Tile display

Abstract

Tile display (300), which includes the following: two support plates (310), each of the two support plates (310) having an outer end and an inner end; two display panels (320) each arranged on and connected to the two support plates (310), each of the two display panels (320) having an outer black matrix (BM) area (330A), an inner BM area (330B) and a display area between the outer BM area (330A) and the inner BM area (330B); a folding structure provided in a folding area between the two display panels (320), the folding structure comprising the following: a rotating structure (360) rotatably attached to the inner ends of the two support plates (310), wherein the two display panels (320) and the two support plates (310) are configured to rotate around the folding structure so that the tile display (300) alternates between a first state and a second state; and a flexible connecting film (350) with two ends, each connected to the inner BM areas (330B) of the two display panels (320), wherein the rotating structure (360) and the two support plates (310) are arranged on two different sides of the flexible connecting film (350); wherein, when the tile display (300) is in the first state, the two display panels (320) are rotated around the folding structure to be on a display plane, the rotating structure (360) is below the display plane, and the flexible connecting film (350) wraps around and stretches around the rotating structure (360) to generate a tensile force that pulls the inner BM areas (330B) of the two display panels (320) downwards from the display plane, so that the display areas of the two display panels (320) are adjacent to each other; wherein, when the tile display (300) is in the second state, the two display panels (320) are rotated around the folding structure to be arranged parallel to each other, and the flexible connecting film (350) is released and does not generate a tensile force, so that each of the two display panels (320) returns to its original state.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to display technology and in particular to a tile display. BACKGROUND

[0002] The background information provided herein serves the purpose of presenting the general context of the disclosure. Works of the inventors currently named, insofar as they are described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art for the present disclosure.

[0003] Currently, flexible display devices are used in mobile devices such as mobile phones or tablets. In some cases, a flexible display device may be a foldable display that can switch between a flat and a folded state. However, the foldable display can easily tear or break due to stress or material fatigue.

[0004] US 2006 / 0138913 A1, WO 2018 / 030801 A1 and US 2012 / 0236484 A1 each disclose different foldable displays that feature a flexible connecting film and a rotating structure.

[0005] Therefore, there is a hitherto unanswered need in the field to remedy the aforementioned deficiencies and shortcomings. SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the disclosure relates to a tile display comprising: two support plates, each of the two support plates having an outer end and an inner end; two display panels, each arranged on and connected to the two support plates, each of the two display panels having an outer black matrix (BM) area, an inner BM area and a display area between the outer BM area and the inner BM area, and a folding structure in a folding area between the two display panels.In certain embodiments, the folding structure comprises the following: a rotating structure rotatably attached to the inner ends of the two support plates, wherein the two display panels and the two support plates are configured to rotate around the folding structure so that the tile display alternates between a first state and a second state; and a flexible connecting film with two ends, each connected to the inner BM areas of the two display panels, wherein the rotating structure and the two support plates are arranged on two different sides of the flexible connecting film.When the tile display is in the first state, the two display panels are rotated around the folding structure to align on the same display plane. The rotating structure is positioned below the display plane, and the flexible connecting film wraps around it, creating a tensile force that pulls the inner BM areas of the two display panels downwards from the display plane, so that the display areas of the two panels lie side by side. When the tile display is in the second state, the two display panels are rotated around the folding structure to align parallel to each other, and the flexible connecting film is released, no longer creating a tensile force, allowing each of the two display panels to return to its original state.

[0007] In certain embodiments, each of the two display panels is a display panel made of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

[0008] In certain embodiments, the flexible connecting film consists of a flexible polymer or metal material.

[0009] In certain versions, the flexible bonding film has a thickness of less than 200 µm.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the flexible connecting film has a modulus of elasticity of E = 10 ∼ 70 MPa.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the rotary structure is a cylindrical structure.

[0012] In certain embodiments, a coating is provided on the rotating structure to reduce the friction between the rotating structure and the flexible connecting film.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the outer BM area of ​​each of the two display panels is connected to the outer end of a corresponding one of the two support plates.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the tile display further comprises the following: two elastic springs arranged accordingly on the two support plates, each of the elastic springs connecting one of the two display panels and a corresponding one of the two support plates; wherein, when the tile display is in the first state, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film pulls the two display panels so that they move towards each other, thereby pulling the two elastic springs to stretch and generate elastic forces; and wherein, when the tile display is in the second state, the elastic forces of the two elastic springs pull the two display panels to return to their original state.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the tile display further comprises the following: two frames which are attached to the two display panels accordingly; wherein each of the elastic springs has a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the elastic springs being connected to a corresponding one of the two frames which are attached to one of the two display panels, and the second end of each of the elastic springs being connected to the corresponding one of the two support plates; wherein, when the tile display is in the first state, the tensile force which is generated by the flexible connecting film pulls the two display panels and the two frames so that they move towards each other, thereby pulling the two elastic springs so that they stretch and generate elastic forces;and wherein, when the tile display is in the second state, the elastic forces pull the two elastic springs, the two display panels, and the two frames to return to the original state.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the tile display further comprises the following: two sliding mechanisms arranged appropriately between the two frames and the two support plates; wherein, when the tile display is in the first state, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film pulls the two display panels and the two frames, so that the two sliding mechanisms enable the two display panels and the two frames to slide towards each other, thereby pulling the two elastic springs to stretch and generate elastic forces; and wherein, when the tile display is in the second state, the elastic forces of the two elastic springs pull the two display panels and the two frames, so that the two sliding mechanisms enable the two display panels and the two frames to return to their original state.

[0017] In certain embodiments, each of the two sliding mechanisms comprises the following: a sliding rail arranged on and attached to a corresponding one of the two frames; and at least one sliding block attached to a corresponding one of the two support plates and configured to slide in the sliding rail.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the tile display further comprises: two cover films, each arranged on the two display panels, wherein the flexible connecting film is connected to the inner BM areas of the two display panels through the two cover films.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the distance between the two display panels is between 100 µm and 550 µm.

[0020] In certain aspects of the revelation, a portable device may feature the tile display described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a foldable display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2A shows cracks that are formed in the foldable display due to tensile stress according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2B shows a deflection that is formed in the foldable display due to material fatigue according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3A schematically shows a tile display in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3B schematically shows a tile display in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4A schematically shows a tile display in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4B schematically shows a tile display in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4C schematically shows a tile display in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5A schematically shows a tile display in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5B schematically shows a tile display in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5C schematically shows a partial top view of a set of the sliding mechanism and elastic spring of a tile display in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5D schematically shows a partial top view of a set of the sliding mechanism and elastic spring of a tile display in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 6A-6C schematically show an assembly process of the tile display, as shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figures 7A-7E schematically illustrate the assembly process of a mobile device with a tile display, as shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B shown, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 8A schematically shows the mobile device in Fig. 7E in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 8B schematically shows the mobile device in Fig. 7E in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9A shows an enlarged view of the folding structure of the tile display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 9B shows an enlarged view of section A of Fig. 9A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REVELATION

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a foldable display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the foldable display 100 comprises a foldable area 120 and two flat areas 110 on two sides of the foldable area 120, so that the foldable display can switch between a flat state (shown with dashed lines) and a folded state (shown with solid lines). In this case, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the foldable display 100 in the folded state is limited to a minimum thickness that is twice the radius R of the foldable area in the folded state.

[0022] As described above, the foldable display can easily tear or break due to tensile stress or material fatigue. Generally, tearing or breaking occurs in the foldable area of ​​120. For example, it shows Fig. 2A Cracks formed in the foldable display due to tensile stress according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, cracks 210 can occur in the foldable area due to the stress ε. This stress-induced cracking problem becomes more severe when the radius of the foldable area is reduced in the folded state. For example, if the radius R is less than 4 mm, the risk of cracking increases significantly. This limits the thickness of the foldable display in the foldable area to a minimum of 8 mm (= 2 * 4 mm). Furthermore, Figure 2A shows that... Fig. 2B a deflection that forms in the foldable display due to material fatigue according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, deflection due to material fatigue can occur in the foldable area 220, which can bend after thousands of folds.

[0023] In light of the above shortcomings, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tile display that adopts a folding structure between two tile display panels in order to avoid the problems in the foldable display. For example, show Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B schematically a tile display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein Fig. 3A shows the tile display in a flat state (i.e., a first state) and Fig. 3B shows the tile display in a folded state (i.e., a second state). As in Fig. 3A and Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the tile display comprises two support plates 310, two display panels 320, a flexible connecting film 350, and a rotating structure 360. In certain embodiments, each of the two display panels 320 can be an OLED display panel. In particular, the flexible connecting film 350 and the rotating structure 360 ​​together form a folded structure, and the two support plates 310 and the two display panels 320 are provided accordingly on the two sides of the folded structure.

[0024] The two support plates 310 are designed to support the display panels 320 and other mechanisms of the tile display 300. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the support plate 310 on the left further includes an accessory section 315, which may contain components such as a battery, computer expansion cards, or other components required for a portable device such as a mobile device or a tablet device. Each of the two support plates 310 has an outer end (the outermost left end and the outermost right end, as shown in Figure 3A). Fig. 3A) and an inner end (the inner end near the fold structure, as shown in Fig. (3A shown). The two display panels 320 are each arranged on the two support plates 310. Each display panel 320 has an outer black matrix (BM) area 330A and an inner BM area 330B, and the area of ​​the display panel 320 between the outer BM area 330A and the inner BM area 330B is a display area. The outer BM area 330A is connected to the outer end of the corresponding support plate 310. The inner BM area 330B is connected to the flexible connecting film 350. The rotating structure 360 ​​can be a cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section, rotatably attached to the inner ends of the two support plates 310. The flexible connecting film 350 has two ends, each of which is connected to the inner BM areas 330B of the two display panels 320.In this case, the rotating structure 360 ​​and the two support plates 310 are arranged on two different sides of the flexible connecting film 350, which allows the two display panels 320 and the two support plates 310 to rotate around the folding structure, so that the tile display 300 can switch between the flat state as in . Fig. 3A shown and the folded state as in Fig. 3B shows changes.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, when the tile display 300 is in the flat state, the two display panels 320 and the two support plates 310 are rotated around the folding structure to be arranged on a display plane, which is a flat plane. In this case, the rotating structure 360 ​​is located below the display plane. Meanwhile, the flexible connecting film 350 wraps around the rotating structure 360 ​​and expands to generate a tensile force for each of the display panels 320.Since the outer BM areas 330A of the two display panels 320 are attached to the outer ends of the support plates 310, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film 350 pulls the inner BM area 330B of each of the two display panels 320, causing them to stretch and move inwards and downwards from the display plane, so that the display areas of the two display panels 320 are arranged to lie side by side in order to reduce a gap between the two display panels 320.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, when the tile display 300 is in the folded state, the two display panels 320 and the two support plates 310 are rotated around the folding structure to be parallel to each other. In this case, the flexible connecting film 350 does not need to stretch around the rotating structure 360 ​​and is thus released, generating no tensile force, so that each of the two display panels 320 is freed from the tensile force to return to its original state.

[0027] As described above, the flexible connecting film 350 is released when the tile display 300 is in the folded state, and when the tile display 300 moves into the flat state, the flexible connecting film 350 wraps around and tightens around the rotating structure 360 ​​to generate the tensile force F for each of the display panels 320 and the cover films 340. In certain embodiments, the flexible connecting film 350 can be made of a flexible polymer or metal material having a modulus of elasticity of E = 10 ~ 70 MPa. In one embodiment, the flexible connecting film has a thickness of less than 200 µm.

[0028] As described above, the flexible connecting film 350 further wraps around and stretches around the rotating structure 360 ​​to generate the tensile force when the tile display 300 switches to the flat state. In certain embodiments, a coating may be provided on the outer surface of the rotating structure 360 ​​to reduce the friction between the rotating structure 360 ​​and the flexible connecting film 350.

[0029] Compared to the flexible display 100, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the tile display 300 used the folding structure, which comprises the flexible connecting film 350 and the rotating structure 360, to perform the folding. Thus, the actual folding process is carried out by the folding structure, which significantly reduces the flexible folding operations on the display panels 320, thereby preventing cracking or breakage problems on the display panels 320. Furthermore, the flexible connecting film 350 is designed solely to perform the stretching and folding operations without providing the display functions. In this case, the flexibility of the flexible connecting film 350 can be further improved to maintain tensile stress, thereby further reducing the radius of the rotating structure 360.

[0030] In certain embodiments, instead of using the inner BM area 330B for direct connection with the flexible connecting film 350, an additional film structure can be used to connect the inner BM area to the flexible connecting film. For example, show Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B schematically a tile display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein Fig. 4A shows the tile display in a flat state and Fig. 4B shows the tile display in a folded state. In particular, the one in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B embodiment of the one shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3B differs in that two cover films 440 are provided to cover the display panels 420. Additionally, no accessory is provided in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown. As in Fig. 4A and Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the tile display 400 comprises two support plates 410, two display panels 420, two cover films 440, a flexible connecting film 450, and a rotating structure 460. In particular, the flexible connecting film 450 and the rotating structure 460 together form a folding structure, and the two support plates 410, the two display panels 420, and the two cover films 440 are accordingly provided on the two sides of the folding structure.

[0031] The two support plates 410 are designed to support the display panels 420 and other mechanisms of the tile display 400. The two display panels 420 are each mounted on the two support plates 410. Each display panel 420 has an outer BM area 430A and an inner BM area 430B, and the area of ​​the display panel 420 between the outer BM area 430A and the inner BM area 430B is a display area. The outer BM area 430A is connected to the outer end of the corresponding support plate 410. The inner BM area 430B is indirectly connected to the flexible connecting film 450 by means of the corresponding cover film 440. Each cover film 440 is a transparent film that covers the display side (i.e., the top, as shown in the figure). Fig. (4A shown) the display panel 420 is covered, with one outer side of the cover film 440 being fixedly attached to the corresponding support plate 410, and the inner side of the cover film 440 being used to attach the corresponding inner BM area 430B to the flexible connecting film 450. The rotating structure 460 can be a cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section, rotatably attached to the inner ends of the two support plates 410. The flexible connecting film 450 has two ends, each connected to the inner BM areas 430B of the two display panels 420. In this case, the rotating structure 460 and the two support plates 410 are arranged on opposite sides of the flexible connecting film 450, allowing the two display panels 420 and the two support plates 410 to rotate around the folding structure, so that the tile display 400 can be moved between the flat state as shown in Figure 4A and the flexible connecting film 450. Fig. 4A shown and the folded state as in Fig. 4B shows changes.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, when the tile display 400 is in the flat state, the two display panels 420 and the two support plates 410 are rotated around the folding structure to be arranged on a flat display plane. In this case, the rotating structure 460 is located below the display plane. Meanwhile, the flexible connecting film 450 wraps around the rotating structure 460 and expands to generate a tensile force F on each of the display panels 420 and the cover films 440.Since the outer ends of the cover films 440 and the outer BM areas 430A of the two display panels 420 are attached to the outer ends of the support plates 410, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film 450 pulls the cover films 440 and the inner BM area 430B of each of the two display panels 420, causing them to stretch and move inwards and downwards from the display plane, so that the display areas of the two display panels 420 are arranged side by side, and the gap G between the display areas of the two display panels 420 is reduced. In certain embodiments, the size of the gap G can be between 100 µm and 550 µm. In other words, the distance between the two display panels can be equal to or greater than 100 µm and equal to or less than 550 µm.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, when the tile display 400 is in the folded state, the two display panels 420 and the two support plates 410 are rotated around the folding structure to be parallel to each other. In this case, the flexible connecting film 450 is released and does not generate the tensile force F, so that each of the two display panels 420 and the two cover films 440 is freed from the tensile force and returns to its original state.

[0034] As described above, the flexible connecting film 450 is released when the tile display 400 is in the folded state, and when the tile display 400 changes into the flat state, the flexible connecting film 450 wraps around the rotating structure 460 and tightens around it to generate the tensile force F for each of the display panels 420 and the cover films 440.

[0035] As described above, the rotary structure 460 can be a cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section. However, in certain embodiments, the shape of the rotary structure 460 can be varied and is not limited to a cylindrical structure. For example, shows Fig. 4C schematically shows a tile display in a flat state according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the one in Fig. 4C embodiment of the one shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B embodiment shown in that the rotary structure 460' in the tile display 400', as in Fig. 4D shows a triangular column shape. Thus, the flexible connecting foil 450', which is wrapped around the rotating structure 460', also shows a different shape. Other structures in the tile display 400', including the support plates 410, the display panels 420, and the cover foils 440, are similar to the corresponding structures as shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. They are shown in 4B and are therefore not described in more detail here.

[0036] In the embodiments as described in Fig. 4A and Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, the outer BM area 430A of each display panel 420 is directly connected to the outer end of the corresponding support plate 410, thus connecting the display panel 420 and the corresponding support plate 410. However, the connection between the display panel 420 and the corresponding support plate 410 can be implemented at other positions and / or by other structures or mechanisms. For example, in certain embodiments, additional mechanisms may be provided in the support plates 410 to further reduce the gap G between the two display panels 420. For example, Figure 4B shows... Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B schematically a tile display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein Fig. 5A shows the tile display in a flat state and Fig. 5B shows the tile display in a folded state. In particular, the one in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B embodiment of the one shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, in that two sliding mechanisms 570 and two elastic springs 580 are provided accordingly in the two support plates 510 so that the display panels 520 can slide on the support plates 510. As in Fig. 5A and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the tile display comprises two support plates 510, two display panels 520, a flexible connecting film 550 and a rotating structure 560.

[0037] The two support plates 510 are designed to support the display panels 520 and other mechanisms of the tile display 500. The two display panels 520 are each mounted on the two sliding mechanisms 570 within the two support plates 510. Each display panel 420 has an outer BM area 530A and an inner BM area 530B, and the area of ​​the display panel 520 between the outer BM area 530A and the inner BM area 530B is a display area. The outer BM area 530A is connected to the elastic spring 580. The inner BM area 530B is indirectly connected to the flexible connecting film 550. The rotating structure 560 can be a cylindrical structure with a circular cross-section, rotatably attached to the inner ends of the two support plates 510. The flexible connecting foil 550 has two ends, each of which is connected to the inner BM areas 530B of the two display boards 520.In this case, the rotating structure 560 and the two support plates 510 are arranged on two different sides of the flexible connecting film 550, which allows the two display panels 520 and the two support plates 510 to rotate around the folding structure, so that the tile display 500 can switch between the flat state as in . Fig. 5A shown and the folded state as in Fig. 5B shows changes.

[0038] The two sliding mechanisms 570 and the two elastic springs 580 are arranged accordingly on the two support plates 510. Each sliding mechanism 570 is positioned between a corresponding display panel 520 and the corresponding support plate 510, so that the display panel 520 can slide over the sliding mechanism 570 relative to the corresponding support plate 510. Each elastic spring 580 is designed to connect the corresponding display panel 520 and the corresponding support plate 510, so that when the display panel 520 slides on the sliding mechanism 570, the elastic spring 580 can provide an elastic force to pull the display panel 520 back into its original position. In particular, the length of the two elastic springs 580 is designed such that each elastic spring 580 is in its original state, without being stretched, when the tile display 500 is in the folded state.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, when the tile display 500 is in the flat state, the two display panels 520 and the two support plates 510 are rotated around the folding structure to be arranged on a display plane. In this case, the rotating structure 560 is located below the display plane. Meanwhile, the flexible connecting film 550 wraps around the rotating structure 560 and expands to generate a tensile force for each of the display panels 520. This tensile force pulls the two display panels 520 so that they slide inward and then downward on the sliding mechanism 570, aligning the display areas of the two display panels 520 side by side to minimize the gap between them.Meanwhile, the two elastic springs 580, each connected to the outer BM area 530A of the display panels 520, are stretched by the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film 550, thereby generating corresponding elastic forces outwards (as indicated by the arrows in . Fig. (5A shown). In certain embodiments, the size of the display panels 520 and the elastic springs 580 can be adjusted so that the gap between the two display panels 520 can be minimized. For example, in one embodiment, the inner BM areas 530B can be pulled downwards so that the display areas of the two display panels 520 lie next to each other.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, when the tile display 500 is in the folded state, the two display panels 520 and the two support plates 510 are rotated around the folding structure to be parallel to each other. In this case, the flexible connecting film 550 does not need to stretch around the rotating structure 560 and is thus released, generating no tensile force, so that each of the two display panels 520 is relieved of the tensile force. Furthermore, the two elastic springs 580 are also released and return to their original state without being stretched, pulling the two display panels 520 to slide back to their original positions on the sliding mechanisms 570.

[0041] It is particularly noted that Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B merely shows the sliding mechanisms 570 and the two elastic springs 580 schematically, without showing the actual positions or connections between the sliding mechanisms 570 and the two elastic springs 580 relative to the display panels 520 and the support plates 510. To further describe the movement of the sliding mechanisms 570 and the two elastic springs 580, Figure 5B shows the sliding mechanisms 570 and the two elastic springs 580 schematically, without showing the actual positions or connections between the sliding mechanisms 570 and the two elastic springs 580 relative to the display panels 520 and the support plates 510. Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D schematic partial top views of a set of the sliding mechanism and the elastic spring of a tile display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, it shows Fig. 5C the tile display in a folded state, and Fig. 5D shows the tile display in a flat state. Furthermore, the partial views of Fig. 5C and Fig. Figure 5D shows only one set of the sliding mechanism 570 and the elastic spring 580, as well as a corresponding support plate 510. As shown in Fig. 5C and Fig. As shown in Figure 5D, the support plate 510 acts as the lower shell of the tile display, and a frame 525 is provided as the upper shell of the tile display, so that the display panel 520 (not shown) can be attached to the frame 525. The sliding mechanism 570 comprises a slide rail 572, which is arranged on and attached to the frame 525 (i.e., the upper shell), and several sliding blocks 575, which are attached to the support plate 510. The sliding blocks 575 can slide in the slide rail 572, thereby allowing the frame 525 (as well as the display panel 520 attached to the frame 525) to move relative to the support plate 510. Furthermore, the elastic spring 580 comprises two ends 580A and 580B. One end 580A of the elastic spring 580 is connected to the support plate 510, and the other end 580B of the elastic spring 580 is connected to the frame 525.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the elastic spring 580 is in its original state when the tile display is in the folded state, and the frame 525 (as well as the display panel 520 attached to the frame 525) is also in its original state relative to the support plate 510. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5D, when the tile display is in the flat state, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film 550 (not shown) pulls the frame 525 (as well as the display panel 520 attached to the frame 525) so that it moves towards the center of the tile display (i.e. to the left, as shown in Figure 5D). Fig. (shown in Figure 5D). In this case, the end 580B of the elastic spring 580, connected to the frame 525, moves along with the frame 525 and pulls the elastic spring 580, causing it to stretch and generate an elastic force. Furthermore, the slide rail 572, which is arranged on and attached to the frame 525, also moves along with the frame 525, so that the sliding blocks 575, attached to the support plate 510, slide in the slide rail 572, allowing the frame 525 (and the display panel 520 attached to the frame 525) to slide to the left relative to the support plate 510. When the tile display returns to its folded state, the elastic force generated by the elastic spring 580 pulls the end 580B back to its original position, as shown in Figure 5D. Fig. 5C shows that the frame 525 (and the display panel 520 attached to the frame 525) slides back into its original state. In this case, the slide rail 572, which is arranged on and attached to the frame 525, also moves together with the frame 525, so that the slide blocks 575 attached to the support plate 510 slide back into their original position in the slide rail 572.

[0043] Fig. Figures 6A-6C schematically show an arrangement of the tile display, as shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6A, the display panels 420, the cover sheets 440, and the flexible connecting sheet 450 are connected to each other. In this case, the flexible connecting sheet 450 remains flat. The connected sheets are then attached to the support plates 410 as shown in Figure 6A. Fig. 6B shown. Finally, the rotating structure 460 is pressed downwards onto the flexible connecting film 450 and then fixed with the inner ends of the support plates 410 to obtain the structure of the tile display 400, as shown in Fig. 4A shown.

[0044] Fig. Figures 7A-7E schematically illustrate the assembly process of a mobile device with a tile display, as shown in Fig. Figures 5A-5D show, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, the two support plates 510 are provided. Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, each support plate 510 is provided with the sliding mechanisms 570 and the elastic springs 580, and the frame 525 and the display panel 520 are attached to the support plate 510 to form a composite structure. Once the two composite structures are obtained, a cover film 540 and the flexible connecting film 550 are attached to the two composite structures, as shown in Figure 7B. Fig. 7C shown. Then the composite structure can be connected to the folding structure including the twisted structure 560, as shown in Fig. Figure 7D shows that the rotating structure 560 can be attached to the support plates 510 at the two ends 562 of the rotating structure 560. Finally, other components of the mobile device can be assembled to complete the mobile device 700, as shown in Figure 7D. Fig. 7E shown. Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B shows the mobile device in its flat and folded state.

[0045] Fig. Figure 9A shows an enlarged view of the folding structure of the tile display according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure and Fig. Figure 9B shows an enlarged view of section A of Fig. 9A. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9A, the inner edges of the frames 525 can have rounded corners (see enlarged view in Figure 9A). Fig. 9B). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, the display panel 520 extends to cover at least half of the rounded corner of the frame 525, and the cover film 540 covers the display panel 520 and extends further downwards so that the cover film 540 wraps around the rounded corner of the frame 525 to be joined with the corresponding end of the flexible connecting film 550.

[0046] The described tile display can be used in a portable device, such as a mobile device, a tablet device, or any other portable electronic device that requires a display device which allows the portable device to be foldable.

Claims

[1] Tile display (300) which includes the following: two support plates (310), each of the two support plates (310) having an outer end and an inner end; two display panels (320) each arranged on and connected to the two support plates (310), each of the two display panels (320) having an outer black matrix (BM) area (330A), an inner BM area (330B) and a display area between the outer BM area (330A) and the inner BM area (330B); a folding structure provided in a folding area between the two display panels (320), the folding structure comprising the following: a rotating structure (360) rotatably attached to the inner ends of the two support plates (310), wherein the two display panels (320) and the two support plates (310) are configured to rotate around the folding structure so that the tile display (300) alternates between a first state and a second state; and a flexible connecting film (350) with two ends, each connected to the inner BM areas (330B) of the two display panels (320), wherein the rotating structure (360) and the two support plates (310) are arranged on two different sides of the flexible connecting film (350); wherein, when the tile display (300) is in the first state, the two display panels (320) are rotated around the folding structure to be on a display plane, the rotating structure (360) is below the display plane, and the flexible connecting film (350) wraps around and stretches around the rotating structure (360) to generate a tensile force that pulls the inner BM areas (330B) of the two display panels (320) downwards from the display plane, so that the display areas of the two display panels (320) are adjacent to each other; wherein, when the tile display (300) is in the second state, the two display panels (320) are rotated around the folding structure to be arranged parallel to each other, and the flexible connecting film (350) is released and does not generate a tensile force, so that each of the two display panels (320) returns to its original state. [2] Tile display (300) according to claim 1, wherein each of the two display panels (320) is a display panel made of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). [3] Tile display (300) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible connecting film (350) consists of a flexible polymer or metal material. [4] Tile display (300) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible connecting film (350) has a thickness of less than 200 µm. [5] Tile display (300) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible connecting film (350) has a modulus of elasticity of E = 10 ~ 70 MPa. [6] Tile display (300) according to claim 1, wherein the rotary structure (360) is a cylindrical structure. [7] Tile display (300) according to claim 6, wherein a coating is provided on the rotating structure (360) to reduce the friction between the rotating structure (360) and the flexible connecting film (350). [8] Tile display (300) according to claim 1, wherein the outer BM area (330A) of each of the two display panels (320) is connected to the outer end of a corresponding of the two support plates (310). [9] Tile display (500) according to claim 1, further comprising: two elastic springs (580) which are arranged accordingly on the two support plates (510), each of the elastic springs (580) connecting one of the two display panels (520) and one of the two support plates (510); wherein, when the tile display (500) is in the first state, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film (550) pulls the two display panels (520) so that they move towards each other, thereby pulling the two elastic springs (580) to stretch and generate elastic forces; and wherein, when the tile display (500) is in the second state, the elastic forces of the two elastic springs (580) pull the two display panels (520) to return to their original state. [10] Tile display (500) according to claim 9, further comprising: two frames (525) which are attached accordingly to the two display boards (520); wherein each of the elastic springs (580) has a first end (580A) and a second end (580B), the first end (580A) of each of the elastic springs (580) being connected to a corresponding one of the two frames (525) attached to one of the two display panels (520), and the second end (580B) of each of the elastic springs (580) being connected to the corresponding one of the two support plates (510); wherein, when the tile display (500) is in the first state, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film (550) pulls the two display panels (520) and the two frames (525) so that they move towards each other, thereby pulling the two elastic springs (580) to stretch and generate elastic forces; and wherein, when the tile display (500) is in the second state, the elastic forces of the two elastic springs (580) pull the two display panels (520) and the two frames (525) to return to the original state. [11] Tile display (500) according to claim 10, further comprising: two sliding mechanisms (570) which are arranged accordingly between the two frames (525) and the two support plates (510); wherein, when the tile display (500) is in the first state, the tensile force generated by the flexible connecting film (550) pulls the two display panels (520) and the two frames (525), so that the two sliding mechanisms (570) enable the two display panels (520) and the two frames (525) to slide towards each other, thereby pulling the two elastic springs (580) to stretch and generate elastic forces; and wherein, when the tile display (500) is in the second state, the elastic forces of the two elastic springs (580) pull the two display panels (520) and the two frames (525) so that the two sliding mechanisms (570) allow the two display panels (520) and the two frames (525) to return to the original state. [12] Tile display (500) according to claim 11, wherein each of the two sliding mechanisms (570) comprises: a sliding rail (572) which is arranged on and attached to one of the two frames (525); and at least one sliding block (575) which is attached to one of the two support plates (510) and is configured to slide in the sliding rail (572). [13] Tile display (500) according to claim 1, which further comprises two cover films (540) each arranged on the two display panels (520), wherein the flexible connecting film (550) is connected to the inner BM areas (530B) of the two display panels (520) by the two cover films (540). [14] Tile display (500) according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the two display panels (520) is between 100 µm and 550 µm. [15] Portable device comprising the tile display (300) according to claim 1.

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