Flexible supporting device and display equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a flexible supporting device and display equipment. The flexible supporting device comprises a first supporting part, a second supporting part and a connecting part connected between the first supporting part and the second supporting part. The connecting part comprises a first flexible part and a second flexible part. The two second flexible parts are located on the two opposite sides of the first flexible part respectively, the second flexible parts are connected with the first supporting part or the second supporting part, and the rigidity of the second flexible parts is larger than that of the first flexible part; the connecting flexible part is connected between the first flexible part and the second flexible part, and the rigidity of the connecting flexible part is gradually increased from the two ends to the center in the first direction; wherein the first direction is crossed with the arrangement direction of the first supporting part and the second supporting part. The flexible supporting device has the advantages that stress distribution is uniform, and failure of the folding screen is not prone to being caused.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the popularization of electronic products, users' requirements for electronic products are gradually increasing. They not only require electronic products to be easy to carry, but also require electronic products to have larger display screens to improve user experience. Therefore, foldable display screens came into being.

[0003] Typically, a display device equipped with a folding screen also includes a flexible support device for supporting the folding screen, so that the display device has a folding function. However, during the folding process, the stress distribution of the flexible support device is uneven, resulting in uneven force applied to the folding screen, which can easily cause the folding screen to break and fail. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and proposes a flexible supporting device and a display apparatus.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objective, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible support device is provided, comprising a first support portion, a second support portion, and a connecting portion connected between the first support portion and the second support portion, wherein the connecting portion comprises:

[0006] a first flexible portion;

[0007] at least two second flexible portions, wherein the two second flexible portions are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first flexible portion, the second flexible portion is connected to the first supporting portion or the second supporting portion, and the rigidity of the second flexible portion is greater than that of the first flexible portion;

[0008] A connecting flexible portion connected between the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion, wherein the rigidity of the connecting flexible portion increases from both ends to the center in a first direction;

[0009] The first direction intersects with an arrangement direction of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, the overall stiffness of the connecting flexible portion is smaller than the overall stiffness of the first flexible portion, and the overall stiffness of the connecting flexible portion is greater than the overall stiffness of the second flexible portion.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the connecting flexible portion includes a first flexible segment, a second flexible segment and a third flexible segment connected sequentially along a first direction, and the overall stiffness of the first flexible segment and the overall stiffness of the third flexible segment are both smaller than the overall stiffness of the second flexible segment.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the length of the first flexible segment in the first direction is smaller than the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction; and / or the length of the third flexible segment in the first direction is smaller than the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, when the length of the first flexible segment in the first direction is less than the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction, the ratio of the length of the first flexible segment in the first direction to the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5; when the length of the third flexible segment in the first direction is less than the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction, the ratio of the length of the third flexible segment in the first direction to the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment have a plurality of openings therein, and an arrangement density of the openings gradually decreases in a direction approaching the second flexible segment; and / or a cross-sectional area of ​​the openings gradually decreases in a direction approaching the second flexible segment.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the flexible support device includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other, the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment have a plurality of first grooves, the first grooves are located on the first surface, the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment have a plurality of second grooves, the second grooves are located on the second surface, and the first grooves and the second grooves are connected at a preset position to form a via.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the stiffness of the second flexible segment decreases gradually in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the second flexible section has a plurality of etched grooves, and the etching depths and / or notch areas of the plurality of etched grooves increase in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the plurality of etched grooves are arranged along an arrangement direction of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion.

[0019] In some optional embodiments, when the etching depths of the plurality of etching grooves increase in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion, the etching depth difference between two adjacent etching grooves is a first preset value; when the notch areas of the plurality of etching grooves increase in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion, the notch area difference between two adjacent etching grooves is a second preset value.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, the second flexible section has a plurality of etched grooves.

[0021] In the first direction, the etching lengths of the plurality of etching grooves increase gradually from both ends of the second flexible segment to the center.

[0022] In some optional embodiments, the first flexible portion has a plurality of through holes, the through holes include a first hole segment, a second hole segment and a third hole segment connected in sequence along the first direction, in the direction in which the first support portion and the second support portion are arranged, the width of the first hole segment and the width of the third hole segment are greater than the width of the second hole segment; and / or the second flexible portion has a plurality of third grooves, and the plurality of third grooves are arranged along the direction in which the first support portion and the second support portion are arranged.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, the first supporting portion has a plurality of first etched grooves, and the first etched grooves are spaced apart from the second flexible portion; and / or the second supporting portion has a plurality of second etched grooves and a binding area, the second etched grooves are located between the binding area and the second flexible portion, and the second etched grooves are spaced apart from the second flexible portion.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: the above-mentioned flexible supporting device; and a display panel, wherein the display panel is located on one side of the flexible supporting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following specific embodiments, they are used to explain the present disclosure but do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible support device according to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the FF axis;

[0028] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the mid-HH direction;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible support device according to another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of openings in the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment in another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of openings in the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment in another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of the first groove and the second groove in the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment in another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Sectional view along EE direction;

[0034] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 Sectional view along the NN axis;

[0035] Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 Sectional view along the MM direction;

[0036] Fig.11 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible support device according to another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Fig.12 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible support device according to another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Fig.13 A schematic structural diagram of a flexible support device according to another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0039] Fig.14 A schematic structural diagram of a through hole in a first flexible portion of another optional embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] 10. First supporting portion; 11. First etching groove; 20. Second supporting portion; 21. Second etching groove; 30. Connecting portion; 40. First flexible portion; 41. Through hole; 42. First hole segment; 43. Second hole segment; 44. Third hole segment; 50. Second flexible portion; 51. Third groove; 60. Connecting flexible portion; 61. First flexible segment; 62. Second flexible segment; 63. Third flexible segment; 64. Opening; 65. First groove; 66. Second groove; 67. Etched groove; 68. Circular semi-etched groove; 70. Binding area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The specific implementation of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific implementation described herein is only used to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and is not used to limit the present disclosure.

[0042] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the present disclosure do not represent any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "including" or "comprising" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing in front of the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Connect" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0044] As used herein, "parallel" and "perpendicular" include the described situation and the situation similar to the described situation, and the range of the similar situation is within the acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the error associated with the measurement of a specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°.

[0045] It will be understood that when a layer or an element is referred to as being on another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may be present between the layer or element and the other layer or substrate.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views that are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are conceivable. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted as being limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shapes of regions of the device, and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0047] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible support device in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and the flexible support device includes a first support portion 10, a second support portion 20, and a connecting portion 30 connected between the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20. The overall rigidity of the connecting portion 30 is smaller than the overall rigidity of the first support portion 10 and the overall rigidity of the second support portion 20, so that the flexible support device bends at the position of the connecting portion 30.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, the connecting portion 30 includes a first flexible portion 40, at least two second flexible portions 50, and a connecting flexible portion 60 connected between the first flexible portion 40 and the second flexible portion 50. The two second flexible portions 50 are respectively located on opposite sides of the first flexible portion 40, the second flexible portion 50 is connected to the first support portion 10 or the second support portion 20, and the rigidity of the second flexible portion 50 is greater than the rigidity of the first flexible portion 40; in the first direction, the rigidity of the connecting flexible portion 60 increases from both ends to the center, wherein the first direction intersects with the arrangement direction of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20. Such a setting is conducive to the stress at the junction of the inner and outer folds of the flexible support device being released at both ends of the connecting flexible portion 60, avoiding stress concentration, improving the uniformity of stress distribution in the flexible support device, and reducing the extrusion of the display panel by the flexible support device. For example, the first direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20.

[0049] The first direction mentioned above and below is direction X, and the arrangement direction of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 is direction Y.

[0050] It should be noted that, in the first direction, the stiffness of the connecting flexible portion 60 increases from the two ends to the center, and is not limited to the stiffness of the connecting flexible portion 60 increasing continuously from the two ends to the center according to a preset function. It can also be a jump-type increase. For example, the connecting flexible portion 60 includes more than or equal to three flexible segments. It is only necessary to ensure that the overall stiffness of each flexible segment shows a trend of increasing from the two ends to the center, that is, the overall stiffness of the flexible segments at the two ends is large, and the overall stiffness of the flexible segments at the center is small. In other words, the flexible segment is regarded as a whole, and the stiffness of the entire flexible segment is the overall stiffness. The change in stiffness within each flexible segment can be a continuous increase, an increase first and then a decrease, or a continuous decrease, and no specific restrictions are made here.

[0051] In some optional embodiments, the overall rigidity of the connecting flexible portion 60 is less than the overall rigidity of the first flexible portion 40, and the overall rigidity of the connecting flexible portion 60 is greater than the overall rigidity of the second flexible portion 50. This configuration allows the rigidity between the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 and the connecting portion 30 to gradually change, so that the restraining force between the first flexible portion 40 and the second flexible portion 50 is reduced, so that the flexible support device has good bending ability.

[0052] In some optional embodiments, the connecting flexible portion 60 includes a first flexible segment 61, a second flexible segment 62, and a third flexible segment 63 connected in sequence along the first direction, and the overall stiffness of the first flexible segment 61 and the overall stiffness of the third flexible segment 63 are smaller than the overall stiffness of the second flexible segment 62. This arrangement allows the stiffness of the connecting flexible portion 60 in the first direction to gradually increase from both ends to the middle, so as to avoid stress concentration distribution.

[0053] Optionally, the stiffness of the first flexible segment 61 may be uniformly distributed or non-uniformly distributed, the stiffness of the second flexible segment 62 may be uniformly distributed or non-uniformly distributed, and the stiffness of the third flexible segment 63 may be uniformly distributed or non-uniformly distributed. No specific limitation is made here.

[0054] It should be noted that the change in stiffness in the first flexible segment 61, the second flexible segment 62 and the third flexible segment 63 may be a change in stiffness caused by a change in material, or a change in stiffness caused by the same material but different structures, or a change in stiffness caused by the combined effect of material and structure, for example, different thicknesses at different positions, or the same thickness at different positions but different opening areas. No specific restrictions are made here.

[0055] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 4, the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction is smaller than the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction. This arrangement can ensure that the second flexible segment 62 has a certain support rigidity to ensure the structural strength of the connecting flexible portion 60.

[0056] When the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction is less than the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction, the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5. If the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is less than 0.1, the area of ​​the first flexible segment 61 is small, which is not conducive to stress release. If the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is greater than 0.5, the proportion of the second flexible segment 62 is small, so that the structural strength of the connecting flexible portion 60 is poor. For example, the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is 0.2; for example, the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is 0.3; for example, the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is 0.4.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 4 , the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction is less than the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction. This arrangement can ensure that the second flexible segment 62 has a certain support rigidity to ensure the structural strength of the connecting flexible portion 60.

[0058] When the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction is less than the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction, the ratio of the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5. If the ratio of the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is less than 0.1, the area of ​​the third flexible segment 63 is small, which is not conducive to stress release. If the ratio of the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is greater than 0.5, the proportion of the second flexible segment 62 is small, so that the structural strength of the connecting flexible portion 60 is poor. For example, the ratio of the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is 0.2; for example, the ratio of the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is 0.3; for example, the ratio of the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction to the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction is 0.4.

[0059] In some optional embodiments, there is a proportional relationship among the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction, the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction, and the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction. For example, the ratio of the length a of the first flexible segment 61 in the first direction, the length b of the second flexible segment 62 in the first direction, and the length c of the third flexible segment 63 in the first direction is 1:6:1.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In the specific embodiment shown, the second flexible section 62 has a plurality of etched grooves 67 , the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of etched grooves 67 are the same, and the arrangement direction of the plurality of etched grooves 67 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 .

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 1 to 3 The first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63 have a plurality of openings 64. The openings 64 are provided in the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63 to facilitate stress release. The cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 64 gradually decreases in the direction close to the second flexible segment 62. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the same material is used in the first flexible section 61 , and the cross-sectional areas of the openings 64 in different regions are different, resulting in different stiffnesses in different regions.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 6 The arrangement density of the openings 64 gradually decreases in the direction close to the second flexible section 62. In this embodiment, the same material is used in the first flexible section 61, and the arrangement density of the openings 64 in different regions is different, resulting in different stiffness in different regions.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 7 The flexible support device includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other. A plurality of first grooves 65 are provided on the first surface of the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63, and a plurality of second grooves 66 are provided on the second surface of the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63. The first grooves 65 and the second grooves 66 are connected at a preset position to form a via hole. The arrangement of the first grooves 65 and the second grooves 66 can reduce the structural strength of the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63, and improve the deformation capacity of the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63. At the same time, by connecting the first grooves 65 and the second grooves 66 at the preset position to form a via hole, stress release is facilitated. The preset position can be a via hole formed at the junction of the first groove 65 and the second groove 66.

[0064] Optionally, the shapes of the first groove 65 and the second groove 66 may be the same or different, and no specific limitation is made herein.

[0065] When the shapes of the first groove 65 and the second groove 66 are different, the generation of mold marks can be reduced, and stress concentration at the connection point can be avoided, further improving the bending performance. For example, the first groove 65 is a long strip groove, and the second groove 66 is a mallet-shaped groove with wide ends and a narrow middle. A circular half-etched groove 68 is also provided in the middle of the mallet-shaped groove. Figure 7 shown.

[0066] On the other hand, the local connection point formed by the left and right mallet-shaped heads and the middle part of the upper and lower mallets is designed with a quasi-circular semi-etching design from the "mouth" to the "T", which can avoid stress concentration at the connection point and further improve the bending performance.

[0067] from Figures 7 to 10 As can be seen from the figure, the design of the first groove 65 and the second groove 66 forms a combination of through holes and blind holes on the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63 to avoid stress concentration at the connection point and further improve the bending performance. Figures 8 to 10 It can be seen that the shapes of the through holes formed at the connecting positions of the first groove 65 and the second groove 66 are not exactly the same. There are "mouth"-shaped through holes and "T"-shaped through holes, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of stress concentration at the connection point.

[0068] In some optional embodiments, the stiffness of the second flexible section 62 decreases gradually from the second flexible portion 50 to the first flexible portion 40 . This configuration is conducive to smooth transition of stress between the first flexible portion 40 , the connecting flexible portion 60 and the second flexible portion 50 .

[0069] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 4 and Fig.11As shown, the plurality of etched grooves 67 are arranged along the arrangement direction of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 .

[0070] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flexible support device includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other, and the first surface or the second surface of the second flexible segment 62 has a plurality of etched grooves 67, and the etching depths of the plurality of etched grooves 67 increase gradually in the direction from the second flexible portion 50 to the first flexible portion 40, so that the stiffness of the second flexible segment 62 decreases gradually in the direction from the second flexible portion 50 to the first flexible portion 40, which is conducive to a smooth transition of stress between the first flexible portion 40, the second flexible segment 62 and the second flexible portion 50.

[0071] In some optional embodiments, the etching depth difference between two adjacent etching grooves 67 is a first preset value. This setting is not only conducive to the production of the etching grooves 67, but also conducive to smooth transition of stress. Fig.11 In the specific embodiment shown, there are three etched grooves 67 on the first surface of the second flexible section 62, which are respectively the first etched groove, the second etched groove and the third etched groove in the direction away from the first flexible portion 40. The difference between the etching depth of the first etched groove and the etching depth of the second etched groove is 0.02 mm, and the difference between the etching depth of the second etched groove and the etching depth of the third etched groove is 0.02 mm. At this time, the first preset value is 0.02 mm. Of course, the first preset value can also be 0.01 mm, 0.03 mm, or 0.04 mm.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, see Fig.11 The flexible support device includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other. The first surface or the second surface of the second flexible section 62 has a plurality of etched grooves 67. The notch areas of the plurality of etched grooves 67 increase gradually from the second flexible portion 50 to the first flexible portion 40, so that the stiffness of the second flexible section 62 decreases gradually from the second flexible portion 50 to the first flexible portion 40, which is conducive to a smooth transition of stress between the first flexible portion 40, the second flexible section 62 and the second flexible portion 50.

[0073] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, the lengths of the multiple etched grooves 67 in the direction X are the same, but the widths in the direction Y are different, which results in different notch areas of the multiple etched grooves 67. The difference in notch area between two adjacent etched grooves 67 is the second preset value, which can be understood as the difference in etching width between two adjacent etched grooves 67 is the third preset value. There is a certain proportional relationship between the second preset value and the third preset value.

[0074] It should be noted that when the lengths of the etched grooves 67 in the direction X are different, the second preset value and the third preset value no longer have a fixed proportional relationship.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, the etching width difference between two adjacent etching grooves 67 is a third preset value. This setting is not only conducive to the production of the etching grooves 67, but also conducive to smooth transition of stress. Fig.11 In the specific embodiment shown, the first surface of the second flexible section 62 has three etched grooves 67, namely the first etched groove, the second etched groove and the third etched groove, the etched width A of the first etched groove is greater than the etched width B of the second etched groove, the etched width B of the second etched groove is greater than the etched width C of the third etched groove, and AB=BC. For example, the difference between the etched width A of the first etched groove and the etched width B of the second etched groove is 0.1 mm, the difference between the etched width B of the second etched groove and the etched width C of the third etched groove is 0.1 mm, and the third preset value is 0.1 mm. For example, the difference between the etched width A of the first etched groove and the etched width B of the second etched groove is 0.2 mm, the difference between the etched width B of the second etched groove and the etched width C of the third etched groove is 0.2 mm, and the third preset value is 0.2 mm. Of course, the third preset value may also be other values, for example, the third preset value is 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, etc.

[0076] It should be noted that the etching width of the etching groove 67 is the length in the arrangement direction of the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 .

[0077] In some alternative embodiments, see Fig.12 The first surface and the second surface of the second flexible segment 62 are both flat surfaces. That is, in this embodiment, there are no etched grooves 67 on the first surface and the second surface of the second flexible segment 62 .

[0078] In some alternative embodiments, see Fig.13 In the first direction, the rigidity of the second flexible section 62 decreases from both ends to the center. This arrangement is conducive to smooth transition of stress in the first direction, avoiding stress concentration, and improving the bending performance of the flexible support device.

[0079] In some alternative embodiments, see Fig.13The flexible support device includes a first surface and a second surface that are relatively arranged. The first surface or the second surface of the second flexible segment 62 has a plurality of etched grooves 67. In the first direction, the etching lengths of the plurality of etched grooves 67 increase from both ends to the center, so that the stiffness of the second flexible segment 62 decreases from both ends to the center in the first direction, which is beneficial to smooth transition of stress while avoiding stress concentration distribution. It also facilitates bending of the flexible support device, thereby improving the bending performance of the flexible support device.

[0080] In some alternative embodiments, see Fig.13 and Fig.14 The first flexible portion 40 has a plurality of through holes 41, and the through holes 41 include a first hole segment 42, a second hole segment 43, and a third hole segment 44 connected in sequence along the first direction. In the direction in which the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 are arranged, the width of the first hole segment 42 and the width of the third hole segment 44 are greater than the width of the second hole segment 43. This arrangement ensures that the first flexible portion 40 has good bending performance and is conducive to stress release along the first direction to avoid stress concentration.

[0081] Of course, in other optional embodiments, the through hole 41 can be a long strip through hole, or a circular through hole, a triangular through hole, or a hexagonal through hole, etc., which is not specifically limited here. When the through hole 41 is a long strip through hole, the extension direction of the long strip through hole is parallel to the first direction.

[0082] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the second flexible portion 50 has a plurality of third grooves 51, and the plurality of third grooves 51 are arranged along the direction in which the first support portion 10 and the second support portion 20 are arranged. By providing the third grooves 51 on the second flexible portion 50, the structural strength of the second flexible portion 50 is ensured while reducing the rigidity of the second flexible portion 50, so that the second flexible portion 50 can play a supporting role, stably support the display panel, and ensure that the display panel works stably.

[0083] exist Figures 11 to 13 In the specific embodiment shown, the third groove 51 is an elongated groove extending along the first direction, and the third groove 51 extends to the end of the second flexible portion 50 .

[0084] In some other optional embodiments, the third groove 51 may not extend to both ends of the second flexible portion 50 . For example, a plurality of third grooves 51 are arranged in a matrix in the second flexible portion 50 .

[0085] exist Fig.14In the specific embodiment shown, the openings 64 in the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63 are mallet-shaped structures, and the length of the mallet-shaped structures in the direction X gradually decreases toward the second flexible segment 62, and the second flexible segment 62 is arranged with a plurality of etched grooves 67 in the direction X. The etched lengths of the plurality of etched grooves 67 in the direction X gradually increase from the two ends connected to the first flexible segment 61 and the third flexible segment 63 toward the center, which is beneficial to a smooth transition of stress, thereby avoiding stress concentration at the junction of the first flexible segment 61, the second flexible segment 62, and the third flexible segment 63.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 1 The first support portion 10 has a plurality of first etched grooves, which are spaced apart from the second flexible portion 50. The first etched grooves are distributed in the first etched area on the first support portion 10, and the edge of the first etched area is spaced apart from the edge of the first support portion 10 to ensure the structural strength of the first support portion 10.

[0087] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 1 The second support portion 20 has a plurality of second etched grooves 21 and a binding area 70. The second etched grooves 21 are located between the binding area 70 and the second flexible portion 50, and the second etched grooves 21 are spaced apart from the second flexible portion 50. The second etched grooves 21 on the second support portion 20 are distributed in the second etched area, and the edge of the second etched area is spaced apart from the edge of the second support portion 20 to ensure the structural strength of the second support portion 20.

[0088] It should be noted that the first etching groove 11 and the second etching groove 21 can not only be large-sized etching grooves such as long strip grooves and square grooves, but also small etching grooves, such as pits formed on the first support part 10 and the second support part 20, such as a frosted surface formed on the first surface or the second surface.

[0089] In some optional embodiments, the flexible support device may be a flexible support plate, and the flexible support plate has a certain thickness.

[0090] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a display device including the above-mentioned flexible support device and a display panel, wherein the display panel is located on one side of the flexible support device. The display panel is in contact with the first support portion 10, the second support portion 20 and the connecting portion 30, so that the display panel is driven to bend while the flexible support device is bent. The display panel is a flexible display panel, which is conducive to the display panel being bent.

[0091] The flexible display panel includes a flexible substrate, and the flexible substrate includes a display area, a bending area, a peripheral area and a pad area. For example, a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines are arranged on the flexible substrate, and the plurality of gate lines are electrically connected to a driving circuit in the peripheral area. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines cross to define a plurality of pixel areas, and each pixel area is provided with a pixel, and each pixel has a light-emitting element, such as an organic light-emitting diode OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). Since the light emitted by the organic light-emitting diode can be used to display an image, the area where the plurality of pixel areas are located is defined as a display area. The peripheral area is arranged outside the display area, for example, the peripheral area can surround the display area, and the peripheral area cannot display an image and is a non-display area. The pad area is located on the side of the peripheral area away from the display area; the bending area is located between the peripheral area and the pad area. The positive projection of the pad area on the flexible support device overlaps with the binding area.

[0092] The display device may include any device or product with a display function. For example, the display device may be a smart phone, a mobile phone, an e-book reader, a desktop computer (PC), a laptop PC, a netbook PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital audio player, a mobile medical device, a camera, a wearable device (such as a head-mounted device, an electronic clothing, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic accessory, an electronic tattoo, or a smart watch), a television, etc. The above-mentioned device or product with a display function also has a folding function.

[0093] It is to be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of the present disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A flexible support device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a first supporting part, a second supporting part, and a connecting part connected between the first supporting part and the second supporting part, wherein the connecting part comprises: a first flexible portion; at least two second flexible portions, wherein the two second flexible portions are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first flexible portion, the second flexible portion is connected to the first supporting portion or the second supporting portion, and the rigidity of the second flexible portion is greater than that of the first flexible portion; A connecting flexible portion connected between the first flexible portion and the second flexible portion, wherein the rigidity of the connecting flexible portion increases from both ends to the center in a first direction; The first direction intersects with an arrangement direction of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion.

2. The flexible support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overall stiffness of the connecting flexible portion is smaller than the overall stiffness of the first flexible portion, and the overall stiffness of the connecting flexible portion is greater than the overall stiffness of the second flexible portion.

3. The flexible support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting flexible portion includes a first flexible segment, a second flexible segment and a third flexible segment connected in sequence along a first direction, and the overall stiffness of the first flexible segment and the overall stiffness of the third flexible segment are both smaller than the overall stiffness of the second flexible segment.

4. The flexible support device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The length of the first flexible section in the first direction is less than the length of the second flexible section in the first direction; and / or A length of the third flexible segment in the first direction is smaller than a length of the second flexible segment in the first direction.

5. The flexible support device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the length of the first flexible segment in the first direction is less than the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction, the ratio of the length of the first flexible segment in the first direction to the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.5; When the length of the third flexible segment in the first direction is less than the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction, the ratio of the length of the third flexible segment in the first direction to the length of the second flexible segment in the first direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.

5.

6. The flexible support device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first flexible section and the third flexible section have a plurality of openings therein. The arrangement density of the openings gradually decreases in a direction approaching the second flexible section; and / or The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening gradually decreases in a direction approaching the second flexible section.

7. The flexible support device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible support device includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other, the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment have a plurality of first grooves, the first grooves are located on the first surface, the first flexible segment and the third flexible segment have a plurality of second grooves, the second grooves are located on the second surface, and the first grooves and the second grooves are connected at a preset position to form a via.

8. The flexible support device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stiffness of the second flexible section decreases gradually in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion.

9. The flexible support device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second flexible section has a plurality of etched grooves, The etching depths and / or notch areas of the plurality of etching grooves increase gradually in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion.

10. The flexible support device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The plurality of etched grooves are arranged along an arrangement direction of the first support portion and the second support portion.

11. The flexible support device according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the etching depths of the plurality of etching grooves increase in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion, the etching depth difference between two adjacent etching grooves is a first preset value; When the notch areas of the plurality of etched grooves increase in a direction from the second flexible portion to the first flexible portion, the notch area difference between two adjacent etched grooves is a second preset value.

12. The flexible support device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second flexible section has a plurality of etched grooves, In the first direction, the etching lengths of the plurality of etching grooves increase gradually from both ends of the second flexible segment to the center.

13. The flexible support device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first flexible portion has a plurality of through holes, the through holes comprising a first hole segment, a second hole segment and a third hole segment connected in sequence along the first direction, and in the direction in which the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are arranged, the width of the first hole segment and the width of the third hole segment are greater than the width of the second hole segment; and / or The second flexible portion has a plurality of third grooves, and the plurality of third grooves are arranged along a direction in which the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are arranged.

14. The flexible support device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The first supporting portion has a plurality of first etched grooves, and the first etched grooves are spaced apart from the second flexible portion; and / or The second supporting portion has a plurality of second etched grooves and a binding area, the second etched grooves are located between the binding area and the second flexible portion, and the second etched grooves are spaced apart from the second flexible portion.

15. A display device, characterized in that: include: The flexible support device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; A display panel is located at one side of the flexible supporting device.

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