Display modules and electronic devices

Abstract

This application provides a display module and an electronic device including the display module. It relates to the field of display technology. The display module can improve flattening rigidity and bending performance. The display module includes a display screen and a cover plate disposed on one side of the display screen surface. The display screen includes at least two bent portions and three non-bent portions, i.e., the display module is a multi-fold display module. The cover plate is designed with an unequal thickness structure. By making the cover plate with an unequal thickness design, the non-bent portions not only have high rigidity, but the bent portions also have superior bending performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display module and a foldable electronic device comprising the display module. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of human-computer interaction technology, display has become an important element of human-computer interaction. As a result, foldable screen electronic devices have emerged, such as foldable phones.

[0003] Improving the performance of foldable electronic devices is a major challenge. For example, the bending area should have good bendability when folded, the non-bending areas should have high flattening stiffness when unfolded, and good impact and compression resistance are required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a display module and an electronic device including the display module, such as a foldable electronic device. The main objective is to improve the performance of the electronic device, for example, to improve the flattening stiffness of the non-bending areas and the bending performance of the bending areas.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a display module, which is a flexible display structure that can be applied to flexible display devices and has bendability.

[0007] The display module includes a display screen and a cover plate, with the cover plate disposed on one side of the display surface of the display screen. The display screen includes a first non-bent portion, a second non-bent portion, a third non-bent portion, a first bent portion, and a second bent portion. The first bent portion connects the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion, and the second bent portion connects the second non-bent portion and the third non-bent portion. The cover plate includes a first non-bent area, a second non-bent area, a third non-bent area, a first bent area, and a second bent area. The first bent area connects the first non-bent area and the second non-bent area, and the second bent area connects the second non-bent area and the third non-bent portion. The third non-bending area; the first non-bending area corresponds to the first non-bending portion, the first bending area corresponds to the first bending portion, the second non-bending area corresponds to the second non-bending portion, the second bending area corresponds to the second bending portion, and the third non-bending area corresponds to the third non-bending portion; the first bending area, the first bending portion, the second bending area, and the second bending portion can all be bent along the bending line to switch between an unfolded state and a closed state. This display module belongs to a display module structure that can be folded at least three times; wherein, the thickness of the first non-bending area of ​​the cover plate is not equal to the thickness of the second non-bending area.

[0008] In the display module provided in this application, the thickness of the first non-bending area and the thickness of the second non-bending area in the cover plate are not equal, i.e., the cover plate is designed as a non-uniform thickness structure. For example, in some scenarios, in order to improve the rigidity of the first non-bending area exposed (that can present the image to the user) in the closed state, when the thickness of the first non-bending area is increased, the non-uniform thickness design of the cover plate will not affect the bendability of the first bending area due to the increase in the thickness of the first non-bending area.

[0009] The display module provided in this application not only has high rigidity in the non-bending area, but also has excellent bendability in the bending area.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the second non-bending region.

[0011] In some applications, the first non-bending region is exposed in the closed state. By making the thickness of the first non-bending region greater than that of the second non-bending region, the stiffness of the first non-bending region is improved.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the cover plate includes: a first substrate and a first buffer layer, the first buffer layer being closer to the display screen than the first substrate; the thickness of the first substrate located in a first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the first substrate located in a second non-bending region, and / or; the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the second non-bending region.

[0013] In some implementations, at least one of the substrate or buffer layer in the cover plate can be designed as a structure with unequal thickness.

[0014] In one feasible manner, the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first bending region gradually decreases from the first non-bending region to the second non-bending region.

[0015] In one feasible manner, the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the second non-bending region gradually decreases from the direction from the first bending region to the second bending region.

[0016] The thickness of the first buffer layer, located in the first bending area and the second non-bending area, gradually decreases, making the transition area between thick and thin layers wider, which has a better concealing effect on visual differences in thickness.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a first buffer layer is disposed on the surface of the first substrate facing the display screen.

[0018] By placing the buffer layer directly on the surface of the substrate, compared to some examples where the buffer layer is attached to the substrate using an adhesive layer, the structure implemented in this application can reduce the thickness of the display module.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the material of the first buffer layer includes at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, silicone gel, and shear thickening material.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the display module further includes a second substrate disposed between the first buffer layer and the display screen, wherein the first buffer layer is disposed on the surface of the second substrate facing away from the display screen.

[0021] In this example, the first substrate can be the substrate in the protective layer, and the second substrate can be the substrate in the display cover. If the protective layer and the display cover are provided, the first buffer layer can be directly placed on the surface of the second substrate of the display cover. The first buffer layer not only plays a buffering role, but also has an adhesive role. Compared with using an adhesive layer to bond the first buffer layer to the second substrate, the thickness of the display module can be compressed.

[0022] In one feasible approach, the material of the first buffer layer includes optically transparent adhesive OCA, etc.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the cover plate further includes a second buffer layer, which includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion of the second buffer layer is located in a first non-bending region, the second portion of the second buffer layer is located in a first bending region, and the elastic modulus of the first portion of the second buffer layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the second portion of the second buffer layer.

[0024] In some structures, the display module may also include a second buffer layer. To further improve the bendability of the bending area, the second buffer layer can be designed with a structure having unequal elastic moduli. In this example, the second buffer layer can be a buffer layer of a protective layer disposed on one side of the display screen, or it can be a buffer layer in the display cover plate.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second buffer layer is closer to the display screen than the first buffer layer; or, the first buffer layer is closer to the display screen than the second buffer layer.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first portion of the second buffer layer and the second portion of the second buffer layer are integrally formed; or, the first portion of the second buffer layer and the second portion of the second buffer layer are connected by an adhesive layer.

[0027] For example, when the first and second parts adopt an integral molding structure, a buffer layer material can be coated on the substrate first, and then cured in different areas by UV (ultraviolet light) to obtain buffer materials with different hardness; or, the buffer layer material can be heated in different areas to obtain parts with different elastic moduli.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the second buffer layer further includes a third portion located in the second non-bending region; the elastic modulus of the third portion of the second buffer layer is less than the elastic modulus of the first portion of the second buffer layer and greater than the elastic modulus of the second portion of the second buffer layer.

[0029] In one feasible manner, the thickness of the first bending region gradually decreases from the first non-bending region to the second non-bending region.

[0030] In the cover plate, the first non-bending area is a thick area, the second non-bending area is a thin area, and the first bending area connecting the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area is a thin-thickness transition area.

[0031] In one feasible manner, the thickness of the second non-bending region gradually decreases from the first bending region to the second bending region.

[0032] The thickness of the first bent area and the second non-bent area of ​​the cover plate gradually decreases, making the thickness transition area wider, which has a better concealing effect on visual differences in thickness.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the thickness of the third non-bending region is less than the thickness of the first non-bending region.

[0034] In some scenarios, for multi-fold display setups, in the closed state, the first non-bent area is visible to the user, while the second and third non-bent areas are invisible. In this implementation structure, the cover plate includes a thick area for the first non-bent area and thin areas for the second and third non-bent areas to meet the rigidity requirements of the electronic device in this scenario without excessively increasing the thickness of the display module in the closed state.

[0035] In one feasible manner, the thickness of the first non-bending region, the second non-bending region, the third non-bending region, and the first non-bending region gradually decrease from the direction of the first non-bending region to the third non-bending region.

[0036] It has a further masking effect on visual differences of unequal thickness.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the display module further includes a support plate and a buffer pad, the support plate being disposed on the side of the display screen away from the display surface; the buffer pad being disposed on the side of the support plate away from the display screen, and the buffer pad being located at a position corresponding to the first bending area.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the display module further includes a support plate and a buffer pad, the support plate being disposed on the side of the display screen away from the display surface; the buffer pad being embedded in the support plate at a position corresponding to the first bending area.

[0039] In some examples, to ensure the bending performance of the bending area, the impact and compression resistance of the bending portion is weakened. In the example of this application, by setting a buffer pad on the part of the support plate corresponding to the first bending area, the buffering characteristics of the buffer pad can be utilized to improve the impact and compression resistance of that area. For example, the buffer pad can be set on the side of the support plate away from the display screen, or the buffer pad can be embedded in the support plate.

[0040] In one possible implementation, when the first bending region is in a closed state, the display surface of the display screen is away from the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen, so that the first bending region forms an outward bending structure.

[0041] When the electronic device is in a closed state, the screen in the first non-bent area is visible to the user. This application example can also be applied to situations where the screen in the first non-bent area is not visible to the user.

[0042] In one possible implementation, when the second bending region is in a closed state, the display surface of the display screen is closer to the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen, so that the second bending region forms an inward bending structure; and when the first bending region is in a closed state, the display surface of the display screen is farther away from the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen, so that the first bending region forms an outward bending structure.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, when the electronic device is in a closed state, it forms an outward folded region and an inward folded region.

[0044] Secondly, this application provides a display module. The display module includes a display screen and a cover plate, with the cover plate disposed on one side of the display surface of the display screen. The display screen includes a first non-bent portion, a second non-bent portion, a third non-bent portion, a first bent portion, and a second bent portion. The first bent portion connects to the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion, and the second bent portion connects to the second non-bent portion and the third non-bent portion. The cover plate includes a first non-bent area, a second non-bent area, a third non-bent area, a first bent area, and a second bent area. The first bent area connects to the first non-bent area and the second non-bent area, and the second bent area connects to the second non-bent portion. The display screen has a folded area and a third non-folded area; the first non-folded area corresponds to the first non-folded portion, the first folded area corresponds to the first folded portion, the second non-folded area corresponds to the second non-folded portion, the second folded area corresponds to the second folded portion, and the third non-folded area corresponds to the third non-folded portion; the first folded area, the first folded portion, the second folded area, and the second folded portion can all be bent along the bending line to switch between an unfolded state and a closed state. This application belongs to a display screen that can be folded at least three times; the elastic modulus of the first non-folded area is not equal to the elastic modulus of the first folded area.

[0045] In the display module provided in this application, the cover plate disposed on one side of the display screen is designed with an unequal modulus structure. For example, the elastic modulus of the first non-bending region can be greater than that of the first bending region. While ensuring that the first non-bending region has high rigidity, the first bending region can also have good bendability.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the elastic modulus of the first non-bending region is greater than that of the first bending region.

[0047] In some application scenarios, the first non-bending region is exposed in the closed state. The elastic modulus of the first non-bending region is greater than that of the first bending region, which improves the stiffness of the first non-bending region and ensures the bendability of the first bending region.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the cover plate includes a substrate and a buffer layer disposed on one side of the display surface of the display screen, with the buffer layer being closer to the display screen than the substrate; the buffer layer includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion of the buffer layer is located in a first non-bending region, and the second portion of the buffer layer is located in a first bending region, with the elastic modulus of the first portion of the buffer layer being greater than the elastic modulus of the second portion of the buffer layer.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the first part and the second part of the buffer layer are integrally formed; or, the first part and the second part of the buffer layer are connected by an adhesive layer.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, two implementations of cover plates having unequal moduli are given, but other methods can also be used.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the buffer layer further includes a third portion located in the second non-bending region; the elastic modulus of the third portion of the buffer layer is less than that of the first portion of the buffer layer but greater than that of the second portion of the buffer layer.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the display module further includes a support plate and a buffer pad, the support plate being disposed on the side of the display screen away from the display surface; the buffer pad being disposed on the side of the support plate away from the display screen, and the buffer pad being located at a position corresponding to the first bending area.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the display module further includes a support plate and a buffer pad, the support plate being disposed on the side of the display screen away from the display surface; the buffer pad being embedded in the support plate at a position corresponding to the first bending area.

[0054] In some examples, to ensure the bending performance of the bending area, the impact and compression resistance of the bending portion is weakened. In the example of this application, by setting a buffer pad on the part of the support plate corresponding to the first bending area, the buffering characteristics of the buffer pad can be utilized to improve the impact and compression resistance of that area. For example, the buffer pad can be set on the side of the support plate away from the display screen, or the buffer pad can be embedded in the support plate.

[0055] In one possible implementation, when the first bending region is in a closed state, the display surface of the display screen is away from the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen, so that the first bending region forms an outward bending structure.

[0056] That is, when the electronic device is in a closed state, the screen in the first non-bent area is visible to the user. This application can also be applied to situations where the screen in the first non-bent area is not visible to the user.

[0057] In one possible implementation, when the second bending region is in a closed state, the display surface of the display screen is closer to the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen, so that the second bending region forms an inward bending structure; and when the first bending region is in a closed state, the display surface of the display screen is farther away from the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen, so that the first bending region forms an outward bending structure.

[0058] In some embodiments of this application, the illustrated electronic device, when in a closed state, forms an outward folded region and an inward folded region.

[0059] Thirdly, this application also provides an electronic device, including a housing and a display module as described in any of the above implementations, wherein the display module is disposed on the housing.

[0060] The electronic device provided in this application includes the above-mentioned display module. Therefore, the electronic device provided in this application and the display module of the above-mentioned technical solution can solve the same technical problem and achieve the same expected effect. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a foldable electronic device;

[0062] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state;

[0063] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 4 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 5 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 6 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a closed state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 7 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 8 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 9 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 10 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0073] Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0075] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0077] Figure 17 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 18 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0079] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module with the cover plate in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 21 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 22 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 23 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 24 A structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 25 This is a structural diagram of a multi-fold display module in a flattened state, provided as an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The specific embodiments involved in this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] This application provides an electronic device with a foldable screen. This electronic device may include mobile phones, tablets, smart wearable products (e.g., smartwatches, smart bracelets), virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, and other electronic products with display functions. This application does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of the electronic device with display functions.

[0088] For ease of explanation, the following uses a mobile phone as an example to illustrate the structure of this electronic device.

[0089] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a foldable screen phone is shown, and the example foldable screen phone is a three-screen foldable phone. The three-screen foldable phone may include a first housing 100a, a second housing 100b, and a third housing 100c, as well as a display module 11. The display module 11 may continuously cover the first housing 100a, the second housing 100b, and the third housing 100c. The foldable screen phone may also include a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism.

[0090] The first housing 100a and the second housing 100b are disposed on both sides of the first rotating shaft mechanism and are respectively connected to the first rotating shaft mechanism. The first rotating shaft mechanism can move so that the first housing 100a and the second housing 100b are folded or unfolded relative to each other, thereby realizing the flattening and closing of the display module 11 disposed on the first housing 100a and the second housing 100b.

[0091] The second housing 100b and the third housing 100c are disposed on both sides of the second rotating shaft mechanism and are respectively connected to the second rotating shaft mechanism. The second rotating shaft mechanism can move so that the second housing 100b and the third housing 100c are folded or unfolded relative to each other, thereby realizing the flattening and closing of the display module 11 disposed on the second housing 100b and the third housing 100c.

[0092] Foldable electronic devices can be unfolded into a flat state, folded into a closed state, or exist in an intermediate state between the two. Foldable electronic devices have at least two states: a flat state and a closed state. In some cases, a third state, an intermediate state between the flat and closed states, may be further included. The intermediate state is not unique; it can be any one or more states between the flat and closed states of the electronic device.

[0093] Figure 1The example described is a three-screen foldable electronic device. The electronic devices involved in this application's embodiments can also be devices with more screens, such as four-screen foldable, five-screen foldable, and other electronic devices.

[0094] In foldable electronic devices, multi-fold designs are increasingly favored by users, for example, Figure 1 The image shows a three-fold electronic device. When the electronic device is in a folded (or closed) state, as shown... Figure 1 The non-bending area B1 of the display module is exposed. In order to improve the ability of the exposed non-bending area to resist external force damage, the thickness of the non-bending area B1 can be increased to improve rigidity and strength.

[0095] like Figure 2 The display module 11 may include a support bracket 111, a display panel 112, and a cover plate 110.

[0096] The support plate 111 and the cover plate 110 are disposed on opposite sides of the display screen 112. The support plate 111 is located on the back side of the display screen 112 and serves as a support structure to support the display screen 112. The cover plate 110 is located on the display surface side of the display screen 112 and serves to protect the display screen 112 and reduce the probability of the display screen 112 being damaged.

[0097] The display surface of the display screen 112 is the side of the display screen 112 used to display images to the user. The back side of the display screen 112 refers to the side opposite to the display surface of the display screen 112. The back side of the display screen 112 can also be the side that is away from the display surface.

[0098] like Figure 2 As shown, the various film layers in the display module 11 are connected together, forming a sheet-like integrated structure. For example, the protective layer 114 in the cover plate 110 is a continuous integrated structure in both the non-bending and bending areas, with each area having the same thickness. Similarly, the display cover plate 113 in the cover plate 110 has the same thickness in each area. When it is necessary to increase the thickness of the non-bending area B1 in the display module, the thickness of other areas (such as bending area A1, non-bending area B2, bending area A2, and non-bending area B3) will also increase accordingly, resulting in a larger overall thickness when the device is closed.

[0099] Even though increasing the thickness of the display module 11 improves the rigidity of the non-bending area B1, the thicker screen will affect the bending performance of the bending areas A1 and A2, increase the rebound force of the bending areas A1 and A2, and reduce the user experience.

[0100] This application provides some display module embodiments that can not only improve the stiffness of the exposed non-bending areas, but also without weakening the bendability of the bending areas.

[0101] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of this application. The display module 11 includes a support bracket 111, a display panel 112, and a cover plate 110. The support bracket 111 and the cover plate 110 are disposed on opposite sides of the display panel 112. The support bracket 111 is located on the back side of the display panel 112 and serves as a support structure to support the display panel 112; the cover plate 110 is located on the display surface side of the display panel 112 and serves to protect the display panel 112.

[0102] The display screen 112 in the display module 11 includes: a first non-bent portion, a second non-bent portion, a third non-bent portion, a first bent portion, and a second bent portion; the first bent portion connects the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion, and the second bent portion connects the second non-bent portion and the third non-bent portion.

[0103] The cover plate 110 in the display module 11 includes a first non-bending region, a second non-bending region, and a third non-bending region, a first bending region connecting the first non-bending region and the second non-bending region, and a second bending region connecting the second non-bending region and the third non-bending region.

[0104] The first non-bent portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the first non-bent area of ​​the cover plate 110, the first bent portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the first bent area of ​​the cover plate 110, the second non-bent portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the second non-bent area of ​​the cover plate 110, the second bent portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the second bent area of ​​the cover plate 110, and the third non-bent portion of the display screen 112 corresponds to the third non-bent area of ​​the cover plate 110.

[0105] The first bending area, the first bending portion, the second bending area, and the second bending portion can all bend along the bending line to switch between an unfolded state and a closed state.

[0106] Figure 3 Taking a three-screen folding screen as an example, in other examples, it is possible to... Figure 3 Based on the structure shown, more bending and non-bending areas can be added to form electronic devices such as four-screen folding and five-screen folding.

[0107] like Figure 3 The thickness of the first non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 110 is d1, and the thickness of the second non-bending area is d2. The thicknesses d1 and d2 are not equal; for example, the thickness d1 can be greater than the thickness d2.

[0108] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3Similarly, the thickness of the first non-bending area of ​​the cover plate 110 is d1, and the thickness of the second non-bending area is d2. The thicknesses d1 and d2 are not equal, with d1 being greater than d2.

[0109] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Similarly, in cover plate 110, the thickness d1 of the first non-bending region is not equal to the thickness d2 of the second non-bending region, with thickness d1 being greater than thickness d2.

[0110] In some examples, the thickness dimension referred to in the embodiments of this application refers to: such as Figure 3 The dimensions along the stacking direction (P direction) of multiple film layers.

[0111] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the three different examples of the module 11 shown, the thickness d4 of the first bent region of the cover plate 110 is not constant, but gradually decreases along the direction away from the first non-bent region, which can be from the first non-bent region to the second non-bent region, so that the thickness d2 is less than the thickness d1.

[0112] like Figures 3 to 5 In the cover plate 110, the first non-bending area is a thick area, the second non-bending area is a thin area, and the first bending area connecting the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area is a thin-thickness transition area.

[0113] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The differences between the three different examples of module 11 shown include:

[0114] Figure 3 In the cover plate 110, the thickness of the second bending region is d5, the thickness of the third non-bending region is d3, and the thicknesses d2, d5, and d3 are equal. The first non-bending region is a thick region, the first bending region is a thickness transition region, and the second non-bending region, the second bending region, and the third non-bending region are thin regions of equal thickness.

[0115] and Figure 3 compared to, Figure 4 In the example shown, not only is the thickness d4 of the first bent region not a constant value, but the thickness d2 of the second non-bent region is also not a constant value. In some examples, the thickness of the first bent region and the second non-bent region of the cover plate 110 gradually decreases along the direction away from the first non-bent region, which can mask the visual effect of uneven thickness of the entire display module.

[0116] exist Figure 4 In the case of the cover plate 110, the thickness of the second bent area and the third non-bent area are equal. That is, the thickness d5 is equal to the thickness d3.

[0117] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the first non-bending region is the thickest region, the first bending region and the second non-bending region are the transitional regions between thick and thin regions, and the second bending region and the third non-bending region are thin regions of equal thickness.

[0118] and Figure 3 and Figure 4 In comparison, Figure 5 In this design, not only are the thicknesses of the first bent area and the second non-bent area of ​​the cover plate 110 not constant, but the thicknesses of the second bent area and the third non-bent area of ​​the cover plate 110 are also not constant. Along the direction away from the first non-bent area, the thicknesses of the first bent area, the second non-bent area, the second bent area, and the third non-bent area of ​​the cover plate 110 gradually decrease. This further masks the visual effect of uneven thickness across the entire display module.

[0119] Figure 6 It is Figure 3 The present application provides a structural diagram of the display module 11 after bending. The thickness of the exposed (visible to the user when folded) first non-bending area is greater than the thickness of the non-exposed (invisible to the user when folded) second non-bending area. The first bending area connected to the exposed first non-bending area is designed with an unequal thickness structure. Even if the thickness of the first non-bending area is increased to improve its rigidity and strength, it will not affect the bendability of the bending area. Nor will it increase the thickness of other areas, and the thickness of the closed state will not be significantly increased when the entire device is in a folded state.

[0120] In some examples, Figures 3 to 5 The example's folded area can form an inward fold, or it can form an outward fold. For example, Figure 6 As shown in the closed configuration, the first bending region forms an outward bending region, and the second bending region forms an inward bending region. The first non-bending region is exposed and visible to the user, while the second and third non-bending regions are opposite and not visible to the user.

[0121] like Figure 6 The outward-folded area means that the display screen of the display module 11 remains visible to the user during the folding process and in the closed state. In the closed state, the user can still perform some operations on the display module 11. Alternatively, one side of the display surface of the display module 11 can be visible to the user.

[0122] like Figure 6The inward folding area refers to the area where the display screen is located inside the electronic device during the transition from a flattened to a closed state, and also during the closed state. In other words, the display screen gradually becomes invisible to the user during the folding process, until, in the closed state, the display module 11 is completely hidden between the two housings. One side of the display surface of the display module 11 is hidden and invisible to the user.

[0123] like Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of this application. The cover plate 110 may include a display cover plate 113 and a protective layer 114. The display cover plate 113 is disposed on one side of the display surface of the display screen 112, and the protective layer 114 is disposed on the side of the display cover plate 113 away from the display screen 112. Both the display cover plate 113 and the protective layer 114 are light-transmitting. Light transmitted from the display surface of the display screen 112 can pass through the display cover plate 113 and the protective layer 114 and be received by the user.

[0124] In some usage scenarios, when the protective layer 114 is damaged or falls off, the display cover 113 can still protect the display screen 112.

[0125] Of course, in other examples, cover 110 may also include other membrane structures, or cover 110 may include one of cover 113 and protective layer 114.

[0126] In this embodiment, the display panel 112 can be a flexible display, and the cover plate 110 can be a flexible structure to meet the folding requirements.

[0127] The display screen 112 can be used to display information and provide an interactive interface for the user. In various embodiments of this application, the display screen 112 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display screen, an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen, a mini organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a micro organic light-emitting diode (MLED) display screen, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display screen, etc. Figure 7In the example shown, the thickness of the display cover 113 located in the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness located in the second non-bending region, and the thickness of the display cover 113 located in the first bending region gradually decreases along the direction away from the first non-bending region.

[0128] exist Figure 7 In this process, the thickness of the protective layer 114 is equal in all bending areas and in all non-bending areas.

[0129] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in the embodiments of this application. In this structure, the thickness of the protective layer 114 located in the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness located in the second non-bending region, and the thickness of the protective layer 114 located in the first bending region gradually decreases along the direction away from the first non-bending region.

[0130] exist Figure 8 In the middle, it is shown that the thickness of the cover plate 113 is equal in each bending area and each non-bending area.

[0131] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 In contrast, in this structure, along the direction away from the first non-bending region, the thickness of the first bending region and the thickness of the second non-bending region in the protective layer 114 gradually decrease, thus widening the thickness transition area of ​​the protective layer 114.

[0132] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In contrast, in this example, in the protective layer 114, the thicknesses of the first bent region, the second non-bent region, the third non-bent region, and the third non-bent region gradually decrease along the direction away from the first non-bent region. This further widens the thickness transition area of ​​the protective layer 114.

[0133] Figures 8 to 10 In this example, the protective layer 114 is designed with an uneven thickness structure. In other examples, the uneven thickness transition zone can be set in other film layer structures, for example, in the display cover plate 113. Figures 8 to 10 The structure shown.

[0134] Some examples provided in this application, such as Figure 11 The display cover 113 or protective layer 114 may include: substrate 11D and buffer layer 11B.

[0135] The substrate 11D and the buffer layer 11B can be connected by an adhesive layer 11C, and an adhesive layer 11A connects these stacked film structures to other layer structures. In some examples, when Figure 11 When the protective layer 114 is shown, the structure including the substrate 11D, the adhesive layer 11C and the buffer layer 11B can be connected to the display cover plate 113 using the adhesive layer 11A.

[0136] Among the available materials, the substrate 11D can be selected from at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and transparent polyimide (CPI).

[0137] In some examples, the buffer layer 11B is an elastomer film material, and the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B is less than that of the substrate 11D. The buffer layer 11B can be selected from at least one of the following elastomer film materials: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE), etc.

[0138] The adhesive layers 11A and 11C can be selected from at least one of the following: optically clear adhesive (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), acrylic resin, epoxy resin, etc.

[0139] See Figure 11 In this embodiment, the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region is designed with an unequal thickness structure. Along the direction away from the first non-bending region, the thickness of the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region gradually decreases, making the protective layer 114 or the display cover plate 113 located in the first bending region a transition zone of thickness.

[0140] exist Figure 11 In this process, the thickness of substrate 11D can be from 25 μm to 75 μm. The thicknesses of adhesive layer 11A and adhesive layer 11C can be from 25 μm to 50 μm.

[0141] The thickness of the buffer layer 11B located in the first non-bending region is 75 μm to 150 μm, and the thickness of the buffer layer 11B located in the second non-bending region, the second bending region, and the third non-bending region is 25 μm to 75 μm.

[0142] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 provided in an embodiment of this application. In this example, the substrate 11D located in the first bending region is designed with an uneven thickness structure. Along the direction away from the first non-bending region, the thickness of the substrate 11D located in the first bending region gradually decreases, making the protective layer 114 or display cover plate 113 located in the first bending region a thickness transition zone.

[0143] Figure 13This is a structural diagram of another display cover 113 or protective layer 114 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 In contrast, not only is the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region designed with an uneven thickness structure, but the buffer layer 11B located in the second non-bending region is also designed with an uneven thickness structure. This is to reduce the visual effect of uneven thickness of the entire display module.

[0144] Figure 14 This application provides a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114. In some examples, the thickness of the buffer layer 11B is relatively large, for example, reaching 100 μm. Due to the thickness of the buffer layer, the strain generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the film material when the display module is bent is more likely to enter the plastic deformation stage.

[0145] When the display module is bent, it enters a plastic deformation stage to reduce the strain generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the display module, thereby improving its bendability. In some examples, such as... Figure 14 The buffer layer 11B includes a first buffer layer 11B1 and a second buffer layer 11B2. The first buffer layer 11B1 has a uniform thickness, while the second buffer layer 11B2, located in the first bending region, is designed with a non-uniform thickness. The non-uniformly thick second buffer layer 11B2 is located further away from the display screen than the uniformly thick first buffer layer 11B1, meaning it is closer to the interface visible to the user. In other examples, the uniformly thick first buffer layer 11B1 may also be closer to the interface visible to the user than the non-uniformly thick second buffer layer 11B2.

[0146] See Figure 14 The first buffer layer 11B1 is connected to the second buffer layer 11B2 through the adhesive layer 11E, and the second buffer layer 11B2 is connected to the substrate 11D through the adhesive layer 11C.

[0147] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 provided in the embodiments of this application. In some optional processes, a coating process can be used to bond the buffer layer 11B to the substrate 11D. The adhesive layer used to connect the buffer layer 11B and the substrate 11D can be removed, reducing the overall thickness of the display module without weakening the rigidity of the non-bending area or the bendability of the bending area.

[0148] Figure 15 The material of the buffer layer 11B in the example can be at least one of the following: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, silicone gel, and shear thickening material.

[0149] See Figure 15 In this example, the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region is designed as a structure with unequal thickness, while the thickness of each region of the substrate 11D is equal.

[0150] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 provided in the embodiments of this application. In some optional processes, a coating process can also be used to bond the buffer layer 11B to the substrate 11D. In this example, the buffer layer 11B can be made of an adhesive material, such as optically transparent adhesive (OCA). This buffer layer 11B is not only an elastomer film material, but also has a connecting function, eliminating the need for an adhesive layer 11A. This can further reduce the thickness of the display module.

[0151] See Figure 16 In this example, the buffer layer 11B located in the first bending region is designed as a structure with unequal thickness, while the thickness of each region of the substrate 11D is equal.

[0152] To improve the stiffness of the exposed non-bending regions without compromising the bendability of the bending regions, embodiments of this application also provide some feasible structures, as follows:

[0153] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of this application. In the cover plate 110 of the display module 11, the elastic modulus of the first non-bending region is greater than that of the first bending region. The cover plate 110 includes a hard region with a larger elastic modulus and a soft region with a smaller elastic modulus.

[0154] In some examples, when the cover plate 110 includes a display cover or a protective layer, hard and soft areas can be provided in at least one of the display cover and the protective layer. For example, Figure 18 This is a structural diagram of a display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 provided in an embodiment of this application. It includes a substrate 11D and a buffer layer 11B, which are connected by an adhesive layer 11C.

[0155] like Figure 18 The buffer layer 11B includes a hard region 11B01 (also called the first part) and a soft region 11B02 (also called the second part). The elastic modulus of the hard region 11B01 is greater than that of the soft region 11B02. The hard region 11B01 is located in the first non-bending region, and the soft region 11B02 may be located in at least one of the first bending region and the second bending region.

[0156] exist Figure 18In this structure, the hard region 11B01 and the soft region 11B02 are a single, interconnected structure. In some optional process steps, a buffer layer material can be coated onto the substrate first, and then cured in sections by UV (ultraviolet light) to obtain buffer materials with different hardnesses. In other optional process steps, the buffer layer material can be heated in sections to obtain portions with different elastic moduli, thus creating hard and soft regions.

[0157] The buffer layer 11B is divided into a hard region 11B01 and a soft region 11B02 with different elastic moduli. The hard region 11B01 is located in the first non-bending region, which can improve the stiffness of the first non-bending region. The soft region 11B02 with a smaller elastic modulus is located in the bending region to ensure that the bending region has better bendability.

[0158] exist Figure 18 In the middle, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B (which can be called the third part) located in the second non-bending region and the third non-bending region can be less than the elastic modulus of the hard region 11B01 and greater than the elastic modulus of the soft region 11B02.

[0159] In some examples, in order to improve the stiffness of the second and third non-bending regions, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second and third non-bending regions can be equal to the elastic modulus of the hard region 11B01.

[0160] When the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second and third non-bending regions is less than the elastic modulus of the hard region 11B01 but greater than the elastic modulus of the soft region 11B02, a buffer material can be coated first, at which point its modulus is lower. Then, it can be cross-linked by local UV curing or heating. By controlling the UV energy or heating temperature, a portion with a lower modulus and a portion with a higher modulus can be obtained.

[0161] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of another display cover plate 113 or protective layer 114 provided in the embodiments of this application. It includes a substrate 11D and a buffer layer 11B, which are connected by an adhesive layer 11C.

[0162] In this example, the buffer layer 11B includes a hard portion 11B11 with a higher elastic modulus and a soft portion 11B12 with a lower elastic modulus, which are joined together. The hard portion 11B11 is located in a first non-bending region, and the soft portion 11B12 is located in at least one of the first bending region and the second bending region.

[0163] In some examples, such as Figure 19The hard part 11B11 and the soft part 11B12 can be joined together using an adhesive layer 11B13. For example, when an adhesive layer 11C is applied to one side of the buffer layer 11B, the adhesive can overflow into the gap between the hard part and the soft part, thus bonding the hard part and the soft part together.

[0164] See Figure 19 In order to improve the stiffness of the second and third non-bending regions, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second and third non-bending regions can be equal to the elastic modulus of the hard part.

[0165] In other examples, the elastic modulus of the buffer layer 11B located in the second and third non-bending regions can be less than the elastic modulus of the hard portion and greater than the elastic modulus of the soft portion.

[0166] exist Figure 19 In the example, the rigid portion 11B11 can be made of at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and transparent polyimide (CPI). The soft portion 11B12 can be made of at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) and thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE).

[0167] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of another display cover 113 or protective layer 114 provided in an embodiment of this application. The buffer layer 11B includes a first buffer layer 11B1 and a second buffer layer 11B2. The first buffer layer 11B1 includes a hard region 11B01 with a larger elastic modulus and a soft region 11B02 with a smaller elastic modulus. In the second buffer layer 11B2, the portion located in the first bending region has a unequal thickness structure. This embodiment combines the unequal thickness design and unequal elastic modulus design of the buffer layer.

[0168] When the display module is in a folded state and the first non-bent area is exposed, the first bending area connecting the first and second non-bent areas needs to have sufficient resistance to external impacts. For example, when a closed electronic device is dropped, the first bending area may be damaged by the impact of the hinge mechanism on one side and the ground.

[0169] This application provides some novel display modules 11, such as... Figure 21 A buffer pad 127 is provided on the side of the support plate 111 away from the display screen 112. The buffer pad 127 is located on the support plate 111 at a position opposite to the first bending area.

[0170] In some examples, in order to improve the bendability of the support plate 111, a hollow structure 111a is provided in the part opposite to the first bending area, and a buffer pad 127 is provided at the position opposite to the hollow structure 111a.

[0171] The cushioning pad 127 can be a single membrane structure or a multi-layer membrane structure.

[0172] For example, the cushioning pad 127 can be selected from at least one of the following materials: stainless steel (SUS), thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU elastomer), porous foam material, PET film material, etc.

[0173] Figure 22 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the buffer pad 127 is disposed within the support plate 111. For example, a groove can be formed in the support plate 111, and the buffer pad 127 can be disposed within the groove, which is located at a position opposite to the first bending area.

[0174] Figure 23 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the buffer pad 127 is disposed on the rotating shaft mechanism 200 located on one side of the display module.

[0175] like Figures 21 to 23 Because it includes a buffer pad 127, when the first bending area is subjected to an external impact, the buffer pad 127 can reduce the degree of damage to the display module.

[0176] Figure 24 This is a structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application. In this structure, not only is the display cover plate 113 located in the first bending area designed with an unequal thickness, but a buffer pad 127 is also provided on the side of the support plate 111 away from the display screen 112. This not only improves the rigidity of the exposed non-bending parts, but also does not weaken the bendability of the bending parts, and can also reduce the degree of damage to the bending parts of the display module, thereby improving the performance of the display module.

[0177] In other examples, the various regions of the protective layer 114 can be designed as structures of unequal thickness.

[0178] like Figure 25 As shown, the cover plate (e.g., display cover plate, protective layer) located on one side of the display surface of the display screen 112 is designed as follows: Figures 17 to 20 The structure exhibits unequal elastic moduli. Furthermore, a buffer pad 127 is positioned on the support plate 111 opposite to the first bending region. This not only optimizes the bendability of the bent portion of the display module but also enhances its impact and compression resistance.

[0179] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0180] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, include: Display screen; A cover plate is disposed on one side of the display surface of the display screen. The cover plate includes a first non-bending area, a second non-bending area, a third non-bending area, a first bending area, and a second bending area. The first bending area connects the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area, and the second bending area connects the second non-bending area and the third non-bending area. Both the first bending area and the second bending area can be bent along a bending line to switch between an unfolded state and a closed state. The thickness of the first non-bending region is not equal to the thickness of the second non-bending region; The cover plate includes: A first substrate and a first buffer layer, wherein the first buffer layer is closer to the display screen than the first substrate; The thickness of the first substrate located in the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the first substrate located in the second non-bending region, and / or; The thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the second non-bending region.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first non-bending region is greater than the thickness of the second non-bending region.

3. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, From the first non-bending region to the second non-bending region, the thickness of the first buffer layer located in the first bending region gradually decreases.

4. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first buffer layer is disposed on the surface of the first substrate facing the display screen.

5. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover plate also includes: Second substrate; The second substrate is disposed between the first buffer layer and the display screen, and the first buffer layer is disposed on the surface of the second substrate facing away from the display screen.

6. The display module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate also includes: Second substrate; The second substrate is disposed between the first buffer layer and the display screen, and the first buffer layer is disposed on the surface of the second substrate facing away from the display screen.

7. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cover plate also includes: The second buffer layer includes a first part and a second part; The first part of the second buffer layer is located in the first non-bending region, and the second part of the second buffer layer is located in the first bending region. The elastic modulus of the first part of the second buffer layer is greater than that of the second part of the second buffer layer.

8. The display module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate also includes: The second buffer layer includes a first part and a second part; The first part of the second buffer layer is located in the first non-bending region, and the second part of the second buffer layer is located in the first bending region. The elastic modulus of the first part of the second buffer layer is greater than that of the second part of the second buffer layer.

9. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first portion and the second portion of the second buffer layer are integrally formed; or, The first part of the second buffer layer and the second part of the second buffer layer are connected by an adhesive layer.

10. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second buffer layer also includes a third portion, which is located in the second non-bending region; The elastic modulus of the third part of the second buffer layer is less than that of the first part of the second buffer layer, but greater than that of the second part of the second buffer layer.

11. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, From the first non-bent region to the second non-bent region, the thickness of the first bent region gradually decreases.

12. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the second non-bent region gradually decreases from the first bent region to the second bent region.

13. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the third non-bending region is less than the thickness of the first non-bending region.

14. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, From the first non-bending region to the third non-bending region, the thickness of the first bending region, the second non-bending region, the second bending region, and the third non-bending region gradually decreases.

15. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display module also includes: A support plate, wherein the support plate is disposed on the side of the display screen away from the display surface; A buffer pad is disposed on the side of the support plate away from the display screen, and the buffer pad is located at a position corresponding to the first bending area.

16. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The display module also includes: A support plate, wherein the support plate is disposed on the side of the display screen away from the display surface; A cushioning pad is embedded in the support plate at a position corresponding to the first bending area.

17. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first bending area is in the closed state, the display surface of the display screen is far away from the center of the arc-shaped structure formed by the display module relative to the back of the display screen.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: case; The display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 17; The display module is mounted on the housing.

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