the side where the second surface 112 of the support body 11 is located, and the first support part 12 and the second support part 13 are inclined towards each other, a triangular support structure 1 can be formed between the first support part 12, the support body 11 and the second support part 13 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown). The triangular support structure 1 has geometric invariance. When the support structure 1 is subjected to external force, the external force is decomposed into tensile and compressive forces along the three sides of the triangle, without producing additional bending or shear deformation. Therefore, it can improve the deformation resistance of the support structure 1, enhance the support stability of the support unit for the flexible display screen 100, and improve the impact resistance of the flexible display device. At the same time, during the unfolding and rewinding of the flexible display screen 100, the buffer space 15 formed between the first support part 12, the second support part 13 and the support body 11 can absorb the impact force and play a buffering role. While reducing the overall weight of the support structure 1, it can further improve the impact resistance and reliability of the flexible display device and extend the service life of the flexible display device.

[0038] Furthermore, since the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 extend in the same direction as the support body 11 (both extend along the second direction), the overall rigidity of the support structure 1 in its extension direction is enhanced, which can provide effective support for the flexible display screen 100, so that the flexible display screen 100 can be fully supported in the second direction, further improving the impact resistance of the flexible display device.

[0039] Optionally, a buffer element is provided within the buffer space 15. The buffer element can further absorb the impact on the support structure 1, improving the impact resistance and reliability of the flexible display device.

[0040] In some embodiments, the buffer includes lubricating oil. The viscous damping effect of the lubricating oil dissipates the impact kinetic energy during flow, achieving a buffering effect. The buffering effect of lubricating oil is gentler and more stable, with better buffering performance. For example, the lubricating oil can be silicone oil, synthetic oil (such as polyalphaolefin (PAO), ester oil), etc., and can be selected according to actual needs, and is not limited to the types of lubricating oil listed above.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cushioning element may include TPU material. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is an organic polymer material formed by copolymerizing polyether or polyester diol with isocyanate. TPU material has both high elasticity and high toughness, and it can effectively absorb and dissipate impact kinetic energy through its own elastic deformation, ensuring a stable and reliable cushioning effect.

[0042] Optionally, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The support structure 1 is a one-piece molded component. That is, the first support part 12, the second support part 13, and the support body 11 are integrally molded. This one-piece molding method ensures a smooth and continuous geometric transition between the first support part 12, the second support part 13, and the support body 11. The material is continuous and intact, eliminating stress concentration issues caused by welding or gluing. Therefore, when the support structure 1 is under load, the force can be evenly distributed, allowing it to bear the load more evenly and avoiding deformation caused by stress concentration. In other words, using a one-piece molded support structure 1 improves its overall structural strength, enhances its resistance to deformation, and increases its reliability. Furthermore, the one-piece molding method eliminates the need for assembly processes, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0043] For example, the support body 11, the first support part 12 and the second support part 13 can be integrally formed by casting, forging, 3D printing or other methods.

[0044] Of course, in some other alternative embodiments, the support body 11, the first support part 12, and the second support part 13 can also be processed separately and then assembled and fixed to form the support structure 1.

[0045] Optionally, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 are symmetrically arranged on the support body 11. This allows the first support portion 12, the second support portion 13 and the support body 11 to form an isosceles triangle structure. When the support structure 1 is under stress, the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 are subjected to uniform stress, and no additional bending moment is generated. Therefore, the stress distribution on the support structure 1 is more balanced, and it is not easy to cause local cracking or instability, thereby further improving the overall deformation resistance of the support structure 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, see Figure 5 The included angle between the first support portion 12, the second support portion 13, and the support body 11 is defined as β, with β ranging from 45° to 80°. This angle range allows the first support portion 12, the second support portion 13, and the support body 11 to form a triangular support structure. Simultaneously, the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 are inclined inwards relative to the support body 11 to ensure that the multiple support structures 1 do not interfere with each other when moving along the first direction. For example, β can be 60°.

[0047] In other embodiments, β can also take values ​​of 45°, 50°, 55°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, etc., but is not limited to the specific angles listed above. The tilt angle of the first support part 12 and the second support part 13 relative to the support body 11 can be designed according to actual needs.

[0048] Optionally, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The support body 11 has a support area 113 and a transmission area 114 on the side where the second surface 112 is located. A first support portion 12 and a second support portion 13 are provided within the support area 113. Since both the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 extend along the second direction (i.e., their extension directions are the same as those of the support body 11), providing the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 within the support area 113 ensures full support for the flexible display screen 100 along the second direction within the support area 113, resulting in a more uniform support force provided by the support structure 1. In other words, the portion of the flexible display screen 100 corresponding to the support area 113 is effectively supported in the second direction, resulting in a more uniform force on the flexible display screen 100. This prevents the flexible display screen 100 from arching during the rolling process, ensuring the display effect of the flexible display device.

[0049] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The support structure 1 also includes a connecting portion 14, which is located within the transmission region 114 and configured to engage with the transmission component 200 of the flexible display device. By providing the connecting portion 14 within the transmission region 114 of the support body 11, the support structure 1 and the transmission component 200 can be driven together, thereby causing the transmission component 200 to move multiple support structures 1 along a first direction, and thus causing the flexible display screen 100 to move along the first direction with the multiple support structures 1, realizing the sliding function of the flexible display screen 100. The connecting portion 14 and the transmission component 200 can be engaged by a toothed engagement method, a belt drive method, etc. In practical applications, the structural form of the connecting portion 14 can be set according to the specific type of the transmission component 200.

[0050] In this embodiment, optionally, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 The transmission component 200 includes a transmission gear 201. A first tooth groove 16 is formed between the joint portions 14 of two adjacent support structures 1. The teeth of the transmission gear 201 can engage with the first tooth groove 16, and the joint portions 14 can engage with the second tooth groove 2011 formed between two adjacent teeth of the transmission gear 201. That is, the joint portions 14 and the transmission gear 201 of the transmission component 200 are engaged through tooth meshing. When the transmission gear 201 is driven to rotate, multiple teeth of the transmission gear 201 alternately engage and disengage from the first tooth groove 16, and multiple joint portions 14 of the support structures 1 alternately engage and disengage from the second tooth groove 2011, so as to realize the meshing transmission between the multiple teeth of the transmission gear 201 and the multiple joint portions 14 of the support structures 1, so that the transmission gear 201 can drive the multiple support structures 1 to move along a first direction, thereby realizing the sliding function of the flexible display screen 100.

[0051] In other embodiments, if the transmission member 200 is a synchronous belt structure, the engagement portion 14 can be connected to the synchronous belt to achieve engagement with the transmission member 200.

[0052] In this embodiment, the joint 14 and the support body 11 are integrally formed. This integral forming method ensures a continuous material transition between the joint 14 and the support body 11, eliminating weak areas of stress concentration. This guarantees the connection stability between the joint 14 and the support body 11, improves the transmission fit accuracy between the multiple support structures 1 and the transmission component 200, and simplifies the processing technology of the support structure 1. The joint 14 and the support body 11 can be integrally formed through casting, forging, 3D printing, or other methods.

[0053] Optionally, see Figure 2 and Figure 3The support body 11 has a transmission area 114 and a joint 14 located at the center in the second direction. By setting the transmission area 114 and the joint in the middle of the support body 11, the middle area of ​​the support structure 1 can be stressed, resulting in a more balanced overall stress. This ensures the flatness of the multiple support structures 1 during transmission and avoids problems such as arching, wrinkling, or deformation of the flexible display screen 100 caused by stress imbalance, thus ensuring the flatness and display consistency of the flexible display screen 100. In addition, setting the transmission area 114 and the joint 14 in the middle of the support body 11 allows the transmission component 200 and drive motor to be arranged in the middle area of ​​the flexible display device, saving installation space compared to arranging the transmission component 200 and drive motor on one side of the flexible display device.

[0054] Furthermore, a transmission region 114 and a joint 14 are provided at the end positions of the support body 11 along the second direction. By providing the transmission region 114 and the joint 14 at the end positions of the support body 11, the transmission engagement contact points between the support structure 1 and the transmission member 200 can be increased. That is, the support body 11 engages with the transmission member 200 at least at two positions: the middle position and the end position. Both the middle position and the end position of the support body 11 can bear force, thereby further improving the stability of the transmission engagement between the support structure 1 and the transmission member 200. The force on the support structure 1 is also more uniform, which can improve the smoothness of the flexible display screen 100's roll-up, the flatness of the flexible display screen 100, and the display consistency.

[0055] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a transmission area 114 and a joint 14 are provided in the middle of the support body 11, and transmission areas 114 and joints 14 are also provided at both ends of the support body 11 along the second direction. This arrangement allows the support body 11 to engage with the transmission component 200 at both the middle and end positions, enabling the transmission of force at both locations. This results in a more balanced force distribution, further improving the flatness of the multiple support structures 1 during transmission, ensuring the flatness of the flexible display screen 100, and enhancing the display effect of the flexible display device.

[0056] Of course, in some other embodiments, the transmission area 114 and the joint portion 14 may be provided only in the middle part of the support body 11; or, the transmission area 114 and the joint portion 14 may be provided only at the end position of the support body 11 along the second direction. The transmission area 114 and the joint portion 14 may be provided only at one end of the support body 11, or the transmission area 114 and the joint portion 14 may be provided at both ends of the support body 11.

[0057] Optionally, the support body 11 is provided with a plurality of support regions 113, and each support region 113 is provided with a first support portion 12 and a second support portion 13 extending along the second direction. Specifically, in this embodiment... Figure 3 All areas of the support body 11 except for the transmission area 114 are designated as support areas 113. By providing a first support part 12 and a second support part 13 in each support area 113, the support structure 1 can provide full support for the flexible display screen 100 in each support area 113. The support force on the flexible display screen 100 in the second direction is more uniform, thereby further preventing the flexible display screen 100 from arching or wrinkling during the rolling process and ensuring the display effect of the flexible display screen 100.

[0058] For example, the support body 11 is provided with three transmission areas 114, and the area between each two adjacent transmission areas 114 is a support area 113. The area outside the transmission areas 114 at the end of the support body 11 is also a support area 113, for a total of four support areas 113.

[0059] It is understood that in other embodiments, the number of support areas 113 can be adaptively increased or decreased according to the number of transmission areas 114, and is not limited to the number and distribution of support areas 113 listed above.

[0060] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 In the first direction, the size of the joint 14 is smaller than the size of the support body 11, so that a joint groove 161 is formed between the joint 14 and the support body 11, and two adjacent joint grooves 161 surround to form a first tooth groove 16. That is, the width of the joint 14 is smaller than the width of the support body 11, so that a certain space is reserved on both sides of the joint 14 along the first direction as the joint groove 161, so that the teeth of the transmission gear 201 can engage with the joint groove 161 to move the joint 14, thereby causing multiple teeth of the transmission gear 201 to alternately mesh with the joints 14 of multiple support structures 1, driving multiple support structures 1 to move in the first direction, realizing the sliding function of the flexible display screen 100.

[0061] Optionally, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 The support body 11 has protrusions 117 on both sides of the joint 14 along the first direction. The presence of the protrusions 117 can enhance the structural strength of the support body 11 itself and improve the deformation resistance of the support body 11 in the transmission area 114, so that the support body 11 can also provide stable support for the flexible display screen 100 in the transmission area 114.

[0062] Furthermore, the outer convex surface of the protrusion 117 is an arc-shaped surface. This design ensures that when the transmission member 200 drives multiple support structures 1 to move in the first direction, the adjacent support structures 1 will not squeeze or interfere with each other due to the existence of the arc-shaped surface. This avoids the problem of unevenness between adjacent support structures 1, ensures the flatness between multiple support structures 1, and prevents wrinkles in the flexible display screen 100.

[0063] Optionally, see Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The joint 14 has clearance grooves 141 on both opposite sides along the first direction. When the teeth of the transmission gear 201 disengage from the first tooth groove 16, the clearance grooves 141 can avoid the ends of the teeth of the transmission gear 201, preventing interference between the teeth of the transmission gear 201 and the joint 14, and improving the smoothness of the transmission engagement between the transmission gear 201 and the joint 14. By providing clearance grooves 141 on both sides of the joint 14, the transmission gear 201 will not interfere with the joint 14 whether it rotates forward or backward, ensuring the smoothness of the flexible display screen 100 during the sliding unfolding and retraction process.

[0064] For example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the clearance groove 141 is an arc-shaped groove. The deepest part of the arc-shaped groove can avoid the farthest end of the tooth of the transmission gear 201, preventing the joint 14 from interfering with the tooth of the transmission gear 201. At the same time, the arc-shaped groove design can avoid excessive reduction of the material of the joint 14, thereby ensuring that the joint 14 will not have its structural strength reduced due to the presence of the clearance groove 141, and ensuring that the joint 14 can stably cooperate with the transmission gear 201.

[0065] Of course, in other embodiments, the avoidance groove 141 can also be a rectangular groove, a V-shaped groove, etc. The embodiments of this application do not impose special limitations on the specific shape of the avoidance groove 141.

[0066] Optionally, see Figure 4 The first surface 111 and the outer surface of the first support portion 12, as well as the first surface 111 and the outer surface of the second support portion 13, are connected by a first arc-shaped transition surface 115. (Referring to...) Figure 4In the context of the orientation, the outer surface of the first support portion 12 refers to the surface of the first support portion 12 facing away from the second support portion 13; the outer surface of the second support portion 13 refers to the surface of the second support portion 13 facing away from the first support portion 12. By setting the first arc-shaped transition surface 115, the outer surface of the first support portion 12 and the support body 11 transition smoothly, and the outer surface of the second support portion 13 and the support body 11 transition smoothly. When the transmission component 200 drives the multiple support structures 1 to move in the first direction, the adjacent support structures 1 will not squeeze or interfere with each other due to the presence of the first arc-shaped transition surface 115, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of up-and-down undulation of adjacent support structures 1, ensuring the flatness of the multiple support structures 1 when moving in the first direction, and thus providing uniform and stable support for the flexible display screen 100, preventing the flexible display screen 100 from arching or wrinkling during the rolling process, improving the smoothness of the rolling of the flexible display screen 100 and the display effect of the flexible display screen 100.

[0067] Optionally, see Figure 4 The second surface 112 is connected to the inner surface of the first support portion 12, and the second surface 112 is connected to the inner surface of the second support portion 13, both via a second arc-shaped transition surface 116. (Refer to...) Figure 4 In the context of the orientation, the inner surface of the first support portion 12 refers to the surface of the first support portion 12 facing the second support portion 13; the inner surface of the second support portion 13 refers to the surface of the second support portion 13 facing the first support portion 12. By providing the second arc-shaped transition surface 116, the inner surface of the first support portion 12 and the support body 11 transition smoothly, as does the inner surface of the second support portion 13. That is, there are no stress concentration areas at the connection between the first support portion 12 and the support body 11, nor at the connection between the second support portion 13 and the support body 11. The connection between the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 and the support body 11 is less prone to deformation, resulting in stronger load-bearing capacity. This improves the overall deformation resistance of the support structure 1 and enhances the reliability of the support structure 1 in supporting the flexible display screen 100.

[0068] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 9The flexible display device also includes a connector 2. Each end of the support structure 1 along the second direction is provided with a connecting portion 17, and each pair of adjacent support structures 1's connecting portions 17 are connected by the connector 2. That is, adjacent support structures 1 are connected together by the connector 2. This arrangement allows multiple support structures 1 to move synchronously and in tandem through the connection of the connector 2 during the sliding process of the flexible display screen 100, maintaining a constant distance between adjacent support structures 1. Furthermore, the constraint of the connector 2 prevents relative misalignment between adjacent support structures 1, thus avoiding the problems of stacking, squeezing, or separating of adjacent support structures 1. This prevents deformation of the flexible display screen 100 due to squeezing or stretching caused by the misalignment or separation of support structures 1, ensuring the smooth sliding of the flexible display screen 100 and guaranteeing its flatness and display consistency.

[0069] See Figure 9 The connector 2 includes a connecting ring, and the connecting part 17 includes two connecting posts 171 spaced apart along a first direction. The connecting ring is sleeved on two adjacent connecting posts 171 of two adjacent support structures 1. Connecting two adjacent support structures 1 by sleeved connection of the connecting ring and the connecting posts 171 is a simple and easy-to-implement method that ensures the reliability of the connection between the two adjacent support structures 1. Furthermore, by sleeved connection of the connecting ring to the two adjacent connecting posts 171, the connecting posts 171 can adaptively rotate relative to the connecting ring when multiple support structures 1 move along the first direction, adapting to the arc-shaped movement trajectory of multiple support structures 1 in the sliding area, preventing interference between adjacent support structures 1, and improving the smoothness of the sliding of the flexible display screen 100.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting column 171 is circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the connecting ring is oblong, i.e., waist-shaped. With this arrangement, when the connecting ring is fitted onto two adjacent connecting columns 171, the connecting ring can limit the movement of the connecting columns 171 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display screen 100, preventing relative misalignment of adjacent connecting columns 171, thereby preventing misalignment of adjacent support structures 1, and further ensuring the flatness of multiple support structures 1 when moving in the first direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, see Figure 3 and Figure 9 The connecting column 171 is provided at the end of the support structure 1 and is located at the connection between the support body 11 and the first support part 12 (second support part 13). That is, the connecting column 171 is connected to both the support body 11 and the first support part 12 (second support part 13), which can improve the connection stability between the connecting column 171 and the support structure 1 and reduce the possibility of the connecting column 171 breaking or deforming.

[0072] For example, the connecting column 171 is integrally formed with the support body 11 and the first support part 12 (second support part 13). This integral forming method allows for a continuous material transition between the connecting column 171 and the support body 11 and the first support part 12 (second support part 13), eliminating weak areas of stress concentration and ensuring the reliability of the connection between the connecting column 171 and the support body 11 and the first support part 12 (second support part 13), thus improving the load-bearing capacity of the connecting column 171. The connecting column 171 can be integrally formed with the support body 11 and the first support part 12 (second support part 13) through casting, forging, 3D printing, or other methods.

[0073] In some alternative embodiments, the two connecting posts 171 of the connecting part 17 may also be arranged at intervals along the first direction at the end of the supporting body 11; or, the two connecting posts 171 may also be arranged on the first supporting part 12 and the second supporting part 13 respectively, as long as the connection requirements between adjacent supporting structures 1 can be met. Here, the specific setting position of the connecting posts 171 is not specifically limited.

[0074] In other embodiments, the connector 2 may also include a pin, etc. Correspondingly, a through hole is provided on the connecting part 17, and the pin is inserted and connected to the through hole of the connecting part 17 of the adjacent support structure 1 to fix the two support structures 1. At this time, the connecting part 17 can be a circular columnar structure or other polygonal columnar structure, as long as it can meet the connection requirements between the connecting parts 17 of the adjacent support structures 1. This application does not make any special limitation on the specific shape of the connecting part 17.

[0075] Optionally, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 10The flexible display device also includes a support base 400, located on the side of the support structure 1 away from the flexible display screen 100. The first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 of the support structure 1 can slide in contact with the support base 400. The support base 400 provides a support foundation for multiple support structures 1 and the flexible display screen 100, ensuring that multiple support structures 1 are in the same mounting plane, guaranteeing that adjacent support structures 1 are parallel and equidistant, and avoiding defects such as collapse or bulge. Simultaneously, the support base 400 provides guiding support for multiple support structures 1 and the flexible display screen 100, allowing them to slide along a predetermined trajectory. During the sliding process of the flexible display screen 100, the side of the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 away from the support body 11 slides in cooperation with the support base 400, ensuring that the support base 400 does not interfere with the movement of the support structures 1. This guarantees that multiple support structures 1 can provide continuous and uniform support force to the flexible display screen 100, ensuring the flatness of the flexible display screen 100.

[0076] See Figure 2 and Figure 7 The flexible display device also includes a transmission component 200. A mounting groove 401 is provided on the support base 400. The transmission component 200 includes a transmission gear 201 rotatably disposed within the mounting groove 401. By providing the mounting groove 401 on the support base 400, the transmission gear 201 can be embedded and mounted on the support base 400, achieving concealed mounting of the transmission gear 201. This makes better use of the space on the support base 400, resulting in a more rational structural layout and reducing the overall size of the flexible display device.

[0077] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, multiple transmission gears 201 are spaced apart in the second direction, and these gears are connected by a transmission shaft 202. The arrangement of multiple transmission gears 201 allows the support structure 1 to engage with the transmission gears 201 at multiple points in the second direction, thus enabling the support structure 1 to bear the transmitted force at multiple points. This results in a more uniform force distribution on the support structure 1, preventing displacement due to force imbalance. Consequently, the multiple support structures 1 provide uniform and stable support for the flexible display screen 100, preventing arching or wrinkling. Furthermore, the movement of the multiple support structures 1 in the first direction is more stable, improving the smoothness of the flexible display screen 100's roll-up. Connecting the multiple transmission gears 201 together via the transmission shaft 202 allows the drive motor to synchronously drive the multiple transmission gears 201 by only needing to connect to one of them, simplifying the transmission connection structure.

[0078] For example, three transmission gears 201 are provided, respectively arranged in the middle and end regions of the support structure 1. Correspondingly, three mounting slots 401 are provided on the support base 400, and the three transmission gears 201 are arranged one-to-one in the three mounting slots 401. In other embodiments, the number of transmission gears 201 and mounting slots 401 can be increased or decreased according to actual needs, and are not limited to the number and distribution methods listed above.

[0079] Optionally, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The flexible display screen 100 has a sliding area, and several support structures 1 of the support unit are arranged sequentially in the sliding area along a first direction. The end of the support base 400 has an arc-shaped side surface 402, which corresponds to a portion of the sliding area. When the transmission member 200 drives the multiple support structures 1 to move within the sliding area, the first support portion 12 and the second support portion 13 of the support structure 1 slide in cooperation with the arc-shaped side surface 402 of the support base 400, thereby enabling the flexible display screen 100 to slide open or retract. By setting the arc-shaped side surface 402, stable support can be provided for the multiple support structures 1, ensuring that the multiple support structures 1 can always move along a preset arc-shaped trajectory in the first direction, and that the multiple support structures 1 can always remain in the same plane, providing stable support for the flexible display screen 100, enabling the flexible display screen 100 to slide along a predetermined trajectory, ensuring the smoothness of the sliding of the flexible display screen 100 and the consistency of the display.

[0080] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the mounting groove 401 on the support base 400 is located at one end of the support base 400 where the arc-shaped side surface 402 is provided. That is, the mounting groove 401 is recessed into the arc-shaped side surface 402, and when the transmission gear 201 is arranged in the mounting groove 401, the curvature of the outer circumference of the transmission gear 201 is approximately the same as the curvature of the arc-shaped side surface 402. This ensures that when the transmission gear 201 drives the multiple support structures 1 to move along the first direction, the flexible display screen 100 can bend according to the preset bending curvature in the sliding area, thereby ensuring the flatness of the flexible display screen 100.

[0081] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 9The flexible display device also includes a track structure 300, which has a transmission groove 301. A connecting portion 17 is provided at the end of the support structure 1, and the connecting portion 17 is located within the transmission groove 301 and slides in cooperation with it. When the transmission member 200 drives the multiple support structures 1 to move along a first direction, the connecting portion 17 slides along the extension direction of the transmission groove 301. The cooperation between the connecting portion 17 and the transmission groove 301 restricts the movement direction of the multiple support structures 1, ensuring that the multiple support structures 1 always move along the sliding direction (i.e., the first direction) of the flexible display screen 100, while the support structures 1 do not move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display screen 100. This allows the multiple support structures 1 to consistently provide stable support for the flexible display screen 100 during the sliding process, ensuring the flatness of the flexible display screen 100 and improving the smoothness of the sliding of the flexible display screen 100.

[0082] In this embodiment, the track structure 300 includes an inner track bar and an outer track bar spaced apart. Both the inner and outer track bars extend along the sliding direction of the flexible display screen 100, and the aforementioned transmission groove 301 is formed between the inner and outer track bars. The inner and outer track bars together restrict the position of the support structure 1, preventing the support structure 1 from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display screen 100, thus avoiding arching of the flexible display screen 100.

[0083] Furthermore, two track structures 300 are provided, and each end of the support structure 1 along the second direction is provided with a connecting part 17. The two track structures 300 are respectively located at both ends of the support structure 1 along the second direction (e.g., Figure 1 As shown, the two connecting parts 17 slide in a one-to-one correspondence with the transmission grooves 301 of the two track structures 300. This arrangement ensures that both ends of the multiple support structures 1 can be limited, further guaranteeing that the multiple support structures 1 can only move along the sliding direction of the flexible display screen 100, thus ensuring the flatness of the flexible display screen 100 during the sliding process.

[0084] Optionally, see Figure 9 The connecting part 17 includes two connecting posts 171 spaced apart at the end of the support structure 1 along a first direction. Both connecting posts 171 pass through the transmission groove 301 and can slide with the transmission groove 301. In this embodiment, the connecting member 2 (connecting ring) on ​​the connecting post 171 is located on the side of the track structure 300 away from the support body 11. This arrangement can limit the relative position between the support structure 1 and the track structure 300 in the second direction and prevent the support structure 1 from moving along the second direction.

[0085] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, characterized in that, The device includes a support unit and a flexible display screen (100). The support unit includes a plurality of support structures (1) arranged sequentially along a first direction. The support structure (1) includes a support body (11) extending along a second direction. The support body (11) has a first surface (111) and a second surface (112) disposed opposite to each other. The first surface (111) is used to contact the flexible display screen (100). The support structure (1) further includes a first support portion (12) and a second support portion (13), both of which extend along the second direction and are spaced apart on the second surface (112). The first support part (12) and the second support part (13) are inclined toward each other and form a buffer space (15) between them and the support body (11); the first direction and the second direction form an angle.

2. The flexible display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting body (11), the first supporting part (12) and the second supporting part (13) are integrally formed components.

3. The flexible display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support body (11) is provided with a support area (113) and a transmission area (114) on the side where the second surface (112) is located. The first support part (12) and the second support part (13) are provided in the support area (113). The support structure (1) further includes a joint (14) located within the transmission region (114) and configured to engage with the transmission member (200) of the flexible display device.

4. The flexible display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support body (11) has the transmission area (114) and the joint (14) at the middle position in the second direction. And / or, the support body (11) is provided with the transmission area (114) and the joint (14) at the end position along the second direction.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission component (200) includes a transmission gear (201), and a first tooth groove (16) is formed between the joints (14) of two adjacent support structures (1). The teeth of the transmission gear (201) can be engaged in the first tooth groove (16), and the joints (14) can be engaged in the second tooth groove (2011) formed between two adjacent teeth of the transmission gear (201).

6. The flexible display device according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the first direction, the size of the joint (14) is smaller than the size of the support body (11) so that a joint groove (161) is formed between the joint (14) and the support body (11), and two adjacent joint grooves (161) surround the first tooth groove (16).

7. The flexible display device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The joint (14) is provided with clearance grooves (141) on both sides of the first direction.

8. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first surface (111) and the outer surface of the first support (12) are connected by a first arc-shaped transition surface (115).

9. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The second surface (112) is connected to the inner surface of the first support (12) and the second surface (112) is connected to the inner surface of the second support (13) through the second arc-shaped transition surface (116).

10. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The buffer space (15) is equipped with a buffer component.

11. The flexible display device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cushioning component includes lubricating oil or TPU material.

12. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The flexible display device further includes a connector (2), and the support structure (1) is provided with a connecting part (17) at both ends along the second direction. The connecting parts (17) of each two adjacent support structures (1) are connected by the connector (2).

13. The flexible display device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The connector (2) includes a connecting ring, and the connecting part (17) includes two connecting posts (171) spaced apart along the first direction. The connecting ring is sleeved on two adjacent connecting posts (171) of two adjacent support structures (1).

14. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The flexible display device further includes a support base (400), which is located on the side of the support structure (1) away from the flexible display screen (100). The first support portion (12) and the second support portion (13) of the support structure (1) are able to slide in contact with the support base (400).

15. The flexible display device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The flexible display device further includes a transmission component (200), and the support base (400) is provided with a mounting groove (401). The transmission component (200) includes a transmission gear (201) rotatably disposed in the mounting groove (401).

16. The flexible display device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The transmission gears (201) are arranged in multiple intervals in the second direction, and the multiple transmission gears (201) are connected to each other by a transmission shaft (202).

17. The flexible display device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The flexible display screen (100) has a sliding area, and a plurality of support structures (1) of the support unit are arranged sequentially in the sliding area along a first direction; The end of the support base (400) has an arc-shaped side surface (402), which corresponds to a portion of the sliding roll area.

18. The flexible display device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The flexible display device further includes a track structure (300), which has a transmission groove (301). The end of the support structure (1) is provided with a connecting part (17), which is located in the transmission groove (301) and slides in cooperation with the transmission groove (301).

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