Support and adjustment device for a flexible display, and flexible display assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a support and adjustment device for a flexible display, having a support structure with a flexible securing region and a rigid securing region for securing a flexible display, the regions extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis; a front face for mounting the flexible display; a rear face facing away from the front face; an adjustment device for reversibly converting the support structure from a flat position, in which the two securing regions of the support structure extend in the form of a non-curved surface along a first display plane, into a bent position, in which the flexible securing region of the support structure extends in the form of an arc about an imaginary support structure bending axis which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and parallel to the rear face of the support structure; a support device which, in the flat position, forms a flat bearing element on the rear face of the support structure at least in the region of the flexible securing region; and a restoring device which, in the flat position of the flexible display, exerts a restoring force at least on the region of the flexible securing region, the restoring force pressing at least the region of the flexible securing region of the support structure against the flat bearing element.

Description

[0001] Support and positioning device for a flexible display

[0002] as well as a flexible display assembly

[0003] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a support and positioning device for a flexible display.

[0004] The support and positioning device according to the invention for a flexible display comprises a support structure with a flexible mounting area and a rigid mounting area for mounting a flexible display, wherein the support structure extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, with a front side for arranging the flexible display and a rear side facing away from it. Furthermore, the support and positioning device according to the invention comprises an positioning device for reversibly transferring the support structure from a stretched position, in which the two mounting areas of the support structure extend along a first display plane in the manner of an uncurved surface, into a bent position.in which the flexible mounting area of ​​the support structure extends in an arc-shaped manner around an imaginary support structure bending axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and parallel to the rear of the support structure, further comprising a support device which, in the stretched position, forms a flat contact element on the rear of the support structure at least in the area of ​​the flexible mounting area, and a restoring device which, in the stretched position of the bendable display, exerts a restoring force at least on the area of ​​the flexible mounting area, which presses at least the area of ​​the flexible mounting area of ​​the support structure against the flat contact element.

[0005] According to the invention, the term "flexible fastening area" refers to an area or surface fraction of the support structure that can be reversibly transformed from a first flat extension shape, resembling an uncurved plane, into a second curved bending position. In this second position, the flexible fastening area extends in an arc-shaped manner around at least one imaginary support structure bending axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and parallel to the rear of the support structure. The flexible area can be formed, for example, by an elastically deformable sheet-shaped, film-shaped, or layered material. However, according to the invention, the flexible area can also be formed, for example, by a plurality of bodies connected to one another by hinges or elastic flexural joints, such as lamellae.

[0006] In any case, according to the invention, the bending stiffness of the flexible area is lower than that of the rigid area of ​​the support structure. According to the invention, the support structure is formed proportionally by the flexible mounting area and the rigid mounting area. The return mechanism is designed according to the invention such that, in the extended position, it presses at least the flexible mounting area against the flat support element, thereby causing the rigid and flexible mounting areas together to form a flat and planar, preferably continuous, front surface for arranging and mounting a flexible display.It can be provided that the flexible mounting area comprises a plurality of lamellae, each lamellae comprising a lamella body which is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the support structure and wherein the lamella bodies are articulated to one another. According to the invention, it can also be provided that the lamella bodies forming the flexible mounting area are articulated or elastically connected to the rigid mounting area.

[0007] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the flexible fastening area is formed by a spring-elastic layer to form an area of ​​the support structure that can be elastically deformed along the longitudinal axis by means of the adjusting device.

[0008] It can be provided that the support and positioning device according to the invention further comprises a fastening element to which the support structure is attached in the area of ​​the first end in the manner of a beam supported on one side.

[0009] The flexible fastening area can be formed in the area of ​​the first end and extend along a first subsection along the longitudinal axis, with the remaining subsection along the longitudinal axis to the second end being formed as a rigid fastening area.

[0010] Preferably, the support device can further comprise at least one curved support element against which the rear of the support structure rests, at least in the area of ​​the flexible fastening area, in the bending position and is supported.

[0011] It can be provided that the rigid fastening area extends along a retraction plane in the bending position, the retraction plane being inclined at an angle relative to the representation plane, the inclination angle preferably being in the range of 10° to 90°. The inclination angle is measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0012] It can further be provided that the actuating device has a first actuating element, wherein a first end of the first actuating element is connected in a load-bearing manner to a first connection device on the rear side of the support structure, and the first actuating element is reversibly movable to transfer the support structure from a stretched position to a flexed position. The first actuating element can be connected to the first connection device either by a hinge or by a rigid connection at its first end. The first connection device is either attached in a load-bearing manner to the rear side of the support structure or is integrally formed as part of the support structure.

[0013] Furthermore, the actuating device can be provided with a second actuating element, wherein a first end of the second actuating element is connected to a second connection device on the rear side of the support structure, and wherein the second connection device is spaced apart from the first connection device along the longitudinal axis of the support structure, and the second actuating element, together with the first actuating element, can be moved from a stretched position to a flexed position for the reversible transfer of the support structure. The second actuating element can be connected to the second connection device either by a hinge or by a rigid connection at its first end. The second connection device is either load-bearing and attached to the rear side of the support structure or is integrally formed as part of the support structure.

[0014] According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the first and / or second actuators are each load-bearing and articulated or rigidly connected to the first or second connection device of the support structure. The respective articulation axis can preferably be designed to run orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the support structure. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first and / or the second actuator is articulated at its second end to a movable slide assembly, wherein the slide assembly can be linearly displaced along the retraction plane or at a distance parallel to the retraction plane for the reversible transfer of the support structure from the stretched position to the bent position.

[0015] It can be provided that the first and / or second actuator is plate-shaped with two parallel and opposing transverse edges, wherein a first transverse edge is pivotally connected to the connection device as the first end of the actuator and runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the support structure. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second transverse edge of the plate-shaped first and / or second actuator is pivotally connected to a movable slide mechanism, wherein the slide mechanism can be linearly displaced along the retraction plane or parallel to the retraction plane at a distance for the reversible transfer of the support structure from the stretched position to the bent position.

[0016] Preferably, the plate-shaped first and / or second actuating element can comprise two opposing longitudinal edges that connect the respective ends of the transverse edges, and wherein a plate-shaped support element is pivotally attached to at least one longitudinal edge, and one edge of the plate-shaped support element, in the extended position, forms the flat contact element in the area of ​​the flexible attachment zone. It is particularly preferred that the plate-shaped support element comprises a lower sliding edge that slides during the transfer of the support structure in the area of ​​the retraction plane.

[0017] It can be provided that the plate-shaped first and / or second actuating element and, if present, the plate-shaped support element in the bending position of the actuating device extend flat in an area on the rear of the support structure along a plane parallel to the retraction plane and preferably lie against the rear of the support structure.

[0018] Preferably, the reset device may comprise a combination of at least one magnetic element and at least one magnetically attracted metal element, wherein at least one first element of the combination is load-bearing in the flexible mounting area and at least one second element is load-bearing attached to the flat mounting element.

[0019] It can be provided that the return device comprises a spring element which is connected at one end to the flexible mounting area in a load-bearing manner and at the other end to a fixed structure, wherein the spring element is designed such that when the support structure is moved into the extended position, it exerts a return force which presses at least the area of ​​the flexible mounting area of ​​the support structure against the flat support element.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a flexible display assembly is designed, wherein the display assembly according to the invention comprises a support and positioning device for a flexible display according to the first aspect of the present invention, as well as a flexible display. The flexible display is arranged on the front of the support structure and is connected to it in a load-bearing manner.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that the flexible display is fully load-bearing and connected to the front of the support structure, for example, preferably by gluing.

[0022] It can be provided that the support structure is formed by a rear layer of the flexible display. Exemplary embodiments of the support and positioning device according to the invention for a flexible display are presented below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0023] They show:

[0024] Fig. 1A is a schematic side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a support and positioning device according to the invention in the extended position;

[0025] Fig. 1B shows an exemplary embodiment of the support and positioning device according to Fig. 1A in a bending position;

[0026] Fig. 2A shows a second exemplary support and positioning device according to the invention in a stretched position;

[0027] Fig. 2B shows the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2A in a bending position;

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a support and positioning device according to the invention in the extended position;

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a support and positioning device according to the invention in the extended position; as well as

[0030] Figs. 5A-5D Views of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a support and positioning device according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 1A shows a schematic side sectional view of a support and positioning device 1 for mounting a flexible display 9 (the display 9 is shown only in Fig. 4 for improved clarity of the features of the invention), wherein the support and positioning device 1 according to the invention has a support structure 2 with a flexible mounting area 21 and a rigid mounting area 23 for arranging and mounting a flexible display 9, wherein the support structure 2 extends between a first end 20 and a second end 22 along a longitudinal axis 200, with a front face 24 for arranging the flexible display 9 and a rear face 25 facing away from this front face 24. The support and positioning device 1 according to the invention further has an adjusting device 5 for reversibly transferring the support structure 2 from the position shown in Fig.1A stretching position, in which the two fastening areas 21 and 23 of the support structure extend along a first representation plane in the manner of an uncurved surface, into a position shown in Fig.2B shown bending position, in which the flexible mounting area 21 of the support structure 2 extends arc-shaped about an imaginary support structure bending axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 200 of the support structure 2 and parallel to the rear side 25 of the support structure 2, and further comprising a support device 3 which, in the stretched position of the support structure 2, forms a flat contact element 31 on the rear side 25 of the support structure 2 at least in the area of ​​the flexible mounting area 21, and further comprising a restoring device 4 which, in the stretched position of the bendable display 9, exerts a restoring force at least on the area of ​​the flexible mounting area 21, which presses at least the area of ​​the flexible mounting area 21 of the support structure 2 against the flat contact element 31.

[0032] In all embodiments shown in the figures, the flexible fastening area 21 comprises a spring-elastic layer 212 for forming a section of the support structure 2 that is elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis 200 by means of the adjusting device 5. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the support and adjusting device 1 has a fastening element 6 to which the support structure 2 is attached or fixed in place in the region of the first end 20 in the manner of a beam supported at one end. As shown in the figures, it is preferably provided that the flexible fastening area 21 is formed in the region of the first end 20 and extends along a first partial section of the longitudinal axis 200, and that the remaining partial section along the longitudinal axis 200 to the second end 22 of the support structure 2 is formed as a rigid fastening area 23. As shown in the figure.As shown in 1B by way of example, the support device 3 can further have at least one curved support element 7 against which the rear side 25 of the support structure 2 rests at least in the area of ​​the flexible fastening area 21 in the bending position and is supported against it.

[0033] The actuating device 5, in all figures shown, has a first actuating element 51, wherein a first end 511 of the first actuating element 51 is connected to a first connecting element 81 on the rear side 25 of the support structure 2. The first actuating element 51 is designed to be reversibly displaceable for the transfer of the support structure 2 from a stretched position to a bending position. As shown in exemplary Fig. 3, the actuating device 5 can further have a second actuating element 52, wherein a first end 521 of the second actuating element 52 is connected to a second connecting element 82 on the rear side 25 of the support structure 2, the second connecting element 82 being spaced apart from the first connecting element 81 along the longitudinal axis 200 of the support structure 2, and the second actuating element 52, together with the first actuating element 51, is reversibly displaceable from a stretched position to a bending position for the transfer of the support structure.The term "joint displacement of the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 52" does not, however, mean that the two actuators 51, 52 are connected to each other or merely movable together. Rather, according to the invention, it is preferably provided that both the first and the second actuator 51, 52 can be moved independently of each other, in order, for example, in the embodiment according to Fig. 3, to be able to realize a defined positioning angle of the rigid mounting area 23 of the support and positioning device 1.The embodiment according to Figures 2A and 2B differs from the embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B in particular in that the flexible mounting area 21 is formed by a plurality of lamellae 210, wherein the lamellae 210 each comprise a lamella body which is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 200 and wherein the lamellae 210 are connected to one another by a hinge or spring-elastic connection. In the embodiment shown according to Figures 2A and 2B, the hinge connection of the lamella bodies to one another is achieved by providing a spring-elastic layer 212.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a schematic side sectional view of a flexible display assembly. The flexible display assembly shown in Figure 4 initially comprises a support and positioning device 1 according to the invention, as already shown and implemented in the embodiment according to Figure 3. Furthermore, the flexible display assembly includes a flexible display 9, wherein the flexible display 9 is arranged on the front surface 24 of the support structure 2 and is connected to it in a load-bearing manner. It can be provided that the flexible display 9 is connected to the front surface 24 of the support structure 2 in a load-bearing manner over its entire area. This can be achieved, for example, preferably by adhesive bonding. According to the invention, it can also be provided that the support structure 2 of the support and positioning device 1 according to the invention is formed by a rear layer of the flexible display 9.Consequently, according to the invention, it can also be provided that the carrier and positioning device 1 according to the invention, in particular its carrier structure 2, is formed by a rear structure of the bendable display 9 or a bendable display assembly.

[0035] Figures 5A to 5D show views of a support and positioning device 1 according to the invention. The support and positioning device 1 is designed such that the first actuating element 51 is plate-shaped with two parallel and opposing transverse edges 53, 54, wherein a first transverse edge 53 is pivotally connected to the connecting device 81, 82 as the first end 511, 521 of the actuating element 51, 52 and is designed to run orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 200 of the support device.

[0036] As further illustrated in Figures 5A to 5D in the embodiment, it can be provided that the second transverse edge 54 of the plate-shaped first or second actuating element 51, 52 is pivotally connected to a movable slide device 55, wherein the slide device 55 is linearly displaceable along the retraction plane 90 or spaced apart parallel to the retraction plane 90 for the reversible transfer of the support structure 2 from the stretched position to the bent position.As depicted, it can further be provided that the plate-shaped first or second actuating element 51, 52 comprises two opposing longitudinal edges 56 which connect the respective ends of the transverse edges 53, 54 and wherein a plate-shaped support element 33 is pivotally attached to at least one longitudinal edge 56 and an edge 331 of the plate-shaped support element 33 in the extended position forms the flat contact element 31 in the area of ​​the flexible fastening area 21.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 5A to 5D, a plate-shaped support element 33 is pivotally attached to each of the two longitudinal edges 56 and is designed as described above. The plate-shaped support elements 33 shown have a lower sliding edge 332 which slides in the area of ​​the retraction plane 90 when the support structure 2 is moved from the stretched position to the bending position and vice versa. As shown in Figure 5D, the plate-shaped first and / or second actuator 51, 52 and the plate-shaped support element 33, or the two plate-shaped support elements 33, can extend flatly along a plane parallel to the retraction plane 90 in the bending position of the actuator, as shown in Figure 5D, in an area on the rear side 25 of the support structure 2 and preferably bear against the rear side 25 of the support structure.Figures 5A and 5B show the support and positioning device in the extended position, with Figure 5A showing a perspective rear view and Figure 5B showing a perspective rear view.

[0038] Fig. 5B shows a side view of the support and positioning device. As already mentioned, Fig. 5D shows the support and positioning device in the bending position, with Fig.

[0039] 5C represents a middle position of the support and positioning device between the stretching and bending positions for improved traceability of the movement sequence of the elements.

[0040] Figures 1A and 1B, 2A and 2B, and 3 and 4 show that the reset device 4 can comprise a combination of at least one magnetic element 41 and at least one magnetically attracted metal element 42, wherein at least one first element of the combination is load-bearingly attached in the flexible mounting area 21 and at least one second element is load-bearingly attached to the flat support element 31. As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, as well as 3 and 4, the magnetic elements 41 and the magnetically attracted metal elements 42 can be embedded in the actual structure of the flexible mounting area 21 and / or the flat support element 31 or attached to it in a load-bearing manner, for example, by gluing.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Support and positioning device (1) for a flexible display (9), comprising: a support structure (2) with a flexible mounting area (21) and a rigid mounting area (23) for mounting a flexible display (9), which extend between a first end (20) and a second end (22) along a longitudinal axis (200), with a front (24) for arranging the flexible display (9) and a rear (25) facing away from it, a positioning device (5) for the reversible transfer of the support structure (2) from a stretched position, in which the two fastening areas (21, 23) of the support structure (2) extend along a first representation plane in the manner of an uncurved surface, to a bending position, in which the flexible fastening area (21) of the support structure (2) extends in an arc-shaped manner about an imaginary support structure bending axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (200) of the support structure (2) and parallel to the rear side (25) of the support structure (2); a support device (3) which, in the stretched position, forms a planar support element (31) on the rear side (25) of the support structure (2) at least in the area of ​​the flexible fastening area (21); and a restoring device (4) which, in the stretched position of the flexible display (9), exerts a restoring force at least on the area of ​​the flexible mounting area (21), which presses at least the area of ​​the flexible mounting area (21) of the support structure (2) against the flat mounting element (31).

2. Support and positioning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible fastening area (21) is formed by a plurality of lamellae (210), wherein the lamellae (210) each comprise a lamella body which is arranged extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (200) and wherein the lamella bodies are pivotally connected to one another.

3. Support and positioning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible fastening area (21) comprises a spring-elastic layer (212) for forming a section of the support structure (2) that is elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis (200) by means of the positioning device (5).

4. Support and positioning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fastening element (6) to which the support structure (2) is attached in the area of ​​the first end (20) in the manner of a beam supported on one side.

5. Support and positioning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible fastening area (21) is formed in the area of ​​the first end (20) and extends along a first partial section of the longitudinal axis (200) and wherein the remaining partial section along the longitudinal axis (200) to the second end (22) is formed as a rigid fastening area (23).

6. Support and positioning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (2) further comprises at least one curved support element (7) against which the rear side (25) of the support structure (2) rests and is supported in the bending position at least in the area of ​​the flexible fastening area (21).

7. Support and positioning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid fastening area (23) extends in the bending position along a retraction plane (90), wherein the retraction plane (90) is inclined relative to the representation plane by an angle (o), wherein the inclination angle (o) is preferably in the range of 10° to 90°.

8. Carrier and positioning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (5) has a first actuating element (51), wherein a first end (511) of the first actuating element (51) is connected to a first connecting device15 (81) is connected on the back (25) of the support structure (2) and the first actuator (51) can be moved to reversibly transfer the support structure (2) from a stretch position to a bend position.

9. Support and positioning device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the positioning device (5) has a second actuating element (52), wherein a first end (521) of the second actuating element (52) is connected to a second connecting device (82) on the rear side (25) of the support structure (2), wherein the second connecting device (82) is designed spaced apart from the first connecting device (81) along the longitudinal axis (200) of the support structure (2) and the second actuating element (52) can be moved together with the first actuating element (51) from a stretched position to a bent position for the reversible transfer of the support structure (2).

10. Carrier and positioning device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and / or second actuating member (51, 52) is plate-shaped with two parallel and opposing transverse edges (53, 54), wherein a first transverse edge (53) is pivotally connected to the connecting device (81, 82) as the first end (511, 521) of the actuating member (51, 52) and runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (200) of the support device (2).

11. Support and positioning device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second transverse edge (54) of the plate-shaped first and / or second actuating member is pivotally connected to a movable slide device (55), wherein the slide device (55) is linearly displaceable along the retraction plane (90) or spaced apart parallel to the retraction plane (90) for the reversible transfer of the support structure (2) from the stretched position to the bending position.

12. Carrier and positioning device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the plate-shaped first and / or second positioning element (51, 52) comprises two opposing longitudinal edges (56) which form the respective ends of the transverse edges 16 connect and wherein a plate-shaped support element (33) is hingedly attached to at least one longitudinal edge (56) and an edge (331) of the plate-shaped support element (33) in the stretched position forms the flat support element (31) in the area of ​​the flexible fastening area (21).

13. Support and positioning device (2) according to claim 12, wherein the plate-shaped support element (33) comprises a lower sliding edge (332) which slides during the transfer of the support structure (2) in the area of ​​the retraction plane (90).

14. Support and positioning device (2) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the plate-shaped first and / or second actuating element (51, 52) and, if present, the plate-shaped support element (33) in the bending position of the positioning device (2) extend flatly along a plane parallel to the retraction plane (90) in an area on the rear (25) of the support structure (2) and preferably bear against the rear (25) of the support structure (2).

15. Carrier and positioning device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reset device (4) comprises a combination of at least one magnetic element (41) and at least one magnetically attractable metal element (42), wherein at least one first element of the combination is load-bearing in the flexible mounting area (21) and at least one second element is load-bearing attached to the flat support element (31).

16. Support and adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the readjusting device comprises a spring element () which is connected at one end in a load-bearing manner to the flexible mounting area () and at the other end to a fixed structure, wherein the spring element () is designed such that, when the support structure (2) is moved into the extended position (), it exerts a restoring force which presses at least the area of ​​the flexible mounting area () of the support structure () against the flat support element ().17 17. Featuring a flexible display assembly: - a support and positioning device (1) for a flexible display according to any one of claims 1 to 16, as well as - a flexible display (9); wherein the flexible display (9) is arranged on the front (24) of the support structure (2) and is connected to it in a load-bearing manner.

18. Flexible display assembly according to claim 17, wherein the flexible display (9) is fully load-bearing connected to the front (24) of the support structure (2), particularly preferably bonded.

19. Bendable display assembly according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the support structure (2) is formed by a rear layer of the bendable display (9).

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