Flexible display module and foldable electronic device

Abstract

A flexible display module (100) and a foldable electronic device. The flexible display module (100) comprises a display panel (2), a first trace (3), a first connecting piece (311) and a second connecting piece (312), wherein the first trace (3) is fixed to the display panel (2), and the first connecting piece (311) is electrically connected to the second connecting piece (312) by means of the first trace (3). The flexible display module (100) comprises a first portion (M1) and a second portion (M2), wherein the first connecting piece (311) is arranged on the first portion (M1), the second connecting piece (312) is arranged on the second portion (M2), and on the side of the flexible display module (100) facing away from a display surface, the first connecting piece (311) and the second connecting piece (312) are both exposed out of the flexible display module (100). The flexible display module (100) and the foldable electronic device can achieve information transmission between functional modules in different housings.

Description

Flexible display module and foldable electronic device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on October 9, 2023, with application number 202311307316.0 and application name "A flexible display module and a foldable electronic device", and the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on December 22, 2023, with application number 202311787870.3 and application name "A flexible display module and a foldable electronic device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a flexible display module and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0004] Foldable electronic devices have become an important product form factor and are increasingly common among users. Specifically, when designing foldable electronic devices, there is a tendency to arrange functional modules in different housings to optimize space utilization. However, information transmission between functional modules in different housings is often required, and achieving this information transmission between functional modules in different housings is a challenge.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a flexible display module and a foldable electronic device, which can achieve electrical connection between circuits of functional modules in different housings.

[0007] In the first aspect, the present application provides a flexible display module, which includes a display panel, a first wiring, a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first wiring is fixed to the display panel, and the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector through the first wiring. The flexible display module includes a first part and a second part, the first connector is arranged in the first part, and the second connector is arranged in the second part, and on the side of the flexible display module opposite to the display surface, the first connector and the second connector are both exposed to the flexible display module. When the flexible display module provided by the present application is applied to a foldable electronic device, the first connector and the second connector can be electrically connected to the circuits of the functional modules in different shells respectively, and the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected through the first wiring, so that the electrical connection between the circuits of the functional modules in different shells of the foldable electronic device can be realized, thereby realizing information transmission between the functional modules in different shells.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, the display panel includes a second wiring and a plurality of pixel units, the second wiring is used to drive the plurality of pixel units to display, and the first wiring and the second wiring are insulated from each other.

[0009] When the first wiring is specifically arranged, in a possible embodiment, the first wiring and the second wiring are arranged in the same stacked layer of the display panel to reduce the number of etching times during the preparation of the flexible display module and simplify the preparation process of the flexible display module.

[0010] In another possible embodiment, the first trace is located on a side opposite to the display surface of the display panel. For example, the flexible display module includes a backplane that is fixed to the display panel and located on a side opposite to the display surface of the display panel. The first trace is located between the backplane and the display panel, or the first trace layer is located on a side of the backplane that is away from the display panel.

[0011] When the electrical connection unit is specifically configured, in one possible embodiment, at least one of the first connector or the second connector includes a conductive pin or a conductive sheet. The circuit operation of connecting the functional modules via the conductive pin or the conductive sheet is more convenient.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, the flexible display module is a foldable module, and the foldable module includes a first-surface display portion, a second-surface display portion, and a bendable display portion, and the bendable display portion is located between the first-surface display portion and the second-surface display portion. The first connecting member is arranged on the first portion, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second portion, specifically including: the first connecting member is arranged on the first-surface display portion, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second-surface display portion. The foldable module provided in the present application is applied to a foldable electronic device, and can realize electrical connection between circuits of functional modules in different shells of the foldable electronic device, without providing wiring space on the hinge assembly, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the hinge assembly and also beneficial to making the foldable electronic device lighter and thinner.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the flexible display module is a foldable module, and the foldable module includes a third-surface display portion, a fourth-surface display portion, and a bendable display portion, and the bendable display portion is located between the third-surface display portion and the fourth-surface display portion. The first connector is arranged on the first portion, and the second connector is arranged on the second portion, specifically including: the first connector and the second connector are both arranged on the third-surface display portion, and there is a gap between the first connector and the second connector. In other words, the first connector and the second connector are arranged on the same surface display portion. In this way, when the electronic device applies the flexible display module, the electrical connection between the two target functional modules arranged at intervals can be achieved through the surface display portion, thereby reducing the setting of the wiring space in the electronic device housing, and thus facilitating the reduction of the thickness of the electronic device.

[0014] In another possible embodiment, the flexible display module is a roll-up module, and the roll-up module includes an axis-end display portion and a movable-end display portion.

[0015] The first connector is disposed on the first portion, and the second connector is disposed on the second portion. Specifically, the first connector is disposed on the display portion at the shaft end, and the second connector is disposed on the display portion at the mobile end. The rollable module, when applied to a rollable foldable electronic device, can electrically connect the circuitry of the functional module in the housing of the rollable foldable electronic device with the circuitry of the functional module in the push-pull member, thereby making the layout of the rollable foldable electronic device more rational.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which includes a housing assembly, a flexible display module provided by the technical solution of the first aspect, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The flexible display module is mounted on the housing assembly, and the first connector is electrically connected to the first circuit, and the second connector is electrically connected to the second circuit. The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing, the first circuit is distributed in the first housing, and the second circuit is distributed in the second housing. In this solution, the first circuit distributed in the first housing can be electrically connected to the second circuit distributed in the second housing through the flexible display module, thereby enabling information transmission between the functional module where the first circuit is located and the functional module where the second circuit is located.

[0017] Furthermore, in a possible embodiment, the shell assembly also includes a hinge assembly, and the first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the hinge assembly and are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly. The first shell is used to support the first part, and the first shell is fixedly connected to the first part, and the second shell is used to support the second part, and the second shell is fixedly connected to the second part. That is to say, further, the foldable electronic device is a foldable electronic device, and information can be transmitted between the functional modules distributed in the first shell and the functional modules distributed in the second shell in the foldable electronic device, and there is no need to set up wiring space on the hinge assembly, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the hinge assembly and also beneficial to the thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0018] In another possible embodiment, the housing assembly further includes a scroll, the first housing having an opening, the scroll rotatably disposed within the first housing, one end of the flexible display module located within the first housing and affixed to the scroll, and the other end of the flexible display module exposed through the opening of the first housing and affixed to the second housing. In other words, the foldable electronic device is a rollable foldable electronic device, wherein information can be transmitted between the functional modules located within the first housing and the functional modules located within the second housing.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the first circuit includes a system on a chip. The foldable electronic device includes a mainboard, and the first circuit is disposed on the mainboard.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the first connector, the second connector, and a first wiring connecting the first connector and the second connector constitute an electrical connection unit.

[0021] At least one of the following is met:

[0022] The second circuit includes a cellular module circuit, which is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit. The cellular module and the mainboard are distributed in different housings, which is beneficial to improving the performance of the antenna in the unfolded state.

[0023] The second circuit includes a camera module circuit, which is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit.

[0024] The second circuit includes an audio module circuit, and the audio module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit.

[0025] The second circuit includes a battery module circuit, and the battery module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the first circuit is a first battery module circuit, and the second circuit is a second battery module circuit. That is, the first battery module and the second battery module are connected through the flexible display module to achieve power transmission, which can provide more options for power management of foldable electronic devices.

[0027] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a display module comprising a display panel, a third wiring, a third connector, and a fourth connector, wherein the third wiring is fixed to the display panel and the third connector is electrically connected to the fourth connector via the third wiring. The display module comprises a third portion and a fourth portion, the third connector being disposed in the third portion, the fourth connector being disposed in the fourth portion, and both the third connector and the fourth connector being exposed from the display module on a side of the display module opposite to the display surface. Thus, electrical connection between the pair of target functional modules is achieved via the third connector, the fourth connector, and the third wiring.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device comprising a third housing, a third circuit, a fourth circuit, and a display module as provided in the third aspect above, wherein the display module is mounted in the third housing, the third circuit and the fourth circuit are spaced apart in the third housing, the third connector is electrically connected to the third circuit, and the fourth connector is electrically connected to the fourth circuit. In other words, the third circuit and the fourth circuit spaced apart in the third housing can be electrically connected via the display module. This helps reduce the wiring space required in the third housing and facilitates reducing the thickness of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a partially cutaway structure of a two-fold foldable electronic device;

[0030] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the two-fold foldable electronic device shown in FIG1 with the flexible display module omitted;

[0031] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a rollable foldable electronic device;

[0032] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a two-fold foldable electronic device;

[0035] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a rollable foldable electronic device;

[0036] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0042] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0043] FIG15 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0044] FIG16 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0045] FIG17 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0046] FIG18 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0047] FIG19 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0048] FIG20 is a schematic diagram showing an application scenario of a foldable module provided by this embodiment;

[0049] FIG21 is a schematic diagram showing an application scenario of another foldable module provided by this embodiment;

[0050] FIG22 is a schematic structural diagram of a winding module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of the roll-up module shown in FIG22 in an unfolded state;

[0052] FIG24 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0053] FIG25 is another application scenario of the flexible display module provided by this embodiment;

[0054] FIG26 is a schematic structural diagram of a foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment;

[0055] FIG27 is a schematic structural diagram of another foldable electronic device provided by this embodiment;

[0056] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG27 in an unfolded state;

[0057] FIG29 is a cross-sectional view of a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG30 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the display module shown in FIG29;

[0059] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Specifically, a foldable electronic device is an electronic device that can change its own shape by folding, rolling, etc. Users can fold and unfold the foldable electronic device to meet different usage needs. In actual applications, according to different functions, the types of foldable electronic devices can be divided into many types. For example, foldable electronic devices can be specifically mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, and e-books. According to the different ways in which the flexible display modules of foldable electronic devices are unfolded, the types of foldable electronic devices can also be divided into many types, such as foldable foldable electronic devices and rolling foldable electronic devices. Among them, foldable foldable electronic devices can be divided into two-fold foldable electronic devices and multi-fold foldable electronic devices according to the number of hinge components. Of course, foldable electronic devices can also be classified in other ways, which will not be explained here one by one.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, taking a two-fold foldable electronic device as an example, in one specific implementation, the two-fold foldable electronic device includes a flexible display module O and a first housing 20' and a second housing 30' connected by a hinge assembly 10'. The flexible display module O continuously covers the first housing 20', the hinge assembly 10', and the second housing 30'. Under the action of an external force, at least one of the first housing 20' and the second housing 30' can rotate relative to the hinge assembly 10', causing the first housing 20' to fold closer to or unfold farther from the second housing 30'. Specifically, a first functional module 21' is disposed within the first housing 20', and a second functional module 31' is disposed within the second housing 30'. The hinge assembly 10' is provided with a through-axis space A. A flexible circuit board 40' passes through the through-axis space A of the hinge assembly 10' to connect the circuitry of the first functional module 21' with the circuitry of the second functional module 31', thereby enabling information transmission between the functional modules located in different housings. However, the provision of the through-axis space A on the hinge assembly 10' creates a cavity within the hinge assembly 10'. This cavity not only reduces the structural strength of the hinge assembly 10' but also hinders its thinness, hindering the overall lightweighting of the foldable electronic device. Furthermore, as the number of cross-axis signal paths increases, the flexible circuit board 40' used for signal transmission increases in size, requiring a larger cavity within the hinge assembly 10', further impacting the structural strength of the hinge assembly 10'.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the structure of a rollable foldable electronic device. As shown in Figure 3, the rollable foldable electronic device includes a housing 50', a reel 60', a flexible display module 70', and a push-pull member 80'. The housing 50' has an opening 51', and the reel 60' is rotatably connected to the housing 50'. One end of the flexible display module 70' is fixedly connected to the reel 60', and the other end of the flexible display module 70' is fixedly connected to the push-pull member 80'. Under the action of an external force, the reel 60' rotates, thereby enabling the flexible display module 70' to be unfolded and retracted. When designing a rollable foldable electronic device, it is often desirable to place functional modules both within the housing 50' and on the push-pull member 80' to optimize the layout of the rollable foldable electronic device. However, the difficulty in this design lies in how to connect the circuits of the functional modules in the housing 50' with the circuits of the functional modules in the push-pull member 80'.

[0063] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a flexible display module and a foldable electronic device to solve the above problems. In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the", and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0065] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in yet other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0066] A flexible display module 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application can be an organic light-emitting diode display module (OLED). Specifically, as shown in FIG4 , the flexible display module 100 includes a display panel 2, the display panel 2 includes a plurality of pixel units (not shown in the figure) and a second routing line (not shown in the figure) for driving the plurality of pixel units to display, the second routing line including a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines being arranged to cross each other, and each gate line and each data line being insulated from each other. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines can work together with a pixel driving circuit to enable the display panel 2 to display. When specifically implemented, as shown in FIG5 , the flexible display module 100 can include a driver chip 200, and the driver circuit is arranged on the driver chip 200. It is not difficult to understand that the flexible display module 100 can also include a transparent cover plate 1, which covers the display surface of the display panel 2 and is fixedly connected to the display panel 2. Exemplarily, the transparent cover plate 1 can be a glass cover plate (cover glass, CG). Furthermore, referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the flexible display module 100 includes a first portion and a second portion, and further includes an electrical connection unit 31, wherein the electrical connection unit 31 includes a first connector 311, a second connector 312, and a first trace 3. In a specific implementation, the first connector 311 is disposed in the first portion of the flexible display module 100, and the second connector 312 is disposed in the second portion of the flexible display module 100. The first trace 3 is fixed to the display panel 2, and the first connector 311 is electrically connected to the second connector 312 via the first trace 3. On the side of the flexible display module 100 opposite the display surface, both the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are exposed from the flexible display module 100.

[0067] It should be understood that the first trace 3 includes a conductor for transmitting signals, and the first trace 3 is insulated from the second trace. Exemplarily, the conductor in the first trace 3 is made of a metal such as copper, or a polymer such as liquid crystal polymers (LCP) doped with a conductive material. There is at least one electrical connection unit 31; that is, the number of electrical connection units 31 may be one, two, or three, etc., depending on actual needs.

[0068] It's worth noting that when designing a foldable electronic device, the design of the flexible display module 100 is aligned with the design of the housing assembly in which it is mounted. For example, as shown in FIG6 , when the foldable electronic device is a flip-up foldable electronic device, and the circuitry of functional module 21' in one housing 20' needs to be electrically connected to the circuitry of functional module 31' in another housing 30' for information transmission, one of the two portions of the flexible display module 100 that face the two housings 20' and 30' is the aforementioned first portion M1, and the other is the aforementioned second portion M2. As shown in FIG7 , when the foldable electronic device is a rollable foldable electronic device, and the circuitry of functional module B in housing 50' needs to be electrically connected to the circuitry of functional module C in a push-pull member 80' for information transmission, the portion of the flexible display module 100 located in housing 50' and connected to the scroll 60' and the portion connected to the push-pull member 80' that can extend outside of housing 50' are the aforementioned first portion M1 and the other is the aforementioned second portion M2.

[0069] In some embodiments, when each connector is specifically set, the first connector 311 includes a conductive pin or a conductive sheet 311b as shown in Figure 5. Similarly, the second connector 312 may also include a conductive pin or a conductive sheet 312b as shown in Figure 5. Exemplarily, the conductor of the first trace 3 is connected to the corresponding conductive pin or conductive sheet 311b. Of course, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are not limited to the above-mentioned conductive pins or conductive sheets 311b, as long as the circuit electrical connection between the first trace 3 and the corresponding functional module can be achieved. For example: In some other embodiments, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 may both include a board-to-board connector (BTB connector) or a coaxial connector, etc.

[0070] 4 , in a specific embodiment, the first wiring 3 is arranged in the display panel 2, and the first wiring 3 and the second wiring are arranged in the same layer. In this way, the number of etching times can be reduced, thereby simplifying the preparation process of the flexible display module 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the first wiring 3 and the second wiring may not be prepared in the same layer. For example, in a flexible display module 100 shown in FIG8 , the first wiring 3 is located on the side away from the display surface of the display panel 2, that is, the side of the display panel 2 away from the transparent cover plate 1. More specifically, please refer to the cross-sectional views of the flexible display module 100 shown in FIG9 and FIG10 . The flexible display module 100 includes a back plate (BP) 4, which is fixed to the side of the display panel 2 away from the transparent cover plate 1, and the first wiring 3 is located between the back plate 4 and the display panel 2, or the first wiring 3 is located on the side of the back plate 4 away from the display panel 2. It should be understood that the first trace 3 may be located under any original functional layer of the flexible display module 100 , or may be provided on the same layer as any original functional layer of the flexible display module 100 .

[0071] Next, a flexible display module 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application is introduced with reference to FIG11. As shown in FIG11, in a specific implementation, the flexible display module 100 includes a transparent cover 1, a display panel 2, a first trace 3 and a back panel 4, wherein the transparent cover 1 covers the display panel 2 and is fixedly connected to the display panel 2, and the first trace 3 is fixed between the display panel 2 and the back panel 4. The first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are electrically connected to the first trace 3 in the middle of the corresponding first part or the second part, and are led out to the outside of the flexible display module 100 through the via hole on the back panel 4. This is different from the flexible display module 100 shown in FIG9, in which the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are electrically connected to the first trace 3 at the edge of the corresponding first part or the second part, and are led out to the outside of the flexible display module 100 from the edge of the corresponding first part or the second part.

[0072] It is worth noting that the middle of the first part and the second part mentioned in this embodiment refers to the position in the first part and the second part that is spaced apart from the edges of the first part and the second part, rather than the center position of the first part and the second part in a narrow sense.

[0073] The flexible display module 100 also includes other structures. For example, in the flexible display module 100 shown in FIG12 , the flexible display module 100 further includes a transparent optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer 5, a polarizer (Pol) film 6, and a super clean foam (SCF) layer 7. The polarizer film 6 and the transparent optical adhesive layer 5 are sequentially disposed on the display surface of the display panel 2, and both the polarizer film 6 and the transparent optical adhesive layer 5 are located between the transparent cover plate 1 and the display panel 2. The super clean foam layer 7 is disposed on the side of the back plate 4 facing away from the display panel 2. When the first trace 3 is located on the side of the display panel 2 facing away from the transparent cover plate 1, the first trace 3 can be located between the super clean foam layer 7 and the back plate 4.

[0074] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of a two-fold flexible display module provided in this embodiment, and Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of a three-fold flexible display module provided in this embodiment. Referring to Figures 13 and 14, in some embodiments, the flexible display module 100 is a foldable module, which includes a first display portion 101a, a second display portion 101b, and a bendable display portion 102, with the bendable display portion 102 connected between the first display portion 101a and the second display portion 101b. A first connector 311 is disposed on the first portion, and a second connector 312 is disposed on the second portion. Specifically, the first connector 311 is disposed on the first display portion 101a, and the second connector 312 is disposed on the second display portion 101b.

[0075] It is easy to understand that when the flexible display module 100 is a multi-fold flexible display module, the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b can be two adjacent surface display portions, or two surface display portions separated by other surface display portions. The first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b provided with the same electrical connection unit are considered a surface display group. Depending on actual needs, the multi-fold flexible display module can include one surface display group or multiple surface display groups. It is easy to understand that different surface display groups may share a surface display portion or may not share a surface display portion.

[0076] FIG15 shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a foldable module provided by this embodiment. As shown in FIG15 , a pair of target function modules 9 are distributed on both sides of the hinge assembly 82. The circuits of the two target function modules 9 are electrically connected through the foldable module (i.e., the flexible display module 100), thereby realizing information transmission. There is no need to set a through-shaft space on the hinge assembly 82. The reduction of the cavity on the hinge assembly 82 is beneficial to ensuring the structural strength of the hinge assembly 82 and also to making the hinge assembly 82 lighter and thinner. It should be understood that the target function module 9 includes a circuit board and functional components arranged on the circuit board. For example, the circuit board can be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0077] It is worth noting that a pair of target functional modules 9 are two functional modules distributed in different housings and whose circuits need to be electrically connected. Figure 15 only shows the axis a of the rotating shaft assembly 82.

[0078] During specific implementation, the specific number of electrical connection units 31 is determined according to actual needs. The following is a brief description taking the flexible display module 100 as a foldable module as an example. Please continue to refer to the application scenario of the flexible display module 100 shown in Figure 15. In a specific implementation, the foldable electronic device using the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment is a two-fold foldable electronic device. In the two-fold foldable electronic device, the circuits of the two target functional modules 9 distributed on both sides of the hinge assembly 82 need to be electrically connected, then the flexible display module 100 may include an electrical connection unit 31. That is, the circuit of the target functional module 9 on one side of the hinge assembly 82 is electrically connected to the first connecting member 311, and the circuit of the target functional module 9 on the other side of the hinge assembly 82 is electrically connected to the second connecting member 312, so that the two target functional modules 9 on both sides of the hinge group are electrically connected through the flexible display module 100.

[0079] In another specific embodiment, as shown in FIG16 , in a two-fold foldable electronic device, two pairs of target functional modules 9 are distributed on both sides of the hinge assembly 82. The circuits of the two target functional modules 9 in each pair need to be electrically connected. Therefore, the flexible display module 100 may include two electrical connection units 31. In other words, the circuits of the two target functional modules 9 in each pair are electrically connected via one electrical connection unit 31. It is worth noting that the application scenario shown in FIG16 only illustrates the axis a of the hinge assembly 82.

[0080] Of course, in some embodiments, according to actual needs, when the foldable electronic device using the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment is a two-fold foldable electronic device, the number of electrical connection units 31 can also be three, four or five, etc., which are not listed here one by one.

[0081] Figure 17 shows a schematic diagram of another application scenario for a foldable module provided by this embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, in another specific embodiment, a foldable electronic device using the flexible display module 100 provided by this embodiment is a tri-foldable electronic device, which includes two hinge assemblies 82. The flexible display module 100 includes three surface display portions and two bendable display portions 102. Depending on actual needs, the three surface display portions can include one surface display group, two surface display groups, or three surface display groups. For example, in the application scenario of the flexible display module 100 shown in Figure 17, if the circuits of two target functional modules 9 distributed in different housings need to be electrically connected, the flexible display module 100 has one surface display group. It should be understood that the positions of the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b in a surface display group are determined by the positions of the corresponding pair of target functional modules 9. As shown in Figure 17, a pair of adjacent surface display portions of the flexible display module 100 is a first surface display portion 101a and a second surface display portion 101b. As shown in FIG. 18 , one of the two surface display portions located on both sides is a first surface display portion 101 a , and the other is a second surface display portion 101 b .

[0082] In the application scenario of the flexible display module 100 shown in Figure 19, the three target functional modules 9 are distributed in different housings, and the circuits of the two right target functional modules 9 need to be electrically connected to the circuit of the leftmost target functional module 9. Therefore, the flexible display module 100 has two surface display groups, and these two surface display groups share the leftmost surface display portion. Similarly, the application scenarios shown in Figures 17-19 also only illustrate the axis a of the hinge assembly 82.

[0083] The number of display groups on the foldable electronic device, the number of pairs of target functional modules 9 and their distribution can also be other situations, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0084] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of an application scenario for a foldable module provided by this embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, in some embodiments, the flexible display module 100 is a foldable module, which includes a third-side display portion 101c, a fourth-side display portion 101d, and a bendable display portion 102, with the bendable display portion 102 connected between the third-side display portion 101c and the fourth-side display portion 101d. The first connector 311 is disposed in the first portion, and the second connector 312 is disposed in the second portion. Specifically, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are both disposed in the third-side display portion 101c, with a gap between the first connector 311 and the second connector 312. In other words, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are spaced apart on the same display portion. In this case, the electrical connection unit can be used to electrically connect the circuits of a pair of functional modules 9 located in the housing corresponding to the third-side display portion 101c and spaced apart.

[0085] It is worth noting that the third surface display portion 101c can be the same surface display portion as the first surface display portion 101a, or the third surface display portion 101c can be a surface display portion other than the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b. Whether the fourth surface display portion 101d is the same surface display portion as the first surface display portion 101a or the second surface display portion 101b can be understood in detail according to the specific embodiment.

[0086] One or more electrical connection units can be set in the same surface display portion, that is, the circuits of one or more pairs of functional modules 9 can be electrically connected through the surface display portion. Next, please refer to Figure 21. In some embodiments, the same surface display portion (for example, the third surface display portion 101c in Figure 21) can also be provided with one or more electrical connection units while also being provided with a first connector including one or more electrical connection units. It is not difficult to understand that the second connector corresponding to each of the above-mentioned first connectors is provided on other surface display portions. In other words, while the circuits of one or more pairs of functional modules 9 are electrically connected through the surface display portion, the surface display portion can also realize the electrical connection between the circuits of the corresponding one or more pairs of functional modules 9 together with other surface display portions. It should be understood that when the same surface display portion is provided with multiple first connectors, the multiple first connectors 311 can be integrated into one terminal, which is electrically connected to the corresponding target functional module 9 through the terminal. Depending on the specific setting, the target functional modules 9 corresponding to different first connectors 311 can be the same or different.

[0087] In some embodiments, the flexible display module 100 is a roll-up module. Please refer to Figures 22 and 23, which are both structural schematic diagrams of the roll-up module, and the figures show the scroll 83 of the roll-up foldable electronic device. Specifically, in Figure 22, most of the roll-up module is wound around the scroll 83, and in Figure 23, the roll-up module is unfolded to its maximum length. As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the roll-up module includes an axis end display portion 103 and a mobile end display portion 104, wherein the axis end display portion 103 is used to be fixedly connected to the scroll 83 of the roll-up foldable electronic device, and the mobile end display portion 104 is used to be fixedly connected to the push-pull member (that is, the second shell 812 mentioned below) of the roll-up foldable electronic device. The first connecting member 311 is arranged on the first part, and the second connecting member 312 is arranged on the second part, specifically including: the first connecting member 311 is arranged on the axis end display portion 103, and the second connecting member 312 is arranged on the mobile end display portion 104. In this way, when functional modules that need to be electrically connected are installed in the rollable foldable electronic device housing and the push-pull member, this can be achieved through the rollable module provided by this embodiment.

[0088] It is not difficult to understand that in the roll-up module, the specific number of electrical connection units 31 is also determined according to actual needs. Please refer to the application scenario diagram of the roll-up module shown in Figure 24. As shown in Figure 24, the foldable electronic device (that is, a roll-up foldable electronic device) using the roll-up module includes a shell assembly and a flexible display module 100, wherein the shell assembly includes a first shell 81a and a second shell 81b, and a target functional module 9 is fixed in each of the first shell 81a and the second shell 81b. The circuits of the two target functional modules 9 need to be electrically connected, and the roll-up module includes an electrical connection unit 31. As shown in Figure 25, when the circuits of two target functional modules 9 in the first shell 81a need to be electrically connected to the circuits of the target functional module 9 in the second shell 81b, the roll-up module includes two electrical connection units 31.

[0089] A foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment includes a shell assembly, a first circuit, a second circuit and the above-mentioned flexible display module 100. Further, the flexible display module 100 is fixed to the shell assembly. The shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell, the first circuit is distributed in the first shell, and the second circuit is distributed in the second shell. The first connector 311 is electrically connected to the first circuit, and the second connector 312 is electrically connected to the second circuit, so that the electrical connection between the first circuit and the second circuit is achieved through the first connector 311, the second connector 312 and the corresponding first trace 3. It is not difficult to understand that the first circuit is a circuit of a functional module, and the second circuit is a circuit of another functional module. In the foldable electronic device, the number of pairs of the target functional module 9, that is, the number of pairs of the first circuit and the second circuit is set according to actual conditions. For example, the first circuit and the second circuit can be one pair, two pairs or three pairs.

[0090] In a specific embodiment, the housing assembly further includes a hinge assembly 82, and the first housing 81c and the second housing 81d are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the hinge assembly 82 and are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly 82. In other words, the foldable electronic device is a foldable electronic device. Furthermore, the first housing 81c is used to support the first part, and the first housing 81c is fixedly connected to the first part, and the second housing 81d is used to support the second part, and the second housing 81d is fixedly connected to the second part. Exemplarily, the connection between the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 and the corresponding first circuit or the second circuit can be achieved by fastening the board-to-board connector of the flexible printed circuit (FPC), and the connection between the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 and the first trace 3 can adopt the existing bonding technology of the flexible display module 100.

[0091] FIG26 shows a two-fold foldable electronic device having a pair of target functional modules 9. It should be understood that the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment may also be a three-fold foldable electronic device or a four-fold foldable electronic device, etc., and the target functional modules 9 in the foldable electronic device may also be two pairs or three pairs, etc., which are not listed one by one in this embodiment.

[0092] Please refer to the structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in Figures 27 and 28. In another specific embodiment, the shell assembly includes a first shell 81a, a second shell 81b and a scroll 83. Specifically, the first shell 81a has an opening 8111, and the scroll 83 is rotatably arranged in the first shell 81a. One end of the flexible display module 100 is located in the first shell 81a and is fixed to the scroll 83, and the other end of the flexible display module 100 is exposed from the opening 8111 of the first shell 81a and is fixed to the second shell 81b. In other words, the foldable electronic device is a roll-up foldable electronic device. What is shown in Figures 27 and 28 are both foldable electronic devices with a pair of target functional modules 9. It should be understood that the target functional modules 9 in the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment can also be two pairs or three pairs, etc., and examples are no longer given one by one in this embodiment.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first circuit includes a system on a chip, the foldable electronic device includes a mainboard, and the first circuit is arranged on the mainboard. Furthermore, in one specific embodiment, the second circuit includes a cellular module circuit, and the cellular module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit 31. When the cellular module and the mainboard are distributed in different housings, it is beneficial to improve the antenna performance in the unfolded state. In another specific embodiment, the second circuit includes a camera module circuit, and the camera module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit 31. In another specific embodiment, the second circuit includes an audio module circuit, and the audio module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit. In another specific embodiment, the second circuit includes a battery module circuit, and the battery module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit.

[0094] It should be understood that there can be two or more second circuits, for example, at least two of the cellular module circuit, camera module circuit, audio module circuit and battery module circuit are second circuits, and each second circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit 31.

[0095] In a specific implementation, the first circuit is a first battery module circuit, and the second circuit is a second battery module circuit. That is, the first battery module and the second battery module are connected through the flexible display module 100 and realize the transmission of electric energy. In this way, more options can be provided for power management of foldable electronic devices.

[0096] As can be seen from the above, the first trace 3 can transmit signals other than screen drive signals, such as radio frequency signals, and can also be used to transmit electrical energy. It should also be understood that the types of target functional modules 9 in this embodiment are not exhaustive and can be specifically configured according to actual needs during implementation.

[0097] FIG29 is a cross-sectional view of a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG30 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of the display module shown in FIG29 . As shown in FIG29 and FIG30 , the display module 300 includes a display panel 310, a third wiring 320, a third connector 330, and a fourth connector 340. Specifically, the third wiring 320 is fixed to the display panel 310. The display module includes a third portion and a fourth portion. The third connector is disposed in the third portion, and the fourth connector is disposed in the fourth portion. The third connector 330 and the fourth connector 340 are electrically connected via the third wiring 320. On the side of the display module opposite to the display surface, the third connector 330 and the fourth connector 340 are both exposed from the display module. In this way, when the display module is used in an electronic device, an electrical connection between a pair of target functional modules 9 spaced apart can be achieved through the display module. Specifically, one target functional module 9 in a pair of target functional modules of the electronic device is electrically connected to the third connector 330, and the other target functional module 9 in the pair of target functional modules is electrically connected to the corresponding fourth connector 340, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the pair of target functional modules through the third connector 330, the fourth connector 340 and the third routing 320, that is, the electrical connection between the circuits of the two target functional modules.

[0098] It should be understood that the display panel 310 includes a plurality of pixel units (not shown in the figure) and a fourth routing line (not shown in the figure) for driving the plurality of pixel units to display. The fourth routing line includes a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines are arranged to intersect with each other, and each gate line is insulated from each other. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines can work together with the pixel driving circuit to enable the display panel 310 to achieve display. The third routing line 320 includes a conductor for transmitting signals, and the third routing line 320 is insulated from the fourth routing line. Exemplarily, the material of the conductor in the third routing line 320 is a metal such as copper, or the third routing line 320 is a polymer material such as liquid crystal polymers (LCP) doped with a conductive material. If a third connector 330, a fourth connector 340 corresponding to the third connector 330, and a third trace 320 connecting the third connector 330 and the fourth connector 340 are used as an electrical connection unit, then there is at least one electrical connection unit, that is, according to actual needs, the electrical connection unit can be one, two or more.

[0099] In a specific embodiment, the display module 300 has a surface display portion, the third connecting member is arranged in the third portion, and the fourth connecting member is arranged in the fourth portion. Specifically, the third connecting member 330 and the fourth connecting member 340 are both arranged in the surface display portion, and there is a gap between the third connecting member 330 and the fourth connecting member 340.

[0100] The other structures of the display panel and the specific configuration of the third connector 330 , the fourth connector 340 and the third trace 320 may refer to the above-mentioned flexible display module and will not be described in detail here.

[0101] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 31, the electronic device includes the aforementioned display module 300, a third housing 400, and third and fourth circuits. The display module 300 is mounted on the third housing 400, and the third and fourth circuits are spaced apart in the third housing. The third connector is electrically connected to the third circuit, and the fourth connector is electrically connected to the fourth circuit. In other words, the third and fourth circuits spaced apart in the third housing 400 can be electrically connected via the display module 300. This helps reduce the number of connecting circuits in the third housing 400, thereby reducing the thickness of the electronic device.

[0102] It is readily understood that the third circuit and the fourth circuit are respectively disposed on corresponding circuit boards 500. The specific structures and functions of the third circuit and the fourth circuit are determined based on practical needs. For example, the third circuit may be disposed on a mainboard of an electronic device, and the fourth circuit may be disposed on a sub-board of the electronic device. The third trace 320 may be used to transmit both radio frequency signals and electrical energy, and these are not further detailed here.

[0103] When the third housing 400 is specifically configured, in one specific implementation, the third housing 400 includes a fixedly connected back cover 410 and a middle frame 420. Furthermore, in this case, a battery 600 may be provided between the two circuit boards 500, and the third circuit and the fourth circuit may be provided on either side of the battery 600.

[0104] Illustratively, the display module may be a rigid display module or a flexible display module, and the electronic device may be a bar-type electronic device.

[0105] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A flexible display module, characterized in that: It includes a display panel, a first wiring, a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first wiring is fixed to the display panel, and the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector through the first wiring; The flexible display module includes a first part and a second part, the first connecting member is arranged on the first part, the second connecting member is arranged on the second part, and on the side of the flexible display module opposite to the display surface, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are exposed from the flexible display module.

2. The flexible display module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel includes a second wiring and a plurality of pixel units. The second wiring is used to drive the plurality of pixel units to display; the first wiring and the second wiring are insulated from each other.

3. The flexible display module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first wiring and the second wiring are arranged in a same stacked layer of the display panel.

4. The flexible display module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first wiring is located on a side opposite to a display surface of the display panel.

5. The flexible display module according to claim 4, characterized in that: It comprises a back plate, which is fixed to the display panel and located on a side opposite to a display surface of the display panel; the first wiring is located between the back plate and the display panel.

6. The flexible display module according to claim 4, characterized in that: It comprises a back plate, which is fixed to the display panel and located on a side opposite to a display surface of the display panel; the first wiring is located on a side of the back plate away from the display panel.

7. The flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: At least one of the first connecting member or the second connecting member includes a conductive pin or a conductive sheet.

8. The flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The flexible display module is a foldable module, and the foldable module comprises a first surface display portion, a second surface display portion and a bendable display portion, and the bendable display portion is located between the first surface display portion and the second surface display portion; The first connecting member is arranged on the first part, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second part, including: the first connecting member is arranged on the first surface display part, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second surface display part.

9. The flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The flexible display module is a foldable module, and the foldable module comprises a third-surface display portion, a fourth-surface display portion, and a bendable display portion, and the bendable display portion is located between the third-surface display portion and the fourth-surface display portion; The first connecting member is arranged on the first part, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second part, including: the first connecting member and the second connecting member are both arranged on the third display part, and there is a gap between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

10. The flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The flexible display module is a roll-up module, and the roll-up module includes an axis end display portion and a moving end display portion; The first connecting member is arranged at the first part, and the second connecting member is arranged at the second part, including: the first connecting member is arranged at the shaft end display part, and the second connecting member is arranged at the mobile end display part.

11. A foldable electronic device, characterized in that: A device comprising a housing assembly, a flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 10, a first circuit and a second circuit, wherein the flexible display module is mounted on the housing assembly, the first connecting member is electrically connected to the first circuit, and the second connecting member is electrically connected to the second circuit; The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing. The first circuit is distributed in the first housing, and the second circuit is distributed in the second housing.

12. The foldable electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The shell assembly also includes a rotating shaft assembly, wherein the first shell and the second shell are arranged on opposite sides of the rotating shaft assembly and are rotatably connected via the rotating shaft assembly; the first shell is used to support the first part, and the first shell is fixedly connected to the first part, and the second shell is used to support the second part, and the second shell is fixedly connected to the second part.

13. The foldable electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The shell assembly also includes a scroll, the first shell has an opening, the scroll is rotatably disposed in the first shell, one end of the flexible display module is located in the first shell and fixedly connected to the scroll, and the other end of the flexible display module is exposed from the opening of the first shell and fixedly connected to the second shell.

14. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: The first circuit includes a system on a chip; the foldable electronic device includes a mainboard, and the first circuit is arranged on the mainboard.

15. The foldable electronic device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first connector, the second connector, and a first wiring connecting the first connector and the second connector constitute an electrical connection unit; and at least one of the following is satisfied: The second circuit includes a cellular module circuit, and the cellular module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via one of the electrical connection units; or The second circuit includes a camera module circuit, and the camera module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via one of the electrical connection units; or The second circuit includes an audio module circuit, and the audio module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via one of the electrical connection units; or The second circuit includes a battery module circuit, and the battery module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through one of the electrical connection units.

16. The foldable electronic device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that: The first circuit is a first battery module circuit, and the second circuit is a second battery module circuit.

17. A display module, characterized in that: It includes a display panel, a third wiring, a third connecting member and a fourth connecting member, wherein the third wiring is fixed to the display panel, and the third connecting member is electrically connected to the fourth connecting member through the third wiring; The display module includes a third part and a fourth part, the third connecting member is arranged on the third part, the fourth connecting member is arranged on the fourth part, and on the side of the display module opposite to the display surface, the third connecting member and the fourth connecting member are exposed from the display module.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that: It includes a third shell, a third circuit, a fourth circuit and a display module as described in claim 17, wherein the display module is installed on the third shell, the third circuit and the fourth circuit are distributed in the third shell at intervals, the third connecting member is electrically connected to the third circuit, and the fourth connecting member is electrically connected to the fourth circuit.

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