Display module and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a display module and a display device, the display module comprising a flexible display panel and a deformable layer, the deformable layer being located on one side of the back light surface of the flexible display panel; the deformable layer comprises a plurality of support structures, and adjacent support structures attract each other. The display module comprises a flat state, in which the plurality of support structures are arranged in the plane in which the deformable layer is located. The present application can realize arbitrary angle bending of the flexible display panel, and can realize bending of different positions of the flexible display panel by setting the positions of the support structures, which is conducive to increasing the application scenarios of the display module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display module and display device. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible display panels are increasingly used due to their bendability, especially foldable applications, which have received increasing attention and recognition from users.

[0003] In existing foldable display devices, hinges are typically used to fold the flexible display panel. However, this folding method can only achieve inward or outward folding of the flexible display panel, limiting its application scenarios. Therefore, a solution is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a display module and a display device to solve the above problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a display module, including a flexible display panel and a deformable layer, the deformable layer being located on one side of the backlight surface of the flexible display panel; the deformable layer includes multiple support structures, adjacent support structures attracting each other. The display module includes a flattened state, in which the multiple support structures are arranged in the plane of the deformable layer.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a display device, including the display module as provided in the first aspect.

[0007] In this embodiment, a support structure is provided in the deformable layer. The mutual attraction between the support structures can cause multiple support structures to form arbitrary shapes, thereby causing the deformable layer to deform. The flexible display panel then deforms along with the deformation of the deformable layer, enabling the flexible display panel to be bent at any angle. Moreover, the bending of the flexible display panel at different positions can be achieved by setting the position of the support structure, which is beneficial to increasing the application scenarios of the display module. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0010] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of the bending state of a display module.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a support structure related to this application;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of another support structure related to this application;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a deformable layer;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary shaping structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 18 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between auxiliary shaping lines and supporting structures provided in this application embodiment;

[0027] Figure 19 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between an auxiliary shaping line and a supporting structure, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 20 A schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between an auxiliary shaping line and a supporting structure, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the auxiliary shaping lines and the supporting structure;

[0031] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0037] With the continuous development of display technology, foldable screens are becoming increasingly popular among users. In existing folding devices, hinge designs are typically used to achieve the folding of flexible screens. However, since hinge designs can only control the folding of a localized area of ​​the flexible screen, the screen can only fold inwards or outwards, limiting the application scenarios and methods and restricting the applicable scenarios of folding devices.

[0038] The inventors of this application, through meticulous and in-depth research, have provided a solution to the problems existing in the prior art.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bending state of a display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0040] This application provides a display module 01, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display module 01 includes a flexible display panel 11 and a deformable layer 12, with the deformable layer 12 located on one side of the backlight surface of the flexible display panel 11. The shape of the deformable layer 12 can change, and it can maintain the stability of its shape without external force.

[0041] The deformable layer 12 includes multiple support structures Q, adjacent support structures Q attract each other, and the support structures Q are used to control the shape of the deformable layer 12. Optionally, the shape of the deformable layer 12 can be changed by changing the arrangement of the support structures Q.

[0042] This application does not impose specific limitations on the shape of a single support structure Q, as long as adjacent support structures Q can attract each other.

[0043] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, a single support structure Q can be spherical. (As illustrated...) Figure 2 As shown, a single support structure Q can be a cuboid structure. A single support structure Q can also be a cube structure.

[0044] Optionally, all support structures Q have the same dimensions.

[0045] Display module 01 includes a flattened state, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the flattened state, multiple support structures Q are arranged in the plane where the deformable layer 12 is located.

[0046] In other words, when multiple support structures Q in the deformable layer 12 are arranged in the same plane, the deformable layer 12 can be flattened, the flexible display panel 11 located on one side of the deformable layer 12 can be flattened, and thus the display module 01 can be flattened.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the display module 01 also includes a bent state, in which multiple support structures Q are arranged in a bent shape. When the multiple support structures Q in the deformable layer 12 are arranged in a bent shape, the deformable layer 12 can be bent, which in turn causes the flexible display panel 11 on one side of the deformable layer 12 to be bent, thereby realizing the bending of the display module 01.

[0048] It should be noted that, Figure 3 This only illustrates the case where display module 01 is bent inwards; the bending state of display module 01 can also include bending outwards. Of course, display module 01 can be folded.

[0049] In this embodiment, support structures Q are provided in the deformable layer 12. The mutual attraction between the support structures Q allows multiple support structures Q to form arbitrary shapes, thereby causing the deformable layer 12 to deform. The flexible display panel 11 then deforms along with the deformable layer 12, enabling the flexible display panel 11 to bend at any angle. Moreover, the bending of the flexible display panel 11 at different positions can be achieved by setting the position of the support structures Q, which is beneficial to increasing the application scenarios of the display module 01. Furthermore, the mutually attracting support structures can maintain the bent state after bending, preventing the flexible display panel from returning to its pre-deformation state after bending, thus affecting its use.

[0050] Optionally, the support structure Q is magnetic, and adjacent support structures Q can attract each other through magnetic force.

[0051] Optionally, the support structure Q comprises neodymium iron boron material. Further, the support structure Q can be a Buckyball.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flattened state of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the deformable layer 12, adjacent support structures Q are in contact with each other. In this way, the mutually attracted support structures Q can be connected together, making the shape formed by the arrangement of multiple support structures Q more stable. This is beneficial to improving the stability of the deformable layer 12 after deformation, and thus to improving the stability of the flexible display panel 11 in the bending state.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a support structure related to this application. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another type of support structure related to this application.

[0055] In one embodiment of this application, multiple support structures Q are arranged in an array. That is, multiple support structures Q can be arranged in the deformable layer 12 according to a certain pattern.

[0056] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the flattened state, the shape formed by the multiple support structures Q, when projected onto the plane containing the deformable layer 12, is a rectangle. Figure 6 As shown, in the flattened state, the shape formed by the multiple support structures Q is a hexagon when projected onto the plane where the deformable layer 12 is located.

[0057] In this embodiment, multiple support structures Q are arranged in an array, which makes the shape formed by the support structures Q more stable and helps to maintain the structural stability of the flexible display panel 11 in the bending state.

[0058] Optionally, in the flattened state, the orthographic projection shape of the structure formed by the multiple support structures Q on the plane of the deformable layer 12 is the same as the orthographic projection shape of the flexible display panel 11 on the plane of the deformable layer 12, and the support structures Q can be arranged across the entire surface. For example, for a circular display panel, the orthographic projection shape of the structure formed by the multiple support structures Q on the plane of the deformable layer 12 is circular; for a rectangular display panel, the orthographic projection shape of the structure formed by the multiple support structures Q on the plane of the deformable layer 12 is rectangular.

[0059] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 In one embodiment of this application, the deformable layer 12 includes a first flexible layer 121 and a second flexible layer 122, and a plurality of support structures Q are located between the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122. The support structures Q can contact the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122.

[0060] Optionally, the first flexible layer 121 is located on the side of the second flexible layer 122 facing the flexible display panel 11.

[0061] Optionally, the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122 include at least one of silicone material, resin material, and polyimide material.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122 can support and fix the support structure Q, which helps to ensure the stability of the pattern formed by multiple support structures Q.

[0063] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a display module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] In one embodiment of this application, combined with Figures 7-9 As shown, at least one of the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122 is provided with a limiting structure XW, which is used to limit the movable space of the support structure Q.

[0065] In other words, it can be like Figure 7 As shown, the limiting structure XW is only provided in the first flexible layer 121. Or as... Figure 8 As shown, the limiting structure XW is only provided in the second flexible layer 122. Or as... Figure 9 As shown, a limiting structure XW is provided in both the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122.

[0066] In this embodiment, the limiting structure XW can fix the position of the support structure Q, preventing the support structure Q from shifting significantly during the bending process of the display module 01. This helps to ensure the stability of the bending shape of the deformable layer 12, thereby helping to ensure the structural stability of the display module 01.

[0067] In one technical solution of this application embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the limiting structure XW includes a groove P1, and the support structure Q is located in the groove P1. Thus, the limiting effect of the groove P1 restricts the movable space of the support structure Q. Of course, the groove P1 can be provided on at least one of the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122.

[0068] Optionally, the thickness of the groove P1 is less than the thickness of the first flexible layer 121 or the second flexible layer 122 to which it is located, so as to avoid the support structure Q being exposed to the first flexible layer 121 or the second flexible layer 122, which would result in an unstable positioning.

[0069] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 for Figure 11 A planar schematic diagram of a deformable layer.

[0070] In another technical solution of this application embodiment, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the limiting structure XW includes retaining walls DQ, and at least a portion of the supporting structure Q is located between two adjacent retaining walls DQ. Thus, the movement of the supporting structure Q can be blocked by the retaining walls DQ, thereby restricting the movable space of the supporting structure Q through the blocking effect of the retaining walls DQ.

[0071] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, in the flattened state of the display module 01, in the direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11, the length of the barrier wall DQ is less than the length of the support structure Q. The orthographic projection of the barrier wall DQ on the plane of the deformable layer 12 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the support structure Q on the plane of the deformable layer 12. A portion of the support structure Q protrudes beyond the barrier wall DQ that it overlaps with.

[0072] In this way, while achieving the limiting and fixing of the support structure Q, two adjacent support structures Q can make contact through the part of the support structure Q protruding from the retaining wall DQ, so as to further improve the stability of the deformable layer 12 after deformation.

[0073] For example, please continue to refer to Figure 10 Taking the support structure Q as a spherical shape as an example, the support structure Q includes a middle part QC, an upper part QS near the first flexible layer 121 and a lower part QX near the second flexible layer 122. The retaining wall DQ can be set on the first flexible layer 121. The upper part QS of the support structure DQ is located in two adjacent retaining walls DQ. The two adjacent support structures DQ can contact each other through the middle part QC of the support structure Q.

[0074] Furthermore, retaining walls DQ that overlap with the same supporting structure Q can be connected as a whole, so that retaining walls DQ can limit and fix the supporting structure DQ from multiple directions, thereby improving the ability to restrict the supporting structure Q.

[0075] It should be noted that, Figure 10 This illustration only shows the case where the retaining wall DQ is installed on the first flexible layer 121. The retaining wall DQ can also be installed on the second flexible layer 122, or on both the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122.

[0076] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, in the flattened state of the display module 01, the length of the retaining wall DQ in the direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11 is not less than the length of the supporting structure Q. At this time, the entire supporting structure Q can be located between two adjacent retaining walls DQ. This is beneficial for further improving the ability of the retaining walls DQ to prevent the supporting structure Q from moving.

[0077] Furthermore, such as Figure 12As shown, retaining walls DQ are provided between any two adjacent supporting structures Q, so that the retaining walls DQ can limit and fix the supporting structure DQ from multiple directions, thereby further improving the restraint capability of the supporting structure Q. Of course, multiple retaining walls DQ surrounding the same supporting structure Q can also be connected into a whole.

[0078] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the support structure Q can also be bonded to the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122 respectively to achieve the limiting and fixing of the support structure Q.

[0079] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another display module in a flattened state provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the flattened state of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] In one embodiment of this application, when the display module 01 is in its flattened state, at least one support structure Q is arranged in the deformable layer 12. Optionally, each support structure Q is located between two adjacent flexible layers.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, a support structure Q is arranged in the deformable layer 12. In this case, the support structure Q is located between the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122. Figure 13 As shown, two support structures Q are arranged in the deformable layer 12. At this time, the deformable layer 12 also includes a third flexible layer 123. The third flexible layer 123 can be located on the side of the second flexible layer 122 away from the first flexible layer 121. One support structure Q is located between the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122, and the other support structure Q is located between the second flexible layer 122 and the third flexible layer 123.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, when two support structures Q are arranged in the deformable layer 12, the two support structures Q can be stacked and in contact with each other. That is, a flexible layer may not be provided between two adjacent support structures Q. In this case, the support structures Q located in different layers can be staggered. In the flattened state of the display module 01, the centers of the support structures Q located in different layers can not overlap in the direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11. This helps to reduce the thickness of the deformable layer 12 and improve the thinness of the display module 01.

[0083] In this embodiment, the support structure Q is arranged in layers within the deformable layer 12. This facilitates the fabrication of the deformable layer 12 and the positioning and fixing of the support structure Q. It also helps to avoid bulging or denting during the bending process of the deformable layer 12, which could lead to defects such as bulging or denting in the flexible display panel 11. Furthermore, by setting multiple support structures Q, the structural stability of the deformable layer 12 in the bending state can be improved, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the display module 01.

[0084] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the flattened state of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0085] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 15 As shown, in the flattened state of the display module 01, the second flexible layer 122 is located on the side of the support structure Q away from the flexible display panel 11, and a stress relief groove P2 is provided on the second flexible layer 122.

[0086] Optionally, the stress relief groove P2 can be a straight groove, a curved groove, or a wavy groove. This increases the structural diversity of the display module 01 and reduces the number of stress relief grooves P2 on the second flexible layer 122, thus simplifying the process.

[0087] The inventors of this application discovered through research that during the bending process of the display module 01, the bending stress on the second flexible layer 122, which is far away from the flexible display panel 11, is relatively large. Wrinkles or damage are easily generated on the second flexible layer 122, affecting the service life of the display module 01.

[0088] Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, a stress relief groove P2 is provided on the second flexible layer 122. During the bending process of the deformable layer 12, the large stress on the second flexible layer 122 can be released through the stress relief groove P2, which helps to avoid wrinkles or tears on the second flexible layer 122, thereby improving the service life of the deformable layer 12 and thus improving the service life of the display module 01.

[0089] Optionally, such as Figure 15 As shown, in the flattened state of the display module 01, along the direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11, the orthographic projection of the support structure Q onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 covers the orthographic projection of the stress relief groove P2 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12. This helps to prevent the stress relief groove P2 from becoming too large, thus affecting the structural stability of the second flexible layer 122. Optionally, please refer to... Figure 15As shown, the depth D1 of the stress relief groove P2 is less than the thickness D2 of the second flexible layer 122. This prevents the stress relief groove P2 from penetrating the second flexible layer 122, which helps to prevent external impurities from intruding into the deformable layer 12 and affecting the mutual attraction between the supporting structures Q.

[0090] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the stress relief groove P2 can be reused as the groove P1 that restricts the support structure Q. The stress relief groove P2 will not penetrate the second flexible layer 122, which can prevent the support structure Q from being exposed to the second flexible layer 122 and thus avoid the problem of the support structure Q being not securely positioned.

[0091] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the flattened state of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 16 As shown, the display module 01 also includes an auxiliary shaping structure FZ, which is located on one side of the backlight surface of the flexible display panel 11. The auxiliary shaping structure FZ has certain strength and tensile properties, and can deform according to the shape changes of the arrangement pattern of the support structure Q.

[0093] Optionally, such as Figure 16 As shown, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ is located between the deformable layer 12 and the flexible display panel 11.

[0094] Optionally, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ is set for the entire surface.

[0095] In this embodiment, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ can support the flexible display panel 11. When the display module 01 is bent, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ, together with the deformable layer 12, can enhance the support for the flexible display panel 11, which helps to further ensure the structural stability of the flexible display panel 11 in the bent state, thereby improving the structural stability of the display module 01.

[0096] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary shaping structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0097] In one technical solution of this application embodiment, such as Figure 17 As shown, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ includes auxiliary shaping lines L, and the auxiliary shaping lines L that intersect each other in their extending directions form a mesh. That is, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ can be a mesh structure.

[0098] For example, such as Figure 17As shown, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ includes auxiliary shaping lines L extending along a first direction X and auxiliary shaping lines L extending along a second direction Y. The first direction X intersects with the second direction Y, and the auxiliary shaping lines L extending along the first direction X and the auxiliary shaping lines L extending along the second direction Y form a mesh.

[0099] Optionally, such as Figure 17 As shown, the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other.

[0100] Optionally, the auxiliary shaping line L is a steel wire.

[0101] The inventors of this application discovered through research that during the bending of the display module 01, fingers may press on the support structure Q, which can easily cause the support structure Q to move in the thickness direction of the flexible display panel 11, resulting in poor stability of the arrangement pattern of the support structure Q. In this embodiment, the auxiliary shaping lines L in the auxiliary shaping structure FZ can form a mesh. When the support structure Q in the deformable layer 12 is arranged in an arbitrary shape, the mesh-like auxiliary shaping lines L can easily support the support structure Q in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11. This helps to reduce the movement ability of the support structure Q in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11, especially the movement ability of the spherical support structure Q in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11. This helps to avoid the displacement problem of the support structure Q caused by finger pressing, thereby further improving the stability of the arrangement pattern of the support structure Q and improving the structural stability of the display module 01.

[0102] It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the extension direction of the auxiliary shaping line L can be flexibly set according to the arrangement direction of the support structure Q, so that the auxiliary shaping line L can provide better support for the support structure Q.

[0103] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between auxiliary shaping lines and supporting structures, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between an auxiliary shaping line and a supporting structure, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0104] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the auxiliary shaping line L includes a first auxiliary shaping line L1. In the flattened state of the display module 01, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane where the deformable layer 12 is located is between the orthographic projections of the adjacent support structure Q onto the plane where the deformable layer 12 is located.

[0105] In other words, when the display module 01 is in a flattened state, and the adjacent support structures Q are in contact with each other, along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 on the plane of the deformable layer 12 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the contact point of the adjacent support structure Q on the plane of the deformable layer 12.

[0106] In the flattened state of the display module 01, when adjacent support structures Q are not in contact, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 and the orthographic projection of the support structure Q onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 can be non-overlapping along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11. The orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 lies between the orthographic projections of adjacent support structures Q onto the plane of the deformable layer 12. Of course, if the linewidth of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 is large, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 can cover the orthographic projection of the area between two adjacent support structures Q onto the plane of the deformable layer 12. In this case, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 can overlap with a portion of the orthographic projection of the support structure Q onto the plane of the deformable layer 12.

[0107] It should be noted that, Figure 18 and Figure 19 This only illustrates the situation where adjacent support structures Q are in contact with each other.

[0108] In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12 is located between the orthographic projections of the adjacent support structures Q onto the plane of the deformable layer 12. The area between the adjacent support structures Q can be supported by the first auxiliary shaping line L1. In particular, for spherical support structures Q, the first auxiliary shaping line L1 can support the gap area enclosed by multiple support structures Q, thereby facilitating the support function of the support structure Q and helping to avoid the problem of displacement of the support structure Q caused by finger pressing.

[0109] Optionally, such as Figure 18 As shown, between any two adjacent support structures Q and their orthographic projections onto the plane of the deformable layer 12, there exists an orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 onto the plane of the deformable layer 12. This is beneficial for increasing the density of the first auxiliary shaping line L1, thereby increasing the support range of the first auxiliary shaping line L1 and facilitating effective support for support structures Q at any position.

[0110] Optionally, such as Figure 19As shown, there is a first auxiliary shaping line L1 projected onto the plane of deformable layer 12 between the orthographic projections of two adjacent support structures Q onto the plane of deformable layer 12. Since the first auxiliary shaping lines L1, which intersect in their extending directions, form a mesh, it is possible to ensure the support function of support structure Q without having to fabricate the auxiliary positioning structure FZ in a very fine manner, which helps to reduce the cost of manufacturing process.

[0111] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the correspondence between an auxiliary shaping line and a supporting structure, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0112] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 20 As shown, the auxiliary shaping line L includes a second auxiliary shaping line L2. In the flattened state of the display module 01, along the direction perpendicular to the plane where the flexible display panel 11 is located, the orthographic projection of the second auxiliary shaping line L2 on the plane where the deformable layer 12 is located overlaps with the center of the orthographic projection of the support structure Q on the plane where the deformable layer 12 is located.

[0113] In other words, in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11, the second auxiliary shaping line L2 can restrict the movement of the support structure Q.

[0114] In this embodiment, the center of the orthographic projection of the second auxiliary shaping line L2 on the plane of the deformable layer 12 overlaps with the center of the orthographic projection of the support structure Q on the plane of the deformable layer 12. This is beneficial to increasing the structural diversity of the display module 01 and enhancing the ability to restrict the support structure Q from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11. This is also beneficial to further avoid the problem of displacement of the support structure Q caused by finger pressing and improve the stability of the arrangement pattern of the support structure Q.

[0115] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the flattened state of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0116] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 21 As shown, the auxiliary shaping structure FZ is located in the deformable layer 12. That is, the support structure Q and the auxiliary shaping structure FZ are located in the same film layer. In this way, it is beneficial to improve the deformation capability of the auxiliary shaping structure FZ caused by the pattern changes of the support structure Q, thereby improving the deformation consistency between the deformable layer 12 and the flexible display panel 11, and improving the bending effect of the flexible display panel 11.

[0117] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the auxiliary shaping lines and the supporting structure.

[0118] In one implementation of the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 20As shown, the auxiliary shaping line L of the auxiliary shaping structure FZ includes a third auxiliary shaping line L3 and a fourth auxiliary shaping line L4. The support structure Q includes a through hole that penetrates the support structure Q in the radial direction. The third auxiliary shaping line L3 passes through the through hole K through multiple support structures Q arranged along the first direction X. The fourth auxiliary shaping line L4 passes through the through hole through multiple support structures Q arranged along the second direction Y. The first direction X and the second direction Y intersect.

[0119] Optional, such as Figure 22 As shown, the same support structure Q includes through holes K1 and K2, which can penetrate the center of the support structure Q. Through hole K1 extends along the first direction X, and a third auxiliary shaping line L3 passes through through hole K1 and penetrates multiple support structures Q arranged along the first direction X. Through hole K2 extends along the second direction Y, and a fourth auxiliary shaping line L4 passes through through hole K2 and penetrates multiple support structures Q arranged along the second direction Y.

[0120] In this implementation, the third auxiliary shaping line L3 and the fourth auxiliary shaping line L4 can penetrate the support structure Q from different directions. On the one hand, this can further improve the limiting and fixing ability of the support structure Q, which is beneficial to further ensure the stability of the arrangement pattern of multiple support structures Q during the bending process of the display module 01. On the other hand, it can improve the deformation capability of the auxiliary shaping structure FZ caused by the change of the arrangement pattern of the support structure Q, and improve the shape consistency between the arrangement pattern of the support structure Q and the auxiliary shaping structure FZ. This is beneficial to improve the deformation consistency between the deformable layer 12 and the flexible display panel 11, and improve the bending effect of the flexible display panel 11.

[0121] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the flattened state of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0122] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 23 As shown, the display module 01 includes a virtual bending axis XN1, along which the display module 01 can be bent. That is, both the deformable layer 12 and the flexible display panel 11 can be bent along the virtual bending axis XN1.

[0123] The multiple support structures Q include a first support structure Q1 and a second support structure Q2. In the flattened state of the display module 01, the first support structure Q1 and the second support structure Q2 are located on the same side of the virtual bending axis XN1. Alternatively, the first support structure Q1 and the second support structure Q2 can be arranged on opposite sides of the virtual bending axis XN1. The first support structures Q1 located on opposite sides of the virtual bending axis XN1 can be symmetrically arranged, and the second support structures Q2 located on opposite sides of the virtual bending axis XN1 can also be symmetrically arranged.

[0124] On the same side of the virtual bending axis XN1, the first support structure Q1 is closer to the virtual bending axis XN1 than the second support structure Q2, and the size of the first support structure Q1 is smaller than the size of the second support structure Q2.

[0125] For example, such as Figure 23 As shown, when the support structure Q is spherical, the diameter Φ1 of the first support structure Q1 is smaller than the diameter Φ2 of the second support structure Q2.

[0126] In this embodiment, the size of the first support structure Q1, which is closer to the virtual bending axis XN1, is smaller. Therefore, the deformable layer 12 can include more flexible layers in the area closer to the virtual bending axis XN1. Since the flexible layers are easy to bend, it helps to reduce the bending difficulty of the deformable layer 12, thereby making the display module 01 easier to bend.

[0127] Optionally, in the deformable layer 12, the size of the support structure Q gradually increases in the direction away from the virtual bending axis XN1.

[0128] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 23 In one embodiment of this application, in the flattened state of the display module 01, the center of the first support structure Q1 and the center of the second support structure Q2 are located on the first virtual straight line XN2, and the first virtual straight line XN2 is parallel to the plane where the flexible display panel 11 is located.

[0129] In other words, when the display module 01 is flattened, the first virtual straight line XN2 is a horizontal straight line. Although the size of the first support structure Q1 is different from that of the second support structure Q2, the center of the first support structure Q1 and the center of the second support structure Q2 are located on the same horizontal straight line.

[0130] In this embodiment, in the flattened state, the center of the first support structure Q1 and the center of the second support structure Q2 are located on the same horizontal straight line. This makes it easier and more effective for the display module 01 to bend inward and outward, and makes the display module 01 suitable for different scenarios, thus improving the applicability of the display module 01.

[0131] In one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 23 As shown, in the display module 01, the deformable layer 12 includes a first flexible layer 121 and a second flexible layer 122. The second flexible layer 122 is located on the side of the first flexible layer 121 away from the flexible display panel 11. Multiple support structures Q are located between the first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122. The first flexible layer 121 and the second flexible layer 122 can be used to support and fix the support structures Q.

[0132] Along the direction Z perpendicular to the plane where the flexible display panel 11 is located, the thickness H1 of the first flexible layer 121 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 is greater than the thickness H2 of the first flexible layer 121 overlapping with the second support structure Q2, and / or, the thickness H3 of the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 is greater than the thickness H4 of the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the second support structure Q2.

[0133] That is, the thickness H1 of the first flexible layer 121 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 can be set to be greater than the thickness H2 of the first flexible layer 121 overlapping with the second support structure Q2. Alternatively, the thickness H3 of the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 can be set to be greater than the thickness H4 of the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the second support structure Q2. Other methods are also possible. Figure 21 As shown, the thickness H1 of the first flexible layer 121 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 is greater than the thickness H2 of the first flexible layer 121 overlapping with the second support structure Q2, and the thickness H3 of the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 is greater than the thickness H4 of the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the second support structure Q2.

[0134] In this embodiment, since the size of the first support structure Q1 is small, the thickness of the first flexible layer 121 and / or the second flexible layer 122 overlapping with the first support structure Q1 is relatively large. This is beneficial because, in the direction Z perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel 11, the overall thickness of the first support structure Q1 and the overlapping first flexible layer 121 and second flexible layer 122 is comparable to the overall thickness of the second support structure Q2 and the overlapping first flexible layer 121 and second flexible layer 122. This helps to ensure the uniformity of the thickness of the deformable layer 12 and improve the stability of the support for the flexible display panel 11.

[0135] It should be noted that in the display module 01 provided in this application, multiple support structures Q can be set on the entire surface of the deformable layer 12, or they can be set only in the area where bending is required, as needed.

[0136] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0137] like Figure 24 As described above, this application provides a display device 02, including the display module 01 as provided in the above embodiments. Exemplarily, the display device 02 provided in this application can be an electronic device such as a mobile phone or tablet, and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0138] In the display device 02, a support structure Q is provided in the deformable layer 12. The mutual attraction between the support structures Q can cause multiple support structures Q to form arbitrary shapes, thereby causing the deformable layer 12 to deform. The flexible display panel 11 deforms along with the deformation of the deformable layer 12, which can realize the bending of the flexible display panel 11 at any angle. Moreover, the bending of the flexible display panel 11 at different positions can be achieved by setting the position of the support structure Q, which is beneficial to increasing the application scenarios of the display device 02.

[0139] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, It includes a flexible display panel and a deformable layer, the deformable layer being located on one side of the backlight surface of the flexible display panel; the deformable layer includes multiple support structures, adjacent support structures attracting each other; The display module includes a flattened state, in which multiple support structures are arranged in the plane of the deformable layer. The display module further includes an auxiliary shaping structure located on one side of the backlight surface of the flexible display panel; the auxiliary shaping structure includes auxiliary shaping lines, which intersect each other in their extension directions to form a mesh.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjacent support structures are in contact with each other.

3. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple support structures are arranged in an array.

4. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the flattened state, at least one layer of the support structure is arranged in the deformable layer.

5. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformable layer includes a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer, and a plurality of the supporting structures are located between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer is provided with a limiting structure, which is used to restrict the movable space of the support structure.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a groove, and the supporting structure is located in the groove.

8. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes retaining walls, and at least a portion of the supporting structure is located between two adjacent retaining walls.

9. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the flattened state, the second flexible layer is located on the side of the support structure away from the flexible display panel; stress relief grooves are provided on the second flexible layer.

10. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The depth of the stress relief groove is less than the thickness of the second flexible layer.

11. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary shaping line includes a first auxiliary shaping line. In the flattened state, the orthographic projection of the first auxiliary shaping line onto the plane where the deformable layer is located is between the orthographic projections of the adjacent support structure onto the plane where the deformable layer is located.

12. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary shaping line includes a second auxiliary shaping line. In the flattened state, the orthographic projection of the second auxiliary shaping line onto the plane where the deformable layer is located overlaps with the center of the orthographic projection of the support structure onto the plane where the deformable layer is located.

13. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary shaping line includes a third auxiliary shaping line and a fourth auxiliary shaping line. The support structure includes a through hole that penetrates the support structure in the radial direction. The third auxiliary shaping line passes through the through hole to penetrate a plurality of the support structures arranged along a first direction. The fourth auxiliary shaping line passes through the through hole to penetrate a plurality of the support structures arranged along a second direction. The first direction intersects the second direction.

14. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary shaping structure is located between the deformable layer and the flexible display panel.

15. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module includes a virtual bending axis, and the plurality of support structures include a first support structure and a second support structure; in the flattened state, the first support structure and the second support structure are located on the same side of the virtual bending axis; Wherein, the first support structure is closer to the virtual bending axis than the second support structure, and the size of the first support structure is smaller than the size of the second support structure.

16. The display module according to claim 15, characterized in that, In the flattened state, the center of the first support structure and the center of the second support structure are located on a first virtual straight line, which is parallel to the plane where the flexible display panel is located.

17. The display module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The deformable layer includes a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer, and a plurality of the supporting structures are located between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer; Along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the flexible display panel, the thickness of the first flexible layer overlapping the first support structure is greater than the thickness of the first flexible layer overlapping the second support structure, and / or, the thickness of the second flexible layer overlapping the first support structure is greater than the thickness of the second flexible layer overlapping the second support structure.

18. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting structure is magnetic.

19. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display module as described in any one of claims 1-18.

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