WO2022207115A1 - Display assembly and foldable apparatus comprising display assembly - Google Patents

Display assembly and foldable apparatus comprising display assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022207115A1
WO2022207115A1 PCT/EP2021/058688 EP2021058688W WO2022207115A1 WO 2022207115 A1 WO2022207115 A1 WO 2022207115A1 EP 2021058688 W EP2021058688 W EP 2021058688W WO 2022207115 A1 WO2022207115 A1 WO 2022207115A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
display panel
display
redirection
winding roller
surface layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2021/058688
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Guoping Luo
Hayk Khachatryan
Juuso Heiskanen
Original Assignee
Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. filed Critical Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority to PCT/EP2021/058688 priority Critical patent/WO2022207115A1/en
Priority to CN202180094105.6A priority patent/CN116964540A/en
Publication of WO2022207115A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022207115A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1652—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being flexible, e.g. mimicking a sheet of paper, or rollable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
    • G06F1/1624—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with sliding enclosures, e.g. sliding keyboard or display
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0235—Slidable or telescopic telephones, i.e. with a relative translation movement of the body parts; Telephones using a combination of translation and other relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0237—Sliding mechanism with one degree of freedom
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/026—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components
    • H04M1/0266—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a display module assembly
    • H04M1/0268—Details of the structure or mounting of specific components for a display module assembly including a flexible display panel

Definitions

  • the disclosure relates to a display assembly comprising a bendable display panel, as well as an apparatus comprising the display assembly.
  • the size of an apparatus is an important consideration in the apparatus design process.
  • a user oftentimes wants the outer dimensions of the apparatus to be as small as possible while still providing a display that is as large as possible.
  • a foldable apparatus comprising one or several housing elements that are interconnected by means of a hinge and which support the display panel.
  • the housing elements and the display panel can be folded together to provide an apparatus that is as small as possible and/or in which the display panel is protected from external influence such as impact.
  • Foldable apparatuses are, in other words, configured to have a variable width, the width being either minimized or maximized.
  • a first problem associated with such a foldable apparatus is how to provide an apparatus that can be folded to a minimum width without simultaneously increasing the thickness of the apparatus too much.
  • a second problem relates to how to fold the display panel without increasing tensile stress and shear strain on the display.
  • the first problem is currently solved by using a so-called Tollable display, which is rolled up onto at least one roller within the housing.
  • the second problem remains unsolved.
  • the shear strain on the display increases as the display is wound onto the roller, frictional wear as well as the risk of display surface tear increasing.
  • a display assembly comprising a bendable display panel, configured such that at least three sections of the display panel extend in parallel in at least three display planes when the display panel is in a retracted position, and such that the at least three sections of the display panel extend coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes when the display panel is in an extended position, a redirecting structure comprising a rotatable winding roller and at least one redirection element, the display panel being operably connected to the winding roller, and the redirection element(s) being configured to bend the display panel into the at least three sections when the display panel is in the retracted position, and to provide a gap between adjacent sections.
  • This solution allows a reduction in stress and strain on the bendable display panel, and minimizes defects to and failure of the display panel as a result of the bending.
  • By providing a gap between adjacent sections of the display panel free movement of the display panel about the winding roller, is enabled. The gap minimizes any stress in the display panel which would be caused by adjacent layers of the display panel being in direct contact.
  • the winding roller is a cylindrical element, facilitating a spatially efficient solution for retracting the display panel.
  • the display panel has a larger interactive display area when in the extended position than in the retracted position, facilitating an apparatus which can have as small outer dimensions as possible as well as an as large display as possible.
  • each redirection element is configured to bend the display panel such that the display panel encloses the redirection element by less than 360°, keeping the number of revolutions that the display panel is rolled or bent to less than one and hence minimizing excessive stress on the Tollable display.
  • each redirection element comprises a stationary curved surface or a rotatable cylindrical roller, such that as little stress as possible is incurred in the display panel as it is bent.
  • the winding roller and the redirection elements are arranged such that a center axis of the winding roller and center axes of the redirection elements extend parallel to each other and parallel to the display plane, facilitating an as thin yet simple structure as possible.
  • the redirecting structure comprises at least two redirection elements and the winding roller is arranged between the redirection elements in a direction perpendicular to the center axes and parallel to the display plane, allowing a compact structure.
  • the center axis of the winding roller and the center axes of the redirection elements extend parallel to each other in a symmetry plane, a configuration providing an as thin structure as possible.
  • the winding roller and the redirection element(s) are arranged such that the center axis of the winding roller is offset with respect to the center axis of at least one redirection elements in a direction perpendicular to the display planes, allowing use of identical components and requiring less strict assembly tolerances.
  • a first redirection element has a radius of curvature which is the same as, or larger, than a radius of curvature of the rotatable winding roller, and a second redirection element has a radius of curvature which is larger than the radius of curvature of the first redirection element, allowing the display panel to be bent into sections which extend in parallel with each other but which do not touch.
  • the redirecting structure comprises at least one further redirection element, each further redirection element being configured to bend the display panel into at least one further display panel section, allowing the display panel to be bent into as many sections as needed in a specific apparatus configuration.
  • a first end of the display panel is operably connected to the winding roller by at least one of a bendable interconnection element and a first surface layer of the display panel, and wherein the interconnection element and/or the first surface layer is configured to be wound onto the winding roller when the display panel is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. This arrangement guides the movement of the display panel without causing excessive stress on the display panel.
  • the interconnection element comprises a film configured to extend from, or form, the first surface layer of the display panel, providing a spatially efficient solution accommodating the display panel in particular when in the retracted position.
  • a second end of the display panel is configured to be engaged by a user in order to move the display assembly between the retracted position and the extended position along a main display movement axis, facilitating simple and direct movement of the display panel.
  • the display assembly further comprises a drive arrangement configured to move the display assembly between the retracted position and the extended position, facilitating automated movement of the display panel.
  • the redirecting structure further comprises at least one elastic element configured to interconnect a second surface layer of the display panel with at least one of the interconnection element and the first surface layer of the display panel, guiding the display panel around the and facilitating the bending of the display panel around the redirecting elements.
  • the elastic element comprises a flexible film configured to have a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the first redirection element, the flexible film allowing different layers of the display panel to stretch to different extents.
  • the first surface layer of the display panel has a smaller radius of curvature than the second surface layer of the display panel, facilitating bending of the display panel without the different layers of the display panel releasing from each other or being otherwise deformed.
  • a length of the second surface layer of the display panel, along a main display movement axis, is different than a corresponding length of the first surface layer of the display panel, allowing a gradual increase in display panel stiffness.
  • the length of the second surface layer is longer than the corresponding length of the first surface layer, facilitating a smooth transition for the display panel across the redirecting elements.
  • the lengths of any intermediate display panel layers located between the first surface layer and the second surface layer increase incrementally from the first surface layer to the second surface layer, allowing a gradual increase in display panel stiffness.
  • the redirecting structure further comprises a retraction mechanism connected to the winding roller and at least one of the interconnection element and the first surface layer of the display panel, facilitating retraction of the display panel while still allowing the force provided by the resilient element to be easily overcome by the user when extracting the display panel.
  • the retraction mechanism comprises a motor facilitating automated operation of the display assembly.
  • the retraction mechanism comprises a resilient element, preferably a spring, which is a simple and reliable solution.
  • the redirecting structure comprises a plurality of spacers extending radially from the redirection elements, the spacers providing the gap, providing more flexibility when it comes to the configurations of the winding roller and redirecting elements.
  • the spacers comprise glass or plastic material and/or have a cylindrical or spherical cross-section, reducing the incurred in the display panel as it is being bent.
  • an apparatus comprising a housing and a display assembly according to the above, the display panel of the display assembly being configured to extend across a main surface area of the housing when the display panel is in the retracted position, and to extend past the surface area of the housing when the display panel is in the extended position.
  • This solution allows a reduction in stress and strain on the bendable display panel, and minimizes defects to and failure of the display panel as a result of the bending, providing a more durable apparatus.
  • Fig. 1 shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in a retracted position;
  • Fig. 2 shows a side view of the example shown in Fig. 1, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in an extended position;
  • Fig. 3 shows a side view, and a detailed partial side view, of a display assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure
  • Fig. 4 shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in a retracted position
  • Fig. 5 shows a side view of the example shown in Fig. 4, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in an extended position.
  • Figs. 4 and 5 show an apparatus 12 comprising a housing 13 and a display assembly 1.
  • the apparatus may be a tablet, a smartphone, a television, or similar.
  • the display panel 2 of the display assembly 1 is configured to extend across a main surface area of the housing 13 when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI, as shown in Fig. 4, and to extend past the surface area of the housing 13 when the display panel 2 is in the extended position P2, as shown in Fig. 5.
  • the display panel 2 preferably has a larger interactive display area when in the extended position P2 than in the retracted position PI.
  • the display assembly 1 comprises a bendable display panel 2, configured such that at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2 extend in parallel in at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3 when the display panel 2 is in a retracted position PI, and such that the at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2 extend coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3 when the display panel 2 is in an extended position P2.
  • the display assembly 1 furthermore comprises a redirecting structure 3 comprising a rotatable winding roller 4 and at least one redirection element 5.
  • the display panel 2 is operably connected to the winding roller 4.
  • the redirection elements 5 are configured to bend the display panel 2 into the at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI, and to provide a gap 6 between adjacent sections 2a, 2b, 2c.
  • the display assembly 1 comprises a bendable display panel 2.
  • a bendable display panel also known as Tollable display panel, can bend and be moved by rolling towards different positions such at the retracted position PI and the extended position P2.
  • Current Tollable display panels 2 have limited stretchability.
  • a Tollable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel typically has less than 1 percent stretchability, and a conventional cover window for such Tollable a display panel typically has less than 2 percent stretchability.
  • the display panel 2 is configured such that it can be bent into at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c which extend in parallel in at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.
  • the display panel 2 is bent into at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI.
  • the at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2 extend coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3 when the display panel 2 is in the extended position P2, Figs. 2 and 5 showing the three sections 2a, 2b, 2c extending in plane PL1.
  • Plane PL1 extends through one outermost element of the apparatus 12, i.e., within at least one section 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2.
  • Plane PL2 may extend through, or adjacent a further outermost element of the apparatus 12, i.e., the back cover of the apparatus 12.
  • Plane PL3 extends within the apparatus 12, preferably between planes PL1 and PL2.
  • the display panel 2 may be bent into at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c, any additional sections extending in additional planes extending in parallel with display planes PL1, PL2, PL3.
  • the display assembly 1 further comprises a redirecting structure 3, configured to facilitate extending and retracting the display panel 2 as well as to bend the display panel 2 into the above-mentioned at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c.
  • the redirecting structure 3 comprises a rotatable winding roller 4 and at least one redirection element 5.
  • the display panel 2 is operably connected to the winding roller 4.
  • the winding roller 4 may comprise one redirection element 5, the redirection element 5 preferably being arranged such that it coaxial with the winding roller 4, and having a larger radius than the winding roller 4.
  • Each redirection element 5 is configured to bend the display panel 2 into two sections 2a, 2b, 2c when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI.
  • the redirection element 5 is configured to provide a gap 6 between adjacent sections 2a, 2b, 2c.
  • the gap may be an air gap.
  • the gap is created using a low viscosity fluid in between the sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2. The gap ensures that the maximum shear strain on the display panel 2 is the same for any number of layers within the display panel, when being bent, and this maximum shear strain is equal to a shear strain on a display panel 2 comprising only a single layer.
  • At least one redirection element 5 may comprise a plurality of spacers extending radially from the main surface of the redirection element 5 (not shown), the spacers providing the gap 6.
  • the spacers may comprise glass or plastic material and/or have a cylindrical or spherical cross- section.
  • Each redirection element 5 may be configured to bend the display panel 2 such that the display panel 2 encloses the redirection element 5 by less than 360°, in other words, such that the display panel 2 is not wound onto the redirection element 5 but only extends along a part of its peripheral surface.
  • Each redirection element 5 may comprise a stationary curved surface (not shown) or a rotatable cylindrical roller.
  • the stationary curved surface may be a stationary cylinder.
  • the winding roller 4 and the redirection elements 5 are arranged such that a center axis of the winding roller 4 and center axes of the redirection elements 5 extend parallel to each other and parallel to the display plane PL1.
  • the center axis of the winding roller 4 and the center axes of the redirection elements 5 may extend parallel to each other in a symmetry plane, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3.
  • the redirecting structure 3 may comprise at least two redirection elements 5 and the winding roller 4 may be arranged between the redirection elements 5 in a direction perpendicular to the center axes and parallel to the display plane PL1, as shown in the Figs. Any other suitable configuration is also possible.
  • the winding roller 4 and the redirection elements 5 may be arranged such that the center axis of the winding roller 4 is offset with respect to the center axis of at least one redirection elements 5 in a direction perpendicular to the display planes PL1, PL2, PL3, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.
  • the redirecting structure 3 may comprise a first redirection element 5a and a second redirection element 5b.
  • the redirecting structure 3 may comprise at least one further redirection element 5, each further redirection element 5 being configured to bend the display panel 2 into at least one further display panel section.
  • the first redirection element 5a may have a radius of curvature rl which is the same as, or larger, than a radius of curvature r2 of the rotatable winding roller 4.
  • the second redirection element 5b may have a radius of curvature r3 which is larger than the radius of curvature rl of the first redirection element 5a.
  • a first end of the display panel 2 may be operably connected to the winding roller 4, and a second end of the display panel 2 may be configured to be engaged by a user in order to move the display assembly 1 between the retracted position PI and the extended position P2 along a main display movement axis A.
  • the second end may comprise a pulling bar in turn comprising a camera, a microphone or similar.
  • the display assembly 1 may also comprise a drive arrangement, such as an electronic motor, configured to move the display assembly 1 between the retracted position PI and the extended position P2.
  • the first end of said display panel 2 may be operably connected to the winding roller 4 by a bendable interconnection element 7, shown in Figs. 1 to 3.
  • the first end of said display panel 2 may be operably connected to the winding roller 4 by a first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2.
  • the interconnection element 7 and/or the first surface layer 8 may be configured to be wound onto the winding roller 4 when the display panel 2 is moved from the extended position P2 to the retracted position PI.
  • the first surface layer 8 may be an innermost layer of the display panel 2, i.e., comprising a surface of the display panel 2 which is in direct contact with the winding roller 4 when the display panel 2 is being retracted and partially wound onto the winding roller 4, and optionally with the first redirection element 5a, when the first redirection element 5a is arranged such that it is the first redirection element changing the direction of the display panel 2 and dividing it into sections 2a, 2b, 2c, after the winding roller 4.
  • the interconnection element 7 may comprise a film configured to extend from, or to form, the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2.
  • the redirecting structure 3 may further comprise at least one elastic element 9 configured to interconnect a second surface layer 10 of the display panel 2 with at least one of the interconnection element 7 and the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2.
  • the first surface layer 8 and the second surface layer 10 together form the two main surfaces of the display panel 2.
  • the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the second surface layer 10 of the display panel 2, when the first surface layer 8 is the innermost layer and the second surface layer 10 is the outermost layer, as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the first surface layer 8 may have a larger radius of curvature than the second surface layer 10 when the first surface layer 8 is the outermost layer and the second surface layer 10 is the innermost layer (not shown).
  • the elastic element 9 may comprise a flexible film configured to have a radius of curvature r4 larger than the radius of curvature rl of the first redirection element 5a.
  • the elastic element 9 may comprise of rubber, silicone, or any other suitable elastomer.
  • the length of the second surface layer 10 of the display panel 2, along a main display movement axis A, may be different than the corresponding length of the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the length of the second surface layer 10 may be longer than the corresponding length of the first surface layer 8. Furthermore, the lengths of any intermediate display panel layers located between the first surface layer 8 and the second surface layer 10 increase incrementally from the first surface layer 8 to the second surface layer 10. Hence, the edges of the different layers of the display panel 2 may be somewhat offset.
  • the redirecting structure 3 may further comprise a retraction mechanism 11 connected to the winding roller 4 and at least one of the interconnection element 7 and the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2.
  • the retraction mechanism 11 may comprise a resilient element, preferably a spring.
  • the above-mentioned drive arrangement may comprise the retraction mechanism 11, the electronic motor of the drive arrangement executing the retraction as well as the extension of the display assembly.

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  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Abstract

A display assembly (1) comprising a display panel (2) and a redirecting structure (3)comprising a rotatable winding roller (4) and at least one redirection element (5). The display panel (2) is operably connected to the winding roller (4), and the redirection element(s) (5) areconfigured to bend the display panel (2) into at least three sections (2a, 2b, 2c) when thedisplay panel (2) is in a retracted position (P1), and to provide a gap (6) between adjacent sections (2a, 2b, 2c). The at least three sections (2a, 2b, 2c) of the display panel (2) extend in parallel in at least three display planes (PL1, PL2, PL3) when the display panel (2) is in theretracted position (P1), and coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes (PL1, PL2, PL3) when the display panel (2) is in an extended position (P2).

Description

DISPLAY ASSEMBLY AND FOLDABLE APPARATUS COMPRISING DISPLAY
ASSEMBLY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosure relates to a display assembly comprising a bendable display panel, as well as an apparatus comprising the display assembly.
BACKGROUND
The size of an apparatus, such as a tablet or a smartphone, is an important consideration in the apparatus design process. A user oftentimes wants the outer dimensions of the apparatus to be as small as possible while still providing a display that is as large as possible.
This problem may be solved by means of a foldable apparatus comprising one or several housing elements that are interconnected by means of a hinge and which support the display panel. The housing elements and the display panel can be folded together to provide an apparatus that is as small as possible and/or in which the display panel is protected from external influence such as impact. Correspondingly, when the apparatus is unfolded an as large display as possible is provided. Foldable apparatuses are, in other words, configured to have a variable width, the width being either minimized or maximized.
A first problem associated with such a foldable apparatus is how to provide an apparatus that can be folded to a minimum width without simultaneously increasing the thickness of the apparatus too much. A second problem relates to how to fold the display panel without increasing tensile stress and shear strain on the display.
The first problem is currently solved by using a so-called Tollable display, which is rolled up onto at least one roller within the housing. However, the second problem remains unsolved. In fact, when rolling the Tollable display onto a roller, the shear strain on the display increases as the display is wound onto the roller, frictional wear as well as the risk of display surface tear increasing. SUMMARY
It is an object to provide an improved display assembly. The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further implementation forms are apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a display assembly comprising a bendable display panel, configured such that at least three sections of the display panel extend in parallel in at least three display planes when the display panel is in a retracted position, and such that the at least three sections of the display panel extend coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes when the display panel is in an extended position, a redirecting structure comprising a rotatable winding roller and at least one redirection element, the display panel being operably connected to the winding roller, and the redirection element(s) being configured to bend the display panel into the at least three sections when the display panel is in the retracted position, and to provide a gap between adjacent sections.
This solution allows a reduction in stress and strain on the bendable display panel, and minimizes defects to and failure of the display panel as a result of the bending. By providing a gap between adjacent sections of the display panel, free movement of the display panel about the winding roller, is enabled. The gap minimizes any stress in the display panel which would be caused by adjacent layers of the display panel being in direct contact.
In a possible implementation form of the first aspect, the winding roller is a cylindrical element, facilitating a spatially efficient solution for retracting the display panel.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display panel has a larger interactive display area when in the extended position than in the retracted position, facilitating an apparatus which can have as small outer dimensions as possible as well as an as large display as possible.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each redirection element is configured to bend the display panel such that the display panel encloses the redirection element by less than 360°, keeping the number of revolutions that the display panel is rolled or bent to less than one and hence minimizing excessive stress on the Tollable display. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, each redirection element comprises a stationary curved surface or a rotatable cylindrical roller, such that as little stress as possible is incurred in the display panel as it is bent.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the winding roller and the redirection elements are arranged such that a center axis of the winding roller and center axes of the redirection elements extend parallel to each other and parallel to the display plane, facilitating an as thin yet simple structure as possible.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the redirecting structure comprises at least two redirection elements and the winding roller is arranged between the redirection elements in a direction perpendicular to the center axes and parallel to the display plane, allowing a compact structure.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the center axis of the winding roller and the center axes of the redirection elements extend parallel to each other in a symmetry plane, a configuration providing an as thin structure as possible.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the winding roller and the redirection element(s) are arranged such that the center axis of the winding roller is offset with respect to the center axis of at least one redirection elements in a direction perpendicular to the display planes, allowing use of identical components and requiring less strict assembly tolerances.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a first redirection element has a radius of curvature which is the same as, or larger, than a radius of curvature of the rotatable winding roller, and a second redirection element has a radius of curvature which is larger than the radius of curvature of the first redirection element, allowing the display panel to be bent into sections which extend in parallel with each other but which do not touch.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the redirecting structure comprises at least one further redirection element, each further redirection element being configured to bend the display panel into at least one further display panel section, allowing the display panel to be bent into as many sections as needed in a specific apparatus configuration. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a first end of the display panel is operably connected to the winding roller by at least one of a bendable interconnection element and a first surface layer of the display panel, and wherein the interconnection element and/or the first surface layer is configured to be wound onto the winding roller when the display panel is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. This arrangement guides the movement of the display panel without causing excessive stress on the display panel.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the interconnection element comprises a film configured to extend from, or form, the first surface layer of the display panel, providing a spatially efficient solution accommodating the display panel in particular when in the retracted position.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a second end of the display panel is configured to be engaged by a user in order to move the display assembly between the retracted position and the extended position along a main display movement axis, facilitating simple and direct movement of the display panel.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the display assembly further comprises a drive arrangement configured to move the display assembly between the retracted position and the extended position, facilitating automated movement of the display panel.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the redirecting structure further comprises at least one elastic element configured to interconnect a second surface layer of the display panel with at least one of the interconnection element and the first surface layer of the display panel, guiding the display panel around the and facilitating the bending of the display panel around the redirecting elements.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the elastic element comprises a flexible film configured to have a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the first redirection element, the flexible film allowing different layers of the display panel to stretch to different extents. In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the first surface layer of the display panel has a smaller radius of curvature than the second surface layer of the display panel, facilitating bending of the display panel without the different layers of the display panel releasing from each other or being otherwise deformed.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, a length of the second surface layer of the display panel, along a main display movement axis, is different than a corresponding length of the first surface layer of the display panel, allowing a gradual increase in display panel stiffness.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the length of the second surface layer is longer than the corresponding length of the first surface layer, facilitating a smooth transition for the display panel across the redirecting elements.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the lengths of any intermediate display panel layers located between the first surface layer and the second surface layer increase incrementally from the first surface layer to the second surface layer, allowing a gradual increase in display panel stiffness.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the redirecting structure further comprises a retraction mechanism connected to the winding roller and at least one of the interconnection element and the first surface layer of the display panel, facilitating retraction of the display panel while still allowing the force provided by the resilient element to be easily overcome by the user when extracting the display panel.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the retraction mechanism comprises a motor facilitating automated operation of the display assembly.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the retraction mechanism comprises a resilient element, preferably a spring, which is a simple and reliable solution.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the redirecting structure comprises a plurality of spacers extending radially from the redirection elements, the spacers providing the gap, providing more flexibility when it comes to the configurations of the winding roller and redirecting elements.
In a further possible implementation form of the first aspect, the spacers comprise glass or plastic material and/or have a cylindrical or spherical cross-section, reducing the incurred in the display panel as it is being bent.
According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising a housing and a display assembly according to the above, the display panel of the display assembly being configured to extend across a main surface area of the housing when the display panel is in the retracted position, and to extend past the surface area of the housing when the display panel is in the extended position.
This solution allows a reduction in stress and strain on the bendable display panel, and minimizes defects to and failure of the display panel as a result of the bending, providing a more durable apparatus.
These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed portion of the present disclosure, the aspects, embodiments, and implementations will be explained in more detail with reference to the example embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in a retracted position;
Fig. 2 shows a side view of the example shown in Fig. 1, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in an extended position;
Fig. 3 shows a side view, and a detailed partial side view, of a display assembly in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure; Fig. 4 shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with an example of the embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in a retracted position;
Fig. 5 shows a side view of the example shown in Fig. 4, wherein the display panel of the apparatus is in an extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figs. 4 and 5 show an apparatus 12 comprising a housing 13 and a display assembly 1. The apparatus may be a tablet, a smartphone, a television, or similar. The display panel 2 of the display assembly 1 is configured to extend across a main surface area of the housing 13 when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI, as shown in Fig. 4, and to extend past the surface area of the housing 13 when the display panel 2 is in the extended position P2, as shown in Fig. 5. The display panel 2 preferably has a larger interactive display area when in the extended position P2 than in the retracted position PI.
The display assembly 1 comprises a bendable display panel 2, configured such that at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2 extend in parallel in at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3 when the display panel 2 is in a retracted position PI, and such that the at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2 extend coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3 when the display panel 2 is in an extended position P2.
The display assembly 1 furthermore comprises a redirecting structure 3 comprising a rotatable winding roller 4 and at least one redirection element 5.
The display panel 2 is operably connected to the winding roller 4. The redirection elements 5 are configured to bend the display panel 2 into the at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI, and to provide a gap 6 between adjacent sections 2a, 2b, 2c.
The display assembly 1 comprises a bendable display panel 2. A bendable display panel, also known as Tollable display panel, can bend and be moved by rolling towards different positions such at the retracted position PI and the extended position P2. Current Tollable display panels 2 have limited stretchability. For example, a Tollable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel typically has less than 1 percent stretchability, and a conventional cover window for such Tollable a display panel typically has less than 2 percent stretchability. When a force is applied on to the display panel to roll the display panel to a partial or a fully retracted or extended position, the display panel is subjected to high tensile stress and/or high shear strain.
The display panel 2 is configured such that it can be bent into at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c which extend in parallel in at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The display panel 2 is bent into at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI. The at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2 extend coplanarly in one of the at least three display planes PL1, PL2, PL3 when the display panel 2 is in the extended position P2, Figs. 2 and 5 showing the three sections 2a, 2b, 2c extending in plane PL1.
Plane PL1 extends through one outermost element of the apparatus 12, i.e., within at least one section 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2. Plane PL2 may extend through, or adjacent a further outermost element of the apparatus 12, i.e., the back cover of the apparatus 12. Plane PL3 extends within the apparatus 12, preferably between planes PL1 and PL2. As mentioned, the display panel 2 may be bent into at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c, any additional sections extending in additional planes extending in parallel with display planes PL1, PL2, PL3.
The display assembly 1 further comprises a redirecting structure 3, configured to facilitate extending and retracting the display panel 2 as well as to bend the display panel 2 into the above-mentioned at least three sections 2a, 2b, 2c. The redirecting structure 3 comprises a rotatable winding roller 4 and at least one redirection element 5.
The display panel 2 is operably connected to the winding roller 4. The winding roller 4 may comprise one redirection element 5, the redirection element 5 preferably being arranged such that it coaxial with the winding roller 4, and having a larger radius than the winding roller 4.
Each redirection element 5 is configured to bend the display panel 2 into two sections 2a, 2b, 2c when the display panel 2 is in the retracted position PI.
Furthermore, the redirection element 5 is configured to provide a gap 6 between adjacent sections 2a, 2b, 2c. The gap may be an air gap. Optionally, the gap is created using a low viscosity fluid in between the sections 2a, 2b, 2c of the display panel 2. The gap ensures that the maximum shear strain on the display panel 2 is the same for any number of layers within the display panel, when being bent, and this maximum shear strain is equal to a shear strain on a display panel 2 comprising only a single layer.
At least one redirection element 5 may comprise a plurality of spacers extending radially from the main surface of the redirection element 5 (not shown), the spacers providing the gap 6. The spacers may comprise glass or plastic material and/or have a cylindrical or spherical cross- section.
Each redirection element 5 may be configured to bend the display panel 2 such that the display panel 2 encloses the redirection element 5 by less than 360°, in other words, such that the display panel 2 is not wound onto the redirection element 5 but only extends along a part of its peripheral surface.
Each redirection element 5 may comprise a stationary curved surface (not shown) or a rotatable cylindrical roller. The stationary curved surface may be a stationary cylinder.
The winding roller 4 and the redirection elements 5 are arranged such that a center axis of the winding roller 4 and center axes of the redirection elements 5 extend parallel to each other and parallel to the display plane PL1. The center axis of the winding roller 4 and the center axes of the redirection elements 5 may extend parallel to each other in a symmetry plane, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3.
The redirecting structure 3 may comprise at least two redirection elements 5 and the winding roller 4 may be arranged between the redirection elements 5 in a direction perpendicular to the center axes and parallel to the display plane PL1, as shown in the Figs. Any other suitable configuration is also possible. The winding roller 4 and the redirection elements 5 may be arranged such that the center axis of the winding roller 4 is offset with respect to the center axis of at least one redirection elements 5 in a direction perpendicular to the display planes PL1, PL2, PL3, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.
As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the redirecting structure 3 may comprise a first redirection element 5a and a second redirection element 5b. The redirecting structure 3 may comprise at least one further redirection element 5, each further redirection element 5 being configured to bend the display panel 2 into at least one further display panel section. The first redirection element 5a may have a radius of curvature rl which is the same as, or larger, than a radius of curvature r2 of the rotatable winding roller 4. The second redirection element 5b may have a radius of curvature r3 which is larger than the radius of curvature rl of the first redirection element 5a. These possible differences in radius of curvature would allow a gap, corresponding to the size of this gap, or these gaps, between adjacent sections 2a, 2b,
2c of the display panel 2.
A first end of the display panel 2 may be operably connected to the winding roller 4, and a second end of the display panel 2 may be configured to be engaged by a user in order to move the display assembly 1 between the retracted position PI and the extended position P2 along a main display movement axis A. The second end may comprise a pulling bar in turn comprising a camera, a microphone or similar. The display assembly 1 may also comprise a drive arrangement, such as an electronic motor, configured to move the display assembly 1 between the retracted position PI and the extended position P2.
The first end of said display panel 2 may be operably connected to the winding roller 4 by a bendable interconnection element 7, shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The first end of said display panel 2 may be operably connected to the winding roller 4 by a first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2. The interconnection element 7 and/or the first surface layer 8 may be configured to be wound onto the winding roller 4 when the display panel 2 is moved from the extended position P2 to the retracted position PI.
The first surface layer 8 may be an innermost layer of the display panel 2, i.e., comprising a surface of the display panel 2 which is in direct contact with the winding roller 4 when the display panel 2 is being retracted and partially wound onto the winding roller 4, and optionally with the first redirection element 5a, when the first redirection element 5a is arranged such that it is the first redirection element changing the direction of the display panel 2 and dividing it into sections 2a, 2b, 2c, after the winding roller 4.
The interconnection element 7 may comprise a film configured to extend from, or to form, the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2. The redirecting structure 3 may further comprise at least one elastic element 9 configured to interconnect a second surface layer 10 of the display panel 2 with at least one of the interconnection element 7 and the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2. The first surface layer 8 and the second surface layer 10 together form the two main surfaces of the display panel 2. The first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the second surface layer 10 of the display panel 2, when the first surface layer 8 is the innermost layer and the second surface layer 10 is the outermost layer, as shown in Fig. 3. Correspondingly, the first surface layer 8 may have a larger radius of curvature than the second surface layer 10 when the first surface layer 8 is the outermost layer and the second surface layer 10 is the innermost layer (not shown).
The elastic element 9 may comprise a flexible film configured to have a radius of curvature r4 larger than the radius of curvature rl of the first redirection element 5a.
The elastic element 9 may comprise of rubber, silicone, or any other suitable elastomer.
The length of the second surface layer 10 of the display panel 2, along a main display movement axis A, may be different than the corresponding length of the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the length of the second surface layer 10 may be longer than the corresponding length of the first surface layer 8. Furthermore, the lengths of any intermediate display panel layers located between the first surface layer 8 and the second surface layer 10 increase incrementally from the first surface layer 8 to the second surface layer 10. Hence, the edges of the different layers of the display panel 2 may be somewhat offset.
The redirecting structure 3 may further comprise a retraction mechanism 11 connected to the winding roller 4 and at least one of the interconnection element 7 and the first surface layer 8 of the display panel 2. The retraction mechanism 11 may comprise a resilient element, preferably a spring. The above-mentioned drive arrangement may comprise the retraction mechanism 11, the electronic motor of the drive arrangement executing the retraction as well as the extension of the display assembly.
The various aspects and implementations have been described in conjunction with various embodiments herein. However, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject-matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.
The reference signs used in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this disclosure. As used in the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up” and “down”, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly” and “outwardly” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

Claims

1. A display assembly (1) comprising
-a bendable display panel (2), configured such that at least three sections (2a, 2b, 2c) of the display panel (2) extend in parallel in at least three display planes (PL1, PL2, PL3) when said display panel (2) is in a retracted position (PI), and such that said at least three sections (2a, 2b, 2c) of the display panel (2) extend coplanarly in one of said at least three display planes (PL1, PL2, PL3) when said display panel (2) is in an extended position (P2),
-a redirecting structure (3) comprising a rotatable winding roller (4) and at least one redirection element (5), said display panel (2) being operably connected to said winding roller (4), and said redirection element(s) (5) being configured to bend said display panel (2) into said at least three sections (2a, 2b, 2c) when said display panel (2) is in said retracted position (PI), and to provide a gap (6) between adjacent sections (2a, 2b, 2c).
2. The display assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein each redirection element (5) is configured to bend said display panel (2) such that said display panel (2) encloses said redirection element (5) by less than 360°.
3. The display assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each redirection element (5) comprises a stationary curved surface or a rotatable cylindrical roller.
4. The display assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said winding roller (4) and said redirection elements (5) are arranged such that a center axis of said winding roller (4) and center axes of said redirection elements (5) extend parallel to each other and parallel to said display plane (PL1).
5. The display assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein said redirecting structure (3) comprises at least two redirection elements (5) and said winding roller (4) is arranged between said redirection elements (5) in a direction perpendicular to said center axes and parallel to said display plane (PL1).
6. The display assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said winding roller (4) and said redirection element(s) (5) are arranged such that said center axis of said winding roller (4) is offset with respect to said center axis of at least one redirection elements (5) in a direction perpendicular to said display planes (PL1, PL2, PL3).
7. The display assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a first redirection element (5a) has a radius of curvature (rl) which is the same as, or larger, than a radius of curvature (r2) of said rotatable winding roller (4), and a second redirection element (5b) has a radius of curvature (r3) which is larger than said radius of curvature (rl) of said first redirection element (5a).
8. The display assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said redirecting structure (3) comprises at least one further redirection element (5), each further redirection element (5) being configured to bend said display panel (2) into at least one further display panel section.
9. The display assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a first end of said display panel (2) is operably connected to said winding roller (4) by at least one of a bendable interconnection element (7) and a first surface layer (8) of said display panel (2), and wherein said interconnection element (7) and/or said first surface layer (8) is configured to be wound onto said winding roller (4) when said display panel (2) is moved from said extended position (P2) to said retracted position (PI).
10. The display assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein said interconnection element (7) comprises a film configured to extend from, or form, said first surface layer (8) of said display panel (2).
11. The display assembly (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said redirecting structure (3) further comprises at least one elastic element (9) configured to interconnect a second surface layer (10) of said display panel (2) with at least one of said interconnection element (7) and said first surface layer (8) of said display panel (2).
12. The display assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein said elastic element (9) comprises a flexible film configured to have a radius of curvature (r4) larger than said radius of curvature (rl) of said first redirection element (5a).
13. The display assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a length of said second surface layer (10) of said display panel (2), along a main display movement axis (A), is different than a corresponding length of said first surface layer (8) of said display panel (2).
14. The display assembly (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said redirecting structure (3) further comprises a retraction mechanism (11) connected to said winding roller (4) and at least one of said interconnection element (7) and said first surface layer (8) of said display panel (2).
15. The display assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein said retraction mechanism (11) comprises a resilient element, preferably a spring.
16. An apparatus (12) comprising a housing (13) and a display assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the display panel (2) of said display assembly (1) being configured to extend across a main surface area of said housing (13) when said display panel (2) is in the retracted position (PI), and to extend past said surface area of said housing (13) when said display panel (2) is in the extended position (P2). 1/3
Figure imgf000017_0001
2/3
Figure imgf000018_0001
Figure imgf000019_0001
PCT/EP2021/058688 2021-04-01 2021-04-01 Display assembly and foldable apparatus comprising display assembly WO2022207115A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170212556A1 (en) * 2014-07-30 2017-07-27 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P Display with shape changing support panel
US20180098440A1 (en) * 2016-10-04 2018-04-05 Samsung Display Co., Ltd. Display device
US20210076517A1 (en) * 2019-04-30 2021-03-11 Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd. Flexible display device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170212556A1 (en) * 2014-07-30 2017-07-27 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P Display with shape changing support panel
US20180098440A1 (en) * 2016-10-04 2018-04-05 Samsung Display Co., Ltd. Display device
US20210076517A1 (en) * 2019-04-30 2021-03-11 Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd. Flexible display device

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