Display module and display device

Abstract

The display module provided by the present disclosure comprises: a foldable display layer, the foldable display layer comprising a bending area and a flat area arranged adjacent to the bending area; a first support structure located on the non-display side of the foldable display layer, the first support structure being used for supporting the bending area, the first support structure satisfying at least one of the following conditions: an elastic modulus ≥ 60 GPa, a hardness > 270 HV, a tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, and a yield strength ≥ 600 Mpa; and a second support structure located on the side of the first support structure away from the foldable display layer. In the display module of the present disclosure, the first support structure with high modulus and high strength is added as the support of the foldable display layer, which can provide sufficient support when the bending area is pressed or extruded by external force, thereby improving the extrusion resistance of the display module and preventing the GDS (black mass) phenomenon from occurring when the bending area of the foldable display layer is pressed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This section is intended to provide background or context for the embodiments set forth in the claims. The description herein is not an admission that it is prior art simply because it is included in this section.

[0003] Flexible displays, characterized by their thinness and foldability, such as organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, are widely used in the foldable display field, especially in mobile phones. However, compared to traditional LCD screen phones, flexible foldable phones experience significant reductions in screen strength, flatness, and lifespan in the bending area. The screen and mechanism in the bending area are generally not fixed, and during the folding and stopping process of foldable display products, the bending area cannot be effectively supported from below, resulting in insufficient resistance to compression. When the bending area is pressed, GDS (black spots) easily appear. Furthermore, the bottom support component is prone to deformation and adhesive sinking in the bending area during repeated folding, leading to mold marks and noticeable creases. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail in this disclosure. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] This disclosure provides a display module and a display device.

[0006] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a display module, the display module comprising:

[0007] A foldable display layer, the foldable display layer including a bending area and a flat area disposed adjacent to the bending area;

[0008] A first support structure is located on the non-display side of the foldable display layer. The first support structure is used to support the bending area. The first support structure satisfies at least one of the following conditions: elastic modulus ≥ 60 GPa, hardness > 270 HV, tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, yield strength ≥ 600 MPa.

[0009] The second support structure is located on the side of the first support structure away from the foldable display layer.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support structure simultaneously satisfies the following conditions: elastic modulus > 100 GPa, hardness > 270 HV, tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, and yield strength ≥ 600 MPa.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the first support structure includes at least one of the following materials: stainless steel, titanium alloy, and copper alloy.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the second support structure is provided with a first elastic buffer located between the bending region and the flat region, the first elastic buffer being used to release pressure at the bending region when the foldable display layer is in a bent state.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support structure is connected to the foldable display layer through a first adhesive layer, and the first support structure is provided with a second elastic buffer, which is offset from the first elastic buffer. The second elastic buffer is used to release the pressure of the first support structure in the bending area.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support structure and the second support structure are connected by a second adhesive layer, wherein the second adhesive layer located in the bending area is provided with a third elastic buffer.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the second adhesive layer includes a first opening located in the third elastic buffer zone, the first opening penetrating the second adhesive layer in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display layer.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the first opening is filled with a third adhesive layer, the elastic modulus of which is higher than that of the second adhesive layer in the flat region.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first elastic buffer, the second elastic buffer, and the third elastic buffer includes a mesh structure.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the mesh structure of the first elastic buffer, the second elastic buffer, and the third elastic buffer is the same; or

[0019] At least two of the first elastic buffer, the second elastic buffer, and the third elastic buffer have different mesh structures.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the second support structure includes at least a first support layer, the first support layer being made of at least one of the following materials: carbon fiber composite material, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and the first support layer being provided with the first elastic buffer.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the second support structure further includes a fourth adhesive layer and a second support layer located sequentially below the first support layer, wherein the fourth adhesive layer and the second support layer located in the bending area are provided with a fourth elastic buffer.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the fourth adhesive layer includes a second opening located in the fourth elastic buffer zone, the second opening penetrating the fourth adhesive layer and the second support layer in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display layer.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the second opening is filled with a fifth adhesive layer, the elastic modulus of which is higher than that of the fourth adhesive layer located in the flat region.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the first support structure ranges from 20 to 30 μm.

[0025] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a display device, comprising: a display module as described in the first aspect.

[0026] In the display module and display device provided in this embodiment, a first support structure with high modulus and high strength is added to the display module as a support member for the foldable display layer. It can provide sufficient support when the bending area is subjected to external force compression or pressing, thereby improving the compression resistance of the display module and preventing the GDS (black spot) phenomenon that occurs when the bending area of ​​the foldable display layer is pressed. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. In these drawings, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. The drawings described below are some embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all embodiments. Other drawings will be readily available to those skilled in the art based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a carbon fiber composite laminate in a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a foldable display layer in a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a display module in a water droplet folding form according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second support structure in a display module according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of region D in the middle;

[0035] Figures 6-9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second elastic buffer is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a second adhesive layer in a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of the initial structure of a second support structure consisting of multiple film layers in a display module, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of the initial structure of a second support structure consisting of multiple film layers in a display module, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 12c This is a schematic diagram of the initial structure of a second support structure consisting of multiple film layers in a display module, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be arbitrarily combined with each other. The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0046] This disclosure provides a foldable display module in an exemplary embodiment, which can be applied to a foldable display screen. The foldable display screen can be applied to terminals with display devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, and cameras. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a display module provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The display module includes:

[0047] The foldable display layer 100 includes a bending area A and a flat area B disposed adjacent to the bending area A.

[0048] The first support structure 200 is located on the non-display side of the foldable display layer 100 and is connected to the surface of the foldable display layer 100. The first support structure 200 is used to support the bending area A.

[0049] The second support structure 300 is connected to the surface of the first support structure 200 on the side away from the foldable display layer 100. (See reference) Figure 1 As shown, the foldable display layer 100 is a display layer capable of folding, including a flexible display layer. A flexible display layer refers to a deformable and bendable display layer made of soft materials for display purposes. Flexible display layers are characterized by good flexibility and light transmittance. Their structure and light-emitting principle are similar to those of OLED devices with ordinary glass substrates, thus enabling the display module to be used as a flexible liquid crystal display (LCD) or a flexible OLED (organic light emitting diode). Reference Figure 2 As shown, the foldable display layer 100 has a multi-layer structure, including at least: a back film 101, a display panel 102, a first optical adhesive 103, a glass layer 104, a second optical adhesive 105, and a substrate 106, stacked sequentially from bottom to top. Exemplarily, the glass layer 104 is, for example, ultrathin glass, and the substrate 106 is, for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, in the unfolded state, the bending area A can be located in the middle of the display module. Bending area A is the area where the display module bends significantly when bent. The areas adjacent to bending area A on both sides are flat areas B. Flat areas B include areas where the display module does not bend when bent and areas with less bending. The area between bending area A and flat areas B is the adhesive area C. Adhesive area C is the area where the display module is glued to the display screen's frame to secure the display module. Figure 3 As shown, when the display module is in a teardrop folded shape, the innermost layer is the foldable display layer 100 (reference). Figure 1 The outermost one is the second support structure 300 (reference). Figure 1 ),refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The display module, when folded, includes a water droplet arc apex area, an adhesive area, and a water droplet arc formation area. The bending area A of the display module corresponds to the position of the water droplet arc apex area, the adhesive area C of the display module is the adhesive area, and the flat area B of the display module can be the water droplet arc formation area.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 The first support structure 200 can be connected to the back of the foldable display layer 100 via the first adhesive layer 400. The first support structure 200 supports the bending area A formed when the foldable display layer 100 is bent, providing sufficient support when the bending area A is subjected to external pressure or compression, preventing the formation of GDS (black spots) within the foldable display layer 100 due to pressure. This first support structure 200 is made of a high-modulus, high-strength material. High strength refers to high tensile and compressive strength, while high modulus refers to high stiffness, meaning it is less prone to deformation under stress.

[0052] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first support structure 200 can satisfy at least one of the following conditions: elastic modulus ≥ 60 GPa, hardness > 270 HV, tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, and yield strength ≥ 600 MPa. For example, the first support structure 200 satisfies two or more of the above conditions, such as an elastic modulus of 100 GPa, a hardness of 280 HV, and a tensile strength of 700 MPa. In other exemplary embodiments, such as... Figure 1As shown, the first support structure 200 can also simultaneously meet the following conditions: elastic modulus > 100 GPa, hardness > 270 HV, tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, and yield strength ≥ 600 MPa, thereby forming a high-modulus, high-strength first support structure 200. This ensures that the first support structure 200 has sufficient elasticity and tensile strength to meet the bending requirements of the display module. Consequently, the display module can achieve a smaller folding radius, better compression resistance, and improved appearance at the molding and crease areas. For example, the first support structure 200 can be made from at least one of the following materials: stainless steel, titanium alloy, and copper alloy.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 The bottom layer of the display module is the second support structure 300. The second support structure 300 is located on the surface of the first support structure 200 away from the foldable display layer 100 and is connected to the first support structure 200. This second support structure 300 serves as a backplate support material for the display module, providing a degree of flatness and improving the overall stability of the display module. The thickness of the second support structure 300 can be greater than that of the first support structure 200, allowing for better support of the entire display module.

[0054] In order to form a lightweight display module, the thickness of the first support structure can be controlled within the range of 20-30μm.

[0055] In the display module provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, a first support structure with high modulus and high strength is added to the display module, and the first support structure is used as a support member for the foldable display layer. It can provide sufficient support when the bending area is subjected to external force compression or pressing, and play a role in compensating for the pressure, thereby improving the compression resistance of the display module and preventing the GDS (black spot) phenomenon that occurs when pressing the bending area of ​​the foldable display layer.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the second support structure 300 is provided with a first elastic buffer 310 at the corresponding positions of the bending area A and the flat area B. The first elastic buffer 310 can release the pressure at the bending area A when the foldable display layer 100 is in a bent state, so as to improve the compression resistance of the entire display module. Moreover, the first elastic buffer 310 can also reduce mold marks and creases during the folding and stopping process of the display module.

[0057] The second support structure can be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, as shown in the reference. Figure 4The diagram illustrates an exemplary structural schematic of the second support structure 300. Taking a single-layer structure as an example, the second support structure 300 is formed by a single support layer, i.e., it is formed by a first support layer. The material of the first support layer includes at least one of the following: carbon fiber composite material, stainless steel, and titanium alloy. For example, the second support structure 300 is a carbon fiber composite plate, a stainless steel plate, or a titanium alloy plate. The total thickness of the second support structure 300 is, for example, in the range of 80μm to 200μm, such as 90μm, 120μm, 150μm, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0058] refer to Figure 1a As shown, taking the second support structure as a carbon fiber composite laminate 30 as an example, the carbon fiber composite laminate 30 is multi-layered, including a first carbon fiber layer 31, a second carbon fiber layer 32, and a third carbon fiber layer 33. For example, refer to... Figure 1a All three carbon fiber layers are single-layer structures. The thickness of the first carbon fiber layer 31 ranges from 20 to 35 μm, the thickness of the second carbon fiber layer 32 ranges from 110 to 130 μm, and the thickness of the third carbon fiber layer 33 ranges from 20 to 35 μm. For example, the thickness of the first carbon fiber layer 31 and the third carbon fiber layer 33 are both 30 μm, and the thickness of the second carbon fiber layer 32 is 120 μm. (Reference) Figure 1b For example, the fiber orientation of the first carbon fiber layer 31 and the third carbon fiber layer 33 is 0°, and the fiber orientation of the second carbon fiber layer 32 is 90°.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 The second support structure 300 is provided with a first elastic buffer zone 310, which is located at the corresponding positions of the bending area A and the flat area B. The first elastic buffer zone 310 is an area with elastic properties to meet the folding performance requirements of the display module. Figure 4 As shown, the first elastic buffer 310 is, for example, a mesh structure, which is a structure formed by multiple holes arranged alternately in the horizontal and vertical directions. The multiple holes are arranged alternately so that the area can exhibit a spring-like state. Therefore, the first elastic buffer 310 has the properties of stretching and contracting in the horizontal and / or vertical directions, which is beneficial for bending.

[0060] refer to Figure 10 As shown, some of the holes can be perforated holes formed by penetrating the second support structure 300 in the thickness direction, while some holes can be blind holes formed by not penetrating the second support structure 300 in the thickness direction. The shape of the holes includes round holes, rounded rectangular holes, etc., and no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, an exemplary structural schematic diagram of the first elastic buffer zone 310 is illustrated. The first elastic buffer zone 310 is a structure formed by multiple perforated mesh holes arranged alternately in the horizontal and / or vertical directions. The size of the mesh holes can be determined according to the actual size of the position. Taking the mesh holes as rounded rectangular holes as an example, its parameters are as follows: length a is 3 to 8 mm, width b is 0.08 to 0.3 mm, distance c between adjacent rounded rectangular holes in the vertical direction is 0.1 to 0.3 mm, distance d between adjacent rounded rectangular holes in the horizontal direction is 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and radius r of the rounded corner is 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

[0062] For example, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the surfaces of the first support structure 200 and the foldable display layer 100 are connected by a first adhesive layer 400. This first adhesive layer is, for example, a PSA adhesive, such as rubber-type PSA, thermoplastic elastomer PSA, acrylate PSA, silicone PSA, and polyurethane PSA. PSA is a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a type of adhesive that bonds to the substrate without the need for solvents, heat, or other means, requiring only slight pressure. To prevent cracking between the first support structure 200 and the first adhesive layer 400 in the bending area A after multiple folds of the display module, a second elastic buffer zone 210 is provided on the first support structure 200. This second elastic buffer zone 210 releases the pressure on the first support structure 200 in the bending area A and also meets the requirement for a smaller bending radius of the display module, for example, a bending radius < 3 mm.

[0063] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the second elastic buffer 210 is offset from the first elastic buffer 310. Specifically, the first elastic buffer 310 is located at the corresponding positions of the bending area A and the flat area B, while the second elastic buffer 210 is located at the adhesive areas C on both sides of the bending area A. The second elastic buffer 210 has elastic properties that effectively release pressure. When the display module is in a bent state, it reduces the compressive force on both sides of the first support structure 200 in the bending area A. When the display module is in an unfolded state, it provides extension space for the first support structure 200 in the bending area A.

[0064] The structure of the second elastic buffer may be the same as or different from that of the first elastic buffer. Figures 6-9 The diagrams shown below illustrate the structure of the second elastic buffer zone in the first support structure. The second elastic buffer zone 210 is, for example, a structure formed by multiple perforated holes arranged alternately in the horizontal and / or vertical directions. The size of the holes can be determined according to the actual location. Figure 6 As shown, the second elastic buffer zone 210 is a structure formed by multiple hollowed-out circular holes arranged parallel to each other in the lateral direction. Figure 7 As shown, the second elastic buffer zone 210 is a structure formed by multiple hollowed-out circular holes staggered in the horizontal and vertical directions. Figure 8 As shown, the second elastic buffer zone 210 is a structure formed by multiple perforated rounded rectangular holes staggered in the horizontal and vertical directions. In other exemplary embodiments, refer to... Figure 9 As shown, the second elastic buffer zone 210 can also be a structure formed by a disconnected opening, so as to utilize the opening space as an elastic space on the first support structure 200, to meet the bending requirements of the first support structure 200 and to release the compressive force of the first support structure 200 in the bending zone A. Figure 9 As shown, the opening in the second elastic buffer 210 can completely or partially disconnect the first support structure 200 in the lateral direction. The length and width of the opening can be selected according to the actual situation, and there are no specific restrictions here.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment, most of the display module in this embodiment is the same as that in the above embodiments. The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that, referring to... Figure 10 As shown, the surfaces of the first support structure 200 and the second support structure 300 are connected by a second adhesive layer 500. A third elastic buffer zone 510 is provided at the bending area A in the second adhesive layer 500. The structure of the third elastic buffer zone 510 is the same as or different from the structure of the first elastic buffer zone 310 and / or the second elastic buffer zone 210.

[0066] For example, the third elastic buffer 510 is described as an open structure that is disconnected. (Refer to...) Figure 10 As shown, the third elastic buffer 510 includes a first opening. For example, the third elastic buffer 510 can be formed by the first opening. The first opening penetrates the second adhesive layer 500 in the thickness direction to prevent cracking between the first support structure 200 and the second adhesive layer 500 located in the bending area A, and also to reserve sufficient elastic space for the first support structure 200 in the bending area A. The thickness direction of the first opening is perpendicular to the foldable display layer 100.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the third elastic buffer 510 may also be formed of a third adhesive layer made of a material different from the second adhesive layer. (See reference...) Figure 11 As shown, the first opening in the bending area A is filled with a third adhesive layer 520. The elastic modulus of the third adhesive layer 520 is higher than that of the second adhesive layer 500 in the flat area B. For example, the third adhesive layer 520 is a soft PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive), and the second adhesive layer 500 in the flat area B is a high-modulus, high-strength PU adhesive (polyurethane adhesive) or resin adhesive.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, most of the display module in this embodiment is the same as that in the above embodiments. The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that, referring to... Figure 12 As shown, the second support structure 300 is a multi-layer structure. The second support structure 300 includes a first support layer 301, and a fourth adhesive layer 302 and a second support layer 303 located below the first support layer 301 in sequence. A fourth elastic buffer zone 320 is provided on the fourth adhesive layer 302 and the second support layer 303 located in the bending area A.

[0069] refer to Figure 12 The fourth adhesive layer 302 can be a resin film structure. The first support layer 301 and the second support layer 303 can be single-layer or multi-layer structures. The materials used to prepare the first support layer 301 and the second support layer 303 can be the same or different.

[0070] refer to Figure 12a This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the initial structure of a multi-layered second support structure 300 in one embodiment. The initial structure is, for example, the structure before the formation of the fourth elastic buffer in the second support structure. The first support layer 301 is a single-layer structure, for example, SUS (stainless steel); the fourth adhesive layer 302 is, for example, a resin film; and the second support layer 303 is a multi-layered carbon fiber composite material. The second support layer 303 includes a first sub-support layer 3031 and a second sub-support layer 3032. For example, the first sub-support layer 3031 is a carbon fiber layer with a fiber direction of 90°, and the second sub-support layer 3032 is a carbon fiber layer with a fiber direction of 0°. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness of the first support layer 301 is 25 μm, the thickness of the fourth adhesive layer 302 is 60 μm, and the thickness of both the first sub-support layer 3031 and the second sub-support layer 3032 is 30 μm. In this embodiment, stainless steel is partially used in the second support structure 300 to reduce its weight, thereby achieving a lightweight design for the entire display module.

[0071] refer to Figure 12bThe illustration shows a schematic diagram of the initial structure of a multi-layered second support structure in another embodiment. The first support layer 301 and the second support layer 303 are both multi-layered carbon fiber composite materials, connected by a fourth adhesive layer 302, which is, for example, a resin film. Both the first support layer 301 and the second support layer 303 are first sub-support layers 3031 and 3032 stacked from top to bottom. The first sub-support layer 3031 is a carbon fiber layer with a fiber direction of 90°, and the second sub-support layer 3032 is a carbon fiber layer with a fiber direction of 0°. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness of the fourth adhesive layer 302 is 50 μm, and the thickness of both the first sub-support layer 3031 and the second sub-support layer 3032 is 30 μm. In this embodiment, the interlayer thickness between the two carbon fiber layers with a fiber direction of 90° is the same as the interlayer thickness between the two carbon fiber layers with a fiber direction of 0°, thereby ensuring that the bending performance of the two carbon fiber layers with different fiber directions remains consistent in the bending region.

[0072] refer to Figure 12c The illustration shows a schematic diagram of the initial structure of a multi-layered second support structure in another embodiment. Both the first support layer 301 and the second support layer 303 are multi-layered carbon fiber composite materials, connected by a fourth adhesive layer 302, which may be, for example, a resin film. The first support layer 301 consists of a second sub-support layer 3032 and a first sub-support layer 3031 stacked from top to bottom. Similarly, the second support layers 303 consist of a first sub-support layer 3031 and a second sub-support layer 3032 stacked from top to bottom. The first sub-support layer 3031 is a carbon fiber layer with a fiber direction of 90°, and the second sub-support layer 3032 is a carbon fiber layer with a fiber direction of 0°. In this embodiment, for example, the thickness of the fourth adhesive layer 302 is 50 μm, and the thickness of both the first sub-support layer 3031 and the second sub-support layer 3032 is 30 μm. In this embodiment, the interlayer thickness between two carbon fiber layers with a fiber orientation of 90° is less than the interlayer thickness between two carbon fiber layers with a fiber orientation of 0°, thereby making the two carbon fiber layers with a fiber orientation of 0° have better bending performance in the bending area, which is beneficial to the bending of the entire display module.

[0073] refer to Figure 12As shown, the second support structure 300 is composed of a first support layer 301, a fourth adhesive layer 302, and a second support layer 303 stacked sequentially from top to bottom. Compared with the single-layer carbon fiber plate in the prior art, it can achieve a balance between cost and lightweight, realizing the lightweight requirement of the display module. The first support layer 301 is connected to the surface of the first support structure 200 away from the foldable display layer 100 through the second adhesive layer 500. For example, the second adhesive layer 500 is made entirely of PSA adhesive of the same material. A first elastic buffer 310 is provided in the first support layer 301 located in the bending area A, and a fourth elastic buffer 320 is provided on the fourth adhesive layer 302 and the second support layer 303 located in the bending area A. The fourth elastic buffer 320 satisfies the tensile strength and elastic strength of the back of the entire display module at the bending area A, thereby meeting the folding requirements and improving the compression resistance.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Figure 12 The fourth elastic buffer 320 includes a first sub-buffer 321 disposed in the fourth adhesive layer and a second sub-buffer 322 disposed in the second support layer 303. The structures of the first sub-buffer 321 and the second sub-buffer 322 can be the same or different.

[0075] refer to Figure 12 As shown, taking the different structures of the first sub-buffer zone 321 and the second sub-buffer zone 322 as an example, the first sub-buffer zone (the fourth elastic buffer zone disposed on the fourth adhesive layer) 321 is formed of soft PSA with a high elastic modulus, while the fourth adhesive layer 302, excluding the first sub-buffer zone 321, is made of high-modulus, high-strength PU or resin. The structure of the second sub-buffer zone 322 (the fourth elastic buffer zone disposed on the second support layer) is the same as that of the first elastic buffer zone 310 disposed within the first support layer 301; for example, both are mesh structures and are distributed in the same location.

[0076] In other example embodiments, refer to Figure 13 The structure (second sub-buffer 322) of the fourth elastic buffer set on the second support layer 303 may be different from the structure of the first elastic buffer 310 set on the first support layer 301, and the distribution may also be different.

[0077] refer to Figure 14As shown, taking the example of a fourth elastic buffer layer being the same as the fourth elastic buffer layer being provided on the second support layer, the fourth elastic buffer layer 320 provided on both the fourth adhesive layer and the second support layer includes a second opening. For example, the fourth elastic buffer layer 320 can be formed by the second opening, which extends through the total thickness of the fourth adhesive layer and the second support layer in the thickness direction. This allows the first elastic buffer layer 310 of the first support layer 301 to meet the bending requirements, while the second opening further meets the folding requirements of the entire display module. Simultaneously, the second opening also provides more design space for the hinge in the display device. The thickness direction of the second opening is perpendicular to the foldable display layer 100.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, reference is made to Figure 15 As shown, the fourth elastic buffer zone can also be formed by a fifth adhesive layer 330 filled within the second opening. The elastic modulus of the fifth adhesive layer 330 is higher than that of the fourth adhesive layer 302 located in the flat region B. For example, the fourth adhesive layer 302 located in the flat region B is a high-modulus, high-strength PU adhesive or resin adhesive, and the fifth adhesive layer 330 is composed of a soft PSA adhesive with a high elastic modulus, thereby forming a highly elastic buffer zone for the bending region A.

[0079] This disclosure provides a foldable display screen in an exemplary embodiment. The foldable display screen can be a touch screen, LED display panel, liquid crystal display panel, OLED display panel, etc., and is not specifically limited thereto. In this embodiment, the foldable display screen can be constructed using the display module provided in the above embodiments. Exemplarily, the display module uses a first support structure as a support member for the foldable display layer, which can provide sufficient support when the bending area is subjected to external force compression or pressing, compensating for the pressure and improving the display module's resistance to compression, thereby preventing the formation of GDS (black spots) in the bending area of ​​the foldable display layer when pressed.

[0080] This disclosure provides a display device in an exemplary embodiment, the display device including: the display module of the above embodiment. When the display device uses the display module of this embodiment for display, the display module uses a first support structure as a support member for the foldable display layer, which can provide sufficient support when the bending area is subjected to external force compression or pressing, thereby improving the display module's compression resistance and compensating for the pressure, thus preventing the occurrence of GDS (black spots) in the bending area of ​​the foldable display layer when pressed.

[0081] In this disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising…” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the article or device that includes that element.

[0082] The various embodiments in this disclosure are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0083] The scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its scope and spirit. If such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents, then the intent of this disclosure also includes such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, The display module includes: A foldable display layer, the foldable display layer including a bending area, flat areas disposed on both sides of the bending area, and an adhesive area between the bending area and the flat areas; A first support structure is located on the non-display side of the foldable display layer. The first support structure is used to support the foldable display layer. The first support structure satisfies at least one of the following conditions: elastic modulus ≥ 60 GPa, hardness > 270 HV, tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, and yield strength ≥ 600 MPa. The second support structure is located on the side of the first support structure that is away from the foldable display layer; The second support structure is provided with a first elastic buffer, which is located in the bending area and the flat area. The flat area includes a portion with a small degree of curvature in the bending state. The first elastic buffer is used to release the pressure at the bending area when the foldable display layer is in the bending state. The first support structure is provided with a second elastic buffer, which is offset from the first elastic buffer and is located in the adhesive area; the second elastic buffer is used to release the pressure of the first support structure in the bending area.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support structure simultaneously meets the following conditions: elastic modulus > 100 GPa, hardness > 270 HV, tensile strength ≥ 700 MPa, and yield strength ≥ 600 MPa.

3. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first support structure includes at least one of the following: stainless steel, titanium alloy, and copper alloy.

4. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support structure is connected to the foldable display layer via a first adhesive layer.

5. The display module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first support structure and the second support structure are connected by a second adhesive layer, wherein the second adhesive layer located in the bending area is provided with a third elastic buffer.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second adhesive layer includes a first opening located in the third elastic buffer zone, the first opening penetrating the second adhesive layer in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display layer.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first opening is filled with a third adhesive layer, the elastic modulus of which is higher than that of the second adhesive layer in the flat area.

8. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the first elastic buffer, the second elastic buffer, and the third elastic buffer includes a mesh structure.

9. The display module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mesh structure of the first elastic buffer, the second elastic buffer, and the third elastic buffer is the same; or At least two of the first elastic buffer, the second elastic buffer, and the third elastic buffer have different mesh structures.

10. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second support structure includes at least a first support layer, the first support layer being made of at least one of the following materials: carbon fiber composite material, stainless steel, or titanium alloy, and the first support layer is provided with the first elastic buffer.

11. The display module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second support structure further includes a fourth adhesive layer and a second support layer located sequentially below the first support layer, wherein the fourth adhesive layer and the second support layer located in the bending area are provided with a fourth elastic buffer.

12. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fourth adhesive layer includes a second opening located in the fourth elastic buffer zone, and the second opening extends through the fourth adhesive layer and the second support layer in a direction perpendicular to the foldable display layer.

13. The display module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second opening is filled with a fifth adhesive layer, the elastic modulus of which is higher than that of the fourth adhesive layer located in the flat region.

14. A display device, characterized in that, include: The display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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