Flexible display module and foldable electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and provides a flexible display module and foldable electronic device.The flexible display module comprises a display panel, a first wire, a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece, the first wire is fixed to the display panel, and the first connecting piece is electrically connected with the second connecting piece through the first wire; the flexible display module comprises a first part and a second part, the first connecting piece is arranged on the first part, the second connecting piece is arranged on the second part and located on the side, opposite to the display face, of the flexible display module, and the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece are both exposed out of the flexible display module. According to the flexible display module and the foldable electronic equipment, information transmission among functional modules in different shells can be realized.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on October 9, 2023, with application number 202311307316.0 and invention name "A flexible display module and foldable electronic device", all contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of electronic devices, and in particular to a flexible display module and a foldable electronic device. Background Art

[0003] At present, foldable electronic devices have become an important product form and are increasingly used by users. Specifically, when designing foldable electronic devices, in order to reasonably use space, it is inclined to arrange functional modules in different shells. However, information transmission is usually required between functional modules in different shells, and how to achieve information transmission between functional modules in different shells is a difficult point. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a flexible display module and a foldable electronic device, which can achieve electrical connection between circuits of functional modules in different housings.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present application provides a flexible display module, which includes a display panel, a first wiring, a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first wiring is fixed to the display panel, and the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector through the first wiring. The flexible display module includes a first part and a second part, the first connector is arranged in the first part, the second connector is arranged in the second part, and on the side of the flexible display module opposite to the display surface, the first connector and the second connector are both exposed to the flexible display module. When the flexible display module provided by the present application is applied to a foldable electronic device, the first connector and the second connector can be electrically connected to the circuits of the functional modules in different shells respectively, and the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected through the first wiring, so that the electrical connection between the circuits of the functional modules in different shells of the foldable electronic device can be realized, thereby realizing information transmission between the functional modules in different shells.

[0006] In a possible embodiment, the display panel includes a second wiring and a plurality of pixel units, and the second wiring is used to drive the plurality of pixel units to display. The first wiring and the second wiring are insulated from each other.

[0007] When the first wiring is specifically set, in a possible embodiment, the first wiring and the second wiring are set in the same stacked layer of the display panel to reduce the number of etching times during the preparation of the flexible display module and simplify the preparation process of the flexible display module.

[0008] In another possible embodiment, the first wiring is located on a side opposite to the display surface of the display panel. Exemplarily, the flexible display module includes a backplane, which is fixed to the display panel and located on a side opposite to the display surface of the display panel. The first wiring is located between the backplane and the display panel, or the first wiring layer is located on a side of the backplane away from the display panel.

[0009] When the electrical connection unit is specifically provided, in a possible embodiment, at least one of the first connection member or the second connection member includes a conductive pin or a conductive sheet. The circuit operation of connecting the functional modules through the conductive pin or the conductive sheet is more convenient.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the flexible display module is a foldable module, and the foldable module includes a first-surface display portion, a second-surface display portion and a bendable display portion, and the bendable display portion is located between the first-surface display portion and the second-surface display portion. The first connecting member is arranged on the first portion, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second portion, specifically including: the first connecting member is arranged on the first-surface display portion, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second-surface display portion. The foldable module provided in the present application is applied to a foldable electronic device to realize electrical connection between circuits of functional modules in different shells of the foldable electronic device, and there is no need to set a wiring space on the hinge assembly, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the hinge assembly and is also beneficial to the thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the flexible display module is a foldable module, and the foldable module includes a third-surface display portion, a fourth-surface display portion, and a bendable display portion, and the bendable display portion is located between the third-surface display portion and the fourth-surface display portion. The first connector is disposed on the first portion, and the second connector is disposed on the second portion, specifically including: the first connector and the second connector are both disposed on the third-surface display portion, and there is a gap between the first connector and the second connector. In other words, the first connector and the second connector are disposed on the same surface display portion. In this way, when the electronic device uses the flexible display module, the electrical connection between the two target functional modules disposed at intervals can be achieved through the surface display portion, thereby reducing the wiring space in the housing of the electronic device, and further facilitating the reduction of the thickness of the electronic device.

[0012] In another possible embodiment, the flexible display module is a roll-up module, and the roll-up module includes an axial end display portion and a movable end display portion.

[0013] The first connecting member is arranged on the first part, and the second connecting member is arranged on the second part, specifically comprising: the first connecting member is arranged on the shaft end display part, and the second connecting member is arranged on the mobile end display part. The application of the roll-up module to the roll-up foldable electronic device can realize the electrical connection between the circuit of the functional module in the shell of the roll-up foldable electronic device and the circuit of the functional module in the push-pull member, thereby making the layout of the roll-up foldable electronic device more reasonable.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable electronic device, which includes a housing assembly, a flexible display module provided by the technical solution of the first aspect, a first circuit, and a second circuit, wherein the flexible display module is mounted on the housing assembly, a first connector is electrically connected to the first circuit, and a second connector is electrically connected to the second circuit. The housing assembly includes a first housing and a second housing, the first circuit is distributed in the first housing, and the second circuit is distributed in the second housing. In this solution, the first circuit distributed in the first housing can be electrically connected to the second circuit distributed in the second housing through the flexible display module, thereby enabling information transmission between the functional module where the first circuit is located and the functional module where the second circuit is located.

[0015] Furthermore, in a possible embodiment, the shell assembly also includes a shaft assembly, and the first shell and the second shell are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the shaft assembly and are rotatably connected via the shaft assembly. The first shell is used to support the first part, and the first shell is fixedly connected to the first part, and the second shell is used to support the second part, and the second shell is fixedly connected to the second part. That is to say, further, the foldable electronic device is a foldable electronic device, and information can be transmitted between the functional modules distributed in the first shell and the functional modules distributed in the second shell in the foldable electronic device, and there is no need to set a wiring space on the shaft assembly, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the shaft assembly and also beneficial to the thinness of the foldable electronic device.

[0016] In another possible embodiment, the housing assembly further includes a scroll, the first housing has an opening, the scroll is rotatably disposed in the first housing, one end of the flexible display module is located in the first housing and fixedly connected to the scroll, and the other end of the flexible display module is exposed from the opening of the first housing and fixedly connected to the second housing. In other words, the foldable electronic device is a roll-up foldable electronic device, and information can be transmitted between the functional modules distributed in the first housing and the functional modules distributed in the second housing in the roll-up foldable electronic device.

[0017] In a possible embodiment, the first circuit includes a system on a chip. The foldable electronic device includes a mainboard, and the first circuit is arranged on the mainboard.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the first connecting member, the second connecting member, and a first wiring connecting the first connecting member and the second connecting member constitute an electrical connection unit.

[0019] At least one of the following is met:

[0020] The second circuit includes a cellular module circuit, which is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit. The cellular module and the mainboard are distributed in different housings, which is conducive to improving the performance of the antenna in the unfolded state.

[0021] The second circuit includes a camera module circuit, and the camera module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit.

[0022] The second circuit includes an audio module circuit, and the audio module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit.

[0023] The second circuit includes a battery module circuit, and the battery module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit.

[0024] In a possible embodiment, the first circuit is a first battery module circuit, and the second circuit is a second battery module circuit. That is, the first battery module and the second battery module are connected through the flexible display module to achieve power transmission, which can provide more options for power management of foldable electronic devices.

[0025] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display module, which includes a display panel, a third wiring, a third connector, and a fourth connector, wherein the third wiring is fixed to the display panel, and the third connector is electrically connected to the fourth connector through the third wiring; the display module includes a third part and a fourth part, the third connector is arranged in the third part, the fourth connector is arranged in the fourth part, and on the side of the display module opposite to the display surface, the third connector and the fourth connector are both exposed from the display module. Thus, the electrical connection between the pair of target functional modules is realized through the third connector, the fourth connector, and the third wiring.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a third housing, a third circuit, a fourth circuit, and a display module as provided in the third aspect above, wherein the display module is mounted on the third housing, the third circuit and the fourth circuit are spaced apart and distributed in the third housing, the third connector is electrically connected to the third circuit, and the fourth connector is electrically connected to the fourth circuit. In other words, the third circuit and the fourth circuit spaced apart and arranged in the third housing can be electrically connected through the display module. In this way, it is beneficial to reduce the arrangement of the wiring space in the third housing, and it is beneficial to reduce the thickness of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a two-fold foldable electronic device after being cut open;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the two-fold foldable electronic device shown omitting the flexible display module;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of a roll-up foldable electronic device;

[0030] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a two-fold foldable electronic device;

[0033] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of a roll-up foldable electronic device;

[0034] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of another foldable electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig.13 A brief schematic diagram of a flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0040] Fig.14 A brief schematic diagram of another flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0041] Fig.15 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0042] Fig.16 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0043] Fig.17 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0044] Fig.18 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0045] Fig.19 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of a foldable module provided in this embodiment is shown;

[0047] Fig.21 A schematic diagram showing another application scenario of a foldable module provided by this embodiment is shown;

[0048] Fig. 22 A schematic structural diagram of a winding module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Fig.23 for Fig. 22 The structural schematic diagram of the winding module shown is in an unfolded state;

[0050] Fig.24 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0051] Fig.25 Another application scenario of the flexible display module provided in this embodiment;

[0052] Fig.26 A schematic diagram of the structure of a foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 27 A schematic diagram of the structure of another foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment;

[0054] Fig.28 for Fig. 27 A schematic diagram of the structure of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 is in an unfolded state;

[0055] Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.30 for Fig.29 The schematic diagram of the application scenario of the display module shown;

[0057] Fig.31 A cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Specifically, a foldable electronic device is an electronic device that can change its own shape by folding, winding, etc. Users can fold and unfold the foldable electronic device to meet different usage requirements. In practical applications, the types of foldable electronic devices can be divided into many types according to different functions. For example, foldable electronic devices can be specifically mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, and e-books. According to the different ways in which the flexible display modules of foldable electronic devices are unfolded, the types of foldable electronic devices can also be divided into many types, such as foldable foldable electronic devices and winding foldable electronic devices. Among them, foldable foldable electronic devices can be divided into two-fold foldable electronic devices and multi-fold foldable electronic devices according to the number of hinge components. Of course, foldable electronic devices can also be classified in other ways, which will not be explained here one by one.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, taking a two-fold foldable electronic device as an example, in a specific implementation, the two-fold foldable electronic device includes a flexible display module O and a first shell 20' and a second shell 30' connected by a hinge assembly 10', and the flexible display module O continuously covers the first shell 20', the hinge assembly 10' and the second shell 30'. Under the action of external force, at least one of the first shell 20' and the second shell 30' can rotate relative to the hinge assembly 10' so that the first shell 20' is folded closer or unfolded farther relative to the second shell 30'. Among them, a first functional module 21' is provided in the first shell 20', a second functional module 31' is provided in the second shell 30', and a through-axis space A is provided on the hinge assembly 10'. A flexible circuit board 40' passes through the through-axis space A of the hinge assembly 10' to connect the circuit of the first functional module 21' and the circuit of the second functional module 31', so that information transmission can be performed between functional modules located in different shells. However, the provision of the through-axis space A on the hinge assembly 10' forms a cavity in the hinge assembly 10', which not only reduces the structural strength of the hinge assembly 10', but also is not conducive to the thinning of the hinge assembly 10', and is not conducive to the thinness of the foldable electronic device. At the same time, as the number of cross-axis signal paths increases, the volume of the flexible circuit board 40' used to transmit signals increases, and the volume of the cavity in the hinge assembly 10' is required to be larger, which has a greater impact on the structural strength of the hinge assembly 10'.

[0060] Figure 3 The structure of a rollable foldable electronic device is shown. Figure 3As shown, the roll-up foldable electronic device comprises a housing 50', a reel 60', a flexible display module 70' and a push-pull member 80'. The housing 50' has an opening 51', and the reel 60' is rotatably connected to the housing 50'. One end of the flexible display module 70' is fixedly connected to the reel 60', and the other end of the flexible display module 70' is fixedly connected to the push-pull member 80'. Under the action of an external force, the reel 60' rotates to realize the unfolding and retracting of the flexible display module 70'. When designing a roll-up foldable electronic device, it is inclined to set functional modules in the housing 50' and on the push-pull member 80' to make the layout of the roll-up foldable electronic device more reasonable. The difficulty of this design is: how to realize the connection between the circuit of the functional module in the housing 50' and the circuit of the functional module in the push-pull member 80'.

[0061] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a flexible display module and a foldable electronic device to solve the above problems. In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to also include expressions such as "one or more", unless there is a clear contrary indication in the context.

[0063] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear at different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0064] A flexible display module 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application may be an organic light-emitting diode display module (OLED). Specifically, Figure 4As shown, the flexible display module 100 includes a display panel 2, the display panel 2 includes a plurality of pixel units (not shown in the figure) and a second wiring (not shown in the figure) for driving the plurality of pixel units to display, the second wiring includes a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, the plurality of gate lines are arranged crosswise with the plurality of data lines, and each gate line is insulated from each other. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines can work together with the pixel driving circuit, so that the display panel 2 can realize display. In specific implementation, as Figure 5 As shown, the flexible display module 100 may include a driving chip 200, and the driving circuit is disposed on the driving chip 200. It is not difficult to understand that the flexible display module 100 may also include a transparent cover plate 1, which covers the display surface of the display panel 2 and is fixedly connected to the display panel 2. Exemplarily, the transparent cover plate 1 may be a glass cover plate (cover glass, CG). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The flexible display module 100 includes a first part and a second part, and the flexible display module 100 also includes an electrical connection unit 31, wherein the electrical connection unit 31 includes a first connector 311, a second connector 312 and a first wiring 3. In a specific implementation, the first connector 311 is arranged at the first part of the flexible display module 100, the second connector 312 is arranged at the second part of the flexible display module 100, the first wiring 3 is fixed to the display panel 2, and the first connector 311 is electrically connected to the second connector 312 through the first wiring 3. On the side of the flexible display module 100 opposite to the display surface, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are both exposed from the flexible display module 100.

[0065] It should be understood that the first line 3 includes a conductor for transmitting signals, and the first line 3 and the second line are insulated from each other. Exemplarily, the material of the conductor in the first line 3 is a metal such as copper, or the first line 3 is a polymer material such as liquid crystal polymers (LCP) doped with a conductive material. There is at least one electrical connection unit 31, that is, according to actual needs, the electrical connection unit 31 can be one, two or three, etc.

[0066] It is worth noting that when designing a foldable electronic device, the design of the flexible display module 100 is matched with the design of the housing assembly in which the flexible display module 100 is installed. Figure 6 As shown, when the foldable electronic device is a foldable foldable electronic device, and the circuit of the functional module 21' in one housing 20' needs to be electrically connected to the circuit of the functional module 31' in another housing 30' for information transmission, one of the two parts of the flexible display module 100 that are opposite to the two housings 20' and 30' is the first part M1, and the other is the second part M2. Figure 7 As shown, when the foldable electronic device is a roll-up foldable electronic device, and the circuit of the functional module B in the shell 50' needs to be electrically connected to the circuit of the functional module C in the push-pull member 80' to realize information transmission, the flexible display module 100 is located in the shell 50' and is connected to the scroll 60'. The part connected to the push-pull member 80' and can extend to the outside of the shell 50' is the first part M1 mentioned above, and the other is the second part M2 mentioned above.

[0067] In some embodiments, when the connecting members are specifically arranged, the first connecting member 311 includes a conductive pin or a conductive pin. Figure 5 Similarly, the second connecting member 312 may also include a conductive pin or a conductive sheet 311b as shown in FIG. Figure 5 . Exemplarily, the conductor of the first wiring 3 is connected to the corresponding conductive pin or conductive sheet 311b. Of course, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are not limited to the above-mentioned conductive pins or conductive sheets 311b, as long as the first wiring 3 can be electrically connected to the circuit of the corresponding functional module. For example: In some other embodiments, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 can both include a board to board connector (BTB connector) or a coaxial connector, etc.

[0068] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 In a specific implementation, the first wiring 3 is disposed in the display panel 2, and the first wiring 3 and the second wiring are disposed in the same layer. In this way, the number of etchings can be reduced, thereby simplifying the preparation process of the flexible display module 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the first wiring 3 and the second wiring may not be prepared in the same layer. For example: Figure 8 In the flexible display module 100 shown, the first wiring 3 is located on the side away from the display surface of the display panel 2, that is, the side of the display panel 2 away from the transparent cover 1. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The cross-sectional view of the flexible display module 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a back plate (BP) 4, which is fixed to the side of the display panel 2 away from the transparent cover plate 1, and the first wiring 3 is located between the back plate 4 and the display panel 2, or the first wiring 3 is located on the side of the back plate 4 away from the display panel 2. It should be understood that the first wiring 3 can be located under any original functional layer of the flexible display module 100, and can also be arranged on the same layer as any original functional layer of the flexible display module 100.

[0069] Next, combine Fig.11 A flexible display module 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application is introduced. Fig.11As shown, in a specific implementation, the flexible display module 100 includes a transparent cover plate 1, a display panel 2, a first wiring 3 and a back plate 4, wherein the transparent cover plate 1 covers the display panel 2 and is fixedly connected to the display panel 2, and the first wiring 3 is fixed between the display panel 2 and the back plate 4. The first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are electrically connected to the first wiring 3 in the middle of the corresponding first part or the second part, and are led out to the outside of the flexible display module 100 through the via hole on the back plate 4. Unlike Fig. 9 In the flexible display module 100 shown, the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 are electrically connected to the first trace 3 at the edge of the corresponding first part or the second part, and are led out from the edge of the corresponding first part or the second part to the outside of the flexible display module 100 .

[0070] It is worth noting that the middle of the first part and the second part mentioned in this embodiment refers to the position in the first part and the second part that is spaced apart from the edges of the first part and the second part, rather than the center position of the first part and the second part in a narrow sense.

[0071] The flexible display module 100 also includes other structures, for example: Fig.12 In the flexible display module 100 shown, the flexible display module 100 further includes a transparent optically clear adhesive (OCA) 5, a polarizer (Pol) 6, and a super clean foam (SCF) layer 7, etc., wherein the polarizer 6 and the transparent optical adhesive 5 are sequentially arranged on the display surface of the display panel 2, and the polarizer 6 and the transparent optical adhesive 5 are both located between the transparent cover plate 1 and the display panel 2. The super clean foam layer 7 is arranged on the side of the back plate 4 away from the display panel 2. When the first wiring 3 is located on the side of the display panel 2 away from the transparent cover plate 1, the first wiring 3 can be located between the super clean foam layer 7 and the back plate 4.

[0072] Fig.13 FIG. 1 shows a brief schematic diagram of a two-fold flexible display module provided by this embodiment, Fig.14 A schematic diagram of a three-fold flexible display module provided by this embodiment is shown. Fig.13 and Fig.14In some embodiments, the flexible display module 100 is a foldable module, which includes a first surface display portion 101a, a second surface display portion 101b and a bendable display portion 102, and the bendable display portion 102 is connected between the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b. The first connecting member 311 is disposed on the first part, and the second connecting member 312 is disposed on the second part, specifically including: the first connecting member 311 is disposed on the first surface display portion 101a, and the second connecting member 312 is disposed on the second surface display portion 101b.

[0073] It is not difficult to understand that when the flexible display module 100 is a multi-fold flexible display module, the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b can be two adjacent surface display portions, or two surface display portions separated by other surface display portions. The first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b provided with the same electrical connection unit are a surface display group. According to actual needs, the multi-fold flexible display module can include one surface display group or multiple surface display groups. It is not difficult to understand that different surface display groups may share a surface display portion or may not share a surface display portion.

[0074] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of a foldable module provided in this embodiment is shown, such as Fig.15 As shown, a pair of target function modules 9 are distributed on both sides of the rotating shaft assembly 82, and the circuits of the two target function modules 9 are electrically connected through the foldable module (that is, the flexible display module 100), thereby realizing the transmission of information. There is no need to set a through-shaft space on the rotating shaft assembly 82. The reduction of the cavity on the rotating shaft assembly 82 is conducive to ensuring the structural strength of the rotating shaft assembly 82 and also to the thinness of the rotating shaft assembly 82. It should be understood that the target function module 9 includes a circuit board and a functional device arranged on the circuit board. For example, the circuit board can be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0075] It is worth noting that a pair of target functional modules 9 are two functional modules distributed in different housings and whose circuits need to be electrically connected. Fig.15 Only the axis a of the rotating shaft assembly 82 is shown.

[0076] In specific implementation, the specific number of the electrical connection units 31 is determined according to actual needs. The following is a brief description using the flexible display module 100 as a foldable module as an example. Fig.15In the application scenario of the flexible display module 100 shown, in a specific implementation manner, the foldable electronic device using the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment is a two-fold foldable electronic device, in which the circuits of the two target functional modules 9 distributed on both sides of the hinge assembly 82 need to be electrically connected, and the flexible display module 100 may include an electrical connection unit 31. That is, the circuit of the target functional module 9 on one side of the hinge assembly 82 is electrically connected to the first connection member 311, and the circuit of the target functional module 9 on the other side of the hinge assembly 82 is electrically connected to the second connection member 312, so that the two target functional modules 9 on both sides of the hinge assembly are electrically connected through the flexible display module 100.

[0077] In another specific embodiment, Fig.16 As shown, in the two-fold foldable electronic device, two pairs of target function modules 9 are distributed on both sides of the hinge assembly 82, and the circuits of the two target function modules 9 in each pair need to be electrically connected, so the flexible display module 100 may include two electrical connection units 31. That is, the circuits of the two target function modules 9 in each pair are electrically connected through one electrical connection unit 31. It is worth noting that Fig.16 In the application scenarios shown, only the axis a of the rotating shaft assembly 82 is illustrated.

[0078] Of course, in some embodiments, according to actual needs, when the foldable electronic device using the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment is a two-fold foldable electronic device, the number of electrical connection units 31 can also be three, four or five, etc., which are not listed one by one here.

[0079] Fig.17 FIG. 2 shows another application scenario of a foldable module provided by this embodiment. Fig.17 As shown, in another specific implementation, the foldable electronic device using the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment is a three-fold foldable electronic device, and the three-fold foldable electronic device includes two hinge assemblies 82. The flexible display module 100 includes three surface display parts and two bendable display parts 102. According to different actual needs, the three surface display parts can include one surface display group, two surface display groups or three surface display groups. For example: Fig.17 In the application scenario of the flexible display module 100 shown, the circuits of two target functional modules 9 distributed in different housings need to be electrically connected, and the flexible display module 100 has a surface display group. It should be understood that in a surface display group, the positions of the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b are determined according to the positions of the corresponding pair of target functional modules 9. Fig.17 As shown, a pair of adjacent surface display portions of the flexible display module 100 is a first surface display portion 101a and a second surface display portion 101b. Fig.18 As shown, one of the two surface display portions located on both sides is a first surface display portion 101a, and the other is a second surface display portion 101b.

[0080] Fig.19 In the application scenario of the flexible display module 100 shown, the three target function modules 9 are distributed in different housings, and the circuits of the two target function modules 9 on the right need to be electrically connected to the circuit of the target function module 9 on the left. Then the flexible display module 100 has two surface display groups, and the two surface display groups share the leftmost surface display part. Similarly, Figure 17-Figure 19 In the illustrated application scenario, only the axis a of the rotating shaft assembly 82 is illustrated.

[0081] The number of display groups on the foldable electronic device, the number of pairs of target functional modules 9 and their distribution can also be other situations, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0082] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an application scenario of a foldable module provided by this embodiment. Fig. 20 As shown, in some embodiments, the flexible display module 100 is a foldable module, and the foldable module includes a third surface display portion 101c, a fourth surface display portion 101d and a bendable display portion 102, and the bendable display portion 102 is connected between the third surface display portion 101c and the fourth surface display portion 101d. The first connecting member 311 is arranged in the first part, and the second connecting member 312 is arranged in the second part, specifically including: the first connecting member 311 and the second connecting member 312 are both arranged in the third surface display portion 101c, and there is a gap between the first connecting member 311 and the second connecting member 312. That is to say, the first connecting member 311 and the second connecting member 312 are arranged at intervals on the same surface display portion. In this case, the electrical connection unit can be used for electrical connection between the circuits of a pair of functional modules 9 located in the housing corresponding to the third surface display portion 101c and having a gap.

[0083] It is worth noting that the third surface display portion 101c can be the same surface display portion as the first surface display portion 101a, and the third surface display portion 101c can also be a surface display portion other than the first surface display portion 101a and the second surface display portion 101b. Whether the fourth surface display portion 101d is the same surface display portion as the first surface display portion 101a or the second surface display portion 101b can be specifically understood according to specific embodiments.

[0084] One or more electrical connection units may be provided in the same surface display portion, that is, one or more pairs of circuits of the functional modules 9 may be electrically connected through the surface display portion. Fig.21 In some embodiments, the same surface display portion (for example: Fig.21The third surface display portion 101c) can also be provided with one or more electrical connection units and a first connector including multiple electrical connection units. It is not difficult to understand that the second connector corresponding to each of the above-mentioned first connectors is provided on other surface display portions. In other words, while the circuits of one or more pairs of functional modules 9 are electrically connected through the surface display portion, the surface display portion can also realize the electrical connection between the circuits of the corresponding one or more pairs of functional modules 9 together with other surface display portions. It should be understood that when the same surface display portion is provided with multiple first connectors, the multiple first connectors 311 can be integrated into a terminal, which is electrically connected to the corresponding target functional module 9 through the terminal. According to the specific settings, the target functional modules 9 corresponding to different first connectors 311 can be the same or different.

[0085] In some embodiments, the flexible display module 100 is a roll-up module. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 , Fig. 22 and Fig.23 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of the structure of a roll-up module, and the figure shows a roll 83 of a roll-up foldable electronic device. Specifically, Fig. 22 In the embodiment, most of the roll-to-roll module is wound on the reel 83. Fig.23 The winding module is unfolded to its maximum length. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the roll-up module includes an axis end display portion 103 and a mobile end display portion 104, wherein the axis end display portion 103 is used to be fixedly connected to the scroll 83 of the roll-up foldable electronic device, and the mobile end display portion 104 is used to be fixedly connected to the push-pull member (that is, the second shell 812 mentioned below) of the roll-up foldable electronic device. The first connecting member 311 is arranged on the first part, and the second connecting member 312 is arranged on the second part, specifically including: the first connecting member 311 is arranged on the axis end display portion 103, and the second connecting member 312 is arranged on the mobile end display portion 104. In this way, when a functional module that needs to be electrically connected is installed in the shell and the push-pull member of the roll-up foldable electronic device, it can be realized by the roll-up module provided in this embodiment.

[0086] It is not difficult to understand that in the winding module, the specific number of the electrical connection units 31 is also determined according to actual needs. Fig.24 The schematic diagram of the application scenario of the winding module is shown in FIG. Fig.24As shown, the foldable electronic device using the roll-up module (that is, the roll-up foldable electronic device) includes a housing assembly and a flexible display module 100, wherein the housing assembly includes a first housing 81a and a second housing 81b, wherein a target functional module 9 is fixed in each of the first housing 81a and the second housing 81b, and the circuits of the two target functional modules 9 need to be electrically connected, and the roll-up module includes an electrical connection unit 31. Fig.25 As shown, when the circuits of two target functional modules 9 in the first shell 81 a need to be electrically connected to the circuits of the target functional module 9 in the second shell 81 b , the winding module includes two electrical connection units 31 .

[0087] A foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment includes a shell assembly, a first circuit, a second circuit and the above-mentioned flexible display module 100, and further, the flexible display module 100 is fixed to the shell assembly. The shell assembly includes a first shell and a second shell, the first circuit is distributed in the first shell, and the second circuit is distributed in the second shell. The first connector 311 is electrically connected to the first circuit, and the second connector 312 is electrically connected to the second circuit, so that the electrical connection between the first circuit and the second circuit is achieved through the first connector 311, the second connector 312 and the corresponding first wiring 3. It is not difficult to understand that the first circuit is a circuit of a functional module, and the second circuit is a circuit of another functional module. In the foldable electronic device, the number of logarithms of the target functional module 9, that is, the number of logarithms of the first circuit and the second circuit is set according to the actual situation, for example: the first circuit and the second circuit can be a pair, two pairs or three pairs, etc.

[0088] In a specific embodiment, the housing assembly further includes a hinge assembly 82, and the first housing 81c and the second housing 81d are disposed on opposite sides of the hinge assembly 82 and are rotatably connected via the hinge assembly 82. That is, the foldable electronic device is a foldable electronic device. Further, the first housing 81c is used to support the first part, and the first housing 81c is fixedly connected to the first part, and the second housing 81d is used to support the second part, and the second housing 81d is fixedly connected to the second part. Exemplarily, the connection between the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 and the corresponding first circuit or the second circuit can be achieved by snapping together a board-to-board connector of a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and the connection between the first connector 311 and the second connector 312 and the first trace 3 can adopt the existing bonding technology of the flexible display module 100.

[0089] Fig.26What is shown is a two-fold foldable electronic device with a pair of target functional modules 9. It should be understood that the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment can also be a three-fold foldable electronic device or a four-fold foldable electronic device, etc., and the target functional modules 9 in the foldable electronic device can also be two pairs or three pairs, etc., which are not listed one by one in this embodiment.

[0090] Please refer to Fig. 27 and Fig.28 In the structural schematic diagram of the foldable electronic device shown in FIG. 1 , in another specific embodiment, the housing assembly includes a first housing 81a, a second housing 81b and a reel 83. Specifically, the first housing 81a has an opening 8111, and the reel 83 is rotatably disposed in the first housing 81a. One end of the flexible display module 100 is located in the first housing 81a and is fixedly connected to the reel 83, and the other end of the flexible display module 100 is exposed from the opening 8111 of the first housing 81a and is fixedly connected to the second housing 81b. In other words, the foldable electronic device is a roll-up foldable electronic device. Fig. 27 and Fig.28 All of the foldable electronic devices shown in the figure have a pair of target function modules 9. It should be understood that the target function modules 9 in the foldable electronic device provided in this embodiment can also be two pairs or three pairs, etc., and examples are not given one by one in this embodiment.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first circuit includes a system on chip, the foldable electronic device includes a mainboard, and the first circuit is arranged on the mainboard. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, the second circuit includes a cellular module circuit, and the cellular module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit 31. When the cellular module and the mainboard are distributed in different housings, it is beneficial to improve the antenna performance in the unfolded state. In another specific embodiment, the second circuit includes a camera module circuit, and the camera module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit 31. In another specific embodiment, the second circuit includes an audio module circuit, and the audio module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit. In another specific embodiment, the second circuit includes a battery module circuit, and the battery module circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit through an electrical connection unit.

[0092] It should be understood that there may be two or more second circuits, for example, at least two of the cellular module circuit, the camera module circuit, the audio module circuit and the battery module circuit are second circuits, and each second circuit is electrically connected to the first circuit via an electrical connection unit 31.

[0093] In a specific implementation, the first circuit is a first battery module circuit, and the second circuit is a second battery module circuit. That is, the first battery module and the second battery module are connected through the flexible display module 100 and realize the transmission of electric energy. In this way, more options can be provided for power management of foldable electronic devices.

[0094] From the above content, it can be known that the first wiring 3 can transmit signals other than screen driving signals, for example, including radio frequency signals, and can also be used to transmit electric energy. At the same time, it should be understood that the types of target functional modules 9 in this embodiment are not exhaustive, and can be specifically set according to actual needs during implementation.

[0095] Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application, Fig.30 for Fig.29 The following is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the display module. Fig.29 and Fig.30 As shown, the display module 300 includes a display panel 310, a third wiring 320, a third connector 330 and a fourth connector 340. Specifically, the third wiring 320 is fixed to the display panel 310, the display module includes a third part and a fourth part, the third connector is arranged in the third part, the fourth connector is arranged in the fourth part, and the third connector 330 and the fourth connector 340 are electrically connected through the third wiring 320. On the side of the display module opposite to the display surface, the third connector 330 and the fourth connector 340 are exposed from the display module. In this way, when the electronic device uses the display module, the electrical connection between a pair of target functional modules 9 arranged at intervals can be realized through the display module. Specifically, one target function module 9 in a pair of target function modules of the electronic device is electrically connected to the third connector 330, and the other target function module 9 in the pair of target function modules is electrically connected to the corresponding fourth connector 340, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the pair of target function modules through the third connector 330, the fourth connector 340 and the third routing 320, that is, the electrical connection between the circuits of the two target function modules.

[0096] It should be understood that the display panel 310 includes a plurality of pixel units (not shown in the figure) and a fourth routing line (not shown in the figure) for driving the plurality of pixel units to display, and the fourth routing line includes a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines, the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines are arranged crosswise, and each gate line is insulated from each data line. The plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines can work together with the pixel driving circuit, so that the display panel 310 can realize display. The third routing line 320 includes a conductor for transmitting a signal, and the third routing line 320 is insulated from the fourth routing line. Exemplarily, the material of the conductor in the third routing line 320 is a metal such as copper, or the third routing line 320 is a polymer material such as liquid crystal polymers (LCP) doped with a conductive material. If a third connector 330, a fourth connector 340 corresponding to the third connector 330, and a third wiring 320 connecting the third connector 330 and the fourth connector 340 are used as an electrical connection unit, then there is at least one electrical connection unit, that is, according to actual needs, the electrical connection unit can be one, two or more.

[0097] In a specific embodiment, the display module 300 has a surface display portion, the third connecting member is arranged in the third portion, and the fourth connecting member is arranged in the fourth portion. Specifically, the third connecting member 330 and the fourth connecting member 340 are both arranged in the surface display portion, and there is a gap between the third connecting member 330 and the fourth connecting member 340.

[0098] The other structures of the display panel and the specific configuration of the third connector 330 , the fourth connector 340 and the third wiring 320 may refer to the above-mentioned flexible display module and will not be described in detail here.

[0099] Fig.31 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.31 As shown, the electronic device includes the above-mentioned display module 300, the third housing 400, and the third circuit and the fourth circuit. The display module 300 is installed in the third housing 400, the third circuit and the fourth circuit are spaced apart in the third housing, the third connecting member is electrically connected to the third circuit, and the fourth connecting member is electrically connected to the fourth circuit. In other words, the above-mentioned third circuit and the fourth circuit spaced apart in the third housing 400 can be electrically connected through the display module 300. In this way, it is beneficial to reduce the setting of the connecting circuit in the third housing 300, which is beneficial to reduce the thickness of the electronic device.

[0100] It is not difficult to understand that the third circuit and the fourth circuit are respectively arranged on the corresponding circuit board 500, and the specific structures and functions of the third circuit and the fourth circuit are arranged according to actual needs. For example, the third circuit can be arranged on the main board of the electronic device, and the fourth circuit can be arranged on the sub-board of the electronic device. The third trace 320 can be used to transmit radio frequency signals, etc., and can also be used to transmit electrical energy, which will not be listed here one by one.

[0101] When the third housing 400 is specifically provided, in a specific implementation, the third housing 400 includes a fixedly connected back cover 410 and a middle frame 420. Further, in this case, a battery 600 may be provided between the two circuit boards 500, and the third circuit and the fourth circuit may be provided on both sides of the battery 600.

[0102] Exemplarily, the display module may be a rigid display module or a flexible display module, and the electronic device may be a straight-type electronic device.

[0103] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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