CN116486698A

CN116486698A - Folding display device and supporting assembly thereof

Info

Publication number: CN116486698A
Application number: CN202211614306.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 桥本圭介; 中泽健二
Original assignee: Transcend Optronics Technology Yangzhou Co ltd
Current assignee: Transcend Optronics Technology Yangzhou Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-24
Filing date: 2022-12-15
Publication date: 2023-07-25
Also published as: TWI823716B; TW202332366A

Abstract

A folding display device and a support assembly thereof, the support assembly including a first body having a first surface, a second body having a second surface, a third body having a third surface, a fourth body having a fourth surface, a first pivot member, and a second pivot member. The first pivot member pivots the first body and the second body. The second pivoting member is pivoted to the second body and the third body. The fourth main body is pivoted between the second main body and the third main body.

Description

Folding display device and supporting assembly thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device and a supporting assembly thereof.

Background

Today, some conventional tablet and smart phones (smartphones) with large display devices provide a user with a large screen experience. However, the above-mentioned conventional tablet computer and smart phone are inconvenient to carry because the large display device cannot be bent. Therefore, the conventional tablet computer and smart phone need to be designed for convenient carrying.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable display device includes a support assembly and a flexible display panel. The support assembly includes a first body having a first surface, a second body having a second surface, a first pivot member pivotally connecting the first body to the second body, a third body having a third surface, a fourth body having a fourth surface, and a second pivot member pivotally connecting the second body to the third body. The fourth main body is pivoted between the second main body and the third main body. The flexible display panel is arranged on the first surface, the second surface and the third surface. When the foldable display device is folded to be in the first state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are not coplanar, and the flexible display panel is folded. The flexible display panel forms a first included angle between a portion of the third body and a portion of the second body, and the flexible display panel forms a second included angle between a portion of either the first body or the second body and a horizontal line. When the foldable display device is flattened to be in the second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are coplanar, and the flexible display panel is flattened.

In some embodiments, the second body and the third body each have a smaller dimension than the first body.

In some embodiments, when the foldable display device is in the first state, the first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and the second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface. The width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

In some embodiments, the width of the first gap tapers from the first pivot member to the second pivot member.

In some embodiments, the foldable display device in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness, the first thickness extends from the first body to the third body, and the second thickness extends from the first body to the second body.

In some embodiments, the support assembly in the first state has a sharp angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, and the sharp angle is relative to the first pivot member.

In some embodiments, when the foldable display device is in the first state, the flexible display panel has a gap width, and the gap width is between 1 mm and 4 mm between the first surface and the third surface.

In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions and two shafts. The pair of pivoting parts respectively comprise two connecting sections, wherein the connecting sections of the pivoting parts are rotatably connected with each other and respectively connected with the second main body and the third main body. The fourth body is a support plate disposed between the pair of pivoting portions. The two rotating shafts are coaxially and oppositely arranged, wherein each rotating shaft is connected with the connecting section of one pivoting part, and the connecting section of each pivoting part rotates along the rotating shaft.

In some embodiments, the second pivot member further includes at least one guide. The guide piece is connected with the supporting plate and is provided with a slot, wherein when the folding display device is in a second state, the rotating shaft is inserted into the slot. When the foldable display device is in the first state, one of the rotating shafts is separated from the slot.

In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions. The pair of pivoting parts respectively comprise a first pivoting piece and a second pivoting piece, wherein the first pivoting piece is provided with a convex block, and the second pivoting piece is provided with a groove. When the foldable display device is in the second state, the protruding block is inserted into the groove. When the foldable display device is in the first state, the protruding block is separated from the groove.

In some embodiments, when the foldable display device is in the second state, the fourth body is located between the second surface and the third surface, and the support assembly further includes a blocking member. The blocking piece comprises a sliding part and at least one reset element. The sliding part is movably arranged on the third main body. The reset element is connected with the sliding part. The reset element moves the sliding portion to the fourth body such that the sliding portion extends from the third body to the fourth body when the foldable display device is in the second state.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a support assembly includes a first body having a first surface, a second body having a second surface, a first pivot member pivotally connecting the first body and the second body, a third body having a third surface, a fourth body having a fourth surface, and a second pivot member pivotally connecting the second body and the third body. The fourth main body is pivoted between the second main body and the third main body. The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are not coplanar when the support assembly is folded into the first state. When the foldable display device is flattened to be in the second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are coplanar.

In some embodiments, when the support assembly is in the first state, a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface, and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface. The width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

In some embodiments, the support assembly in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, and the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness. The first thickness extends from the first body to the third body and the second thickness extends from the first body to the second body.

In some embodiments, the second pivot member further includes at least one guide. The guide piece is connected with the supporting plate and is provided with a slot, wherein when the supporting component is in the second state, one rotating shaft is inserted into the slot. When the support assembly is in the first state, one of the rotating shafts is separated from the slot.

In some embodiments, the second pivot member includes a pair of pivot portions. The pair of pivoting parts respectively comprise a first pivoting piece and a second pivoting piece, wherein the first pivoting piece is provided with a convex block, and the second pivoting piece is provided with a groove. When the support component is in the second state, the lug is inserted into the groove. When the support assembly is in the first state, the projection is separated from the groove.

In some embodiments, when the support assembly is in the second state (e.g., the folded state), the fourth body is positioned between the second surface and the third surface, and the support assembly further includes a barrier. The blocking piece comprises a sliding part and at least one reset element. The sliding part is movably arranged on the third main body. The reset element is connected with the sliding part, wherein the reset element enables the sliding part to move to the fourth main body, so that when the support assembly is in the second state, the sliding part extends from the third main body to the fourth main body.

Based on the above, the first pivoting member is pivoted to the first body and the second body, and the second pivoting member is pivoted to the second body, the third body and the fourth body, so that the first body, the second body, the third body and the fourth body can rotate relative to each other through the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member, thereby folding the foldable display device. Therefore, according to at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the foldable display device is convenient to carry, and the support assembly can provide a portable design for the mobile device.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a foldable display device according to at least one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 1A with the flexible display panel omitted;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are partial perspective views of the support assembly of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the folding display device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a schematic side view of the folded support assembly of FIG. 2B in a first state;

FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable display device in a first state;

FIG. 3D is a schematic view of the flexible display panel in a first state;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the foldable display device of FIG. 1A from another perspective;

FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 4A with some of the housing omitted;

FIG. 4C is a partial perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of a foldable display device according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 5A with the flexible display panel omitted;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the foldable display device of FIG. 5A from another perspective;

FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 6A with some of the housing omitted;

FIGS. 6C and 6D are partial perspective views of the support assembly of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view of the support assembly of FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the folding display device of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7C is a schematic side view of the folded support assembly of FIG. 7B in a first state;

FIG. 7D is a schematic view of the flexible display panel in a first state;

fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the support assembly of fig. 7A folded at the second pivot member.

[ symbolic description ]

100,500 folding display device

110,510 support assembly

111,511 first body

111s first surface

112,512 a second body

112s second surface

113,513 third body

113b blocking bumps

P14 bump

113i inner surface

113s third surface

114 fourth main body

114s fourth surface

115 oval hole

130,530 first pivot member

131,141,541 pivoting part

131e gear end

132,142,532,542 rotating shaft

139 limit part

139b bottom part

139h holes

139t groove

140 second pivoting member

141 pivoting part

141a first pivot member

141b second pivoting member

540 second pivoting member

543 supporting plate

149,160, stops

161,561 sliding part

161b,561b long stick

161e wedge-type end

161m main body

161r,561r, R14 groove

161s,561s extension section

162 reset element

190 flexible display panel

191 bending fold

511c,512c,513c casing

513b blocking bumps

513i recess

513g gear rack

541a,541b connecting section

545 guide member

560 Barrier element

561m sliding bar

561t switch

563 gear

A12 acute included angle

A13 first axis

A14, A54, second axis

B13, B53 spacing convex parts

G1 first gap

G2 second gap

L is horizontal line

Radius of curvature R19

S42 slot

TH1 first thickness

TH2 second thickness

W1, W2, W4: width

W3 gap width

θ1 first included angle

θ2 second included angle

θ3 third included angle

θ4 fourth included angle

Detailed Description

In the following text, the dimensions (e.g. length, width, thickness and depth) of elements (e.g. layers, films, substrates and regions, etc.) in the drawings are exaggerated in an unequal manner for clarity of presentation of the technical features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the description and illustrations of the embodiments below are not limited to the dimensions and shapes presented by the elements of the drawings, but are intended to cover deviations in the dimensions, shapes, and both, as a result of actual processes and/or tolerances. For example, the planar surface shown in the figures may have rough and/or non-linear features, while the acute angles shown in the figures may be rounded. Accordingly, the elements presented in the drawings are intended to be schematic, and are not intended to accurately depict the actual shape of the elements, nor to limit the claims.

Moreover, the words "about," "approximately" or "substantially" as used herein are intended to encompass not only the values and ranges of values explicitly recited, but also the allowable ranges of deviation as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, wherein the range of deviation is determined by the error in measurement, such as by limitations in the measurement system or process conditions. For example, two objects (e.g., planes or traces of a substrate) "substantially parallel" or "substantially perpendicular," wherein "substantially parallel" and "substantially perpendicular" respectively represent parallel and perpendicular between the two objects may include non-parallel and non-perpendicular due to allowable deviation ranges.

Further, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations of the above values, for example within ±30%, ±20%, ±10% or ±5%. The terms "about," "approximately" or "substantially" as used herein may be used to select an acceptable range of deviations or standard deviations based on optical, etching, mechanical or other properties, and not to cover all of these with a single standard deviation.

Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram of a foldable display device 100 according to at least one embodiment of the invention. Referring to fig. 1A, the foldable display device 100 includes a support assembly 110 (detailed in fig. 2A to 2C) and a flexible display panel 190, wherein the flexible display panel 190 is attached to the support assembly 110.

The support assembly 110 and the flexible display panel 190 can be flattened and folded, so that the support assembly 110 and the flexible display panel 190 can be folded. The flexible display panel 190 may be, for example, an organic light emitting diode (Organic Light Emitting Diode, OLED) display panel or an electrophoretic display panel (electrophoretic display panel). Further, the foldable display device 100 may be a mobile device such as a tablet computer, a smart phone, or an electronic paper (also referred to as an e-paper).

The folded foldable display device 100 is in a first state (e.g., an off state), and the flattened foldable display device 100 is in a second state (e.g., an on state), as shown in fig. 1A. In fig. 1A, the foldable display device 100 in the second state may operate. For example, the foldable display device 100 in the second state can display an image. In addition, the foldable display device 100 may include a touch sensing substrate (touch sensing substrate) attached to the flexible display panel 190, so that the foldable display device 100 in the second state can have a touch function.

Fig. 1B is a schematic perspective view of the support assembly 110 of fig. 1A, which is drawn without the flexible display panel 190. Referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the support assembly 110 includes a first main body 111, a second main body 112, a third main body 113 and a fourth main body 114, wherein the first main body 111, the second main body 112, the fourth main body 114 and the third main body 113 are sequentially connected. The fourth body 114 is pivotally connected between the second body 112 and the third body 113. Referring to fig. 1B, each of the second body 112, the third body 113 and the fourth body 114 has a smaller size than the first body 111, the second body 112 has a smaller size than the third body 113, and the fourth body 114 has a smaller size than the second body 112. Thus, the fourth body 114 has a minimum size, while the first body 111 has a maximum size.

The first body 111 has a first surface 111s. The second body 112 has a second surface 112s. The third body 113 has a third surface 113s. The fourth body 114 has a fourth surface 114s. The flexible display panel 190 is disposed on the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s. Each of the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s may be a plane, so that the flexible display panel 190 can be smoothly flattened on the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s in the second state.

Therefore, when the foldable display device 100 is flattened to be in the second state, the fourth body 114 is located between the second surface 112s and the third surface 113s, the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s may be coplanar, and the flexible display panel 190 may be flattened. It should be noted that when the foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s may be substantially coplanar, wherein the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s may allow for slight non-coplanar due to slight errors and tolerance (tolerance).

When the foldable display device 100 is folded or flattened, the first, second and third bodies 111, 112 and 113 can be rotated with respect to each other. Specifically, the support assembly 110 further includes a first pivot member 130, wherein the first pivot member 130 is pivotally connected to the first body 111 and the second body 112, and the second pivot member 140 (shown in fig. 2A) is pivotally connected to the second body 112 and the third body 113. Further, for protection and aesthetics, the first pivot member 130 and the second pivot member 140 can each comprise at least one housing (as shown in fig. 4A).

Fig. 2A and 2B are partial perspective views of the support assembly 110 in fig. 1B, wherein fig. 2A and 2B depict the inside of the support assembly 110 with the above-mentioned housing omitted, and wherein fig. 2B further omits the stopper 139 of the first pivoting member 130 and the stopper 149 of the second pivoting member 140 to clearly show the detailed structures of the first pivoting member 130 and the second pivoting member 140. Referring to fig. 1B, fig. 2A and fig. 2B, on opposite sides of the support assembly 110, the first pivot member 130 further includes a plurality of pivot portions 131 and two limiting portions 139. In the present embodiment, two pivoting portions 131 and a stopper portion 139 are disposed on one side of the support assembly 110. Each of the stopper portions 139 has a groove 139t, wherein the two pivot portions 131 are connected to each other and are disposed in one groove 139 t. Further, in some embodiments, the pivot 131 may be a cam shaft (cam shaft).

As shown in fig. 1B and fig. 2A, the first body 111 and the second body 112 are disposed between the two limiting portions 139. Since fig. 2A and 2B both depict the inside of the portion of the support assembly 110 at one of the first pivot member 130 and one of the second pivot member 140, fig. 2A and 2B show a single stopper 139 and two pivot 131, while the other stoppers 139 and pivot 131 are not shown in fig. 2A and 2B.

The first pivot member 130 further includes a plurality of rotational shafts 132. The rotating shafts 132 respectively penetrate the pivoting portions 131, and each has a first axis a13. The two pivoting portions 131 can rotate relative to each other along the two rotation shafts 132, as shown in fig. 2B. In addition, the rotating shafts 132 also respectively penetrate through the limiting portions 139. Specifically, each of the stopper portions 139 has a plurality of holes 139h, and in the same stopper portion 139, the holes 139h communicate with the grooves 139 t. The two rotating shafts 132 respectively penetrate the two holes 139h and the two pivoting portions 131, so that the pivoting portions 131 connected to each other can rotate relative to the limiting portion 139.

Thus, each pivot portion 131 can rotate along the first axis a13, while the adjacent two pivot portions 131 rotate in different directions. Taking fig. 2B as an example, the right pivoting part 131 can be rotated counterclockwise, and the left pivoting part 131 can be rotated clockwise. In addition, each of the pivoting parts 131 may have gear ends (geared ends) 131e, so that adjacent two pivoting parts 131 can be engaged with each other and can be rotated simultaneously by the gear ends 131 e.

In addition, the stopper 139 can restrict the rotation of each pivot portion 131. Specifically, when the foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the bottom 139b of the stopper 139 can block the rotation of the adjacent two pivoting portions 131 in different directions, respectively. Taking fig. 2A and 2B as an example, the bottom 139B of the limiting portion 139 can block the right pivoting portion 131 from rotating clockwise and block the left pivoting portion 131 from rotating counterclockwise, so that the limiting portion 139 can prevent the flexible display panel 190 from being damaged due to overstretching (overstretching).

The pivoting portion 131 can rotate along the first axis a13 when the support assembly 110 is folded or flattened. Since the pivot portions 131 located in the same limiting portion 139 are respectively connected to the first body 111 and the second body 112, the first body 111 and the second body 112 should rotate along the first axis a 13.

Referring to fig. 1B, fig. 2A and fig. 2B, the second pivot member 140 further includes a pair of pivot portions 141 at opposite sides of the support assembly 110. When the foldable display device 100 is in the second state, the fourth body 114 is located between the second body 112 and the third body 113, and the fourth body 114 is also located between the pair of pivoting parts 141. The fourth main body 114 is connected to the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b of the pivot portion 141 by two shafts 142, wherein the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b may be protruding shafts. The rotation shaft 142 is disposed in the holes of the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b, or in part of the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141 b. The rotation shaft 142 is disposed in the fourth body 114 to control rotation of the fourth body 114 during folding.

It should be noted that fig. 2A and 2B show a single pivot 141, since fig. 2A and 2B depict the interior of the portion of the support assembly 110 at a first pivot member 130 and a second pivot member 140. The other pivot portion 141 is not shown in fig. 2A and 2B. In addition, fig. 2B depicts a pivot portion 141 having a first pivot 141a and a second pivot 141B.

The pair of pivoting parts 141 each include a first pivoting member 141a and a second pivoting member 141b, and the second pivoting member 140 may further include a plurality of rotating shafts 142. The rotating shafts 142 respectively penetrate the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141b, and each has a second axis a14. In the present embodiment, the second body 112 and the third body 113 are of a biaxial pivoting design.

In some embodiments, the first pivot member 141a and the third body 113 may be integrally formed, and the second pivot member 141b and the second body 112 may be integrally formed. Accordingly, when folding or flattening the foldable display device 100 (or the support assembly 110), the third body 113 can rotate relative to the second body 112 and the fourth body 114 along the second axis a14, wherein the second axis a14 passes through the first pivot 141a via the second pivot member 140. Similarly, the second body 112 and the third body 113 rotate only along the second axis a14.

Referring to fig. 2B and 2C, fig. 2C omits the pivoting portions 131, 141 of fig. 2B. The first body 111 and the second body 112 may also have elliptical holes 115, such that the two pivoting portions 131 may be respectively inserted into the elliptical holes 115.

In some embodiments, each first pivot 141a has a protrusion P14, and each second pivot 141b has a recess R14. When the foldable display device 100 (or the supporting component 110) is in the second state, the protrusion P14 is inserted into the recess R14. Conversely, when the foldable display device 100 (or the supporting component 110) is in the first state, the protrusion P14 may leave the recess R14. In addition, the first axis a13 and the second axis a14 can both extend along a direction. In other words, the first axis a13 may be substantially parallel to the second axis a14 within an allowable tolerance range.

When the protrusion P14 is inserted into the recess R14 in the second state, the rotation of each of the first pivot 141a and the second pivot 141b is restricted. Specifically, as is apparent from fig. 2B, in the second state, the protrusion P14 in the recess R14 abuts (abut) against the second pivot member 141B, that is, the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141B abut against each other, such that in fig. 2B, the first pivot member 141a cannot rotate clockwise, and the second pivot member 141B cannot rotate counterclockwise, thereby restricting the rotation of each of the first pivot member 141a and the second pivot member 141B.

Fig. 3A is a schematic perspective view of the foldable display device 100 in fig. 1A, wherein some elements, such as the limiting portion 139 and the blocking member 149, are omitted in fig. 3A. Referring to fig. 3A, when the flattened folding display device 100 is folded, the second body 112 can be rotated along the rotation axis 132 by the first pivoting member 130. In addition, as shown in fig. 3A, when the protrusion P14 is inserted into the recess R14, the side of the first pivot 141a can be aligned with the side of the second pivot 141 b.

Fig. 3B is a schematic side view of the folded support assembly 110 of fig. 2B in a first state, wherein fig. 3B primarily depicts the interior of the support assembly 110 in the first state. Referring to fig. 3B, it is apparent from fig. 3B that in the first state, the bump P14 leaves the recess R14. In addition, the folded support assembly 110 of fig. 3B has P-shaped sides, wherein the first body 111 and the third body 113 are disposed opposite to each other.

Fig. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable display device 100 in the first state, wherein the flexible display panel 190 can be adhered to the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s and the third surface 113s by using an adhesive. Referring to fig. 3C, when the folded foldable display device 100 (or the folded supporting assembly 110) is in the first state, the first surface 111s, the second surface 112s, the third surface 113s and the fourth surface 114s are not coplanar, and the flexible display panel 190 is folded. Thus, by the second pivoting member 140, both the foldable display device 100 and the support assembly 110 thereof can be switched between the second state (as shown in fig. 1A and 1B) and the first state.

In the first state, the first gap G1 is formed between the first surface 111s and the second surface 112s, and the second gap G2 is formed between the first surface 111s and the third surface 113 s. As shown in fig. 3C, the width of the first gap G1 is significantly larger than the width of the second gap G2. The width of the first gap G1 tapers from the first pivot member 130 to the second pivot member 140. Since the first body 111 and the third body 113 are disposed opposite to each other, the first body 111 and the third body 113 can be substantially stacked on each other, and the foldable display device 100 or the supporting assembly 110 in the first state has a first thickness TH1 and a second thickness TH2, wherein the first thickness TH1 is significantly thinner than the second thickness TH2.

As shown in fig. 3C, the first thickness TH1 extends from the first body 111 to the third body 113, and the second thickness TH2 extends from the first body 111 to the second body 112, wherein the second thickness TH2 may also decrease from an edge of the second body 112 adjacent to the first pivot member 130 to the third body 113. It can be seen that the side of the folded foldable display device 100 (or the folded supporting component 110) can form a "P" shape, as shown in fig. 3C.

In the first state, the foldable display device 100 and the support assembly 110 each have an acute included angle a12 formed between the first surface 111s and the second surface 112s, wherein the acute included angle a12 is relative to the first pivot member 130. Accordingly, the width W4 of the first pivoting member 130 can be inclined with respect to the second body 112 and the first body 111. In other words, the width W4 is not perpendicular to the first surface 111s and the second surface 112s, so the inclined width W4 can help to reduce the overall thickness of the foldable display device 100, thereby meeting the design of the mobile device for convenient carrying.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible display panel 190 in the first state can have a gap width W3 between 1 millimeter and 4 millimeters (e.g., 1.76 millimeters), wherein the gap width W3 is located between the first surface 111s and the third surface 113 s. Since the width W1 of the first gap G1 is greater than the width W2 of the second gap G2, the flexible display panel 190 folded in the first state may further have a curved fold 191 surrounded by the first pivot member 130, the first body 111, and the second body 112.

The curved fold 191 of the flexible display panel 190 has a radius of curvature R19, wherein the radius of curvature R19 is greater than the gap width W3, and the radius of curvature R19 is between 1 mm and 7.5 mm, for example about 4 mm (e.g., 4.33 mm). Therefore, the support assembly 110 cannot fold the flexible display panel 190 flat to avoid damaging the flexible display panel 190.

Fig. 3D is a schematic view of the flexible display panel 190 in a first state, such as the flexible display panel 190 of fig. 3C with the support assembly 110 omitted. Referring to fig. 3C and 3D together, when the foldable display device 100 of fig. 3C is in the first state, a first angle θ1 formed between a portion of the third body 113 and a portion of the second body 112 by the flexible display panel 190 is in a range of 145 degrees to 165 degrees (e.g., 154 degrees), and a second angle θ2 formed between a portion of the flexible display panel 190 on either one of the first body 111 and the second body 112 and the horizontal line L is in a range of 95 degrees to 115 degrees (e.g., 103 degrees).

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the foldable display device 100 of fig. 1A from another view angle (from the back side), and fig. 4B is a perspective view of the support assembly 110 of fig. 4A with some of the housings omitted. These housings depicted in fig. 4A are not labeled. Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, the support assembly 110 may further include a blocking member 160 disposed in the third body 113 and abutting the fourth body 114.

Fig. 4C is a partial perspective view of the support assembly 110 of fig. 4B. Referring to fig. 4B and 4C, the blocking member 160 includes a sliding portion 161 and at least one reset element 162. The sliding portion 161 is movably disposed at the third body 113, so the sliding portion 161 can move from the third body 113 to the fourth body 114 and back to the third body 113, wherein the fourth body 114 can be located between the flexible display panel 190 and the sliding portion 161. Further, the sliding portion 161 is slidable along the inner surface 113i of the third body 113.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 4C, the blocking member 160 may include a plurality of reset elements 162, wherein each reset element 162 is coupled to the sliding portion 161, and the reset elements 162 are disposed in parallel with each other. However, in other preferred embodiments, the number of reset elements 162 within the blocking member 160 may be only one, such that the number of reset elements 162 included in the blocking member 160 is not limited to two or more.

These return elements 162 may be springs, such as coil springs (coil springs) or torsion springs (torsion springs). In the preferred embodiment, each return element 162 is a coil spring so that the return elements 162 can expand and contract. In this manner, the reset elements 162 can move the sliding portion 161 to the fourth body 114, so that the sliding portion 161 extends from the third body 113 to the fourth body 114 when the flattened foldable display device 100 is in the second state.

When the sliding portion 161 extends to the fourth body 114, the sliding portion 161 may contact the fourth body 114 such that the sliding portion 161 can block relative rotation between the fourth body 114 and the third body 113. Accordingly, the sliding portion 161 can inhibit the relative rotation between the second body 112 and the third body 113 to remove a backlash (backlash) of the second body 112 and the third body 113 and prevent the folding display device 100 from being suddenly folded, thereby facilitating the use of the folding display device 100 more easily when viewing or browsing the folding display device 100.

Taking fig. 4C as an example, the sliding portion 161 may include a main body 161m, a plurality of long rod members 161b and two extension portions 161s. The body portion 161m is movably disposed in the third body 113 and connected between the extension portions 161s. The body portion 161m may have a wedge-type end 161e. When the sliding portion 161 extends to the fourth body 114, the wedge-shaped end 161e can contact the fourth body 114. The main body 161m may further have two grooves 161r, and the long stick member 161b is connected to the main body 161m and is located in the grooves 161 r. Each long stick member 161b is inserted into one return element 162, wherein all long stick members 161b extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side.

Further, the third body 113 has a blocking protrusion 113b, wherein the blocking protrusion 113b can restrict and prohibit the movement of the sliding part 161. The blocking bump 113b has a plurality of grooves (not shown). The long rod 161b can pass through the grooves, respectively, and move relative to the blocking projection 113 b. The reset elements 162 are confined within the grooves 161 r. These extensions 161s each have an opening, and the third body 113 further has two stop bosses B13, which may be screws, for example. The limiting protrusions B13 are respectively located in the openings, so that the limiting protrusions B13 can limit the movement of the sliding portion 161.

Fig. 5A is a schematic perspective view of a foldable display device 500 according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, and fig. 5B is a schematic perspective view of a support assembly 510 of fig. 5A omitted from the flexible display panel 190. Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, a foldable display device 500 of the present preferred embodiment is similar to the foldable display device 100 described above. For example, the foldable display device 500 includes a support assembly 510 and a flexible display panel 190, wherein the flexible display panel 190 is attached to the support assembly 510.

The foldable display device 500 can be folded and flattened. The folded foldable display device 500 is in a first state and the flattened foldable display device 500 is in a second state. In fig. 5A and 5B, the foldable display device 500 and the supporting component 510 are in the second state. The foldable display device 500 may include a touch sensing substrate attached to the flexible display panel 190, so that the foldable display device 500 in the second state has a touch function.

The support assembly 510 includes a first body 511, a second body 512, a third body 513, a fourth body 114, a first pivot member 530, and a second pivot member 540. In the present embodiment, the fourth body 114 may be a supporting plate 543. When the foldable display device 500 is folded or flattened, the first, second and third bodies 511, 512 and 513 can be rotated relative to each other by the first and second pivoting members 530 and 540. In addition, the structures of the first body 511, the second body 512 and the first pivoting member 530 are substantially identical to the first body 111, the second body 112 and the first pivoting member 130, respectively.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the foldable display device 500 of fig. 5A from another view angle (from the back side), and fig. 6B is a perspective view of the support assembly 510 of fig. 6A with some of the housings omitted. Specifically, fig. 6A depicts the bottom of the foldable display device 500, wherein the first body 511 includes a housing 511c, the second body 512 includes a housing 512c, and the third body 513 includes a housing 513c. These housings 511c, 512c, and 513c are omitted from fig. 6B.

Referring to fig. 6A and 6B, the support assembly 510 further includes a blocking member 560 including a sliding portion 561 and at least one reset element 162. The support plate 543 is located between the second body 512 and the third body 513. The sliding portion 561 is movably provided to the third body 513 such that the sliding portion 561 can move from the third body 513 to the supporting plate 543 and back to the third body 513. Further, the sliding portion 561 is slidable within the recess 513i of the third body 513.

In a preferred embodiment, the blocking member 560 may include a plurality of return elements 162, wherein each side-by-side return element 162 is coupled to a slider 561. However, in other preferred embodiments, the blocking member 560 may include a single reset element 162 coupled to the slider 561. Thus, the number of reset elements 162 included in the barrier 560 may be only one, and is not limited to two or more.

These reset elements 162 also enable the sliding portion 561 to move to the supporting plate 543, so that the sliding portion 561 can extend from the third body 513 to the supporting plate 543 when the flattened foldable display device 500 is in the second state. When the sliding portion 561 extends to the supporting plate 543, the sliding portion 561 can also block the relative rotation between the supporting plate 543 and the third main body 513. Accordingly, the sliding portion 561 can inhibit the relative rotation between the second body 512 and the third body 513 to prevent the folding of the foldable display device 500 between abrupt folds, thereby facilitating the use of the foldable display device 500 more easily when viewing or browsing the foldable display device 500.

Fig. 6C and 6D are partial perspective views of the support assembly 510 of fig. 6B, wherein fig. 6D omits a portion of the blocking member 560. Referring to fig. 6C and 6D, the blocking member 560 is different from the blocking member 160 described above. Specifically, the sliding part 561 may include a sliding bar 561m, a switching part 561t, a plurality of long stick members 561b, and two extension sections 561s.

The sliding bar 561m is movably provided to the third main body 513. The switching portion 561t connects the extension sections 561s, the slide bars 561m, and the long bar members 561b. When the switching portion 561t moves, all the sliding bars 561m, the extension sections 561s, and the long stick member 561b can move along with the switching portion 561 t. Therefore, the user can move the sliding bar 561m by moving the switching part 561t to control the movement and position of the sliding bar 561 m.

The switching portion 561t may have two grooves 561r, wherein the grooves 561r are located between the two extension sections 561 s. These long stick members 561b are connected to the switching portion 561t and are located in these grooves 561r, as shown in fig. 6C. Each long stick member 561b is inserted into one return element 162, wherein all long stick members 561b extend in the same direction and are arranged side by side.

The third body 513 may further have a blocking protrusion 513B and two limiting protrusions B53. The blocking projections 513B and the stop projections B53 are located in the recesses 513 i. The blocking projection 513b having a plurality of grooves can restrict and prohibit the movement of the slide bar 561 m. The long stick member 561b can pass through these grooves of the blocking projection 513b, respectively, and move relative to the blocking projection 513 b. The reset element 162 is confined within the recess 561 r. The extending sections 561s each have openings, wherein the limiting protrusions B53 are respectively located in the openings, so that the limiting protrusions B53 can limit the movement of the sliding portion 161.

Referring to fig. 6D, the blocking member 560 may further include a gear 563, unlike the sliding portion 161 and the third body 113, and the third body 513 may further have a gear rack 513g, wherein the gear rack 513g can be engaged with the gear 563. The gear rack 513g may be located between the gear 563 and one of the long stick members 561b, and the gear 563 may be disposed between the slider 561m and the gear rack 513 g. In addition, the sliding bar 561m has a tooth edge, and the gear 563 can also mesh with this tooth edge. When the slide bar 561m moves with respect to the third body 513, the gear 563 moves.

Fig. 7A is a partial perspective view of the support assembly 510 of fig. 6B, and fig. 7B is a perspective view of the folding display device 500 of fig. 5A. Referring to fig. 7A and 7B, unlike the second pivot member 140, the second pivot member 540 further includes a pair of pivot portions 541 (on opposite sides of the support assembly 510, see fig. 6B) and two rotating shafts 542, and a support plate 543 disposed between the pair of pivot portions 541, and each pivot portion 541 includes two connecting segments 541a, 541B.

These connection sections 541a, 541b of each pivot portion 541 are rotatably connected to each other, and respectively connect the second body 512 and the third body 513. The rotating shafts 542 at opposite sides of the support member 510 (see fig. 6B) are disposed coaxially and oppositely to each other. Each rotation shaft 542 is connected to and penetrates one of the pivoting portions 541, so that the connection sections 541a, 541b of each pivoting portion 541 can rotate relative to each other along the rotation shaft 542. Accordingly, the second body 512 and the third body 513 can rotate relative to each other along the second axis a 54. In this embodiment, the second body 512 and the third body 513 are of a single axis pivoting design. In addition, the supporting plate 543 has two other shafts, which connect the connection sections 541a and 541b.

It should be noted that fig. 7A depicts a portion of the support assembly 510 on one side thereof inside the first pivot member 530 and the second pivot member 540, such that fig. 7A shows only one rotation shaft 542 and one pivot portion 541, and the other rotation shafts 542 and other pivot portions 541 are not shown in fig. 7A. As shown in fig. 7A and 7B, the first pivot member 530 includes a plurality of rotation shafts 532. When the flat folding display device 500 is folded, but the second body 512 and the third body 513 can still be kept flat (as shown in fig. 7B), the first body 511 and the second body 512 can rotate relative to each other along the rotation axes 532 by the first pivot members 530.

Fig. 7C is a schematic side view of the folded support assembly 510 of fig. 7B in a first state, wherein fig. 7C depicts only the interior of the folded support assembly 510 in the first state. Referring to fig. 7C, the foldable display device 500 and the support assembly 510 can be switched between the second state and the first state by the first pivot member 530 and the second pivot member 540. In the first state, the first body 511 and the third body 513 are disposed opposite to each other. Similar to the support assembly 110 described above, the folded support assembly 510 also has P-shaped sides, as shown in fig. 7C. Therefore, the folded support assembly 510 can also avoid damaging the flexible display panel 190 and meet the portable design of the mobile device.

Fig. 7D is a schematic view of the flexible display panel 190 in a first state, such as the flexible display panel 190 of fig. 7C with the support assembly 510 omitted. Referring to fig. 7C and 7D together, when the support assembly 510 of fig. 7C is in the first state, the third included angle θ3 formed between the portion of the flexible display panel 190 and the portion of the second body 512 is in the range of 145 degrees to 165 degrees (e.g., 154 degrees), and the fourth included angle θ4 formed between the portion of the flexible display panel 190 on either of the first body 511 and the second body 512 and the horizontal line L is in the range of 95 degrees to 115 degrees (e.g., 103 degrees).

Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the support assembly 510 of fig. 7A folded at the second pivot member 540. Referring to fig. 7A and 8, the second pivoting member 540 may further include at least one guide 545. In the preferred embodiment of fig. 8, the second pivoting member 540 includes two guides 545 with the support plate 543 connected and located between the guides 545. In other preferred embodiments, the second pivoting member 540 may include a single guide 545, so the number of guides 545 included in the second pivoting member 540 is not limited to two.

The connection segments 541a, 541b of the same pivot portion 541 can be rotatably connected to one of the guides 545 so that each connection segment 541a, 541b can rotate relative to the guide 545. In a preferred embodiment, each guide 545 has slots S42, wherein all slots S42 extend in a direction away from the support plate 543. The rotational shafts 542 are aligned with the slots S42, respectively, such that each rotational shaft 542 can be inserted into one of the slots S42.

When the foldable display device 500 is in the second state, i.e. the foldable display device 500 is flattened, the rotating shafts 542 can be inserted into the slots S42. At the same time, the guides 545 can restrict the movement of the rotation shafts 542 to prevent the folding display device 500 from being suddenly folded. Conversely, when the foldable display device 500 is in the first state, i.e., the foldable display device 500 is folded, the rotation shaft 542 can leave the slot S42.

In summary, the first pivot member is pivoted to the first body and the second body, and the second pivot member is pivoted to the second body and the third body, so that the first body, the second body and the third body can rotate relative to each other through the first pivot member and the second pivot member. Thus, the foldable display device and the supporting member can be folded or flattened accordingly. Therefore, the support assembly according to at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention can provide a portable design for the mobile device. The above-described foldable display device in the first state can be easily carried.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but rather may be modified or altered without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, comprising:

a support assembly, comprising:

a first body having a first surface;

a second body having a second surface;

a first pivot member pivotally connecting the first body and the second body;

a third body having a third surface;

a fourth main body having a fourth surface, wherein the fourth main body is pivotally connected between the second main body and the third main body; and

a second pivot member pivotally connecting the second body and the third body; and

a flexible display panel disposed on the first surface, the second surface and the third surface,

wherein when the foldable display device is folded to be in a first state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are not coplanar, and the flexible display panel is folded, the flexible display panel forms a first included angle between a portion of the third body and a portion of the second body, the flexible display panel forms a second included angle between a portion of either the first body and the second body and a horizontal line,

when the foldable display device is flattened to be in a second state, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are coplanar, and the flexible display panel is flattened.

2. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the second body and the third body each have a smaller size than the first body.

3. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface when the foldable display device is in a first state;

wherein the width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

4. A foldable display device as recited in claim 3, wherein the width of the first gap tapers from the first pivot member to the second pivot member.

5. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the foldable display device in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, and the first thickness is thinner than the second thickness,

wherein the first thickness extends from the first body to the third body and the second thickness extends from the first body to the second body.

6. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the support member in the first state has a sharp angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, the sharp angle being relative to the first pivot member.

7. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the flexible display panel has a gap width between the first surface and the third surface between 1 mm and 4 mm when the foldable display device is in the first state.

8. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the second pivoting member comprises:

the pair of pivoting parts respectively comprise two connecting sections, wherein the connecting sections of each pivoting part are rotatably connected with each other and respectively connected with the second main body and the third main body, and the fourth main body is a supporting plate arranged between the pair of pivoting parts; and

the two rotating shafts are coaxially and oppositely arranged, and are characterized in that each rotating shaft is connected with the plurality of connecting sections of one of the pair of pivoting parts, and the plurality of connecting sections of each pivoting part rotate along the plurality of rotating shafts.

9. The foldable display device of claim 8, wherein the second pivot member further comprises:

at least one guiding piece connected with the supporting plate and provided with a slot, wherein when the foldable display device is in the second state, one of the rotating shafts is inserted into the slot;

When the foldable display device is in the first state, one of the rotating shafts is separated from the slot.

10. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the second pivoting member comprises:

the pair of pivoting parts respectively comprise a first pivoting piece and a second pivoting piece, wherein the first pivoting piece is provided with a convex block, and the second pivoting piece is provided with a groove;

when the foldable display device is in the second state, the convex block is inserted into the groove;

when the foldable display device is in the first state, the protruding block is separated from the groove.

11. The foldable display device of claim 1, wherein the fourth body is located between the second surface and the third surface when the foldable display device is in the second state, the support assembly further comprising:

a barrier, comprising:

a sliding part movably arranged on the third main body; and

and the at least one reset element is connected with the sliding part, and the at least one reset element enables the sliding part to move to the fourth main body, so that the sliding part extends from the third main body to the fourth main body when the folding display device is in the second state.

12. A support assembly, comprising:

a first body having a first surface;

a second body having a second surface;

a first pivot member pivotally connecting the first body and the second body;

a third body having a third surface;

a second pivot member pivotally connecting the second body and the third body;

wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are not coplanar when the support assembly is folded to be in a first state,

wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface are coplanar when the support assembly is flattened to be in a second state.

13. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the second body and the third body each have a smaller dimension than the first body.

14. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein a first gap is formed between the first surface and the second surface and a second gap is formed between the first surface and the third surface when the support assembly is in the first state;

Wherein the width of the first gap is greater than the width of the second gap.

15. The support assembly of claim 14, wherein the width of the first gap tapers from the first pivot member to the second pivot member.

16. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the support assembly in the first state has a first thickness and a second thickness, the first thickness being thinner than the second thickness,

17. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the support assembly in the first state has a sharp included angle formed between the first surface and the second surface, the sharp included angle being relative to the first pivot member.

18. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the second pivot member comprises:

Two rotating shafts are coaxially and oppositely arranged, wherein each rotating shaft is connected with the connecting sections of one of the pair of pivoting parts, and the connecting sections of the pivoting parts rotate along the rotating shafts.

19. The support assembly of claim 18, wherein the second pivot member further comprises:

at least one guiding piece connected with the supporting plate and provided with a slot, wherein when the supporting component is in the second state, one of the rotating shafts is inserted into the slot;

when the supporting component is in the first state, one of the rotating shafts is separated from the slot.

20. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the second pivot member comprises:

when the supporting component is in the second state, the lug is inserted into the groove;

when the supporting component is in the first state, the lug is separated from the groove.

21. The support assembly of claim 12, wherein the fourth body is positioned between the second surface and the third surface when the support assembly is in the second state, the support assembly further comprising:

A barrier, comprising:

a sliding part movably arranged on the third main body; and

and the at least one reset element is connected with the sliding part, and the at least one reset element enables the sliding part to move to the fourth main body, so that when the supporting component is in the second state, the sliding part extends from the third main body to the fourth main body.