Patent Description:
In a foldable device, a flexible display is one of key components for implementing a folding function. The flexible display may include a flexible display panel and a holding plate located on the back of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel is highly flexible, so that the flexible display panel can be randomly bent. The holding plate has specific rigidity, to provide support for the flexible display panel. However, when the flexible display is folded, the holding plate limits a minimum bending radius of the flexible display to some extent. Therefore, a folding effect of the flexible display is affected. Specifically, after the foldable device is folded, a folded part forms a large bulge, and the bulge increases a maximum thickness of the folded foldable device, which is not conducive to improving portability of the folded foldable device.

<CIT> describes a flexible display, comprising a display panel and a back plate divided into a folding portion and a non-folding portion, the back plate including a first layer formed of a material having stiffness higher than a stiffness of the display panel, a first opening pattern formed in the first layer and corresponding to the folding portion, the first opening pattern having a first density of empty space, and a second opening pattern formed in the first layer and corresponding to the non-folding portion, the second opening pattern having a second density of empty space lower than the first density.

<CIT> describes a collapsible display device and backplate thereof.

This application provides a flexible display and a foldable device, to improve a folding effect.

To make objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

To facilitate understanding of a flexible display provided in embodiments of this application, the following first describes an application scenario of the flexible display.

The flexible display provided in embodiments of this application may be applied to a foldable device such as a foldable mobile phone, a foldable tablet computer, a notebook computer, or a foldable ebook. A flexible display has a specific bendability. Therefore, the flexible display may be folded in some cases, and the flexible display may be unfolded in other cases. For example, after the foldable device is folded, the flexible display may be folded accordingly, so that an area of the foldable device can be reduced, to improve portability; or after the foldable device is unfolded, the flexible display may be unfolded accordingly, so that a large display area can be provided, to improve use convenience for a user.

In some foldable devices, a posture of a folded part in a flexible display after the foldable device is folded is not considered. In addition, no corresponding structure is disposed to effectively control a folding posture of the flexible display. Consequently, the folded part in the flexible display forms a large bulge, and a thickness of the foldable device and an overall posture of the foldable device after being folded are affected.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the foldable device may include a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> that are connected by using a hinge <NUM>. The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be folded opposite to each other by using the hinge <NUM>, to implement a folding function of the foldable device. One part of a flexible display <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first body <NUM>, and the other part of the flexible display <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second body <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> has a specific flexibility. Therefore, when the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> are folded by using the hinge <NUM>, a part that is of the flexible display <NUM> and that corresponds to the hinge <NUM> can be bent and deformed. In actual application, to ensure security of the flexible display <NUM>, a bending radius R of a folded part (that is, the part that is bent and deformed) of the flexible display <NUM> needs to be greater than a specific value, to avoid an undesirable phenomenon such as creases or a crack. Therefore, after the foldable device is folded, a part of the hinge <NUM> (or the folded part of the flexible display <NUM>) forms a large arch-shaped bulge. This affects a thickness of the foldable device. In addition, a specific angle is also maintained between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>, and the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> cannot be parallel to each other. This impacts on security of the foldable device. For example, after the foldable device is squeezed by an external force, the hinge <NUM> bears a large acting force, and is prone to risks such as deformation and a malfunction. In addition, a foreign matter is prone to remain in a gap between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>. This impacts on security of the flexible display <NUM>.

Therefore, an embodiment of this application provides a flexible display whose folding posture can be effectively controlled and a foldable device to which the flexible display is applied.

To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of this application, a flexible display provided in this application is specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementations.

The terms used in the following embodiments are merely intended to describe specific embodiments, but are not intended to limit this application. Terms "one", "a", "the foregoing", "this", and "the one" of singular forms used in this specification and the appended claims of this application are also intended to include a form like "one or more", unless otherwise specified in the context clearly. It should be further understood that in the following embodiments of this application, "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one, two, or more. The term "and/or" is used to describe an association relationship between associated objects, and indicates that there may be three relationships. For example, A and/or B may represent the following cases: Only A exists, both A and B exist, and only B exists, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects. Reference to "an embodiment", "some embodiments", or the like described in this specification indicates that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described with reference to embodiments. Therefore, statements such as "in an embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", and "in other embodiments" that appear at different places in this specification do not necessarily mean reference to a same embodiment, instead, they mean "one or more but not all of embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. Terms "include", "contain", "have", and their variants all mean "include but are not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, a flexible display <NUM> includes a flexible display panel <NUM> (for example, an OLED display panel) and a holding plate <NUM>. An upper surface of the flexible display panel <NUM> is a display surface that is configured to display an image, and a lower surface is a back surface. The holding plate <NUM> is disposed on the back surface of the flexible display panel <NUM> by using a bonding layer <NUM>, and is configured to provide support for the flexible display panel <NUM>. In addition, to effectively control a folding posture of the flexible display <NUM>, the holding plate <NUM> is provided with a first fixed part <NUM>, a first bending part <NUM>, a first connecting part <NUM>, a main bending part <NUM>, a second connecting part <NUM>, a second bending part <NUM>, and a second fixed part <NUM> that are sequentially disposed in a first direction (a direction from left to right in the figure). The first direction is parallel to a plate surface of the holding plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, after the flexible display <NUM> is folded, the main bending part <NUM> is bent toward a folding direction (which may also be understood as being bent inwards), and the first bending part <NUM> and the second bending part <NUM> are bent away from the folding direction (which may also be understood as being bent outwards), so that the folding form of the flexible display <NUM> can be effectively controlled. Under action of the holding plate <NUM>, after the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded, flatness of the flexible display panel <NUM> can be improved, so that a display effect of the flexible display panel <NUM> is effectively improved. After the flexible display <NUM> is folded, the holding plate <NUM> can control the folding posture of the flexible display <NUM> based on settings of a structure of the holding plate <NUM>, to improve user experience.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the holding plate <NUM> may be a plate structure with a specific rigidity, such as a metal plate, a glass plate, or a plastic plate. In the holding plate <NUM>, the first bending part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> jointly form a bent part <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. The first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> are more rigid, and the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> are more flexible. As shown in <FIG>, after the flexible display <NUM> is folded, the first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> that are more rigid are not easily bent, so that a flat plate structure can be maintained. In addition, the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> that are more flexible are easily bent. In addition, because the main bending part <NUM> can be bent toward the folding direction, and the first bending part <NUM> and the second bending part <NUM> can be bent away from the folding direction, a size of a contour A enclosed by the bent part of the flexible display <NUM> is reduced.

In a specific implementation, after the flexible display <NUM> is unfolded, a flat plate-like structure may be formed. To be specific, the surface that is of the flexible display panel <NUM> and that is configured to display the image may have high flatness, to provide a good display effect and good visual experience. In addition, after the flexible display <NUM> is folded, the first fixed part <NUM> and the second fixed part <NUM> may be parallel to each other, to reduce a volume occupied by the flexible display <NUM> as much as possible. In addition, the size of the contour A enclosed by the flexible display <NUM> can be effectively reduced, to further improve security of the flexible display <NUM>.

In addition, to enable the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> to be more flexible than the first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM>,
in an implementation, thicknesses of the first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> may be greater than thicknesses of the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM>. Specifically, when a thickness of the holding plate <NUM> is uneven, an area with a smaller thickness is more easily bent, and correspondingly, an area with a larger thickness is more difficult to be bent. Therefore, based on the settings of the foregoing structures, when the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display <NUM>) is folded, the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> that have smaller thicknesses are more easily bent. Therefore, the folding form of the flexible display <NUM> can be effectively controlled. During specific configuration, the thicknesses of the first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> may be the same or different. In addition, the thicknesses of the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> may be the same or different. This is not specifically limited in this application.

In addition, in another implementation, material densities of the first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> may be greater than material densities of the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM>. Specifically, when the entire holding plate <NUM> is made of a same material, and weights of materials per unit volume are different in different areas, an area in which a weight of a material per unit volume is lighter (that is, a material density is lower) is more easily bent, and correspondingly, an area in which a weight of a material per unit volume is heavier (that is, a material density is higher) is more difficult to be bent. Therefore, according to the foregoing structure setting, when the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display <NUM>) is folded, the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> that have lower material densities are more easily bent. Therefore, the folding form of the flexible display <NUM> can be effectively controlled. During specific configuration, the material densities of the first fixed part <NUM>, the first connecting part <NUM>, the second connecting part <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> may be the same or different. In addition, the material densities of the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> may be the same or different. This is not specifically limited in this application.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, in another implementation, through holes <NUM> may be disposed in the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM>. The first bending part <NUM> is used as an example. After a through hole <NUM> that penetrates upper and lower plate surfaces of the holding plate <NUM> is disposed in the first bending part <NUM>, rigidity of the area is reduced. When the holding plate <NUM> is bent, bending and deformation more easily occur in the area in which the through holes <NUM> are disposed. Correspondingly, through holes <NUM> are disposed in the main bending part <NUM> and the second bending part <NUM>. This can also reduce rigidity of the areas in which the through holes <NUM> are disposed. Therefore, based on the settings of the foregoing structures, when the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display <NUM>) is folded, the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> in which the through holes <NUM> are disposed are more easily bent. Therefore, the folding form of the flexible display <NUM> can be effectively controlled. During specific configuration, parameters such as sizes, cross-sectional contours, quantities, and location arrangements of the through holes <NUM> disposed in the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM> may be the same or different.

The first bending part <NUM> is used as an example. To enable the first bending part <NUM> to be more easily bent, a plurality of through holes are disposed in the first bending part <NUM>, and in a second direction (a direction from top to bottom in the figure), the plurality of through holes <NUM> are arranged from one edge (an upper edge in the figure) of the holding plate <NUM> to the other edge (a lower edge in the figure). In addition, to enable the first bending part <NUM> to have a bending area with a specific size, a plurality of columns of through holes <NUM> are disposed in a first direction (a direction from left to right in the figure). During specific configuration, two adjacent columns of through holes <NUM> may be disposed in a staggered manner, to ensure force-bearing performance and fatigue resistance of the first bending part <NUM>. Correspondingly, in the main bending part <NUM> and the second bending part <NUM>, location arrangements of through holes <NUM> may also be arranged according to the location arrangement of the through holes <NUM> in the first bending part <NUM>. In addition, considering that a bending angle of the main bending part <NUM> may be larger in actual application, an area of the main bending part <NUM> may be larger than areas of the first bending part <NUM> and the second bending part <NUM>. Specifically, more columns (<NUM> columns are shown in the figure) of through holes <NUM> may be disposed in the main bending part <NUM>, fewer columns (four columns are shown in the figure) of through holes <NUM> may be disposed in the first bending part <NUM>, and fewer columns (four columns are shown in the figure) of through holes <NUM> may also be disposed in the second bending part <NUM>. A quantity of columns of through holes <NUM> disposed in the first bending part <NUM> may be the same as or different from a quantity of columns of through holes <NUM> disposed in the second bending part <NUM>. In addition, the first connecting part <NUM> and the second connecting part <NUM> may be symmetrically disposed or asymmetrically disposed with respective to the main bending part <NUM>. Alternatively, it may be understood that, in the first direction, a length of the first connecting part <NUM> may be the same as or different from a length of the second connecting part <NUM>. Correspondingly, the first bending part <NUM> and the second bending part <NUM> may be symmetrically disposed or asymmetrically disposed with respective to the main bending part <NUM>. Alternatively, it may be understood that, in the first direction, a quantity of columns of through holes <NUM> disposed in the first bending part <NUM> may be the same as or different from a quantity of columns of through holes <NUM> disposed in the second bending part <NUM>. Correspondingly, the first fixed part <NUM> and the second fixed part <NUM> may be symmetrically disposed or asymmetrically disposed with respective to the main bending part <NUM>. Alternatively, it may be understood that, in the first direction, a length of the first fixed part <NUM> may be the same as or different from a length of the second fixed part <NUM>.

In addition, in a specific implementation, a cross-sectional profile of the through hole <NUM> may be a circle, an ellipse, or another shape. For example, in embodiments provided in this application, the cross-sectional profile of the through hole <NUM> is long-strip-shaped. In addition, to improve bendability of the first bending part <NUM>, the main bending part <NUM>, and the second bending part <NUM>, a length direction of the cross-sectional profile of the through hole <NUM> is parallel to the second direction (or perpendicular to the first direction).

During specific configuration, as shown in <FIG>, the holding plate <NUM> may be attached to the back of the flexible display panel <NUM> by using the bonding layer <NUM>. The bonding layer <NUM> may be specifically double-sided tape, or may be an adhesive layer including a material such as polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene. In a specific implementation, a shape profile and a size of the holding plate <NUM> may be respectively the same as or different from a shape profile and a size of the flexible display panel <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment provided in this application, the holding plate <NUM> and the flexible display panel <NUM> are rectangular structures of a same size. One plate surface of the holding plate <NUM> is completely attached to the back of the flexible display panel <NUM>, to improve strength of a connection between the holding plate <NUM> and the flexible display panel <NUM> and consistency of bending and deforming the holding plate <NUM> and the flexible display panel <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, an embodiment of this application further provides a foldable device <NUM>, including a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a hinge <NUM>, and the foregoing flexible display (only a structure of the holding plate <NUM> is shown for the flexible display in the figure). The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are connected through the hinge <NUM>, to implement a folding function of the foldable device <NUM>. The first fixed part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first housing <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second housing <NUM>. When the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded or unfolded relative to each other, the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display) can also be folded or unfolded accordingly.

In a specific implementation, that the first fixed part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first housing <NUM> may be specifically that the first fixed part <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the first housing <NUM> by using a bonding material (such as double-sided tape, polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene). That the second fixed part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> is fixedly connected to the second housing <NUM> may be specifically that the second fixed part <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the second housing <NUM> by using a bonding material (such as double-sided tape, polyurethane, polyethylene, or polypropylene). In some other implementations, the first fixed part <NUM> may also be fixedly connected to the first housing <NUM> through welding or the like, and the second fixed part <NUM> may also be fixedly connected to the second housing <NUM> through welding or the like. This is not specifically limited in this application.

In a specific implementation, the hinge <NUM> may be in various structures and bending forms. Alternatively, the flexible display may be fixedly connected to some structures in the hinge <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, an embodiment of this application provides a hinge <NUM> (for a specific structure and a motion principle of the hinge <NUM>, refer to a patent document with <CIT> and entitled "HINGE AND MOBILE TERMINAL". Therefore, only brief descriptions are provided below). In summary, the hinge <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a first foldable assembly <NUM> and a second foldable assembly <NUM> that are symmetrically disposed with respect to the main body <NUM>. The first foldable assembly <NUM> and the second foldable assembly <NUM> can rotate toward each other in opposite directions or away from each other relative to the main body <NUM>, to implement a folding function of the hinge <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first foldable assembly <NUM> may include a first swing connecting rod <NUM>, first swing arms <NUM> (two first swing arms <NUM> are shown in the figure), first driven arms <NUM> (two first driven arms <NUM> are shown in the figure), and a first support plate <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). One end (a right end in the figure) of the first swing arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the main body <NUM>, and the other end (a left end in the figure) of the first swing arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>. One end (a right end in the figure) of the first driven arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the main body <NUM>, and the other end (a left end in the figure) of the first driven arm <NUM> is slidably connected to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>. Rotation axis centers of the first driven arm <NUM> and the first swing arm <NUM> on the main body <NUM> are parallel to each other and do not coincide, so that a length of the first foldable assembly <NUM> can change when the first foldable assembly <NUM> rotates relative to the main body <NUM>.

The first support plate <NUM> is rotatably connected to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>, and is slidably connected to the first driven arm <NUM>. When the first foldable assembly <NUM> rotates relative to the main body <NUM>, the first support plate <NUM> can rotate relative to the first swing connecting rod <NUM> under driving force of the first driven arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second foldable assembly <NUM> may include a second swing connecting rod <NUM>, second swing arms <NUM> (two second swing arms <NUM> are shown in the figure), second driven arms <NUM> (two second driven arms <NUM> are shown in the figure), and a second support plate <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). One end (a left end in the figure) of the second swing arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the main body <NUM>, and the other end (a right end in the figure) of the second swing arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the second swing connecting rod <NUM>. One end (a left end in the figure) of the second driven arm <NUM> is rotatably connected to the main body <NUM>, and the other end (a right end in the figure) of the second driven arm <NUM> is slidably connected to the second swing connecting rod <NUM>. Rotation axis centers of the second driven arm <NUM> and the second swing arm <NUM> on the main body <NUM> are parallel to each other and do not coincide, so that a length of the second foldable assembly <NUM> can change when the second foldable assembly <NUM> rotates relative to the main body <NUM>.

The second support plate <NUM> is rotatably connected to the second swing connecting rod <NUM>, and is slidably connected to the second driven arm <NUM>. When the second foldable assembly <NUM> rotates relative to the main body <NUM>, the second support plate <NUM> can rotate relative to the second swing connecting rod <NUM> under driving force of the second driven arm <NUM>.

Refer to <FIG>. In a process of folding the hinge <NUM>, because the first swing connecting rod221 slides outward relative to the first driven arm <NUM>, the first driven arm <NUM> drives the first support plate <NUM> to rotate clockwise relative to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>, so that accommodation space used to accommodate (a bent part of) the flexible display is gradually formed between the first support plate224 and the main body <NUM>.

It may be understood that the first foldable assembly <NUM> and the second foldable assembly <NUM> may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the main body <NUM>, and basic structural composition and a motion principle of the second foldable assembly <NUM> may be the same as those of the first foldable assembly <NUM>. Therefore, for the structural composition and the motion principle of the second foldable assembly <NUM>, refer to the foregoing description of the first foldable assembly <NUM>.

Structures of connections between the components of the first foldable assembly <NUM> and structures of connections between the main body <NUM> and the components of the first foldable assembly <NUM> are described in detail below. For structures of connections between the components of the second foldable assembly <NUM>, refer to the descriptions of the first foldable assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, a specific manner in which the first swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other may be a virtual shaft manner.

Specifically, the main body <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and an inner housing <NUM> that are mutually snap-fitted. An arc recess 212a may be disposed in the housing <NUM>, and an arc protrusion 211a may be disposed in the inner housing <NUM>. After the housing <NUM> and the inner housing <NUM> are snap-fitted and fastened, the arc recess 212a and the arc protrusion 211a are snap-fitted to form a first arc groove <NUM>. This may also mean that an arc gap is formed between the arc recess 212a and the arc protrusion 211a. A first arc shaft <NUM> is disposed at one end of the first swing arm <NUM>, and the first arc shaft <NUM> is assembled in the first arc groove <NUM>, so that the first swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other. In the virtual shaft connection manner, a structure of a connection between the first swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> can be well hidden in the main body <NUM>. This helps improve integrity and use experience of the hinge <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, the first arc groove <NUM> may be a quarter of a circle, one third of a circle, or the like, and the first arc shaft <NUM> may be a quarter of a circle, one third of a circle, or the like. A person skilled in the art may adaptively adjust specific parameters of the first arc groove <NUM> and the first arc shaft <NUM> based on an actual requirement. This is not specifically limited in this application.

A specific manner in which the second swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other may also be a virtual shaft manner. Specifically, an arc recess 212b may be disposed in the housing <NUM>, and an arc protrusion 211b may be disposed in the inner housing <NUM>. After the housing <NUM> and the inner housing <NUM> are snap-fitted and fastened, the arc recess 212b and the arc protrusion 211b are snap-fitted to form a second arc groove <NUM>. This may also mean that an arc gap is formed between the arc recess 212b and the arc protrusion 211b. A second arc shaft <NUM> is disposed at one end of the second swing arm <NUM>, and the second arc shaft <NUM> is assembled in the second arc groove <NUM>, so that the second swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other. In the virtual shaft connection manner, a structure of a connection between the second swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> can be well hidden in the main body <NUM>. This helps improve integrity and use experience of the hinge <NUM>. In addition, in some implementations, the first swing arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are alternatively rotatably connected to each other in a pin shaft manner or another manner.

For example, in an embodiment provided in this application, a specific manner in which the first swing arm <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other may be a pin shaft manner.

Specifically, a first shaft hole (not shown in the figure) is disposed at one end (a left end in the figure) of the first swing arm <NUM>, and a second shaft hole (not shown in the figure) is disposed at one end (a right end in the figure) of the first swing connecting rod <NUM>. A pin shaft <NUM> penetrates into the first shaft hole and the second shaft hole, so that the first swing arm <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other.

A specific manner in which the second swing arm <NUM> and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other may be a pin shaft manner.

Specifically, a third shaft hole (not shown in the figure) may be disposed at one end (a right end in the figure) of the second swing arm <NUM>, and a fourth shaft hole (not shown in the figure) may be disposed at one end (a left end in the figure) of the second swing connecting rod <NUM>. A pin shaft <NUM> penetrates into the third shaft hole and the fourth shaft hole, so that the second swing arm <NUM> and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other. In some implementations, the first swing arm <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are alternatively rotatably connected to each other in the foregoing virtual shaft connection manner or another manner. The second swing arm <NUM> and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> are alternatively rotatably connected to each other in the foregoing virtual shaft connection manner or another manner. This is not specifically limited in this application.

In a specific implementation, the first driven arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other in the foregoing virtual shaft connection manner, the foregoing pin shaft connection manner, or another manner.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, the first driven arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other in a pin shaft connection manner. Specifically, a shaft hole (not shown in the figure) is disposed at one end (a right end in the figure) of the first driven arm <NUM>, and a pin shaft <NUM> fastened in the main body <NUM> penetrates into the shaft hole of the first driven arm <NUM>, so that the first driven arm <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, a first sliding groove <NUM> may be disposed on the first swing connecting rod <NUM>, a first sliding rail <NUM> may be disposed on the first driven arm <NUM>, and the first sliding rail <NUM> is slidably disposed in the first sliding groove <NUM>, so that the first driven arm <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are slidably connected to each other.

In a specific implementation, the first sliding groove <NUM> may alternatively be disposed on the first driven arm <NUM>, and the first sliding rail <NUM> may alternatively be disposed on the first swing connecting rod <NUM>. In addition, the first sliding groove <NUM> and the first sliding rail <NUM> may be in various shapes. For example, in this embodiment provided in this application, cross sections of the first sliding groove <NUM> and the first sliding rail <NUM> are cross-shaped. In another implementation, shapes of the cross sections of the first sliding groove <NUM> and the first sliding rail <NUM> may alternatively be trapezoidal, triangular, or the like. Details are not described herein in this application.

In addition, in an embodiment provided in this application, a second sliding groove <NUM> may be disposed on the second swing connecting rod <NUM>, a second sliding rail (not shown in the figure) may be disposed on the second driven arm (not shown in the figure), and the second sliding rail is slidably disposed in the second sliding groove <NUM>, so that the second driven arm and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> are slidably connected to each other.

In a specific implementation, the second sliding groove <NUM> may alternatively be disposed on the second driven arm, and the second sliding rail may alternatively be disposed on the second swing connecting rod <NUM>. In addition, the second sliding groove <NUM> and the second sliding rail may be in various shapes. For example, in this embodiment provided in this application, cross sections of the second sliding groove <NUM> and the second sliding rail are cross-shaped. In another implementation, shapes of the cross-sections of the second sliding groove <NUM> and the second sliding rail may alternatively be trapezoidal, triangular, or the like. Details are not described herein in this application. In addition, in a specific implementation, the first support plate <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are alternatively rotatably connected to each other in the foregoing virtual shaft connection manner, the pin shaft connection manner, or another connection manner.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, the first support plate <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other in a virtual shaft connection manner. Specifically, a third arc groove <NUM> is disposed on the first swing connecting rod <NUM>, a third arc shaft <NUM> that fits the third arc groove <NUM> is disposed on the first support plate <NUM>, and the third arc shaft <NUM> is disposed in the third arc groove <NUM>, so that the first support plate <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other. In the virtual shaft connection manner, the third arc groove <NUM> and the third arc shaft <NUM> can be well hidden to prevent exposure, so that visual integrity of the hinge <NUM> can be improved.

In some implementations, the first support plate <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> are alternatively rotatably connected to each other in a pin shaft connection manner or another connection manner. This is not specifically limited in this application.

In a specific implementation, the second support plate <NUM> and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> are alternatively rotatably connected to each other in the foregoing virtual shaft connection manner. Specifically, a same structure as that of the third arc groove <NUM> may be disposed on the second swing connecting rod <NUM>, and a same structure as that of the third arc shaft <NUM> may also be disposed on the second support plate <NUM>, so that the second support plate <NUM> and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> are rotatably connected to each other.

In a process of folding the hinge <NUM>, to enable the first support plate <NUM> to rotate relative to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>, in an embodiment provided in this application, the first support plate <NUM> is slidably connected to the first driven arm <NUM>.

Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, a third sliding groove <NUM> is disposed on the first support plate <NUM>, a positioning shaft <NUM> is disposed on the first driven arm <NUM>, and the positioning shaft <NUM> is slidably disposed in the third sliding groove <NUM>. When the first driven arm <NUM> and the first swing connecting rod <NUM> slide relative to each other, the positioning shaft <NUM> on the first driven arm <NUM> abuts against a side wall of the third sliding groove <NUM>, so that the first support plate <NUM> rotates around the first swing connecting rod <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, the third sliding groove <NUM> may be an arc groove, a linear groove, an irregular curved groove, or the like. In actual application, a shape of the third sliding groove <NUM> may be adjusted based on a target moving track of the first support plate <NUM>.

For example, with reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, after the hinge <NUM> is folded, to enable the first support plate <NUM>, the second support plate <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> (the inner housing <NUM>) to enclose accommodation space, the first support plate <NUM> is rotatably connected to a left end of the first swing connecting rod <NUM> (the third arc groove <NUM> is disposed close to the left end of the first swing connecting rod <NUM>). When the hinge <NUM> is folded, the first swing connecting rod <NUM> rotates clockwise and slides outward along the first driven arm <NUM>. In addition, the positioning shaft <NUM> abuts against the side wall of the third sliding groove <NUM> and slides in the third sliding groove <NUM>, so that the first support plate <NUM> rotates clockwise relative to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>. In this way, accommodation space is gradually formed between the first support plate <NUM> and the main body <NUM> (the inner housing <NUM>). In addition, when the hinge <NUM> is unfolded, the first swing connecting rod <NUM> rotates counterclockwise and slides inward along the first driven arm <NUM>. In addition, the positioning shaft <NUM> abuts against the side wall of the third sliding groove <NUM> and slides in the third sliding groove <NUM>, so that the first support plate <NUM> rotates counterclockwise relative to the first swing connecting rod <NUM>. When the hinge <NUM> is fully unfolded, an upper surface of the first support plate <NUM> is flush with an upper surface of the main body <NUM> (the inner housing <NUM>), so that a flat support surface can be provided for the flexible display.

As shown in <FIG>, in a specific implementation, structural composition of the second foldable assembly <NUM> may be the same as structural composition of the first foldable assembly <NUM>, and the second foldable assembly <NUM> and the first foldable assembly <NUM> are symmetrically disposed with respect to the main body <NUM>. Specifically, a fourth sliding groove <NUM> may be disposed on the second support plate <NUM>, a positioning shaft <NUM> may be disposed on the second driven arm <NUM>, and the positioning shaft <NUM> is slidably disposed in the fourth sliding groove <NUM>. When the second driven arm <NUM> and the second swing connecting rod <NUM> slide relative to each other, the positioning shaft <NUM> on the second driven arm <NUM> abuts against a side wall of the fourth sliding groove <NUM>, so that the second support plate <NUM> rotates around the second swing connecting rod <NUM>. For a motion principle of the second foldable assembly <NUM>, refer to the foregoing descriptions of the first foldable assembly <NUM>.

In addition, to ensure that the first foldable assembly <NUM> and the second foldable assembly <NUM> can synchronously move in a process of folding and unfolding the hinge <NUM>, in an embodiment provided in this application, the hinge <NUM> may further include a synchronization assembly, to implement synchronous reverse rotation (synchronous opposite rotation and synchronous away rotation) between the first foldable assembly <NUM> and the second foldable assembly <NUM>.

In a specific implementation, the synchronization assembly may be in various structure forms and have various connection relationships with the first foldable assembly <NUM> and the second foldable assembly <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment provided in this application, the synchronization assembly may include a gear structure, and is rotatably connected to the first driven arm <NUM> and the second driven arm <NUM>.

Specifically, the synchronization assembly includes a first gear <NUM> and a second gear <NUM> engaged with each other. The first gear <NUM> is fastened to one end of the first driven arm <NUM> (in some implementations, a gear structure may alternatively be directly formed at a right end of the first driven arm <NUM>), and the second gear <NUM> is fastened to one end of the second driven arm <NUM> (in some implementations, a gear structure may alternatively be directly formed at a left end of the second driven arm <NUM>). An axis center of the first gear <NUM> coincides with a rotation axis center of the first driven arm <NUM> on the main body <NUM>, and an axis center of the second gear <NUM> coincides with a rotation axis center of the second driven arm <NUM> on the main body <NUM>. A driven gear <NUM> and a driven gear <NUM> that are engaged with each other are disposed between the first gear <NUM> and the second gear <NUM>. The driven gear <NUM> is engaged with the first gear <NUM>, and the driven gear <NUM> is engaged with the second gear <NUM>. In other words, the first driven arm <NUM> and the second driven arm <NUM> synchronously rotate by using the first gear <NUM>, the second gear <NUM>, the driven gear <NUM>, and the driven gear <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in a specific implementation, the first fixed part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> may be bonded to the first housing <NUM>, and the second fixed part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> may be bonded to the second housing <NUM>. In a process of folding and unfolding the hinge <NUM>, a length of the hinge <NUM> may be increased or reduced as a folding angle changes. Therefore, in the process of folding and unfolding the foldable device <NUM>, a length of a connection between the first housing <NUM>, the hinge <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> is increased or reduced, so that no pressing force or stretching force is applied to the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display). Specifically, when the foldable device <NUM> is gradually unfolded, a length of the hinge <NUM> is gradually reduced. After the foldable device <NUM> is fully unfolded (an included angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is <NUM>°), the length of the hinge <NUM> is the same as a length of the bent part <NUM> in the holding plate <NUM>. In addition, the first support plate <NUM>, the inner housing <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> form a flat support surface, so that the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display) can be well supported.

As shown in <FIG>, after the foldable device <NUM> is gradually folded, a length of the hinge <NUM> is gradually increased, to ensure that no compression force is applied to the bending part <NUM> in the holding plate <NUM>. In addition, the first support plate <NUM>, the inner housing <NUM>, and the second support plate <NUM> gradually enclose accommodation space (a shape of a cross section of the accommodation space may be similar to a water drop shape) used to accommodate the bent part <NUM>, to prevent the bent part <NUM> from being bent at a large angle, to avoid an undesirable phenomenon such as creases.

In some implementations, the holding plate <NUM> may be further fixedly connected to the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>. In a specific implementation, the first connecting part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> may be bonded to the first support plate <NUM>, and the second connecting part <NUM> of the holding plate <NUM> may be bonded to the second support plate <NUM>. In a process of folding and unfolding the hinge <NUM>, the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM> do not have adverse impact, such as stretching and compression, on the bent part <NUM>, and can further effectively control a form of the holding plate <NUM> (or the flexible display). This helps improve a use effect and stability of the foldable device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A flexible display (<NUM>), comprising:
a flexible display panel (<NUM>), having a display surface and a back surface; and
a holding plate (<NUM>), disposed on the back surface of the flexible display panel (<NUM>), wherein
the holding plate (<NUM>) is provided with a plurality of parts disposed along a first direction in the following sequence: a first fixed part (<NUM>), a first bending part (<NUM>), a first connecting part (<NUM>), a main bending part (<NUM>), a second connecting part (<NUM>), a second bending part (<NUM>), and a second fixed part (<NUM>), wherein the first direction is parallel to a plate surface of the holding plate (<NUM>), wherein the first fixed part (<NUM>), the first connecting part (<NUM>), the second connecting part (<NUM>) and the second fixed part (<NUM>) are more rigid than the first bending part (<NUM>), the main bending part (<NUM>), and the second bending part (<NUM>); and
after the flexible display (<NUM>) is folded, the main bending part (<NUM>) bends toward a folding direction, and the first bending part (<NUM>) and the second bending part (<NUM>) bend away from the folding direction.