CN113870707B

CN113870707B - Folding mechanism and display device

Info

Publication number: CN113870707B
Application number: CN202111144466.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 伍峰平; 青威; 王志会; 游传坤; 张俊; 熊韧
Original assignee: BOE Technology Group Co Ltd; Chengdu BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: BOE Technology Group Co Ltd; Chengdu BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-28
Filing date: 2021-09-28
Publication date: 2023-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2041-09-28
Also published as: CN113870707A

Abstract

The invention discloses a folding mechanism and a display device, and relates to the technical field of display, so that the risk of dents or cracks generated by a flexible display panel is reduced, and the service life of the flexible display panel is prolonged. The folding mechanism comprises an intermediate support bar, a support assembly and a rotating shaft assembly. The first surface of the intermediate support bar is configured to support the flexible display panel. The middle supporting bar can move along the thickness direction of the middle supporting bar and is provided with a first axis along a first direction; the support assemblies are symmetrically arranged relative to the first axis of the middle supporting strip. The support assembly includes a support plate having a first surface configured to mount the flexible display panel, and the rotation shaft assembly is symmetrically disposed with respect to a first axis of the intermediate support bar. The rotating shaft assembly comprises at least one first rotating shaft, the first rotating shaft is arranged on one side of the second surface of the corresponding supporting plate, and the supporting plate can rotate around the corresponding first rotating shaft within a preset angle range. The invention is used for supporting the flexible display panel.

Description

Folding mechanism and display device

Technical Field

The disclosure relates to the technical field of display, in particular to a folding mechanism and a display device.

Background

With the development of flexible organic electroluminescent display devices (Organic Light Emitting Diode, abbreviated as OLED), the morphology of the display devices is becoming more and more abundant. Among these, foldable display devices are a sign of research and development capabilities of various manufacturers.

However, after the foldable display device is used for a long time, the bending area of the flexible display panel is easy to generate dents or cracks, and the service life is short.

Disclosure of Invention

The disclosure provides a folding mechanism and a display device, which are used for reducing the risk of generating dents or cracks on a flexible display panel and prolonging the service life.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the present disclosure adopts the following technical scheme:

in one aspect, a folding mechanism is provided. The folding mechanism comprises an intermediate support bar, a support assembly and a rotating shaft assembly.

The medial support bar has a first axis extending in a first direction. The first surface of the intermediate support bar is configured to support a flexible display panel, and the intermediate support bar is movable in a thickness direction perpendicular to the first surface of the intermediate support bar.

The support assembly is symmetrically disposed with respect to the first axis of the medial support bar, and the support assembly includes a support plate. The first surface of the support plate is configured to mount the flexible display panel; when the display device is in the unfolded state, the first surface of the supporting plate and the first surface of the middle supporting bar are in the same plane.

The rotating shaft assemblies are symmetrically arranged relative to the first axis of the middle supporting bar, and each rotating shaft assembly corresponds to one supporting assembly. The rotating shaft assembly includes at least one first rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is arranged on one side of the second surface of the corresponding supporting plate, and the second surface of the supporting plate and the first surface of the supporting plate are two opposite main surfaces of the supporting plate. The first rotating shafts extend along the first direction, and the supporting plates can rotate around the corresponding first rotating shafts within a preset angle range so as to enable the display device to be unfolded or folded.

In some embodiments, the folding mechanism further comprises a base. The base is arranged on one side of the second surface of the middle supporting bar, and the second surface of the middle supporting bar and the first surface of the middle supporting bar are two opposite main surfaces of the middle supporting bar; the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected with the base, a groove is formed in the surface, close to the middle supporting bar, of the base, and the middle supporting bar can move towards the bottom, close to the groove, or away from the bottom of the groove along the depth direction of the groove.

In some embodiments, the folding mechanism further comprises a resilient connection. One end of the elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected with the base, and the other end of the elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected with the middle supporting bar. In the case that the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the elastic connection member is in an initial state, and the middle support bar is positioned in the groove. Under the condition that the folding mechanism is in an unfolding state, the elastic connecting piece is in a deformation state, and the first surface of the middle supporting bar is attached to the flexible display panel.

In some embodiments, the elastic connecting piece is a tension spring, and the tension spring comprises a spring body, and a first hook and a second hook respectively arranged at two ends of the spring body. The base is provided with a first hanging part, and the first hook is connected with the first hanging part. The middle support bar is provided with a second hanging part, and the second hook is connected with the second hanging part.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further comprises at least one first connector and at least one second connector. Each first connecting piece corresponds to one first rotating shaft. The first connecting piece is arranged on one side of the second surface of the supporting plate and is fixedly connected with the supporting plate. Each second connecting piece corresponds to one first rotating shaft and one first connecting piece. One end of the second connecting piece is rotationally connected with the corresponding first rotating shaft, the other end of the second connecting piece is connected with the corresponding first connecting piece, and the second connecting piece can slide along the length direction of the corresponding first connecting piece.

In some embodiments, the first connector is provided with a support protrusion at an end adjacent to the intermediate support bar. The support protrusion abuts against the second surface of the intermediate support bar in the process that the folding mechanism is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, so that the intermediate support bar moves in a direction approaching the flexible display panel. And in the process that the folding mechanism rotates from the unfolding state to the folding state, the middle supporting bar moves into the groove in the direction away from the flexible display panel under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic connecting piece.

In some embodiments, the base is provided with a guide channel on a side adjacent to the medial support bar. The first connecting piece comprises a guiding part and a connecting part. The guide part is arranged in the guide groove and can slide along the guide groove so as to guide the first connecting piece to drive the second connecting piece to rotate around the first rotating shaft. The connecting part is fixedly connected with the supporting plate.

In some embodiments, the support assembly includes two first connectors and two second connectors. The medial support bar has a second axis along a second direction that is parallel to the first surface of the medial support bar and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The two first connecting pieces are symmetrically arranged relative to the second axis of the middle supporting bar, and the two second connecting pieces are symmetrically arranged relative to the second axis of the middle supporting bar.

In some embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly further comprises a second rotating shaft. One end of the second rotating shaft is fixedly connected with one of the two first connecting pieces, and the other end of the second rotating shaft is fixedly connected with the other one of the two first connecting pieces. The axis of the second rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft.

In some embodiments, the folding mechanism further comprises a third shaft, a gear, a first transmission member, and a second transmission member. The third rotating shaft is arranged on one side, far away from the middle supporting bar, of the base and is fixedly connected with the base. The gear is rotationally connected with the third rotating shaft.

The first transmission member includes a first rack structure and a first connection structure. The first rack structure is meshed with the gear and can slide along the second direction. The base is provided with a first avoiding opening, and the first connecting structure passes through the first avoiding opening and is connected with a second rotating shaft of the rotating shaft assembly. The second rotating shaft can slide along the thickness direction of the middle supporting bar relative to the first transmission piece.

The second transmission piece comprises a second rack structure and a second connecting structure. The second rack structure is arranged on one side, away from the first rack structure, of the gear and meshed with the gear. The second rack structure is slidable along the second direction. The base is provided with a second avoidance opening, and the second connecting structure penetrates through the second avoidance opening to be connected with a second rotating shaft of the other rotating shaft assembly. The second rotating shaft can slide along the thickness direction of the middle supporting bar relative to the second transmission piece.

In some embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly further comprises at least one limiting assembly, each limiting assembly corresponding to one first rotating shaft. The limiting assembly is used for limiting the second connecting piece to at least one of a first position, a second position and a third position. The first position is the position of the second connecting piece when the folding mechanism is in a folding state. The second position is the position of the second connecting piece when the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state. The third position is a preset position of the second connecting piece in the process that the folding mechanism rotates from the folding state to the unfolding state.

In some embodiments, the stop assembly includes a first stop and a second stop. The first limiting piece is arranged on one side, away from the second axis of the middle supporting plate, of the second connecting piece. The first limiting piece is fixedly connected with the second connecting piece and is rotationally connected with the corresponding first rotating shaft. The second limiting piece is arranged on one side, away from the second connecting piece, of the first limiting piece. The second limiting part is provided with a limiting hole, the first rotating shaft is provided with a limiting part, and the limiting part is inserted into the limiting hole so as to prevent the second limiting part from rotating relative to the first rotating shaft. The second limiting piece can move along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft.

Wherein, one side of the first limiting piece, which is close to the second limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning bulge; one side of the second limiting piece, which is close to the first limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning groove. Or, one side of the first limiting piece, which is close to the second limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning groove; one side of the second limiting piece, which is close to the first limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning protrusion.

When the second connecting piece rotates to the first position, the second position or the third position, the positioning protrusion is positioned in the positioning groove and is in extrusion contact with the positioning groove, so that the second connecting piece is limited to the first position, the second position or the third position.

In some embodiments, the stop assembly further comprises a spring and a nut. The spring is arranged on one side, far away from the first limiting piece, of the second limiting piece, and the spring is in a compressed state. The nut is arranged on one side, away from the second limiting part, of the spring and is in threaded connection with the first rotating shaft.

In some embodiments, the folding mechanism further comprises a housing, the base is disposed between the housing and the support plate, and the base is fixedly connected with the housing.

The folding hinge provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes two support assemblies in which a first surface of a support plate is configured to mount a flexible display panel. Wherein, the backup pad can rotate around first pivot in the angle range that presets. That is, when the flexible display panel is mounted on the first surface of the support plate, the flexible display panel may be rotated with the support plate within a preset angle range, thereby achieving folding and unfolding. In addition, an intermediate support bar is provided between the two support members, a first surface of the intermediate support bar is configured to support the flexible display panel, and the intermediate support bar is movable in a thickness direction thereof.

Based on this, when the flexible display panel is mounted on the support plate and is in an unfolded state (i.e., the flexible display panel is not folded), the first surface of the intermediate support bar and the first surface of the support plate are in the same plane, and at this time, the intermediate support bar abuts against the flexible display panel to support the bending region of the flexible display panel, so that the risk of dent or crack generation of the flexible display panel can be reduced. In addition, when the flexible display panel rotates to a folded state along with the support plate, the middle support bar moves along the thickness direction of the flexible display panel in a direction away from the flexible display panel, so that the middle support bar and the flexible display panel can be prevented from interfering, and the middle support bar is prevented from obstructing the folding process.

On the other hand, a display device is also provided. The display device includes a folding mechanism and a flexible display panel. Wherein the folding mechanism is the folding mechanism according to any one of the embodiments. The flexible display panel is arranged on the first surface of the supporting plate of the folding mechanism.

The beneficial effects of the display device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as those of the folding mechanism provided by the above technical solution, and are not described herein.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the drawings that need to be used in some embodiments of the present disclosure will be briefly described below, and it is apparent that the drawings in the following description are only drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings may be obtained according to these drawings to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, the drawings in the following description may be regarded as schematic diagrams, not limiting the actual size of the products, the actual flow of the methods, the actual timing of the signals, etc. according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a base, an intermediate support bar, a support assembly, a rotation shaft assembly, and an elastic connection of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a support assembly, a rotation shaft assembly, and an elastic connection of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a base, an intermediate support bar, a support assembly, a rotation shaft assembly, and an elastic connection of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a folding mechanism at an elastic connection according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a first connector of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a base, a rotating shaft assembly, and an elastic connection of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a base, support assembly, rotation shaft assembly, and resilient connection of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a base, support assembly, rotation shaft assembly, and resilient connection of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a first transmission of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a second drive member of the folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a second stop of the folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a first stop of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a folding mechanism according to some embodiments;

fig. 16 is a block diagram of a folded state of a display device according to some embodiments;

fig. 17 is a block diagram of an expanded state of a display device according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

The following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be made clearly and fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which it is evident that the embodiments described are only some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and its other forms such as the third person referring to the singular form "comprise" and the present word "comprising" are to be construed as open, inclusive meaning, i.e. as "comprising, but not limited to. In the description of the present specification, the terms "some embodiments," "examples," or "examples" and the like are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

The terms "first" and "second" are used below for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first" or "a second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such feature. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

In describing some embodiments, the expression "connected" and its derivatives may be used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and/or plan views as idealized exemplary figures. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Thus, variations from the shape of the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", "equal" includes the stated case as well as the case that approximates the stated case, the range of which is within an acceptable deviation range as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallel and approximately parallel, where the acceptable deviation range for approximately parallel may be, for example, a deviation within 5 °; "vertical" includes absolute vertical and near vertical, where the acceptable deviation range for near vertical may also be deviations within 5 °, for example. "equal" includes absolute equal and approximately equal, where the difference between the two, which may be equal, for example, is less than or equal to 5% of either of them within an acceptable deviation of approximately equal.

In some related art, when the foldable display device is in an unfolded state, since the bending area of the flexible display panel is not supported, the bending area of the flexible display panel is easy to generate dents or cracks after long-term use, and the service life is short.

Based on this, in order to reduce the risk of dents or cracks occurring in the bending region of the flexible display panel, referring to fig. 1, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a folding mechanism 100 including an intermediate support bar 1, two support members 2, and two rotation shaft members 3.

As shown in fig. 1, 2 and 16, the medial support bar 1 has a first axis L1 extending in a first direction X. Wherein the medial support bar 1 has two opposite major surfaces, a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 of the medial support bar 1, respectively. The medial support bar 1 is movable in a thickness direction perpendicular to its first surface 11.

It should be noted that the first surface 11 of the medial support bar 1 is configured to support the flexible display panel 7, and the second surface 12 of the medial support bar 1 is the surface opposite to the first surface 11 of the medial support bar 1; the thickness direction of the medial support bar 1 refers to a direction directed by one of the two opposite main surfaces of the medial support bar 1 toward the other, i.e., the third direction Z as shown in fig. 1 and 15.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the support assemblies 2 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the first axis L1 of the medial support bar 1, and the support assemblies 2 include support plates 21.

Referring to fig. 1 and 17, the support plate 21 has two opposite major surfaces, a first surface 211 and a second surface 212 of the support plate 21, respectively. Wherein the first surface 211 of the support plate 21 is configured to mount the flexible display panel 7, the second surface 212 of the support plate 21 is the surface opposite to the first surface 211 of the support plate 21. When the display device 200 is in the unfolded state, the first surface 211 of the support plate 21 is in the same plane as the first surface 11 of the medial support bar 1.

As shown in fig. 2, the rotation shaft assemblies 3 are symmetrically disposed with respect to the first axis L1 of the intermediate support bar 1, and each rotation shaft assembly 3 corresponds to one support assembly 2. The rotating shaft assembly 3 comprises at least one first rotating shaft 31.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 16 and 17, the first rotation shaft 31 extends in the first direction L1 and is disposed at one side of the second surface 212 of the corresponding support plate 21. The support plates 21 may be rotated about the corresponding first rotation shafts 31 within a preset angle range to unfold or fold the display device 200.

The preset angle range is set according to the actual situation. Generally, the position of the support plates 21 of the two support assemblies 2 parallel to the intermediate support bar 1 is an initial position, i.e. 0 °, and the support plates 21 of the two support assemblies 2 are each rotatable about the corresponding first rotation axis 31 towards the first axis L1 of the intermediate support bar 1 until the support plates 21 of the two support assemblies 2 are perpendicular to the intermediate support bar 1, i.e. 90 °. That is, the preset angle range is 0 ° to 90 °.

As can be seen from the above, the folding hinge 100 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes two support assemblies 2, and the first surface 211 of the support plate 21 in the support assemblies 2 is configured to mount the flexible display panel 7. Wherein the support plate 21 can be rotated about the first rotation axis 31 within a preset angle range. That is, when the flexible display panel 7 is mounted on the first surface 211 of the support plate 21, the flexible display panel 7 may be rotated with the support plate 21 within a preset angle range, thereby achieving folding and unfolding. Further, an intermediate support bar 1 is provided between the two support assemblies 2, the first surface 11 of the intermediate support bar 1 is configured to support the flexible display panel 7, and the intermediate support bar 1 is movable in the thickness direction thereof (the third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15).

Based on this, when the flexible display panel 7 is mounted on the support plate 21 and in the unfolded state, the first surface 11 of the intermediate support bar 1 is in the same plane as the first surface 211 of the support plate 21, and at this time, the intermediate support bar 1 abuts against the flexible display panel 7 to support the bending region of the flexible display panel 7, so that the risk of occurrence of dents or cracks of the flexible display panel 7 can be reduced. In addition, when the flexible display panel 7 rotates to a folded state along with the support plate 21, the intermediate support bar 1 moves in a direction away from the flexible display panel 7 in a thickness direction (a third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15) thereof, and interference between the intermediate support bar 1 and the flexible display panel 7 can be prevented, thereby preventing the intermediate support bar 1 from obstructing the folding process.

Referring to fig. 1, 3, 4, 16, and 17, in some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 further includes a base 4, the base 4 being disposed on one side of the second surface 12 of the medial support bar 1. The first rotation shaft 31 is fixedly connected with the base 4, the surface of the base 4 near the intermediate support bar 1 is provided with a groove 41, and the intermediate support bar 1 can move toward or away from the bottom of the groove 41 in the depth direction of the groove 41, i.e., the thickness direction (third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15) of the intermediate support bar 1.

Wherein the medial support bar 1 is movable into the groove 41 in the depth direction of the groove 41, that is, the groove 41 provided on the base 4 can accommodate the medial support bar 1. In this way, the intermediate support bar 1 does not interfere with the bending of the flexible display panel 7 in the process of mounting the flexible display panel 7 on the support plate 21 and rotating it with the support plate 21.

Referring to fig. 1, 3, 4, 16 and 17, in some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 further includes an elastic connection member 5, where one end of the elastic connection member 5 is fixedly connected to the base 4 and the other end is fixedly connected to the middle support bar 1.

Wherein, in the case that the folding mechanism 100 is in the folded state, the elastic connection member 5 is in the initial state, and the middle supporting bar 1 is positioned in the groove 41; in the case that the folding mechanism is in the unfolded state, the elastic connection member 5 is in the deformed state, and the first surface 11 of the intermediate support bar 1 is attached to the flexible display panel 7. That is, when the folding mechanism 100 is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the elastic connection member 5 will be restored from the deformed state to the original state.

Based on this, when the folding mechanism 100 is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the intermediate support bar 1 can be moved into the groove 41 along the depth direction of the groove 41 by the elastic connection member 5, thereby avoiding interference of the intermediate support bar 1 to the bending of the flexible display panel 7.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the elastic connection member 5 is a tension spring 51, and the tension spring 51 includes a spring body 511, and a first hook 512 and a second hook 513 respectively provided at both ends of the spring body. The base 4 is provided with a first hooking portion 42, and the first hook 512 is connected with the first hooking portion 42. The middle support bar 1 is provided with a second hanging part 13, and the second hanging hook 513 is connected with the second hanging part 13.

Illustratively, the second hooking portion 13 is disposed on the second surface 12 of the supporting bar 1, and the second hooking portion 13 is a hooking column fixedly connected to the supporting bar 1; the corresponding first hooking portions 42 are hooking posts disposed on the base 4, and the first hooking portions 42 are disposed at an end of the base 4 along the first direction X.

In other embodiments, the elastic connection member 5 is a torsion spring, and a fixed shaft is provided on the base 4 or the middle support bar 1, and the torsion spring is rotatably connected with the fixed shaft. The torsional spring includes first linking arm and second linking arm, and first linking arm and base 4 fixed connection, second linking arm and intermediate support bar 1 fixed connection.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 7, 8, 16 and 17, in some embodiments, the support assembly 2 further comprises at least one first connector 22 and at least one second connector 23.

Wherein each first coupling member 22 corresponds to one first shaft 31, and each second coupling member 23 corresponds to one first shaft 31 and one first coupling member 22. The first connecting member 22 is disposed at one side of the second surface 212 of the support plate 21 and is fixedly connected to the support plate 21. One end of the second connecting piece 23 is rotatably connected with the corresponding first rotating shaft 31, the other end is connected with the corresponding first connecting piece 22, and the second connecting piece 23 can slide along the length direction of the corresponding first connecting piece 22. When the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the length direction of the first connecting piece 22 is parallel to the second surface 212 of the support plate 21 and perpendicular to the first axis L1 of the middle support bar 1.

Illustratively, the first connecting member 22 is provided with a sliding slot 221 extending along a length direction thereof, and the second connecting member 23 is provided with a connecting post 231 near one end of the first connecting member 22, wherein the connecting post 231 extends into the sliding slot 221 and can slide along the sliding slot 221. In this case, when the folding mechanism 100 is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the support plate 21 can drive the second link 23 to move in a direction approaching the first rotation shaft 31 along the length direction of the first link 22 to release the deformation amount of the flexible display panel 7 caused by the rotation of the folded state from the unfolded state. When the folding mechanism 100 is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support plate 21 can drive the second connecting piece 23 to move away from the first rotating shaft 31 along the length direction of the first connecting piece 22, so as to release the deformation amount generated by the rotation of the flexible display panel 7 from the folded state to the unfolded state.

Referring to fig. 3, 7, 9, 16 and 17, in some embodiments, the first connector 22 is provided with a support protrusion 222 at an end adjacent to the medial support bar 1.

Wherein, during the rotation of the folding mechanism 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the supporting protrusions 222 abut against the second surfaces 12 of the intermediate supporting bars 1 to move the intermediate supporting bars 1 in a direction approaching the flexible display panel 7. During the rotation of the folding mechanism 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the intermediate support bar 1 moves into the groove 41 in a direction away from the flexible display panel 7 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic connection member 5.

As can be seen from the above, the intermediate support bar 1 can be moved in a direction approaching the flexible display panel 7 to support the flexible display panel 7 during the rotation of the folding mechanism 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state by the cooperation of the support protrusions 222 with the elastic connection members 5; in the process that the folding mechanism 100 rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the middle support bar 1 can move into the groove 41 in the direction away from the flexible display panel 7, so that interference caused by the middle support bar 1 to the bending of the flexible display panel 7 is avoided, and the folding mechanism is simple in structure and low in cost.

In other embodiments, the end of the support plate 21 adjacent to the medial support bar 1 is provided with a support protrusion 222.

Referring to fig. 4, 7, 8, 9 and 16, in some embodiments, the base 4 is provided with a guide groove 43 on a side thereof adjacent to the medial support bar 1, and the first connector 22 includes a guide portion 223 and a connecting portion 224. The guiding portion 223 is disposed in the guiding slot 43 and can slide along the guiding slot 43 to guide the first connecting member 22 to drive the second connecting member 23 to rotate around the first rotating shaft 31; the connection portion 224 is fixedly connected to the support plate 21. The guide part 223 is matched with the guide groove 43 to guide the rotation process, so that the rotation stability of the folding rotating shaft 100 can be improved, the impact force transmitted to the flexible display panel 7 by the folding rotating shaft 100 in the rotation process is reduced, the risk of cracking of the flexible display panel 7 is reduced, and the service life of the flexible display panel 7 is prolonged.

Illustratively, the cross-section of the guide 223 in the second direction Y is circular arc-shaped; correspondingly, the cross section of the guide groove 43 in the second direction Y is also circular arc-shaped. The circular arc surface of the guiding portion 223 may slide along the circular arc surface of the guiding slot 43, so as to guide the first connecting member 22 to rotate the second connecting member 23 around the first rotating shaft 31.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the support assembly 2 includes two first connectors 22 and two second connectors 23. The medial support bar 1 has a second axis L2 in the second direction Y, two first connectors 22 being symmetrically disposed about the second axis L2 of the medial support bar 1 and two second connectors 23 being symmetrically disposed about the second axis L2 of the medial support bar 1.

The second direction Y is parallel to the first surface 11 of the medial support bar 1 and perpendicular to the first direction X. Wherein, the two first connecting pieces 22 can be fixedly connected with the supporting plate 21 at the same time, thereby improving the reliability of connection; the two first connecting pieces 22 and the two second connecting pieces 23 cooperate to drive the supporting plate 21 to rotate around the first rotating shaft 31, so that the rotating stability of the folding mechanism 100 is improved.

Referring to fig. 9, in some embodiments, the rotation shaft assembly 3 further includes a second rotation shaft 32. One end of the second rotating shaft 32 is fixedly connected with one of the two first connecting pieces 22, and the other end is fixedly connected with the other of the two first connecting pieces 22. The axis of the second rotating shaft 32 is parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft 31. The second rotating shaft 32 can connect the two first connecting pieces 22 into a whole, so that the two first connecting pieces 22 rotate synchronously, interference caused by rotation between the two first connecting pieces 22 is avoided, the stability of rotation is further improved, and the risk of deformation of the supporting plate 21 is reduced.

Referring to fig. 10, in some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 further includes a third rotation shaft 101, a gear 102, a first transmission member 103, and a second transmission member 104. The third rotating shaft 101 is disposed on a side of the base 4 away from the middle supporting bar 1, and is fixedly connected with the base 4. The gear 102 is rotatably connected to the third rotation shaft 101.

As shown in fig. 2, 8, 9, 10 and 11, the first transmission member 103 includes a first rack structure 105 and a first connection structure 106. The first rack structure 105 is engaged with the gear 102 and is slidable along the second direction Y, i.e. the first rack structure 105 is arranged along the second direction Y. Wherein, the base 4 is provided with a first avoiding opening 44, and the first connecting structure 106 passes through the first avoiding opening 44 to be connected with the second rotating shaft 32 of the rotating shaft assembly 3. The second rotation shaft 32 is slidable in the thickness direction (the third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15) of the intermediate support bar 1 with respect to the first transmission member 103, that is, the first connection structure 106 is provided with a through hole penetrating the first connection structure 106 in the first direction X, and the through hole extends in the thickness direction (the third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15) of the intermediate support bar 1.

It should be noted that, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the front projection of the first avoiding opening 44 on the support plate 21 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the projection is far away from the end of the middle support bar 1, and is flush with the front projection of the base 4 on the corresponding support plate 21 far away from the end of the middle support bar 1.

As shown in fig. 2, 8, 9, 10 and 12, the second transmission member 104 includes a second rack structure 107 and a second connection structure 108. The second rack structure 107 is disposed on a side of the gear 102 remote from the first rack structure 105 and is engaged with the gear 102. The second rack structure 107 is slidable along the second direction Y, i.e. the second rack structure 107 is arranged along the second direction Y. Wherein, the base 4 is provided with a second avoiding opening 45, and the second connecting structure 108 passes through the second avoiding opening 45 to be connected with the second rotating shaft 32 of the other rotating shaft assembly 3. The second rotation shaft 32 is slidable with respect to the second transmission member 104 in the thickness direction of the intermediate support bar 1 (the third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15), that is, the second connection structure 108 is provided with a through hole penetrating the second connection structure 108 in the first direction X, and the through hole extends in the thickness direction of the intermediate support bar 1 (the third direction Z shown in fig. 1 and 15).

It should be noted that, when the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state, the orthographic projection of the second avoiding opening 45 on the support plate 21 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the projection is far away from the end of the middle support bar 1, and is flush with the orthographic projection of the base 4 on the corresponding support plate 21 far away from the end of the middle support bar 1.

As can be seen from the above, when the first transmission member 103 moves, the gear 102 drives the second transmission member 104 to rotate synchronously; similarly, when the second transmission member 104 moves, the gear 102 drives the first transmission member 103 to synchronously rotate. This enables the two second shafts 32 to be moved synchronously, thereby causing the two support members 2 to be rotated synchronously. In this way, the stability of the rotation of the folding mechanism 100 can be further improved.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 8, 16 and 17, in some embodiments, the rotating shaft assembly 3 further includes at least one spacing assembly 33, each spacing assembly 33 corresponding to one first rotating shaft 31. The limiting assembly 33 is used for limiting the second connecting piece 23 to at least one of the first position, the second position and the third position.

Wherein the first position is the position of the second connecting piece 23 when the folding mechanism 100 is in the folded state; the second position is the position of the second connecting piece 23 when the folding mechanism 100 is in the unfolded state; the third position is a preset position of the second connecting member 23 during the process of the folding mechanism 100 rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state.

It should be noted that the preset position may be any position during the process of rotating the folding mechanism 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state. Wherein the position where the support plates 21 of the two support assemblies 2 are perpendicular to the intermediate support bar 1 is a first position, i.e. 90 deg., and the position where the support plates 21 of the two support assemblies 2 are parallel to the intermediate support bar 1 is a second position, i.e. 0 deg.. In this case, the third position may be any position between the above 0 ° and the above 90 ° (excluding 0 ° and 90 °), for example, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, or 75 °.

Based on this, when the spacing assembly 33 is applied to the display device 200, the spacing assembly 33 can not only stably maintain the display device 200 in a folded state, thereby providing convenience for transportation of the display device 200 and preventing the display device 200 from being damaged due to collision during transportation; the display device 200 can be stably kept in the unfolded state, so that the viewing experience of a user is improved; the display device 200 can be stably maintained at a predetermined angle, thereby satisfying various demands of users.

Referring to fig. 8, in some embodiments, the stop assembly 33 includes a first stop 331 and a second stop 332.

As shown in fig. 2 and 8, the first limiting piece 331 is provided at a side of the second link 23 remote from the second axis L2 of the intermediate support bar 1. The first limiting member 331 is fixedly connected with the second connecting member 23, and is rotatably connected with the corresponding first rotating shaft 31. That is, when the second connector 23 rotates, the first limiter 331 can be driven to rotate synchronously.

As shown in fig. 8, 13 and 14, the second stopper 332 is disposed at a side of the first stopper 331 remote from the second connector 23. The second limiting member 332 is provided with a limiting hole 3321, the first rotating shaft is provided with a limiting portion 311, and the limiting portion 311 is inserted into the limiting hole 3321 to prevent the second limiting member 332 from rotating relative to the first rotating shaft 31. The second stopper 332 is movable in the axial direction of the first rotation shaft 31. That is, the second stopper 332 is only movable in the axial direction of the first shaft 31 and is not rotatable relative to the first shaft 31.

Illustratively, a section of a partial shaft section of the first shaft 31 along the second direction is substantially rectangular, for example, a shaft section of the first shaft 31 on a side of the first stopper 331 away from the second connector 23, and a section along the second direction is substantially rectangular to form the above-described stopper 311. The limiting hole 3321 of the second limiting member 332 is rectangular correspondingly so as to prevent the second limiting member 332 from rotating relative to the first rotating shaft 31 and ensure that the second limiting member 332 can move along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 31.

The substantially rectangular shape includes not only a standard rectangular shape but also a rectangular-like shape in consideration of process conditions.

On the other hand, the cross section of the stopper 311 in the second direction has a long side and a short side. In some embodiments, the long and short sides are at right angles at each intersection (i.e., corner) such that the cross-section is rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the corners of the cross-section are curved, i.e., the corners are smooth, such that the cross-section is rounded rectangular in shape. In still other embodiments, the short sides of the cross section are curved.

Wherein, at least one positioning protrusion 3311 is disposed on a side of the first limiting member 331 near the second limiting member 332; at least one positioning groove 3322 is arranged on one side of the second limiting piece 332 close to the first limiting piece 331. Or, at least one positioning groove 3322 is arranged on one side of the first limiting piece 331 close to the second limiting piece 332; at least one positioning protrusion 3311 is disposed on a side of the second limiting member 332 adjacent to the first limiting member 331. When the second connecting member 23 is rotated to the first, second or third position, the positioning protrusion 3311 is positioned in the positioning groove 3322 and is in pressing contact with the positioning groove 3322 to define the second connecting member 23 in the first, second or third position. It should be noted that, during the rotation of the second connecting member 23, the positioning protrusion 3311 may be switched between different positioning grooves 3322 to define the second connecting member 23 at different positions. Among them, the positioning protrusion 3311 and the positioning groove 3322 have simple structure, easy realization, low cost, and high reliability of limitation.

Illustratively, one positioning protrusion 3311 is disposed on a side of the first limiting member 331 adjacent to the second limiting member 332, and three positioning grooves 3322 are disposed on a side of the second limiting member 332 adjacent to the first limiting member 331. Or, one side of the first limiting piece 331 close to the second limiting piece 332 is provided with three positioning grooves 3322, and one side of the second limiting piece 332 close to the first limiting piece 331 is provided with one positioning groove 3322. The positioning projections 3311 are rotated into different positioning recesses 3322 to define the second connecting member 23 at different positions.

Referring to fig. 8, 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the stop assembly 33 further includes a spring 333 and a nut 334. Wherein, the spring 333 is disposed at a side of the second limiting part 332 away from the first limiting part 331, and the spring 333 is in a compressed state; the nut 334 is disposed on a side of the spring 333 away from the second limiting part 332, and is screwed with the first rotation shaft 31.

In this case, when the first stopper 331 rotates with the second connector 23, the second stopper 332 can move in a direction away from the first stopper 331 by the positioning boss 3311; and the second stopper 332 can be moved toward the direction approaching the first stopper 331 by the spring 333. In this way, the second limiting member 332 can reciprocate along the axis of the first rotating shaft 31 during the rotation of the second connecting member 23, so as to limit the second connecting member 23 to the first position, the second position or the third position through the positioning protrusion 3311 and the positioning groove 3322.

In other embodiments, the limiting component 33 further includes an elastic piece, where the elastic piece is disposed on a side of the second limiting piece 332 away from the first limiting piece 331, and one end of the elastic piece is fixedly connected with the first rotating shaft 31, and the other end of the elastic piece is fixedly connected with the second limiting piece 332.

It should be noted that, when the positioning protrusion 3311 is located in the positioning recess 3322, the elastic sheet is in an initial state. In this way, when the positioning protrusion 3311 slides out of the positioning groove 3322, the elastic sheet deforms, so as to provide a force to the second limiting member 332 toward the first limiting member 331, so as to push the second limiting member 332 to move in a direction approaching the first limiting member 331 when the positioning protrusion 3311 slides to the adjacent positioning groove 3322.

Referring to fig. 1, 10 and 15, in some embodiments, the folding mechanism 100 further includes a housing 6, and the base 4 is disposed between the housing 6 and the support plate 21 and is fixedly connected to the housing 6. The casing 6 can form the protection to the base 4 and set up gear 102, first driving medium 103 and the second driving medium 104 on the base 4, prevents debris such as dust from adsorbing on gear 102, first driving medium 103 and second driving medium 104 in the use to cause the wearing and tearing of gear 102, first driving medium 103 and second driving medium 104, reduce folding mechanism 100's rotation precision and life.

Referring to fig. 1, 16 and 17, some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a display device 200. The display device 200 includes the folding mechanism 100 and the flexible display panel 7. Wherein the flexible display panel 7 is disposed on the first surface 211 of the support plate 21 of the folding mechanism 100, and the folding mechanism 100 is the folding mechanism 100 of any of the above embodiments.

It should be noted that the display device 200 may be any product or component with a display function, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a television, a display, a notebook computer, and other wearable electronic devices (e.g., a watch).

The beneficial effects of the display device 200 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as those of the folding mechanism 100 in any of the embodiments described above, and will not be described herein.

The foregoing is merely a specific embodiment of the disclosure, but the protection scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art who is skilled in the art will recognize that changes or substitutions are within the technical scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A folding mechanism for a display device, comprising:

An intermediate support bar having a first axis extending in a first direction; the first surface of the middle support bar is configured to support a flexible display panel, the middle support bar being movable in a thickness direction perpendicular to the first surface of the middle support bar;

two support assemblies disposed symmetrically with respect to the first axis of the medial support bar, the support assemblies comprising:

a support plate having a first surface configured to mount the flexible display panel; when the display device is in an unfolding state, the first surface of the supporting plate and the first surface of the middle supporting bar are in the same plane;

the two rotating shaft assemblies are symmetrically arranged relative to the first axis of the middle supporting bar, and each rotating shaft assembly corresponds to one supporting assembly; the rotating shaft assembly includes:

at least one first rotating shaft arranged on one side of a second surface of a corresponding supporting plate, wherein the second surface of the supporting plate and the first surface of the supporting plate are two opposite main surfaces of the supporting plate; the first rotating shafts extend along the first direction, and the supporting plates can rotate around the corresponding first rotating shafts within a preset angle range so as to enable the display device to be unfolded or folded;

A base disposed on one side of a second surface of the medial support bar, the second surface of the medial support bar and the first surface of the medial support bar being two opposite major surfaces of the medial support bar;

the support assembly further comprises:

two first connecting pieces, each of which corresponds to one of the first rotating shafts; the first connecting piece is arranged on one side of the second surface of the supporting plate and is fixedly connected with the supporting plate;

two second connecting pieces, each of which corresponds to one of the first rotating shafts and one of the first connecting pieces; one end of the second connecting piece is rotationally connected with the corresponding first rotating shaft; the other end of the second connecting piece is connected with the corresponding first connecting piece, and the second connecting piece can slide along the length direction of the corresponding first connecting piece;

the rotating shaft assembly further includes:

one end of the second rotating shaft is fixedly connected with one of the two first connecting pieces, and the other end of the second rotating shaft is fixedly connected with the other one of the two first connecting pieces; the axis of the second rotating shaft is parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft;

the folding mechanism further includes:

The third rotating shaft is arranged on one side of the base far away from the middle supporting bar and is fixedly connected with the base;

the gear is rotationally connected with the third rotating shaft;

the first transmission piece comprises a first rack structure and a first connecting structure, wherein the first rack structure is meshed with the gear and can slide along a second direction; the second direction is parallel to the first surface of the middle supporting bar, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the base is provided with a first avoiding opening, the first connecting structure passes through the first avoiding opening and is connected with a second rotating shaft of the rotating shaft assembly, and the second rotating shaft can slide along the thickness direction of the middle supporting bar relative to the first transmission piece;

the second transmission piece comprises a second rack structure and a second connecting structure, and the second rack structure is arranged on one side of the gear far away from the first rack structure and is meshed with the gear; the second rack structure can slide along the second direction; the base is provided with a second avoidance opening, the second connecting structure penetrates through the second avoidance opening to be connected with a second rotating shaft of the other rotating shaft assembly, and the second rotating shaft can slide along the thickness direction of the middle supporting bar relative to the second transmission piece.

2. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first shaft is fixedly connected to the base, a groove is formed in a surface of the base, which is close to the middle support bar, and the middle support bar is movable toward a bottom, which is close to the groove, or toward a bottom, which is far from the groove, along a depth direction of the groove.

3. The folding mechanism of claim 2, further comprising:

one end of the elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected with the base, and the other end of the elastic connecting piece is fixedly connected with the middle supporting bar;

when the folding mechanism is in a folded state, the elastic connecting piece is in an initial state, and the middle supporting bar is positioned in the groove;

under the condition that the folding mechanism is in an unfolding state, the elastic connecting piece is in a deformation state, and the first surface of the middle supporting bar is attached to the flexible display panel.

4. The folding mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the elastic connecting member is a tension spring, the tension spring including a spring body, and a first hook and a second hook respectively provided at both ends of the spring body;

the base is provided with a first hanging part, and the first hook is connected with the first hanging part; the middle support bar is provided with a second hanging part, and the second hook is connected with the second hanging part.

5. A folding mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting member is provided with a support protrusion at one end thereof adjacent to the intermediate support bar;

the supporting protrusion is abutted against the second surface of the middle supporting bar in the process that the folding mechanism rotates from the folding state to the unfolding state, so that the middle supporting bar moves towards the direction approaching to the flexible display panel;

and in the process that the folding mechanism rotates from the unfolding state to the folding state, the middle supporting bar moves into the groove in the direction away from the flexible display panel under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic connecting piece.

6. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the base has a guide slot on a side thereof adjacent to the intermediate support bar, and wherein the first connector comprises:

the guide part is arranged in the guide groove and can slide along the guide groove so as to guide the first connecting piece to drive the second connecting piece to rotate around the first rotating shaft;

and the connecting part is fixedly connected with the supporting plate.

7. The folding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the medial support bar has a second axis along the second direction;

The two first connecting pieces are symmetrically arranged relative to the second axis of the middle supporting bar, and the two second connecting pieces are symmetrically arranged relative to the second axis of the middle supporting bar.

8. The folding mechanism of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the rotating shaft assembly further comprises:

at least one limiting component, each limiting component corresponds to one first rotating shaft; the limiting component is used for limiting the second connecting piece to at least one of a first position, a second position and a third position; the first position is the position of the second connecting piece when the folding mechanism is in a folding state; the second position is the position of the second connecting piece when the folding mechanism is in an unfolding state; the third position is a preset position of the second connecting piece in the process that the folding mechanism rotates from the folding state to the unfolding state.

9. The folding mechanism of claim 8, wherein the limit assembly comprises:

the first limiting piece is arranged on one side, away from the second axis of the middle supporting plate, of the second connecting piece; the first limiting piece is fixedly connected with the second connecting piece and is rotationally connected with the corresponding first rotating shaft;

The second limiting piece is arranged on one side, away from the second connecting piece, of the first limiting piece; the second limiting part is provided with a limiting hole, the first rotating shaft is provided with a limiting part, the limiting part is inserted into the limiting hole so as to prevent the second limiting part from rotating relative to the first rotating shaft, and the second limiting part can move along the axial direction of the first rotating shaft;

wherein, one side of the first limiting piece, which is close to the second limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning bulge; one side of the second limiting piece, which is close to the first limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning groove; or, one side of the first limiting piece, which is close to the second limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning groove; one side of the second limiting piece, which is close to the first limiting piece, is provided with at least one positioning protrusion;

10. The folding mechanism of claim 9, wherein the limit assembly further comprises:

The spring is arranged on one side, far away from the first limiting piece, of the second limiting piece and is in a compressed state;

the nut is arranged on one side, away from the second limiting piece, of the spring and is in threaded connection with the first rotating shaft.

11. The folding mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:

the base is arranged between the shell and the supporting plate and is fixedly connected with the shell.

12. A display device, comprising:

a folding mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11;

and the flexible display panel is arranged on the first surface of the supporting plate of the folding mechanism.