Patent ID: 12256508

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of some embodiments are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a pivotable support apparatus and a display apparatus that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pivotable support apparatus for supporting a foldable display panel. In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus includes a sliding groove structure; a first rotating rod and a second rotating rod slidably and rotatably attached to the sliding groove structure; a first rotating plate; a second rotating plate; a first connecting rod rotatably attached to the first rotating rod, and configured to move slidably relative to the first rotating plate; and a second connecting rod rotatably attached to the second rotating rod, and configured to move slidably relative to the second rotating plate.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state and a foldable display panel supported thereon in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.2is an exploded view of a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state and a foldable display panel supported thereon in some embodiments according to the present disclose.FIG.3is a perspective view of a pivotable support apparatus in a folded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.1toFIG.3, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments includes a hinge structure10; and a first frame203and a second frame204connected to the binge structure10, and configured to support a foldable display panel100placed thereon. Optionally, the pivotable support apparatus farther includes a first back cover201and a second back cover202covering back sides of the first frame203and the second frame204, respectively. The first back cover201and the second back cover202are on a side of the first frame203and the second frame204away from the foldable display panel100. As shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, a foldable display panel100may be supported on front sides of the first frame203and the second frame204. As shown inFIG.3, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments further includes a cladding board200for covering various components of the pivotable support apparatus.

FIG.4Ais a perspective view of a hinge assembly in a pivotable support apparatus is an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.4Bis an exploded view of a binge assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.5is a cross-sectional side view of a hinge assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.5is a cross-sectional side view of the pivotable support apparatus along an A-A′ line inFIG.4A.FIG.6is a cross-sectional side view of a pivotable support apparatus in a folded state in souse embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.7is a perspective view of a display apparatus having a pivotable support apparatus in a folded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.4AtoFIG.7, the hinge structure in some embodiments includes a first mass shaft320and a second main shaft330respectively providing a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis parallel to each other. The pivotable support apparatus in some embodiment's father includes a synchronized gear configured to synchronize rotation of the first main shaft320and the second main shaft330. The synchronized gear includes a first gear103and a second gear104configured to rotate about the first main shaft320and the second main shaft330, respectively. The first gear103and the second gear104are configured to be engaged with each other.

In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus further includes a first actuating rod17, a first crank shaft21attached to the first actuating rod17, a second actuating rod18, and a second crank shaft22attached to the second actuating rod18. The first crank shaft21includes a third gear401(see, also,FIG.15A) configured to be engaged with the first gear103; the second crank shaft22includes a fourth gear401′ (see, also,FIG.15B) configured to be engaged with the second gear104. Movements of the first actuating rod17, the first crank shaft21, the second actuating rod18, the second crank shaft22are synchronised through engagement among the first gear103, the second gear104, the third gear401, and the fourth gear401′.

In one example, when the pivotable support apparatus transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state, or when the pivotable support apparatus transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first actuating rod17drives the first crank shaft21to rotate. The third gear401of the first crank shaft21is engaged with the first gear103, the third gear401drives the first gear103to rotate. The first gear103is engaged with the second gear104, the first gear103chives the second gear104to rotate. The second gear104is engaged with the fourth gear401′ of the second crank shaft22, the second gear104drives the fourth gear401′ to rotate. The second crank shaft22in turn drives the second actuating rod18to rotate.

In another example, when the pivotable support apparatus transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state, or when the pivotable support apparatus transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state, the second actuating rod18drives the second crank shaft22to rotate. The fourth gear401′ of the second crank shaft22is engaged with the second gear104, the fourth gear401′ chives the second gear104to rotate. The second gear104is engaged with the first gear103, the second gear104drives the first gear103to rotate. The first gear103is engaged with the third gear401of the first crank shaft21, the first gear103drives the third gear401to rotate. The first crank shaft21in turn drives the first actuating rod17to rotate.

In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus further includes a sliding groove assembly.FIG.8Ais a perspective view of a sliding groove assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.8Bis a perspective view of a sliding groove assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in a folded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.9is as exploded view of a sliding groove assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.10is an exploded view of a sliding groove structure and a cladding board in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.8AtoFIG.10, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments includes a sliding groove structure215; a first rotating rod211and a second rotating rod212slidably and rotatably attached to the sliding groove structure215; s first rotating plate15; a second rotating plate16; a first connecting rod205rotatably attached to the first rotating rod211, and configured to move slidably relative to the first rotating plate15; and a second connecting rod206rotatably attached to the second rotating rod212, and configured to move slidably relative to the second rotating plate16. As used herein the term, “rotatably attached” signifies that two components are engaged such that the two components are mechanically coupled but may still rotate with respect to one another about an axis. For example, the first rotating rod211is rotatably attached to the sliding groove structure215in a manner, in which the first rotating rod211can be rotate between at least a first rotated position and a second rotated position relative to the sliding groove structure215, e.g., about an axis. As used herein the term, “slidably attached” signifies that two components are engaged such that the two components are mechanically coupled but may still slide with respect to one another. For example, the first rotating rod211is slidably attached to the sliding groove structure215in a manner, in which the first rotating rod211can be slid between at least a first position and a second position relative to the sliding groove structure215, e.g., over a surface of the sliding groove structure215.

In some embodiment, the sliding groove structure215includes a first are shaped groove AG1and a second are shaped groove AG2. The first rotating rod211includes a first arc shaped rod head AH1configured to be movable slidably and rotatably in the first arc shaped groove AG1. The second rotating rod212includes a second are shaped rod head AH2configured to be movable slidably and rotatably in the second are shaped groove AG2.

Various appropriate implementations may be practiced for providing the sliding groove structure215. Is some embodiments, the sliding groove structure215includes a first part218and a second part219fixedly attached to each other to focus a first are shaped groove AG1and a second are shaped groove AG2. The first part218and the second part219may be fixedly attached to each other by various appropriate means. In one example, the first part218and the second part219are welded together. In another example, the first part218and the second part219are attached together by one or more screws.

FIG.11is a zoom-in view ofFIG.9in a region surrounding a sliding groove structure. Referring toFIG.8AtoFIG.11, the first part218includes a first are shaped concave surface CCS1and a second are shaped concave surface CCS2. The first are shaped rod head AH1includes a first are shaped convex surface CVS1at least partially in contact with the first are shaped concave surface CCS1. The second are shaped rod head AH2includes a second are shaped convex surface CVS2at least partially in contact with the second are shaped concave surface CCS2.

Referring toFIG.10, the pivotable support apparatus includes a cladding board200configured to at least partially receive the first part218. Optionally, the first part218is fixedly attached to the cladding board200. The first part218may be fixedly attached to the cladding board200by various appropriate means. Is one example, the first part218is attached to the cladding board200by one or more screws. In another example, the first part218is welded to the cladding board200.

FIG.8Cis a perspective view of a first rotating plate in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.8Dis a perspective view of a second rotating plate in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.8CandFIG.8D, the first rotating plate in some embodiments includes a first sliding slot SLT1, and the second rotating plate in some embodiments includes a second sliding slot SLT2.

In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus further includes a first retaining plate207and a second retaining plate208. A first sliding slot SLT1is between the fast retaining plate207and the first rotating plate15. The first connecting rod205is configured to move slidably in the first sliding slot SLT1. A second sliding slot SLT2is between the second retaining plate208and the second rotating plate16. The second connecting rod206is configured to move slidably in the second sliding slot SLT2. The first sliding slot SLT1is configured to allow the first connecting rod205move slidably relative to the first rotating plate15. The second sliding slot SLT2is configured to allow the second connecting rod206move slidably relative to the second rotating plate16.

Various appropriate implementations may be practiced for providing the first retaining plate207and the second retaining plate208. In some embodiments, the first retaining plate207is fixedly attached to the first rotating plate15; and the second retaining plate208is fixedly attached to the second rotating plate16. The first retaining plate207may be fixedly attached to the first rotating plate15by various appropriate means; and the second retaining plate208may be fixedly attached to the second rotating plate16by various appropriate means. In one example, the first retaining plate207is attached to the first rotating plate15by que or more screws. In another example, the first retaining plate207is welded to the first rotating plate15. In one example, the second retaining plate208is attached to the second rotating plate16by one or more screws. In another example, the second retaining plate208is welded to the second rotating plate16.

Referring toFIG.4AandFIG.4B, in some embodiments, the first rotating plate15is fixedly attached to the first actuating rod17; and the second rotating plate16is fixedly attached to the second actuating rod18. The first rotating plate15may be fixedly attached so the first actuating rod17by various appropriate means; and the second rotating plate16way be fixedly attached to the second actuating rod18by various appropriate means. In one example, the first rotating plate15is attached to the first actuating rod17by one or more screws. In another example, the first rotating plate15is welded to the first actuating rod17. In one example, the second rotating plate16is attached to the second actuating rod18by one or more screws. In another example, the second rotating plate16is welded to the second actuating rod18.

The first rotating rod211may be rotatably attached to the first connecting rod205by various appropriate means; and the second rotating rod212may be rotatably attached to the second connecting rod206by various appropriate means. Referring toFIG.9, in some embodiments, the first rotating rod211is rotatably attached to the first connecting rod205by a first pin213; and the second rotating rod212is rotatably attached to the second connecting rod206by a second pin214. The pivotable support apparatus further includes a first clamping spring216for locking the first pin213in position and a second clamping spring217for locking the second pin214in position.

The pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments further includes a support plate300. The support plate300in some embodiments includes a first support part301, a second support past302, and a third support part303. The first support part301and the second support part302are spaced apart by a sliding groove structure. The third support part303and the second support part302are spaced apart by another sliding groove structure. Referring toFIG.5, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments further includes a first sliding plate13and a second sliding plate14on two opposite sides of the support plate300. Optionally, is an unfolded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the support plate300, the first sliding plate13, and the second sliding plate14form pasts of a substantially flat surface for supporting the foldable display panel. As used herein, the term “substantially flat surface” may include small deviations from flat surface geometries, for example, deviations due to manufacturing processes. The term “substantially fat” is inclusive of a case of being partially convex or partially concave as well as a case of being fully flat.

FIG.12is a cross-section side view of a pivotable support apparatus in a unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.12is a cross-sectional side view of the pivotable support apparatus along a B-B′ line inFIG.4A. Referring toFIG.4AtoFIG.9, andFIG.12, when the first actuating rod17and/or the second actuating rod18rotates, they drive the first rotating plate15and/or the second rotating plate16(and the first retaining plate207and/or the second retaining plate208) to rotate. When the first rotating plate15and the first retaining plate207rotate, the first connecting rod205is configured to move slidably in the first sliding slot SLT1. When the second rotating plate16and the second retaining plate208rotate, the second connecting rod2016is configured to move slidably in the second sliding slot SLT2. When the first connecting rod205moves slidably, it drives the first rotating rod211to slide and rotate about the first arc shaped groove AG1. When the second connecting rod206moves slidably, it dives the second rotating rod212to slide and rotate about the second are shaped groove AG2. Thus, the first actuating rod17and the first rotating rod211rotate about different axes, and the second actuating rod18and the second rotating rod212rotate about different axes. When the pivotable support apparatus folds, the first connecting rod205is configured to move slidably in the first sliding slot SLT1, moving the first connecting rod205further away from the first rotating plate IS (e.g., “outward”); the second connecting rod206is configured to move slidably in the second sliding slot SLT2, moving the second connecting rod206further away from the second rotating plate16(e.g., “outward”). When the pivotable support apparatus unfolds, the first connecting rod205is configured to move slidably in the first sliding slot SLT1, moving the first connecting rod205closer to the first rotating plate15(e.g., “inward”); the second connecting rod206is configured to move slidably in the second sliding slot SLT2, moving the second connecting rod206closer to the second rotating plate16(e.g., “inward”).

Referring toFIG.2, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments further includes a first frame203and a second frame204. In some embodiments, the first connecting rod205is fixedly attached to the first frame203; and the second connecting rod206is fixedly attached to the second frame204. The first connecting rod205may be fixedly attached to the first frame203by various appropriate means; and the second connecting rod206may be fixedly attached to the second frame204by various appropriate means. In one example, the first connecting rod205is attached to the first frame203by one or more screws. In another example, the first connecting rod205is welded to the first frame203. In one example, the second connecting rod206is attached to the second frame204by one or more screws. Is another example, the second connecting rod206is welded to the second fame204.

In some embodiments, the first frame203and the first connecting rod205are configured to move slidably relative to the first rotating plate15; and the second frame204and the second connecting rod206are configured to move slidably relative to the second rotating plate16. When the pivotable support apparatus folds, the first connecting rod205is configured to move slidably in the first sliding slot SLT1, moving the first frame203and the first connecting red205further away from the first rotating plate15(e.g., “outward”); the second connecting rod206is configured to move slidably in the second sliding slot SLT2, moving the second frame204and the second connecting rod206further away from the second rotating plate16(e.g., “outward”). When the pivotable support apparatus unfolds, the first connecting rod205is configured to move slidably in the first sliding slot SLT1, moving the first frame203and the first connecting rod205closer to the first rotating plate15(e.g., “inward”); the second connecting rod206is configured to move slidably in the second sliding slot SLT2, moving the second frame204and the second connecting rod206closer to the second rotating plate16(e.g., “inward”).

In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus includes a damping assembly configured to damp the movement of the pivotable support apparatus during folding or unfolding.FIG.13is a perspective view of a damping assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.14is an exploded view of a damping assembly in a pivotable support apparatus in an unfolded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.13andFIG.14, in some embodiments, the first crank shaft21is attached into a first pin hole PH1in the fest actuating rod17, the second crank shaft22is attached into a second pin hole PH2in the second actuating rod18.FIG.13shows that the first crank shaft21is attached into a fast pin bole PH1and the second crank shaft22is attached into a second pin hole PH2.FIG.14shows aw exploded view. The first crank shaft21and the first actuating rod17are configured to rotate together; and the second crank shaft22and the second actuating rod18are configured to rotate together.

In some embodiment, the pivotable support apparatus further inches a damping slider24configured to be resiliently pressing ow the first crank shaft21and the second crank shaft22, providing damping resistance when the first crank shaft21and the first actuating rod17rotate relative to the second crank shaft22and the second actuating rod18. By having the damping slider24provide damping resistance, the rotation of the hinge structure of the pivotable support apparatus may be stopped at any moment when an external force is withdrawn.

FIG.15Ais a perspective view of a first crack shaft in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.13Bis a perspective view of a second crank shaft in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.15A, the first crank shaft includes a first cam bar402, a third gear401, and a fast tip403. The third gear401is in a middle portion of the first crank shaft, the first cam bar402and the fast tip403are on two ends of the first crank shaft, respectively. Referring toFIG.15B, the second crank shaft includes a second cam bar402′, a fourth gear401′, and a second tip403′. The fourth gear401′ is in a middle portion of the second crank shaft, the second cam bar402′ and the second tip403′ are on two ends of the second crank shaft, respectively. The first tip403is configured to be attached into a first pin bole PH1in the first actuating rod17, the second up403′ is configured to be attached into a second pin hole PH2in the second actuating rod18.

FIG.16is a perspective view of a damping sider in a pivotable support apparatus as some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.16, the damping slider in some embodiments includes a first notch407, a second watch407′, a third notch408, and a fourth notch408′. Referring toFIG.13,FIG.14,FIG.15A,FIG.15B, andFIG.16, in a unfolded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first cam bar402is configured to be engaged with the first notch407, and the second cam bar402′ is configured to be engaged with the second notch407′, Referring toFIG.13,FIG.14,FIG.15A,FIG.15B, andFIG.16, in a folded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first cam bar402is configured to be engaged with the third notch408, and the second cam bar402′ is configured to be engaged with the fourth notch408′. When the pivotable support apparatus transitions from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first cam bar402has to overcome certain amount of resistance to glide out of the first notch407, and similarly the second cam bar402′ has to overcome certain amount of resistance to glide out of the second notch407′. When the pivotable support apparatus transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first cam bar402has to overcome certain amount of resistance to glide out of the third notch408, and similarly the second cam bar402′ has to overcome certain amount of resistance to glide out of the fourth notch408′. The engagement between the first cam bar402and the first notch407, and the engagement between the second cam bar402′ and the second notch407′, provide a position-limiting function in the unfolded state of the pivotable support apparatus. The engagement between the first cam bar402and the third notch408, and the engagement between the second cam bar402′ and the fourth notch408′, provide a position-limiting function in the folded state of the pivotable support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the damping slider fisher includes a first groove405positioned between the first notch407and the third notch408, and a second groove406positioned between the second notch407′ and the fourth notch408′. The first groove405is relatively more shallow as compared to the first notch407and the shard notch408; and the second groove406is relatively more shallow as compared to the second notch407′ and the fourth notch408′. During a movement between the folded state and the unfolded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first cam bar402is in contact with and gliding on a surface of the first groove405, the second cam bar402′ is in contact with and gliding on a surface of the second groove406, thereby damping the movement of the pivotable support apparatus. For example, when the pivotable support apparatus transitions from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first cam bar402first glides out of the first notes407, and then glides on the surface of the first groove405, and slides into the third notch408; similarly the second cam bar402′ first glides out of the second notch407′, glides on the surface of the second groove406, and then slides into the fourth notch408′. In another example, when the pivotable support apparatus transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first cam bar402first glides out of the third notch408, and then glides on the surface of the first groove405, and slides into the first notch407, similarly the second cam bar402′ first glides out of the fourth notch408′, glides on the surface of the second groove406, and then slides into the second notch407.

In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus further includes one or more springs configured to apply a force to the damping slider24to maintain the damping slider24in contact with the first cam bar402and the second cam bar402′. Referring toFIGS.13to16, in one example, the pivotable support apparatus includes a first spring101and a second spring102. The first spring101and the second spring102are configured to apply a force to the damping slider to maintain the damping slider24in contact with the first cam bar402and the second cam bar402′.

In some embodiment, the dumping slider24further includes one or more spring shafts410extending through the one or more springs, respectively. In one example, the damping slider24farther includes a first spring shaft411extending through the first spring101and a second spring shaft412extending through the second spring102.

In some embodiments, the pivotable support apparatus further includes a fastener19. The fastener19includes one or more receiving holes configured to receive terminals of one or more spring shafts, respectively. Is que example, the fastener19includes a first receiving hole RH1configured to receive a terminal of the first spring shaft411, and a second receiving bole RH2configured to receive a terminal of the second spring shaft412.

Referring toFIG.14, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments father includes a sliding plate fastener23. Referring toFIG.4A,FIG.4B.FIG.5toFIG.7, and FIG.12, the pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments further includes a first sliding plate13and a second sliding plate14. Referring toFIG.4AandFIG.4B, the first sliding plate13is slidably attached to the first actuating rod17; and the second sliding plate14is slidably attached to the second actuating rod18. Optionally, the first sliding plate13and the second sliding plate14are fixedly attached to the sliding plate fastener23.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.6, in a folded state of the pivotable support apparatus, a first included angle α between the first siding plate13and the second sliding plate14is greater than a second included angle between the first actuating rod17and the second actuating rod18(the second included angle inFIG.6is zero). In some embodiments, the second included angle is in a range of 0 degree to 10 degrees, e.g., 0 degree to 1 degrees, 1 degree to 2 degrees, 2 degree to 3 degrees, 3 degree to 4 degrees, 4 degree to 5 degrees, 5 degree to 6 degrees, 6 degree to 7 degrees, 7 degree to 8 degrees, 8 degree to 9 degrees, or 9 degree to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the first included angle α is in a range of 10 degree to 75 degrees, e.g., 10 degree to 15 degrees, 15 degree to 20 degrees, 20 degree to 25 degrees, 25 degree to 30 degrees, 30 degree to 35 degrees, 35 degree to 40 degrees, 40 degree to 45 degrees, 45 degree to 50 degrees, 50 degree to 55 degrees, 55 degrees to 60 degrees, 60 degree to 65 degrees, 65 degree to 70 degrees, or 70 degree to 75 degrees.

In some embodiment, in a folded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first sliding plate13and the second sliding plate14are spaced apart by's first distance d1where they are connected to the sliding plate fastener23, respectively. The first shading plate13and the second sliding plate14are spaced apart by a second distance d2where they are slidably attached to the first actuating rod17and the second actuating rod18, respectively. Optionally, the first distance d1is greater than the second distance d2. Optionally, a ratio of the first distance to the second distance is in a range of 3 to 100, e.g., 3 to 4, 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, 7 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 so 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 70, 70 to 80, 80 to 90, or 90 to 100.

FIG.17Ais a perspective view of a first sliding plate in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.FIG.17Bis a perspective view of a second sliding plate in a pivotable support apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.4BandFIG.17A, the first sliding plate13includes a first shaft440and a third shaft430. Referring toFIG.4BandFIG.17B, the second sliding plate14includes a second shaft460and a fourth shaft450.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.6, the first actuating rod17includes a first groove340, and the second actuating rod18includes a second groove350. The first shaft440of the first sliding plate13is configured to be received in the first groove340, allowing the first sliding plate13move slidably relative to the first actuating rod17. The second shaft460of the second sliding plate14is configured to be received in the second groove350, allowing the second sliding plate14move slidably relative to the second actuating rod18.

FIG.18is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first groove and a second groove in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.18, we first groove340includes a first sub-groove341and a second sub-groove342connected with each other; the second groove350includes a third sub-groove351and a fourth sub-groove352connected with each other. Extension directions (e.g., ED1and ED2inFIG.18) of the first sub-groove341and the second sub-groove342are at an included angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degree. Extension directions (e.g., ED3and ED4inFIG.18) of the third sub-groove351and the fourth sub-groove352are at an included angle less than 180 degrees and greater than 0 degree. Referring toFIG.6,FIG.17A,FIG.17B, andFIG.18, in a folded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first shaft440is configured to be received in the second sub-groove342, the second shaft460is configured to be received in the fourth sub-groove352. Referring toFIG.12,FIG.17A,FIG.17B, andFIG.18, in an unfolded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first shaft440is configured to be received in the first sub-groove341, the second shaft460is configured to be received in the third sub-groove351.

Referring toFIG.14, the sliding plate fastener13in some embodiments includes a first fastening pin hole FH1and a second fastening pin hole FH1. Referring toFIG.4B,FIG.14,FIG.17A, andFIG.17B, the third shaft430of the first sliding plate13is configured to be engaged with the first fastening pin hole FH1, thereby fixedly attaching the first slicing plate13to the sliding plate fastener23; and the fourth shaft450of the second sliding plate14is configured to be engaged with the second fastening pin hole FH2, thereby fixedly attaching she second sliding plate14to the sliding plate fastener23.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display apparatus. In some embodiments, the display apparatus includes a folding display panel, and a pivotable support apparatus described herein. Optionally, the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel. Optionally, the display panel is an organic light emitting diode display panel. Optionally, the display panel is an electrophoretic display panel. Examples of appropriate display apparatuses include, but are not limited to, an electronic paper, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a notebook computer, a digital album, a GPS, etc.

FIG.7is a perspective view of a display apparatus having a pivotable support apparatus in a folded state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.7, in the folded state of the display apparatus, the foldable display panel100has a cross-section having a tear-drop shape. A “tear drop shape” generally refers to a shape with two straight side portions diverging at an acute angle from a lower point and an arcuate upper portion extending between the upper ends of the side portions. In one example, a “Year-drop shape” is shaped like a drop of liquid having a globular form at one end and tapering to a point at the other end, or is shaped like a falling tear like a gem, as on an earring, necklace, or ring. By having this unique structure, the thickness of the display apparatus may be significantly reduced, and the local stress to the foldable display panel100can also be significantly reduced particularly when the display apparatus is in a folded state.

Referring toFIG.7, in a folded state of the display apparatus, s third included angle β between a portion (P3inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the first sliding plate13and a portion (P4inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the second sliding plate14is greater than a fourth included angle between the portion (P1inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the first frame203and the portion (P2inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the second frame204(the fourth included angle inFIG.7is zero). In some embodiments, the fourth included angle is in a range of 0 degree to 10 degrees, e.g., 0 degree to 1 degrees, 1 degree to 2 degrees, 2 degree to 3 degrees, 3 degree to 4 degrees, 4 degree to 5 degrees, 5 degree to 6 degrees, 6 degree to 7 degrees, 7 degree to 8 degrees, 8 degree to 9 degrees, or 9 degree to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the third included angle β is in a range of 10 degree to 75 degrees, e.g., 10 degree to 15 degrees, 15 degree to 10 degrees, 20 degree to 25 degrees, 25 degree to 30 degrees, 30 degree to 35 degrees, 35 degree to 40 degrees, 40 degree to 45 degrees, 45 degree to 50 degrees, 50 degree to 55 degrees, 55 degree to 60 degrees, 60 degree to 65 degrees, 65 degree to 70 degrees, or 70 degree to 75 degrees.

Referring toFIG.7, m a folded state of the display apparatus, a thud included angle β between a portion (P3inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the first sliding plate13and a portion (P4inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the second sliding plate14is greater than a fifth included angle between the first frame203and the second frame204(the fifth included angle inFIG.7is zero). In some embodiments, the fifth included angle is in a range of 0 degree to 10 degrees, e.g., 0 degree to 1 degrees, 1 degree to 2 degrees, 2 degree to 3 degrees, 3 degree to 4 degrees, 4 degree to 5 degrees, 5 degree to 6 degrees, 6 degree to 7 degrees, 7 degree to & degrees, 8 degree to 9 degrees, or 9 degree to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the third included angle β is in a range of 10 degree to 75 degrees, e.g., 10 degree to 15 degrees, 15 degree to 20 degrees, 20 degree to 25 degrees, 25 degree to 30 degrees, 30 degree to 35 degrees, 35 degree to 40 degrees, 40 degree to 45 degrees, 45 degree to 50 degrees, 50 degree to 55 degrees, 55 degree to 60 degrees, 60 degree to 65 degrees, 65 degree to 70 degrees, or 70 degree to 75 degrees.

In some embodiments, in a folded state of the pivotable support apparatus, the first sliding plate13and the second sliding plate14are spaced apart by a first distance d1where they are connected to the sliding plate fastener23, respectively. The first frame203and the second frame204are spaced apart by a third distance d3. Optionally, the first distance d1is greater than the third distance d2. Optionally, a ratio of the first distance to the third distance is in a range of 3 to 100, e.g., 3 to 4, 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, 7 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 70, 70 to 80, 80 to 90, or 90 to 100.

In some embodiments, the portion (P1inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100is contact with the first frame203and the portion (P2inFIG.7) of the foldable display panel100in contact with the second frame204are spaced apart by a fourth distance d4. Optionally, the fast distance d1is greater than the fourth distance d4. Optionally, the third distance d3is greater than the fourth distance d4. Optionally, a ratio of the first distance d1to the fourth distance d4is in a range of 3 to 100, e.g., 3 to 4, 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, 7 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 70, 70 to 80, 80 to 90, or 90 to 100.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of fabricating a pivotable support apparatus for supporting a foldable display panel. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a sliding groove structure; forming a first rotating rod and forming a second rotating rod, the first rotating rod and the second rotating rod slidably and rotatably attached to the sliding groove structure; forming a first rotating plate; forming a second rotating plate; forming a first connecting rod rotatably attached to the first rotating sod, and configured to move slidably relative to the first rotating plate; and forming a second connecting rod rotatably attached to the second rotating rod, and configured to move slidably relative to the second rotating plate.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or to exemplary embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its best mode practical application, thereby to enable persons skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the term “the invention” “the present invention” or the like does not necessarily limit the claim scope to a specific embodiment, and the reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention does not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, these claims may refer to use “first”, “second”, etc. following with noun or element. Suck terms should be understood as a nomenclature and should not be construed as giving the limitation on the number of the elements modified by such nomenclature unless specific number has been given. Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in the embodiments described by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Moreover, no element and component in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the following claims.