Folding support structure and display device

Abstract

The folding support structure has a flat state and a folded state, and includes at least two platform support members (1), support members (2), and connecting members (3), two adjacent platform support members (1) are movably connected via the support members (2) and connecting members (3), the connecting members (3) are respectively connected to the support members (2) and one platform support member (1), and the connecting members (3) are movably connected to at least one of the platform support members (1) and the support members (2), and in the process from the flat state to the folded state, the two adjacent platform support members (1) move relative to each other, and the connecting members (3) move together with the platform support members (1) to drive the support members (2) to press them into contact with the bending points (W) of the flexible display panel (4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202211117508.0, entitled "Folding Support Structure and Display Device," filed on September 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic products, and in particular to folding support structures and display devices. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, with the development of display technology, mobile terminals such as mobile phones and tablets have become widespread. However, as terminal products have become larger, these terminal devices have become difficult to carry. With the rapid development of flexible screen technology, the forms of display devices have become increasingly diverse. Among them, foldable display devices are easy to carry and have display versatility, and are therefore an important development direction in the current display field. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, due to limitations of the structural materials of conventional flexible display panels and folding support structures, after the flexible display panel is folded multiple times, significant unevenness will occur in the folding area, which will affect the user experience.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for new folding support structures and displays.

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a folding support structure and a display device, and by pressing a support member against the bending point of the flexible display panel, the bending radius of the bending point of the flexible display panel is increased, the creases caused by bending the flexible display panel are reduced, and the display effect of the flexible display panel and the user's visual experience are improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a folding support structure for supporting a flexible display panel, the folding support structure having a flat state and a folded state, the folding support structure including at least two platform support members, support members, and connecting members, two adjacent platform support members being movably connected via the support members and the connecting members, the connecting members being respectively connected to the support members and one of the platform support members, and the connecting members being movably connected to at least one of the platform support members and the support members, and in the process from the flat state to the folded state, the two adjacent platform support members move relative to each other, and the connecting members move together with the platform support members to drive the support members to press against the bending points of the flexible display panel.

[0008] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display device including a flexible display panel and a folding support structure provided on a backlight side of the flexible display panel, the folding support structure being the folding support structure described in the above embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the folding support structure in the embodiment of the present application includes at least two platform support members, a support member, and a connecting member. The platform support members and the support members can support a flexible display panel in either a flat state or a folded state. During the process from the flat state to the folded state, two adjacent platform support members move relative to each other to drive the flexible display panel to bend accordingly. In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting member moves together with the platform support members and drives the support members to press against the bending points of the flexible display panel, i.e., the support members apply a pressing force to the bending points of the flexible display panel, thereby bending and deforming the bending points of the flexible display panel in a direction away from the support members and further increasing the bending radius of the bending points of the flexible display panel. A large bending radius delays the time when cracks and bending marks occur at the bending points of the flexible display panel after long-term bending, reduces the creases caused by bending the flexible display panel, increases the service life of the flexible display panel, improves the use stability of the flexible display panel, and improves the display effect of the flexible display panel and the user's visual experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding support structure according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a film layer structure at a portion AA in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding support structure in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present application; [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are structural schematic diagrams of a folding support structure according to one embodiment of the present application during the folding process; [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are structural schematic diagrams of a folding support structure according to one embodiment of the present application in the process of changing from a flat state to a folded state. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a platform mounting member according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a support member and a connecting member according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection between a support member and a connection member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a view showing a film layer structure at a portion AA in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding support structure according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a film layer structure at a portion BB in FIG. 11 according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding support structure according to another embodiment of the present application in a folded state. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a view showing a film layer structure at a portion BB in FIG. 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding support structure according to another embodiment of the present application in a folded state. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are structural schematic diagrams of a folding support structure according to another embodiment of the present application during the folding process. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the features and exemplary embodiments of each aspect of the present application will be described in detail. In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are merely configured to illustrate the present application and are not configured to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can be implemented without the need for some of these specific details. The following description of the examples is provided merely to illustrate examples of the present application and to provide a better understanding of the present application.

[0012] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present application without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application intends to cover the modifications and variations of the present application that fall within the scope of the corresponding claims (protected technical solutions) and their equivalents. In addition, the embodiments provided by the examples of the present application can be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent.

[0013] In the related art, when a flexible display panel is in a folded state, the smaller the bending radius, the greater the deformation of the film layer at the bending point of the flexible display panel. The bending point of the flexible display panel has a limit on the number of times it can be bent, and after the limit is exceeded, cracks or bending marks will occur at the bending point of the flexible display panel due to bending fatigue. During each folding process, the small bending radius at the bending point of the flexible display panel increases the deformation of the film layer, further accelerating the process of cracks or bending marks occurring in the film layer, reducing the number of times the bending point of the flexible display panel can be bent, and thereby shortening the service life of the flexible display panel.

[0014] To address the above-mentioned issues, the folding support structure of the embodiment of the present application presses the support member against the bending point of the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the bending radius of the bending point of the flexible display panel, reducing the creases caused by bending the flexible display panel, and improving the display effect of the flexible display panel and the user's visual experience.

[0015] Each embodiment of the folding support structure and display device will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1-24.

[0016] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a folding support structure according to one embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a membrane layer structural diagram of the AA portion in Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present application, and Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the folding support structure according to one embodiment of the present application in a folded state.

[0017] The folding support structure according to an embodiment of the present application is a folding support structure for supporting a flexible display panel, and has a flat state and a folded state. The folding support structure includes at least two platform support members 1, support members 2, and connecting members 3. Two adjacent platform support members 1 are movably connected via the support members 2 and the connecting members 3. The connecting members 3 are respectively connected to the support members 2 and one platform support member 1, and the connecting members 3 are movably connected to at least one of the platform support members 1 and the support members 2. During the process from the flat state to the folded state, the two adjacent platform support members 1 move relative to each other, and the connecting members 3 move together with the platform support members 1 to drive the support members 2 to press against the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4.

[0018] The folding support structure in the embodiment of the present application includes at least two platform support members 1, a support member 2, and a connecting member 3. The platform support member 1 and the support member 2 can support a flexible display panel 4 in either a flat state or a folded state. During the process from the flat state to the folded state, two adjacent platform support members 1 move relative to each other to drive the flexible display panel 4 to bend accordingly. In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting member 3 moves together with the platform support member 1 and drives the support member 2 to press against the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, i.e., the support member 2 applies a pressing force to the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, thereby bending and deforming the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4 in a direction away from the support member 2 and further increasing the bending radius of the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4. The large bending radius delays the time it takes for cracks and bending marks to appear at the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 after it has been bent for a long period of time, reduces the creases caused by bending the flexible display panel 4, increases the service life of the flexible display panel 4, improves the stability of use of the flexible display panel 4, and improves the display effect of the flexible display panel 4 and the user's visual experience.

[0019] Furthermore, since the folding support structure in this embodiment includes only three types of components, namely, the platform mounting member 1, the support member 2, and the connecting member 3, compared to the complex structures formed using multiple gears, hinges, and other components in the prior art, the folding support structure in this embodiment has a simple structure, is convenient to produce and assemble, and is highly reliable.

[0020] In this embodiment, when the folding support structure is flat, the surfaces of the platform support member 1 and the support member 2 facing the flexible display panel 4 are in the same plane, thereby realizing flat support for the flexible display panel 4. Optionally, to further improve the connection stability between the platform support member 1 and the flexible display panel 4, the platform support member 1 and the flexible display panel 4 may be connected by an adhesive layer.

[0021] Alternatively, only one connecting member 3 may be provided in front of two adjacent platform support members 1, i.e., the connecting member 3 is connected to one of the two platform support members 1, and the other platform support member 1 does not have a corresponding connecting member 3. In the process from the flat state to the folded state, the platform support member 1 to which the connecting member 3 is connected can be rotated, and the connecting member 3 can move the support member 2. Of course, to improve the stability of the support member 2 when it is moved, two connecting members 3 may be provided, i.e., the connecting members 3 and the platform support members 1 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, and the two connecting members 3 located between two adjacent platform support members 1 are connected to the same support member 2.

[0022] 4 and 5 , when the folding support structure changes from a flat state to a folded state, two adjacent platform support members 1 need to be moved relative to each other to fold or bend the flexible display panel 4. In the folded state, the support member 2 can press against the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, and pressing specifically means contacting the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4 and applying a certain pressing force to the bending portion W. Under the action of the pressing force of the support member 2, the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4 is deformed, and the bending radius of the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4 is correspondingly increased, thereby reducing the bending stress experienced by the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4 and further reducing creases in the flexible display panel 4 due to bending.

[0023] In the above embodiment, in order to press the support member 2 against the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, a connecting member 3 needs to be provided to connect the support member 2 and one platform support member 1. Because at least two platform support members 1 are provided, a plurality of connecting members 3 can be provided to connect to the platform support members 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. Of course, only one connecting member 3 may be provided, and when the platform support member 1 connected to the connecting member 3 moves, the connecting member 3 can be driven to move together with the platform support member 1, and the support member 2 can be driven via the connecting member 3 to press against the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4.

[0024] The connecting member 3 is movably connected to at least one of the platform mounting member 1 and the support member 2 so as to move together with the platform mounting member 1 to press the support member 2 against the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4. Optionally, the connecting member 3 is slidingly connected to the platform mounting member 1 so as to be movable relative to the platform mounting member 1.

[0025] As can be understood, the connecting member 3 is slidably connected to the platform support member 1, i.e., the connecting member 3 can extend or contract relative to the platform support member 1. The connecting member 3 contracts and extends in the flat state and the folded state, thereby moving the support member 2 and adjusting the position of the support member 2 to control the pressing effect of the support member 2 on the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4. Specifically, the change in the bending radius of the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 is caused by the action of the support member 2. Therefore, by adjusting the relative positions of the support member 2 and the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 in the folded state, the degree to which the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 is deformed by the support member 2, i.e., the magnitude of the change in the bending radius, can be adjusted. Selectably, during the process of the support member 2 pressing against the flexible display panel 4, the moving distance of the support member 2 in the direction toward the flexible display panel 4 is 0 mm-3 mm, for example, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm.

[0026] Furthermore, from the flat state to the folded state, the connecting member 3 can extend a certain distance relative to the platform support member 1. Because the other end of the connecting member 3 is connected to the support member 2, even when the connecting member 3 is extended, the support member 2 is driven to move away from the flexible display panel 4, i.e., to descend a certain distance relative to the flexible display panel 4. The greater the distance the support member 2 moves toward the flexible display panel 4, the greater the force the support member 2 exerts on the flexible display panel 4. Conversely, the smaller the distance the support member 2 moves toward the flexible display panel 4, the smaller the force the support member 2 exerts on the flexible display panel 4. By adjusting the distance the support member 2 moves away from the flexible display panel 4, it is possible to ensure that the increase in the bending radius of the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 meets the requirement and to avoid damage to the flexible display panel 4 caused by the support member 2 exerting too much force on the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4.

[0027] In addition to adjusting the manner in which the support member 2 moves toward the flexible display panel 4, other methods may be used to adjust the force of the support member 2 acting on the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, such as adjusting the size or shape of the support member 2. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 24, at least one protrusion 21 is provided on the side of the support member 2 facing the flexible display panel 4, and the shape of the protrusion 21 may be at least one of flat, arc-shaped, and sawtooth-shaped.

[0028] As can be seen, the protrusions 21 are provided separately, and therefore the protrusions 21 are in contact with the flexible display panel 4. The effect of the protrusions 21 is to increase the deformation of the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, i.e., to increase the bending radius of the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, thereby improving the effect of improving the creases of the flexible display panel 4.

[0029] Optionally, the shape of the protrusion 21 may be a flat surface, a wavy curved surface, a single arc-shaped curved surface, a sawtooth surface formed from multiple folded surfaces, etc. The protrusion 21 may be provided covering one surface of the support member 2, or may be provided in only a partial area of ​​one surface of the support member 2, for example, may be provided only in the central part of the surface of the support member 2 to reduce production costs.

[0030] 2 to 5 , to improve stability when the connecting member 3 and the platform support member 1 are slidingly connected and to achieve a hovering effect during the folding process, the connecting member 3 and the platform support member 1 can optionally be connected via a damping member 5. The damping member 5 acts to cushion the relative movement between the connecting member 3 and the platform support member 1 when the folding support structure is transformed from the flat state to the folded state, thereby improving the structural stability of the folding support structure when it is transformed from the flat state to the folded state. Specifically, the damping member 5 may include one of a compression spring and a Z-shaped elastic piece. The cushioning effect is achieved by the elastic deformation of the compression spring or the Z-shaped elastic piece.

[0031] 1 and 7, after the flexible display panel 4 in the folded state is pressed by the support member 2, an irregular arc may occur at the bending point W, which may affect the flatness of the flexible display panel 4. To solve this problem, a first chamfer D1 may be optionally provided on one end of the platform support member 1 close to the support member 2 and facing the flexible display panel 4.

[0032] As can be seen, the first chamfer D1 creates a certain space between the platform support member 1 and the flexible display panel 4 to accommodate the bent portion of the flexible display panel 4 in the folded state and provide a space for stress relief for the bent portion of the flexible display panel 4. Optionally, a buffer layer, such as a material such as silicone rubber, may be provided between the first chamfer D1 of the platform support member 1 and the flexible display panel 4 to achieve stress relief for the bent portion W of the flexible display panel 4. The bending radius of the first chamfer D1 can be set according to the bending radius of the flexible display panel 4, and optionally the bending radius of the first chamfer D1 is 10 mm-50 mm.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, in order to further improve the accuracy and stability of adjusting the movement distance of the support member 2 in the direction toward the flexible display panel 4, a first rail groove G1 is provided on the support member 2, and the connecting member 3 is slidably connected to the first rail groove G1.

[0034] In this embodiment, the connecting member 3 is movable along the first rail groove G1, and the movement of the support member 2 is limited by the relative positions of the connecting member 3 and the first rail groove G1.

[0035] Optionally, the connecting member 3 includes a first connecting portion L1 connected to the support member 2, the first connecting portion L1 being movably connected to the support member 2.

[0036] The first connecting part L1 and the support member 2 are movably connected, and specifically, the first connecting part L1 and the support member 2 can be connected by a rotational connection, a sliding connection, or other connection method that can cause relative displacement between the first connecting part L1 and the support member 2. When the first connecting part L1 and the support member 2 are rotationally connected, no relative displacement occurs between them. Therefore, in order to adjust the movement distance of the support member 2 in a direction toward the flexible display panel 4, it is necessary to ensure that the connecting part 3 and the platform mounting member 1 are slidingly connected, and the relative displacement between the connecting part 3 and the platform mounting member 1 can be used to adjust the movement distance of the support member 2 in a direction toward the flexible display panel 4.

[0037] When a sliding connection is adopted between the first connecting part L1 and the support member 2 or another connection method that can cause relative displacement between the first connecting part L1 and the support member 2, the connecting part 3 and the platform mounting member 1 may be simultaneously slidably connected, or the connecting part 3 and the platform mounting member 1 may be fixedly connected, and there is no particular limitation.

[0038] As can be seen, the first connection portion L1 of the connecting member 3 is movable along the first rail groove G1. When the folding support structure is transformed from the flat state to the folded state, the connecting member 3 drives the support member 2 to move therewith. The first connection portion L1 of the connecting member 3 moves along the first rail groove G1, moving from one end of the first rail groove G1 close to the center of the support member 2 to one end of the first rail groove G1 away from the center of the support member 2. By limiting the specific trajectory of the first rail groove G1, the position of the support member 2 can be adjusted when the first connection portion L1 is located at the end of the first rail groove G1 close to the center of the support member 2 and when the first connection portion L1 is located at the end of the first rail groove G1 away from the center of the support member 2.

[0039] For example, in the flat state, the first connection portion L1 is located at one end of the first rail groove G1 close to the center of the support member 2, and the position of the support member 2 is a first position. In the folded state, the first connection portion L1 is located at one end of the first rail groove G1 away from the center of the support member 2, and at this time, the position of the support member 2 is a second position, and the second position is moved a certain distance away from the flexible display panel 4 relative to the first position.

[0040] Optionally, the first connecting part L1 may be a pivot axis that is pivotally connected to another part of the connecting member 3, thereby allowing the first connecting part L1 to move along the first rail groove G1 and rotate relative to the support member 2, thereby reducing friction between the first connecting part L1 and the support member 2 and improving the smoothness of movement of the first connecting part L1.

[0041] Optionally, the first rail groove G1 extends from the center of the support member 2 toward the connecting member 3, so as to accommodate changes in the relative position between the connecting member 3 and the support member 2 during the process of the folding support structure being transformed from the flat state to the folded state. At the same time, to improve the smoothness of the sliding of the connecting member 3 along the first rail groove G1 during the process of the folding support structure being transformed from the flat state to the folded state, the extension path of the first rail groove G1 is curved, and the specific trajectory of the curve can be adjusted according to actual needs. In other embodiments of the present application, the extension path of the first rail groove G1 may be a straight line or a broken line, and the present application is not limited thereto.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, in order to further improve the structural stability between the connecting member 3 and the platform mounting member 1 and the support member 2, in some alternative embodiments, the connecting member 3 includes at least two connecting rods, which are respectively connected to the platform mounting member 1 and the support member 2, and the at least two connecting rods are spaced apart along the length of the support member 2.

[0043] It can be understood that the more connecting rods included in the connecting member 3, the more connecting rods are connected to a single platform support member 1, and the more stable the structure will be, but the more space and process complexity must be provided for the number of connecting rods. In this embodiment, the support member 2 specifically adopts a long structure. Since the connecting rods only need to move the support member 2, optionally the connecting member 3 includes two connecting rods, and the two connecting rods are respectively connected to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the platform support member 1. This connecting rod installation configuration is easy to manufacture and can also improve the uniformity of the force received by the platform support member 1.

[0044] Of course, to ensure the stability of the movement of the support member 2, the connecting member 3 may adopt an elongated structure corresponding to the support member 2. Referring to FIG. 9 , specifically, the connecting member 3 includes connecting plates which are respectively connected to the platform mounting member 1 and the support member 2, and extend along the length direction of the support member 2.

[0045] As can be seen, since the connecting member 3 employs an integral connecting plate, the connecting plate can be connected to the support member 2 along the length direction of the support member 2, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the connecting plate and the support member 2. Specifically, the extension length of the connecting member 3 can be made equal to the extension length of the support member 2 so that the connecting member 3 is connected to the support member 2 correspondingly.

[0046] Optionally, the cross section of the connecting member 3 along the direction perpendicular to the length of the support member 2 is L-shaped, specifically, the cross section of either the connecting rod or the connecting plate along the direction perpendicular to the length of the support member 2 may be L-shaped. As can be understood, the connecting member 3 with an L-shaped cross section has a long end and a short end, and typically connects the long end of the connecting member 3 with the platform mounting member 1 and the short end of the connecting member 3 with the support member 2, thereby adjusting the relative positions of the connecting member 3, the platform mounting member 1 and the support member 2.

[0047] Taking into consideration the difficulty of the manufacturing process and practical needs, the folding support structure includes two platform mounting members 1 and two connecting members 3, where the platform mounting member 1 is connected to the support member 2 via one connecting member 3, and the two platform mounting members 1 and the two connecting members 3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the support member 2.

[0048] As can be understood, the connecting members 3 connected to different platform mounting members 1 must be connected to the same support member 2, so by installing the connecting members 3 symmetrically with respect to the support member 2, the symmetry of the forces received by the support member 2 and the stability when the support member 2 and the connecting members 3 are transformed between the flat state and the folded state are improved.

[0049] Optionally, an accommodation groove for accommodating the connecting member 3 is provided on the side of the platform support member 1 away from the flexible display panel 4, and at least a portion of the length end of the connecting member 3 is provided within the accommodation groove, thereby facilitating installation of the connecting member 3 and reducing the overall thickness of the folding support structure.

[0050] 1 and 10, in order to ensure stability when two adjacent platform support members 1 rotate relative to each other, the adjacent platform support members 1 can be selectively connected to each other via a rotating member 7. Specifically, the rotating member 7 may be a gear or a hinge. To prevent the gear assembly or hinge from affecting the arrangement of the connecting member 3 and the support member 2, the rotating assemblies such as gear assemblies or hinges can be provided on both sides of the platform support member 1, i.e., on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the platform support member 1.

[0051] When the flexible display panel 4 has a U-shaped structure in the folded state, the structure is relatively simple, and the platform mounting member 1 and the support member 2 in the above structure can be used to stably mount the flexible display panel 4. However, in order to make the flexible display panel 4 have a water droplet-shaped structure in the folded state and reduce the folding thickness of the flexible display panel 4, other members may be installed to limit the folding shape of the flexible display panel 4.

[0052] 11 to 13 , in some alternative embodiments, the folding support structure further includes an auxiliary support member 6 that is provided between the support member 2 and the platform mounting member 1 and is pivotally connected to one of the support member 2 and the platform mounting member 1, and the connecting member 3 has a position limiting portion 31 that matches the auxiliary support member 6. The position limiting portion 31 is for supporting the auxiliary support member 6 in the flat state so that the auxiliary support member 6, the platform mounting member 1, and the support member 2 all support the flexible display panel 4, and for limiting movement of the auxiliary support member 6 in the folded state so that the auxiliary support member 6 abuts against the flexible display panel 4 to limit the folding shape of the flexible display panel 4.

[0053] In order to make the flexible display panel 4 have a water droplet-like structure in the folded state, auxiliary support members 6 must be used to abut against the opposing sides of the flexible display panel 4, thereby causing this portion of the flexible display panel 4 to be recessed toward the center and restricting the bending shape of the flexible display panel 4. Of course, the auxiliary support members 6 must also be engaged with the support members 2, and together they restrict the bending shape of the entire flexible display panel 4.

[0054] When the auxiliary support member 6 abuts against the opposing side surfaces of the flexible display panel 4, the flexible display panel 4 is bent and deformed, resulting in an irregular arc at the bent and deformed portion of the flexible display panel 4. As shown in FIG. 14 , a second chamfer D2 may be optionally provided on one end of the auxiliary support member 6 closer to the support member 2 and facing the flexible display panel 4. The second chamfer D2 provides a certain amount of space between the auxiliary support member 6 and the flexible display panel 4 to accommodate the bent and pressed portion of the flexible display panel 4 in the folded state and provide a space for stress relief at the bent and pressed portion of the flexible display panel 4. Optionally, the bending radius of the second chamfer D2 is 10 mm-50 mm.

[0055] Optionally, one end of the auxiliary support member 6 close to the support member 2 is arc-shaped, and the end of the auxiliary support member 6 close to the support member 2 abuts against the flexible display panel 4 in the folded state. Therefore, by making the end of the auxiliary support member 6 close to the support member 2 arc-shaped, it is possible to prevent the auxiliary support member 6 from damaging the flexible display panel 4 in the folded state and improve the service life.

[0056] As can be seen, in the flat state, the surfaces of the auxiliary support member 6, the platform support member 1, and the support member 2 facing the flexible display panel 4 can be positioned on the same plane to achieve flat support for the flexible display panel 4. Considering that the auxiliary support member 6 is pivotally connected to one of the support member 2 and the platform support member 1, when converting from the flat state to the folded state, the rotation of the platform support member 1 and / or the support member 2 also drives and rotates the auxiliary support member 6. To improve the stability of the auxiliary support member 6 in the flat state or the folded state, the connection member 3 is provided with a position limiting portion 31, which needs to support the auxiliary support member 6 in the flat state, so that the auxiliary support member 6 can stably contact the flexible display panel 4 and support the flexible display panel 4. Even in the folded state, the position limiting portion 31 needs to limit the movement of the auxiliary support member 6 so that the flexible display panel 4 maintains the desired folded shape.

[0057] Specifically, the position limiting portion 31 may be a structure such as a bump that can engage with the auxiliary support member 6, and it is sufficient if it can limit the movement of the auxiliary support member 6 so that the auxiliary support member 6 can maintain a relatively stable state in both the flat state and the folded state.

[0058] 12 and 13, the auxiliary support member 6 is optionally provided with a position limiting groove X that matches the connecting member 3, and the position limiting portion 31 is inserted into the position limiting groove X in the folded state to fix the auxiliary support member 6. As can be seen, when changing from the horizontal flat state to the folded state, the connecting member 3 and the auxiliary support member 6 move relatively, and the installation positions of the position limiting portion 31 and the position limiting groove X are adjusted so that the position limiting portion 31 fits exactly into the position limiting groove X in the folded state, and the fixation of the auxiliary support member 6 can be achieved through the mutual restriction between the position limiting portion 31 and the position limiting groove X.

[0059] Of course, other structures may be adopted to limit the auxiliary support member 6 besides the structure in which the position limiting portion 31 engages with the position limiting groove X. Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the auxiliary support member 6 may optionally be provided with a second rail groove G2, and the position limiting portion 31 may be slidably connected to the second rail groove G2. As can be seen, in the flat state, the position limiting portion 31 is located at one end of the second rail groove G2. When the flat state is converted to the folded state, the position limiting portion 31 moves along one end of the second rail groove G2 to the other end of the second rail groove G2. The second rail groove G2 can limit the movement trajectory of the position limiting portion 31, so that the auxiliary support member 6 can maintain a relatively stable state in both the flat state and the folded state.

[0060] The specific shape and extension trajectory of the second rail groove G2 can be selected according to the relative position between the connecting member 3 and the auxiliary support member 6, as long as it can ensure the stability of the auxiliary support member 6 in the flat state and the folded state.

[0061] Optionally, the second rail groove G2 extends from the side of the auxiliary support member 6 closer to the connecting member 3 in a direction away from the connecting member 3 so as to accommodate changes in the relative position between the connecting member 3 and the auxiliary support member 6 during the process of the folding support structure being transformed from a flat state to a folded state.

[0062] An embodiment of the present application further provides a display device including a flexible display panel 4 and a folding support structure disposed on the backlight side of the flexible display panel 4, the folding support structure being the folding support structure in any of the above embodiments.

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, the folding support structure is provided on the backlight side of the flexible display panel 4 to support and fix the flexible display panel 4 and ensure the flatness of the flexible display panel 4 during use. That is, the platform support member 1 and the support member 2 of the folding support structure can support the flexible display panel 4 in either a flat state or a folded state. From the flat state to the folded state, two adjacent platform support members 1 are installed to move relative to each other so as to face each other, thereby driving the flexible display panel 4 to bend accordingly. In the embodiment of the present application, the connecting member 3 moves together with the platform support member 1 and drives the support member 2 to press against the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, i.e., the support member 2 applies a pressing force to the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4, thereby bending and deforming the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4 in a direction away from the support member 2 and further increasing the bending radius of the bending portion W of the flexible display panel 4. The large bending radius delays the time it takes for cracks and bending marks to appear at the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 after it has been bent for a long period of time, reduces the creases caused by bending the flexible display panel 4, increases the service life of the flexible display panel 4, improves the stability of use of the flexible display panel 4, and improves the display effect of the flexible display panel 4 and the user's visual experience.

[0064] In the prior art, the bending radius of the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 is usually less than 2 mm. In the embodiment of the present application, the bending radius of the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 is increased by pressing the support member 2 against the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4. Optionally, in the present embodiment, when the flexible display panel 4 is in a folded state, the bending radius of the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 is 2 mm-3 mm, which is significantly larger than the bending radius of the bending point W of the flexible display panel 4 in the prior art, and effectively reduces creases caused by folding the flexible display panel 4.

[0065] The display device according to the embodiments of the present application has the technical effects of the technical solution of the folding support structure in any of the above embodiments, and the same or corresponding structures and terminology as those in the above embodiments will not be described here.

[0066] The display device according to the embodiments of the present application may be applied to a mobile phone or any electronic product with a display function, including, but not limited to, a television, a laptop, a desktop display, a tablet computer, a digital camera, a smart bracelet, smart glasses, an in-vehicle display, a medical device, an industrial control device, a touch interaction terminal, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not particularly limited thereto.

[0067] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present application, and for the sake of convenience and conciseness, those skilled in the art can refer to the corresponding processes in the above method examples for the specific operation processes of the systems, modules, and units described above, and the description will be omitted here. The scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and all of these modifications or replacements should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A folding support structure for mounting a flexible display panel, the folding support structure having a flat state and a folded state; the platform mounting system includes at least two platform mounting members, a support member, and a connecting member, wherein two adjacent platform mounting members are movably connected via the support member and the connecting member, and the connecting member is connected to the support member and one of the platform mounting members, respectively, and the connecting member is movably connected to at least one of the platform mounting members and the support member; In the process from the flat state to the folded state, the two adjacent platform support members move relative to each other, and the connecting member moves together with the platform support members to drive the support member to press against the bending portion of the flexible display panel. Folding support structure.

2. During the process of pressing the support member against the flexible display panel, the movement distance of the support member in a direction toward the flexible display panel is 0 mm to 3 mm.

10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

3. The support member is provided with a first rail groove, and the connecting member is slidably connected to the first rail groove.

10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

4. the first rail groove extends from the center of the support member toward the connecting member, and the extension path of the first rail groove is a curved line; 4. The folding support structure of claim 3.

5. the folding support structure further includes an auxiliary support member, the auxiliary support member being disposed between the support member and the platform mounting member, the auxiliary support member being pivotally connected to one of the support member and the platform mounting member, and the connecting member being provided with a position limiting portion matching the auxiliary support member; the position limiting portion is for supporting the auxiliary support member in a flat state so that the auxiliary support member, the platform mounting member, and the support member all support the flexible display panel, and for limiting movement of the auxiliary support member in a folded state so that the auxiliary support member abuts against the flexible display panel to limit the bending shape of the flexible display panel.

10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

6. a first chamfer is provided on an end of the platform mounting member that is close to the support member and faces the flexible display panel; 10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

7. a second chamfer is provided on an end of the auxiliary support member that is closer to the support member and faces the flexible display panel, and the end of the auxiliary support member that is closer to the support member is arc-shaped; 6. The folding support structure of claim 5.

8. The auxiliary support member is provided with a position limiting groove that matches the connecting member, and the position limiting part is inserted into the position limiting groove in a folded state to fix the auxiliary support member, and is removed from the position limiting groove in a flat state.

6. The folding support structure of claim 5.

9. a second rail groove is provided on the auxiliary support member, the position limiting portion is slidably connected to the second rail groove, and the second rail groove extends from a side of the auxiliary support member closer to the connecting member in a direction away from the connecting member; 6. The folding support structure of claim 5.

10. the connecting member includes at least two connecting rods, each connected to the platform mounting member and the support member, with the at least two connecting rods spaced apart along the length of the support member; or the connecting member includes a connecting plate, each connected to the platform mounting member and the support member, and extending along the length of the support member.

10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

11. The connecting member has an L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support member.

11. The folding support structure of claim 10.

12. the folding support structure includes two of the platform mounting members and two of the connecting members, the platform mounting member is connected to the support member via one of the connecting members, and the two platform mounting members and the two connecting members are arranged symmetrically with respect to the support member; 11. The folding support structure of claim 10.

13. a receiving groove for receiving the connecting member is provided on a side of the platform mounting member that is away from the flexible display panel; 11. The folding support structure of claim 10.

14. At least one protrusion is provided on the support member on a side facing the flexible display panel.

10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

15. The shape of the convex portion includes at least one of a flat surface, an arc shape, and a sawtooth shape.

15. The folding support structure of claim 14.

16. the connecting member is slidably connected to the platform mounting member so as to be movable relative to the platform mounting member; 10. The folding support structure of claim 1.

17. The folding support structure according to claim 16, wherein the connecting member and the platform support member are connected via a damping member.

18. the damping member includes one of a compression spring and a Z-shaped elastic piece; 18. The folding support structure of claim 17.

19. A flexible display panel; The folding support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is provided on the backlight side of the flexible display panel; A display device comprising:

20. In the folded state, the bending radius of the bending portion of the flexible display panel is 2 mm-3 mm.

20. The display device according to claim 19.

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