WO2019127420A1

WO2019127420A1 - Bending assembly, supporting component and flexible display device

Info

Publication number: WO2019127420A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/119981
Authority: WO
Inventors: 张强
Original assignee: 深圳市柔宇科技有限公司
Priority date: 2017-12-29
Filing date: 2017-12-29
Publication date: 2019-07-04
Also published as: CN111373164A

Abstract

Provided is a bending assembly (10) for a flexible display device (1000). The bending assembly (10) comprises a linkage plate (12) and a connector sub-assembly (14). The linkage plate (12) comprises at least one rotating shaft (00), at least two connector support faces (12S), which are successively rotatably connected end to end by means of the at least one rotating shaft (00), and two first connecting side edges (12ER/12EL), which are located on two sides of the rotating shaft (00). The linkage plate (12) is used for bending or unbending around the rotating shaft (00) so as to bend or unbend the support faces (12S). When the linkage plate (12) bends from a first state to a second state, a rotating shaft arc (12L), which is obtained by intercepting, perpendicular to the rotating shaft (00), the support face (12S), is increased by a first length (△L1). The connector sub-assembly (14) is rotatably connected to the first connecting side edges (12ER/12EL) and is used to deform when the linkage plate (12) bends from the first state to the second state so as to be shortened by a second length (△L2) in an extension direction of the rotating shaft arc (12L).

Description

Bending assembly, support member and flexible display device

Technical field

The present invention relates to flexible display technology, and more particularly to a bending assembly, a support member, and a flexible display device.

Background technique

When the bent structure is bent, the flexible display screen loaded on the bent structure requires an arc length longer than the length of the line segment of the flexible display when flattened. If the bending structure is only composed of the common linkage plate rotation connection, when the flexible display screen of the flexible display device covers and connects the bending arc ends of the bending structure, the flexible display cover linkage plate will stretch the screen with the rotation of the linkage plate. , thereby damaging the flexible display and affecting product quality.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a bending assembly, a support member, and a flexible display device.

The bending assembly of an embodiment of the present invention includes a linkage plate and a link subassembly. The linkage plate includes at least one rotating shaft and at least two connecting members that are sequentially connected end to end by at least one rotating shaft, the linkage plate includes a supporting surface and two first connecting side edges on opposite sides of the rotating shaft, and the linkage plate is used for bending around the rotating shaft or Expanding to bend or unfold the support surface, and the rotation axis obtained by cutting the support surface perpendicular to the rotation axis when the linkage plate is bent from the first state to the second state is increased by the first length. The link sub-assembly is rotatably connected to the first connecting side, and the link sub-assembly is configured to deform the second length when the interlocking plate is bent from the first state to the second state, and shorten the second length along the extending direction of the rotating shaft arc, the first length and The difference in the second length is less than a predetermined value.

The support member of the embodiment of the invention includes a bending assembly and two first support frames. The first support frame includes a second connection side corresponding to the first connection side. The first connecting side is formed with a first side portion. The first side portion is formed with a first guide groove that is parallel to the rotation axis. The second connecting side is formed with a second side portion. The second side portion is formed with a second guide groove corresponding to the first guide groove. The link subassembly includes a first rod and a second rod that are pivotally coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link. One end of the first rod is rotatably connected to the corresponding first connecting side and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove, and one end of the second rod is slidably disposed in the first guiding groove and the other end is rotated with the second connecting side connection.

A support member according to another embodiment of the present invention includes N bending assemblies, two first support frames, and N-1 second support frames, wherein N is a natural number and is greater than or equal to 2. The first support frame includes a second connection side corresponding to the first connection side. Each of the second support frames includes two second connection sides corresponding to the first connection sides. The first support frame and the second support frame are sequentially connected end to end by a bending assembly, and the first support frame is located at two sides of the support member. The first connecting side is formed with a first side portion. The first side portion is formed with a first guide groove that is parallel to the rotation axis. The second connecting side is formed with a second side portion. The second side portion is formed with a second guide groove corresponding to the first guide groove. The link subassembly includes a first rod and a second rod that are pivotally coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link. One end of the first rod is rotatably connected to the corresponding first side portion, and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove. One end of the second rod is slidably disposed in the first guiding groove and the other end is rotatably connected to the second connecting side.

A flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a support member and a flexible display screen assembly fixedly disposed on the support member.

The bending assembly, the supporting member and the flexible display device of the embodiment of the present invention can shorten the second length of the connecting rod sub-assembly when the bending of the interlocking plate causes the rotating shaft to increase by the first length, as long as the linkage plate and the connecting rod sub-assembly are set Making the predetermined value smaller than the allowable deformation length of the flexible display screen ensures that the quality of the flexible display screen is not affected during the bending process.

The additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows.

DRAWINGS

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from

1 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a bending assembly of an embodiment of the present invention is in an unfolded state.

2 is a plan view showing another perspective of the bending assembly of FIG. 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view showing the bent assembly of Figure 2 in a bent state.

4 is a perspective view showing the interlocking plate of the bending assembly in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the linkage plate of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a plan view of another perspective view of the linkage plate of Figure 4.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the interlocking plate of Fig. 4 in a bent state.

Figure 8 is a plan view of another perspective view of the linkage plate of Figure 4.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the interlocking plate in an unfolded state according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a plan view of the linkage plate of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a link subassembly of a bending assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the components of the support member of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a plan view of the support member of Figure 12 .

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the components of the support member of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is another plan view of the support member of Figure 14.

17 is a perspective exploded view of a flexible display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a plan view schematically showing the flexible display device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a plan view showing another perspective of the flexible display device of FIG. 18.

20 is a schematic plan view showing the flexible display device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a plan view showing another perspective of the flexible display device of FIG.

Figure 22 is a plan view showing another perspective of the flexible display device of 20.

Main component symbol description: flexible display device 1000, bending assembly 10, support surface 12S, two first connecting sides 12ER/12EL, rotating shaft arc 12L, first length ΔL1, second length ΔL2, linkage plate 12, The rotating shaft OO, the first rotating shaft 002, the second rotating shaft 004, the connecting member 12P, the first connecting member 122, the fastening hole 1222, the first sub-support surface 122S, the second connecting member 124, the second sub-support surface 124S, the first Transition portion 124SP, third connecting member 126, third sub-support surface 126S, second transition portion 126SP, first side portion 128, first guide groove 1282, third guide groove 1284, link sub-assembly 14, first Rod 142, second rod 144, end cover 16, support member 100, support frame 20, second connecting side 20R, second side portion 22, second guide groove 222, guide rod 224, first support frame 24, The second support frame 26, the flexible display assembly 200, the flexible display 220, the flexible support plate 240, the through hole 2420, the soft rubber ring 300, the bottom case 400, the first bottom case 420, the second bottom case 440, and the back cover 500 .

Detailed ways

The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and the examples of the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", " Orientations of "post", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. The positional relationship is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is merely for the convenience of the description of the present invention and the simplified description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to has a specific orientation, and is constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as limiting the invention. Moreover, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" or "second" may include one or more of the described features either explicitly or implicitly. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more, unless specifically defined otherwise.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connected", and "connected" are to be understood broadly, and may be fixed or detachable, for example, unless otherwise explicitly defined and defined. Connected, or integrally connected; may be mechanically connected, may be electrically connected or may communicate with each other; may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, may be internal communication of two elements or interaction of two elements relationship. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood on a case-by-case basis.

In the present invention, the first feature "on" or "under" the second feature may include direct contact of the first and second features, and may also include first and second features, unless otherwise specifically defined and defined. It is not in direct contact but through additional features between them. Moreover, the first feature "above", "above" and "above" the second feature includes the first feature directly above and above the second feature, or merely indicating that the first feature level is higher than the second feature. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" the second feature includes the first feature directly below and below the second feature, or merely the first feature level being less than the second feature.

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and arrangements of the specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. In addition, the present invention may be repeated with reference to the numerals and/or reference numerals in the various examples, which are for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and do not indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and/or arrangements discussed. Moreover, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the use of other processes and/or the use of other materials.

Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 12 and FIG. 18 , the bending assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the support member 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, and can be further applied to the flexible display device 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention, or The flexible display device 1000 of the embodiment of the invention includes the support member 100, and the support member 100 includes the bending assembly 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the bending assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a linkage plate 12 and a link subassembly 14. The linkage plate 12 has at least one rotating shaft OO and a connecting member 12P that is sequentially connected end to end by at least one rotating shaft OO. The linkage plate 12 includes a support surface 12S and two first connection sides 12ER/12EL on both sides of the rotation shaft OO. The linkage plate 12 is for bending or unfolding about the rotation axis OO to bend (fold) or unfold the support surface 12S. When the linkage plate 12 is bent from the first state to the second state, the rotation axis 12L obtained by cutting the support surface 12S perpendicular to the rotation axis OO is increased by the first length ΔL1. The link sub-assembly 14 is coupled to the first connecting side 12ER and/or 12EL, and the link sub-assembly 14 is configured to shorten the extending direction of the rotating shaft 12L when the interlocking plate 12 is bent from the first state to the second state. The two lengths ΔL2, the difference between the first length ΔL1 and the second length ΔL2 is less than a predetermined value.

Referring to Figures 12-16, the support member 100 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a bending assembly 10 and two first support frames 24. The first support frame 24 includes a second connection side 20R corresponding to the first connection side 12ER/12EL. The first connecting side edges 12ER and/or 12EL form a first side edge portion 128 having a first guide slot 1282 that is parallel to the axis of rotation 00. The second connecting side 20R is formed with a second side portion 22, and the second side portion 22 is formed with a second guiding groove 222 corresponding to the first guiding groove 1282. The link subassembly 14 includes a first rod 142 and a second rod 144 that are pivotally coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link. One end of the first rod 142 is rotatably connected to the corresponding first connecting side 12ER and/or 12EL and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove 222. One end of the second rod 144 is slidably disposed in the first guiding groove 1282 and The other end is rotatably coupled to the second connecting side 20R.

The support member 100 of another embodiment of the present invention includes N bending assemblies 10, two first support frames 24, and N-1 second support frames 26, wherein N is a natural number and is greater than or equal to two. The first support frame 22 includes a second connection side 20R corresponding to the first connection side 12ER/12EL. The first connecting side 12ER and/or 12EL form a first side edge 128. Each of the second support frames 26 includes two second connection sides 20R corresponding to the first connection sides 12ER and/or 12EL. The two second connecting sides 20R are formed with a second side portion 22. The first support frame 24 and the second support frame 26 are sequentially connected end to end by the bending assembly 10, and the first support frame 24 is located on both sides of the support member 100. The first side portion 128 is formed with a first guide groove 1282 that is parallel to the rotation axis OO. The second side portion 22 is formed with a second guide groove 222 corresponding to the first guide groove 1282. The link subassembly 14 includes a first rod 142 and a second rod 144 that are pivotally coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link. One end of the first rod 142 is rotatably connected to the corresponding first connecting side 12ER and/or 12EL, and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove 222. One end of the second rod 144 is slidably disposed at the other end of the first guiding groove 1282. It is rotatably connected to the second connecting side 20R.

In the example of FIG. 14 , the bending assembly 10 is two, that is, the two bending assemblies 10 cooperatively connect the two first supporting frames 24 and one second supporting frame 26 while the second supporting frame 26 is at Between the two first support frames 24, the two first support frames 24 are separated from each other by the second support frame 26.

Of course, the specific implementation of the bending assembly 10 is not limited to the embodiments discussed above, but can be set as desired. For example, in some embodiments, more bending assemblies 10 can be employed. For example, three bending frames 10 can be used to connect the four supporting frames 20, that is, the combination of the two first supporting frames 24 and the two second supporting frames 26, or the four bending members 10 are connected to the five supporting frames 20, That is, the combination of the two first support frames 24 and the three second support frames 26.

It can be understood that, since the first support frame 24 is located on opposite sides of the support assembly 100, the number is two, and the second support frame 26 is between the first support frames 24, and the bending assembly 10 is N, then The number of two support frames is N-1.

The flexible display device 1000 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a support member 100 and a flexible display screen assembly 200 fixedly disposed on the support member 100.

The bending assembly 10, the support member 100, and the flexible display device 1000 of the embodiments of the present invention are secured to a suitable position of the support member 100 by securing the flexible display screen assembly 200. Thus, when the linkage plate 12 is bent to cause the rotation axis 12L to increase by the first length ΔL1, the tension of the flexible display screen assembly 200 can cause the link subassembly 14 to shorten the second length ΔL2 as long as the appropriate linkage plate 12 is set or selected. And the link subassembly 14 is such that the predetermined value is less than the allowable deformation length of the flexible display assembly 200, thereby ensuring that the quality of the flexible display assembly 200 during the bending process is unaffected, thereby extending the useful life of the flexible display device 1000.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments, the bending assembly 10 can have a rectangular outer contour when the linkage plate 12 is fully deployed.

In this way, the shape of the bending assembly 10 is regular, and it is convenient to form the shape-conforming support member 100, thereby facilitating the support of the shape-formed flexible display panel assembly 200, thereby forming a shape-formed flexible display device 1000.

Of course, the shape of the bend assembly 10 does not limit the embodiments discussed above, but may be set as desired in other embodiments.

In certain embodiments, the linkage plate 12 and/or the linkage subassembly 14 are fabricated from martensitic stainless steel. That is, in some embodiments, all of the elements in the linkage plate 12 are made of martensitic stainless steel; while in other embodiments, the linkage subassembly 14 is made of martensitic stainless steel; In an embodiment, both the linkage plate 12 and the link subassembly 14 may be made of martensitic stainless steel.

Martensitic stainless steel is a kind of stainless steel which can adjust its mechanical properties by heat treatment. It is hardenable stainless steel. Martensitic stainless steel has high hardness after quenching. Different tempering temperatures have different combinations of toughness and is suitable for manufacturing linkage plate 10 Therefore, the surface of the linkage plate 10 is high in hardness and is not easily worn.

Referring further to Figures 4-8, the outer contour of the linkage plate 12 may be rectangular when deployed.

In this way, the shape of the linkage plate 12 is regular, and it is convenient to form the shape-aligned linkage plate 12 and the support member 100, thereby facilitating the support of the shape-formed flexible display panel assembly 200, thereby forming a shape-formed flexible display device 1000.

In some embodiments, at least one of the rotating shafts OO of the linkage plate 12 can include a first rotating shaft 002 and a second rotating shaft 004. The at least two connectors 12P include a first connector 122, a second connector 124, and a third connector 126. The second connecting member 124 and the third connecting member 126 are rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the first connecting member 122 through the first rotating shaft 002 and the second rotating shaft 004, respectively. The side of the second connecting member 124 and the third connecting member 126 away from the first connecting member 122 is the first connecting side 12EL/12ER.

That is to say, in the embodiment discussed above, the number of at least one rotating shaft OO is 2, and the number of at least two connecting members 12P is 3. In other words, the linkage plate 12 is a two-joint linkage plate 12, so that the linkage plate 12 can provide a larger angle of bending. When bending, the support surface 12S corresponds to the joint (rotation axis OO) compared to the joint structure. The shape change is also smoother and the flexible display assembly 200 can be further protected.

Of course, the specific implementation of the linkage plate 12 is not limited to the embodiments discussed above, but can be set as desired. For example, in some embodiments, more joint structures may be employed. For example, four connecting members 12P may be used to form a three-joint structure by three end-to-end connections through three rotating shafts OO, or five connecting members 12P through four rotating shafts OO. The joints form a four-joint structure to provide a larger bend angle and a smoother bend. Of course, in some embodiments, a simple one-joint structure can also be employed to meet the quality requirements to reduce the complexity of the linkage plate 12, thereby reducing cost.

It can be understood that rotating the connection by the rotating shaft OO in the end and the end means that one side of the front connecting piece 12P is rotatably connected to the side of the latter connecting piece 12P through the rotating shaft OO, and the latter connecting piece 12P is away from the previous connecting piece 12P. One side of the one side opposite to the other one of the connecting pieces 12P is connected by the rotating shaft OO, and so on. In this configuration, the connecting members 12P on both sides may include only one side, and the intermediate connecting member 12P includes two side edges.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the support surface 12S is the outer contoured surface of the linkage plate 12 (the geometrical surface from which the outermost points are joined) or the physical surface (the actual surface).

It will be appreciated that the support surface 12S is used to support the flexible display screen assembly 200 in certain embodiments. Of course, the bending assembly 10 is not limited to being applied to the flexible display device 1000. In other embodiments, the support surface 12S may be used to support other flexible members that are supported thereon, and is not limited to the flexible display assembly 200.

It can be understood that, corresponding to the shape of the linkage plate 12, the support surface 12S is also substantially rectangular when the linkage plate 12 is deployed.

It can be understood that the first connecting side 12EL/2ER can be the side of the opposite side of the interlocking plate 12.

In some embodiments, the first connector 122, the second connector 124, and the third connector 126 can include a first sub-support surface 122S, a second sub-support surface 124S, and a third sub-support surface 126S, respectively. The second support surface 124S includes a first transition portion 124SP adjacent to the first rotation shaft 002, and the third support surface 126S includes a second transition portion 126SP adjacent to the second rotation shaft 004; when the linkage plate 12 is deployed, the first sub-support surface 122S, The outer contours of the first transition portion 124SP and the second transition portion 126SP are planar. When the linkage plate 12 is folded, the outer contours of the first sub-support surface 122S, the first transition portion 124SP, and the second transition portion 126SP are continuous transitional arcuate faces.

In this way, when the linkage plate 12 is unfolded and bent, the support surface 12S has a relatively smooth contour, and the flexible display screen assembly 200 can be supported more evenly, so as to prevent the support surface 12S from forming a convex portion at the joint (the rotating shaft OO) when being unfolded or bent. As a result, the flexible display assembly 200 is partially stressed too much, and damage to the flexible display 220 is reduced.

In some embodiments, the linkage plate 12 has a bend angle of 0-180 degrees. When the bending angle is 0 degrees, the second connecting member 124 and the third connecting member 126 are located on the same plane. When the bending angle is 180 degrees, the second connecting member 124 and the third connecting member 126 are stacked.

That is to say, the linkage plate 12 can be fully deployed to form a flat support surface 12 when deployed, so that the flexible display panel assembly 200 supported on the support surface 12S can also be flattened to provide a better display effect. When the linkage plate 12 is bent, it can be completely folded for better storage.

It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the first state may be a fully expanded state, ie, 0 degrees. The second state can be a fully folded state, that is, 180 degrees.

Of course, the first state and the second state are not limited to these embodiments, but in other embodiments, the first state may be any state of incomplete folding, for example, 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or even 90 degrees. And the state in which the degree of folding in the second state is higher than the first state, for example, may be 20 degrees, 40 degrees, 60 degrees, or 180 degrees.

That is to say, the bending assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present invention can avoid the damage of the flexible display panel assembly 200 in the initial state and to achieve any degree of bending.

In addition, by providing an inversion restriction structure (not shown) at the joint, it is possible to prevent the linkage plate OO from being reversely rotated, for example, it can be bent in the unfolding direction in a state of being fully deployed or 0 degrees, thereby avoiding The erroneous operation damages the flexible display assembly 200.

In some embodiments, the rotational friction at the joint can be set by setting the degree of interference of the rotational connection at the joint such that when the joint of the linkage plate 12 is at any angle, the rotational friction is greater than the rotational portion of the linkage plate 12 and its support The gravity of the component 100 allows the joint to be fixed in the current state after being bent or unfolded by an external force.

Referring to Figures 9-10, in some embodiments, the bending assembly 10 further includes two end caps 16. The two end caps 16 are sleeved on the rotating shaft OO and are respectively fixed at two ends of the first connecting member 122.

It can be understood that when the bending assembly 10 is specifically applied to the flexible display device 1000, the bending assembly 10 can be protected or hidden by providing an outer casing or a jacket on the outside to extend the service life or improve the appearance, however, due to the first The connecting member 122 has a first rotating shaft 002 and a second rotating shaft 004 on both sides thereof, and the outer casing or the outer casing cannot be disposed, or, after the outer casing or the outer casing is disposed, the outer casing or the outer casing may deform along the bending process, thereby affecting the appearance. It may even affect the life of the outer casing or outer casing. Therefore, the flexible display device 1000 may expose both ends of the first connector 122, and in the embodiment discussed above, the aesthetics may be improved by providing the end cap 16.

Referring to Figures 11-12, in some embodiments, the bending assembly 10 includes two sets of link sub-assemblies 14, each of which is coupled to a corresponding first connecting side 12EL or 12ER.

As such, the two support frames 20 can be joined by the bending assembly 10. Of course, in other embodiments, the link subassembly 14 may be connected to the support frame 20 only on one first connection side 12EL or 12ER and the linkage plate 12 may serve as a support frame 20 to form a structure of two support frames 20. Support member 100.

In some embodiments, each set of link sub-assemblies 14 can include two link sub-assemblies 14 disposed at opposite ends of the respective first side edges 128, respectively.

Each set of link sub-assemblies 14 of two

links

142 and 144 can securely connect the first side edge portion 128 of the linkage plate 12 to form a stable, secure connection.

Of course, in other embodiments, each set of link sub-assemblies 14 may include more (eg, three or four) link sub-assemblies 14 to provide a more stable, secure connection or fewer (eg, one) linkages. Component 14 is to reduce cost and is not limited to the embodiments discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 12 together, in some embodiments, the bending assembly 10 can be used to connect to the support frame 20. The support frame 20 can include a second side portion 22 that corresponds to the first side edge portion 128. The first side portion 128 is formed with a first guiding groove 1282 which is parallel to the rotating shaft 00, and the second side portion 22 is formed with a second guiding groove 222 corresponding to the first guiding groove 1282. The link subassembly 14 can include a first rod 142 and a second rod 144 that are pivotally coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link. One end of the first rod 142 is rotatably connected to the corresponding first side portion 128, and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding groove 222. One end of the second rod 144 is slidably disposed at the other end and the second side of the first guiding groove 1282. The side portions 22 are rotatably connected.

In this way, the connected bending assembly 10 and the support frame 20 form a stable supporting system, have a certain strength, and are manufactured in a simple manner. The design of the first guiding groove 1282 and the second guiding groove 222 allows the first connecting rod 142 and the first The two links 144 slide therein to meet the expansion and contraction conditions of the bending assembly 10, and the connection mode of the link sub-assembly 14 with the linkage plate 12 and the support frame 20 is simple, and the workpiece manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

In some embodiments, the first side portion 128 is further formed with a third guiding groove 1284 that is perpendicular to the first guiding groove 1282, and the second side portion 22 further includes a sliding portion disposed in the third guiding groove 1284. Guide rod 224.

The guide rod 224 and the third guide groove 1284 thus designed can further ensure that the bending process of the bending assembly 10 is smooth.

Referring to Figures 13-16, in some embodiments, the support member 100 is substantially rectangular when deployed.

As such, the shape of the support member 100 is regular, thereby facilitating the support of the shape-form flexible display panel assembly 200, thereby forming a shape-formed flexible display device 1000.

Of course, the shape of the support member 100 does not limit the embodiments discussed above, but may be set as desired in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, the support frame 20 is made of metal or plastic.

The metal has a certain strength and hardness, and has good ductility and corrosion resistance, is easy to obtain, and is generally inexpensive. The plastic is a good insulator, has the advantages of low manufacturing cost, durability, waterproof, light weight, easy to be molded into different shapes, and has strong corrosion resistance and does not react with acids and alkalis.

Referring to FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the flexible display device 1000 includes a support member 100 and a flexible display screen assembly 200 that is fixedly disposed on the support member 100. The fixed point of the flexible display assembly 200 and the support member 100 is located between the rotating shaft OO and/or the two first connecting sides 12ER/12EL of the same bending assembly 10, in particular, on the first sub-support surface 122S. . The flexible display assembly 200 includes a flexible support plate 240 and a flexible display screen 220 that is fixedly coupled to the flexible support plate 240. The flexible display screen 220 is attached to the flexible support plate 240.

The flexible support plate 240 is attached to the flexible display screen 220 to allow the flexible support plate 240 to better protect the flexible display screen 220, which is both flat and high in protection.

In certain embodiments, the flexible support plate 240 is fabricated from a titanium alloy, stainless steel, carbon fiber composite, or Kevlar.

The above materials have high strength, good rigidity, low density, light weight, high heat strength and good corrosion resistance, and are suitable as materials of the flexible support plate 240.

In some embodiments, a plurality of fastening holes 1222 are formed on the first connecting member 122 of the linkage plate 12, specifically, on the first sub-support surface 122S. A plurality of through holes 2420 corresponding to the plurality of fastening holes 1222 are formed in the flexible support plate 240. The flexible support plate 240 is fastened to the support member 100 by a plurality of fasteners (not shown) being fastened through the plurality of through holes 2420 on the fastening holes 1222.

Further, the flexible support plate 240 can be fixed to the support member 100 by means of screw locking, glue bonding or welding. The above method is simple, the process is mature and the price is low, so that the production cost and the production difficulty can be reduced, and the economic benefit can be improved.

Of course, the manner in which the flexible support plate 240 and the support member 100 are fixed is not limited to the embodiments discussed above, but may be employed in other embodiments according to specific needs.

In some embodiments, the flexible display 220 includes an OLED display.

The OLED display is a display made of organic electroluminescent diodes. Because it also has self-luminous organic electroluminescent diodes, it has the advantages of no backlight, high contrast, thin thickness, wide viewing angle, fast response, etc. It can be used for flexible panels, wide temperature range, simple structure and process. It is considered to be the next generation of flat panel display emerging application technology. The OLED display also has the advantages of low driving voltage and low power consumption, and can be matched with solar cells, integrated circuits, etc., and a large-area flat panel display can be realized by using a glass substrate, and can be made by using a flexible material as a substrate. The folded display has a wide range of adaptability.

Referring to FIG. 17 , in some embodiments, the flexible display device 1000 may further include a soft rubber ring 300 and a bottom case 400 . The soft rubber ring 300 is wrapped around the outer edges of the flexible support plate 240 and the flexible display screen 220. The bottom case 400 covers the support member 100, and the bottom case 400 and the flexible display screen assembly 200 are respectively located on both sides of the support member 100.

The soft rubber ring 300 is formed by injection molding of plastic, has soft hand feeling at normal temperature, has good thermal stability and electrical insulation, and can effectively protect the edge portions of the flexible display screen 220 and the flexible support plate 240.

In certain embodiments, the bottom case 400 includes a first bottom case 420 and a second bottom case 440. The first bottom case 420 and the second bottom case 440 cover the first support frame 24 and the second support frame 26, respectively.

Such a covering method satisfies the condition that the flexible display device 1000 is bent on the one hand, and on the other hand, can better separate the protective member and improve the safety performance.

In some embodiments, the first bottom case 420 and the second bottom case 440 are covered by the first support frame 24 and the second support frame 26 by snapping or screwing.

The buckle and screw locking method is simple, the process is mature and the price is low, so that the production cost and the production difficulty can be reduced, and the economic benefit can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 20 together, in some embodiments, the flexible display device 1000 further includes a back cover 500 covering the second bottom case 440, and the back cover 500 is configured to be bent at the support member 100. The gap formed between the first bottom case 420 and the second bottom case 440 may be filled.

Since the support member 100 is bent at 180 degrees, there is a gap between the first bottom case 420 and the second bottom case 440, or between the first support frame 24 and the second support frame 26, when the support member 100 is subjected to external pressure. The deformation of the back cover 500 is configured to fill the gap between the first bottom case 420 and the second bottom case 440 when the support member 100 is folded, so that the back cover 500 can be The support member 100 or the flexible display device 1000 plays a certain protective role when bent.

In certain embodiments, the bottom case 400 and/or the back cover 500 are made of at least one of metal or plastic.

Referring further to FIGS. 18-22, in some embodiments, the flexible display device 1000 is planar when flattened and may be integrally or substantially rectangular when folded.

It can be understood that the flexible display device 1000 is flat when flattened, that is, relative to the plane definition of the general case, and the integral ones are external structures that can be folded, folded, etc., so that the shape of the flexible display device 1000 is regular. It can be easily transported and stored.

Of course, when the flexible display device 1000 is flattened or folded, it is not limited to the plane and the rectangular parallelepiped discussed in the above embodiments, and may even be a curved surface or a curved surface when unfolded, and may be a square, a cylinder or even other shapes when folded, and may be in other embodiments. Set according to demand.

In the description of the present specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. The specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In the present specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily mean the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, the embodiments of the invention may The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A bending assembly, comprising:

a linkage plate, the linkage plate includes at least one rotating shaft and at least two connecting members that are sequentially connected end to end by the at least one rotating shaft, the linkage plate includes a supporting surface and two first connecting sides on opposite sides of the rotating shaft And the interlocking plate is configured to be bent or unfolded around the rotating shaft to bend or expand the supporting surface, and when the interlocking plate is bent from the first state to the second state, the cutting axis is perpendicular to the rotating shaft The axis of rotation obtained by the support surface is increased by the first length; and

a link subassembly rotatably coupled to the first connecting side, the link subassembly for deforming along the rotating shaft when the linkage plate is bent from the first state to the second state The extending direction of the arc shortens the second length, and the difference between the first length and the second length is less than a predetermined value.
The bending assembly of claim 1 wherein said link subassembly includes a first rod and a second rod that are pivotally coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link;

The first connecting side is formed with a first side portion, the first side portion is formed with a first guiding groove parallel to the rotating shaft, and one end of the first rod is rotatably disposed on the first side a second portion of the second rod slidingly disposed in the first guiding groove;

When the linkage plate is bent, the first rod drives the second rod to slide in the first guiding groove along the extending direction of the rotating shaft arc to shorten the second length.
The bending assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one rotating shaft comprises a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft;

The at least two connectors include:

First connector; and

a second connecting member and a third connecting member rotatably connected to opposite sides of the first connecting member through the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft respectively;

The side of the second connecting member and the third connecting member away from the first connecting member is the first connecting side.
The bending assembly of claim 3 wherein said first connector comprises a first sub-support surface, said second connector comprises a second sub-support surface, and said third connector comprises a third Sub-support surface

The second support surface includes a first transition portion adjacent to the first rotation shaft, and the third support surface includes a second transition portion adjacent to the second rotation shaft;

When the linkage plate is deployed, the outer contours of the first sub-support surface, the first transition portion and the second transition portion are plane;

When the linkage plate is folded, the outer contours of the first sub-support surface, the first transition portion and the second transition portion are continuous transitional curved surfaces.
The bending assembly according to claim 3, wherein the bending angle of the linkage plate is 0-180 degrees;

When the bending angle is 0 degrees, the second connecting member and the third connecting member are located in the same plane;

When the bending angle is 180 degrees, the second connecting member and the third connecting member are stacked.
The bending assembly of claim 3, wherein the bending assembly comprises two end caps, the two end caps are sleeved on the rotating shaft and respectively fixed to the first connecting member Both ends.
The bending assembly of claim 1 wherein said bending assembly comprises two sets of said link sub-assemblies, each set of said link sub-assemblies being coupled to a corresponding said first connecting side.
The bending assembly of claim 7 wherein each of said set of link subassemblies includes two of said link subassemblies disposed at opposite ends of said corresponding first connecting side.
A support member, comprising:

a bending assembly according to any of claims 1-8; and

Two first support frames, the first support frame includes a second connection side corresponding to the first connection side;

The first connecting side is formed with a first side portion, and the first side portion is formed with a first guiding groove that is parallel to the rotating shaft;

The second side portion is formed with a second guiding groove corresponding to the first guiding groove;

The link subassembly includes a first rod and a second rod that are centrally rotatably coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link;

One end of the first rod is rotatably connected to the corresponding first connecting side and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding slot, and one end of the second rod is slidably disposed in the first guiding slot And the other end is rotatably connected to the second side edge.
A support member, comprising:

N bending assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein N is a natural number and greater than or equal to 2;

Two first support frames, the first support frame including a second connection side corresponding to the first connection side; and

N-1 second support frames, each of the second support frames includes two second connection sides corresponding to the first connection sides;

The first support frame and the second support frame are sequentially connected end to end through the bending component, and the first support frame is located on two sides of the support member;

The first connecting side is formed with a first side portion, and the first side portion is formed with a first guiding groove that is parallel to the rotating shaft;

The second side portion is formed with a second guiding groove corresponding to the first guiding groove;

The link subassembly includes a first rod and a second rod that are centrally rotatably coupled to each other to form an X-shaped link;

One end of the first rod is rotatably connected to the corresponding first connecting side and the other end is slidably disposed in the second guiding slot, and one end of the second rod is slidably disposed in the first guiding slot And the other end is rotatably connected to the second side edge.
The support member according to claim 9, wherein the first side portion is further formed with a third guide groove that is perpendicular to the first guide groove;

The second side portion includes a guide rod slidably disposed in the third guide groove.
A flexible display device, comprising:

a support member according to any one of claims 9-11; and

A flexible display assembly that is fixedly disposed on the support member.
The flexible display device of claim 12, wherein the flexible display assembly comprises:

a flexible support plate fixedly coupled to the support member; and

A flexible display screen is attached to a side of the flexible support plate opposite the support member.
A flexible display device according to claim 13, wherein said flexible support plate is made of titanium alloy, stainless steel, carbon fiber composite material or Kevlar.
A flexible display device according to claim 13, wherein said flexible support plate is fixed to said support member by a plurality of fasteners penetrating said flexible support plate.
The flexible display device of claim 13 wherein said flexible display screen comprises an OLED display.
The flexible display device of claim 12, wherein the flexible display device comprises:

a soft rubber ring covering the outer edge of the flexible support plate and the flexible display screen;

a bottom case, the bottom case covers the support member, and the bottom case and the flexible display screen assembly are respectively located on opposite sides of the support member.
The flexible display device of claim 17, wherein the bottom case comprises a first bottom case and a second bottom case, the first bottom case and the second bottom case respectively covering the first support a frame and the second support frame.
The flexible display device according to claim 18, wherein the first bottom case and the second bottom case cover the first support frame and the second support by snapping or screwing frame.
The flexible display device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the flexible display device comprises a back cover, the back cover covers the second bottom case, and the back cover is configured to be in the support When the component is folded, the gap between the first bottom case and the second bottom case is filled.