Display module and display device with same

Abstract

The invention discloses a display module and a display device with the same. The display module comprises a display panel and a supporting structure which are stacked, the display panel comprises a bendable area and non-bendable areas, the bendable area is connected between the two non-bendable areas, under the condition that the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area is bent towards the side away from the supporting structure, and the supporting structure comprises a first supporting part and a second supporting part, the first supporting part is arranged corresponding to the non-bending area and has first hardness; and the second supporting part is at least arranged corresponding to the bendable area, and the second supporting part has second hardness smaller than the first hardness. According to the scheme, the problems that in the prior art, a rigid material is adopted for supporting the display panel, so that stability is poor, and bending deformation is likely to happen are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display module and a display device having the same. Background Art

[0002] The bending area of ​​the screen of a folding screen device is easily damaged, which is caused by local stress concentration in the bending area of ​​the screen when it is bent. In order to solve the problem of damage when the screen is bent, steel sheets are used as support structures in the prior art. However, steel sheets are heavy and expensive, which does not conform to the current development trend of thinner and portable smart devices. A support layer combining flexibility and rigidity has gradually developed in the field of folding screens.

[0003] However, in the currently used support layer that is a combination of flexible and rigid materials, the two materials have different hardness and properties, and gaps are easily present. The above gaps can easily lead to unstable connections in the support layers, poor support stability in the bending zone, and unstable coordination of the support structure, which ultimately causes the display module to bend and deform easily. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a display module and a display device having the same, so as to solve the problem in the prior art that the display module uses rigid materials to support the display panel, which easily leads to poor stability and easy bending and deformation.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present application, a display module is provided, comprising a stacked display panel and a supporting structure, wherein the display panel comprises a bendable area and a non-bending area, wherein the bendable area is connected between two non-bending areas, and when the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area bends toward a side away from the supporting structure, and the supporting structure comprises: a first supporting portion, arranged corresponding to the non-bending area, and the first supporting portion has a first hardness; a second supporting portion, arranged at least corresponding to the bendable area, and the second supporting portion has a second hardness less than the first hardness.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present application, a display device is provided, comprising the display module as described above.

[0007] The present application proposes a display module, wherein the display panel includes a bendable area and a non-bending area, and the display panel also includes a support structure. Since the first hardness of the first support portion corresponding to the non-bending area is greater than the second hardness of at least the second support portion corresponding to the bendable area, the support structure can be designed to use a material with a higher hardness in the non-bending area and a material with a lower hardness in the bending area, respectively corresponding to the bending characteristics of the display panel that the non-bending area requires hard support and the bending area requires soft support. This design enables the display module to be unfolded and folded. Both the non-bending area and the bendable area of ​​the display panel can be effectively supported, avoiding excessive stress on the display panel in the bendable area and extending the service life of the display module. Therefore, in the present application, the first support portion and the second support portion are tightly connected by a chimeric fit, which improves the support stability of the support structure to the display panel, avoids bending deformation of the support layer after the display module is bent multiple times, and solves the problem of poor stability and easy bending deformation in the display module of the prior art that rigid materials are used to support the display panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings constituting a part of the present application are used to provide a further understanding of the present application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present application are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a display module provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state;

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another display module provided according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state;

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state;

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state;

[0017] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a display module in a bent state;

[0018] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of area A in the display module shown in FIG.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a first supporting protrusion and a second supporting protrusion in a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a second supporting portion in a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a first supporting portion in a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Fig.14 is a structural schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the display device shown in the case where it is in a bent state.

[0024] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0025] 1. Display device; 2. Non-display area; 3. Display area; 10. Display panel; 110. Bendable area; 111. First bendable area; 112. Second bendable area; 120. Non-bending area; 20. Support structure; 210. First support portion; 220. Second support portion; 221. First support area; 222. Second support area; 223. Connecting area; 230. Support protrusion; 2301. First sub-protrusion; 2302. Second sub-protrusion; 231. First support protrusion; 2310. Accommodation protrusion; 232. Second support protrusion; 2320. Accommodation groove; 240. Base; 250. Embedded structure; 260. Accommodation cavity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0027] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0029] As mentioned in the background technology, in the currently used flexible and rigid combination support layers, the two materials have different hardness and characteristics, and gaps are likely to exist. The above gaps are likely to cause unstable connection of the support layer, poor support stability in the bending area, and unstable coordination of the support structure, which ultimately causes the display module to bend and deform easily. In order to solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a display module and a display device having the same.

[0030] According to the embodiments of the present application, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a display module is provided, including a stacked display panel 10 and a support structure 20, the display panel 10 includes a bendable area 110 and a non-bending area 120, the bendable area 110 is connected between the two non-bending areas 120, and when the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area 110 bends toward a side away from the support structure 20, and the support structure 20 includes: a first support portion 210, which is arranged corresponding to the non-bending area 120, and the first support portion 210 has a first hardness; a second support portion 220, which is at least arranged corresponding to the bendable area 110, and the second support portion 220 has a second hardness less than the first hardness.

[0031] With the display module in the above embodiment, since the first hardness of the first support portion 210 corresponding to the non-bending area 120 is greater than the second hardness of the second support portion 220 corresponding to at least the bendable area 110, the support structure 20 can be designed to use a material with a higher hardness in the non-bending area 120 and a material with a lower hardness in the bending area, corresponding to the bending characteristics of the display panel 10 that the non-bending area 120 requires hard support and the bending area requires soft support. This design ensures that both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 can be effectively supported when the display module is unfolded and folded, thereby avoiding excessive stress on the display panel 10 in the bendable area 110 and extending the service life of the display module. Therefore, in the present application, the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220 are tightly connected by means of an interlocking fit, thereby improving the support stability of the support structure 20 for the display panel 10, avoiding bending and deformation of the support layer after the display module is bent multiple times, and solving the problem in the prior art that the display module uses rigid materials to support the display panel 10, which is prone to poor stability and easy bending and deformation.

[0032] The above is the core idea of ​​this application. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In a display module in one embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 As shown, the display panel 10 includes a bendable area 110 and a non-bending area 120, the second support portion 220 may include a first support area 221 and a second support area 222, the first support area 221 is connected between the two second support areas 222, the first support portion 210 is located between the second support area 222 and the non-bending area 120, the first support area 221 corresponds to the bendable area 110, and the second support area 222 corresponds to the non-bending area 120.

[0034] Specifically, when the display module is used as a folding screen, the display panel 10 can be divided into a bendable area 110 and a non-bendable area 120, and the bendable area 110 is connected between two non-bendable areas 120. Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the display module in the bent state is shown. When the display module is in the bent state, Figure 2As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the supporting structure 20, and the second supporting portion 220 can also be divided into a first supporting area 221 and a second supporting area 222. The first supporting portion 210 is located between the second supporting area 222 and the non-bending area 120. At this time, since the second hardness of the second supporting area 222 is less than the first hardness of the first supporting portion 210, the hardness of the supporting structure 20 gradually increases in the direction close to the non-bending area 120, and the first supporting portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, since the portion of the supporting structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second supporting portion 220 with the second hardness, the supporting structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, so that the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 can be effectively supported, thereby avoiding excessive stress of the display panel 10 in the bending area and extending the service life of the display module.

[0035] In a display module in another embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 10 includes a bendable area 110 and a non-bendable area 120, the bendable area 110 may include a first bendable area 111 and a second bendable area 112, the second support portion 220 may include a first support area 221, a second support area 222 and a connection area 223, the connection area 223 is used to connect the two second support areas 222 with the first support area 221, the first support portion 210 is located between the second support area 222 and the non-bendable area 120, the first support area 221 corresponds to the first bendable area 111, the connection area 223 corresponds to the second bendable area 112, and the second support area 222 corresponds to the non-bendable area 120.

[0036] Specifically, when the display module is used as a folding screen, the display panel 10 can be divided into a first bendable area 111, a second bendable area 112 and a non-bendable area 120, and the second bendable area 112 is connected between the two non-bendable areas 120 and the first bendable area 111. Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the display module in the bent state is shown. When the display module is in the bent state, Figure 4As shown, the bendable area 110 having the first bendable area 111 and the second bendable area 112 is bent toward the side away from the support structure 20, and the second support portion 220 can also be divided into a first support area 221, a second support area 222 and a connecting area 223. The first support portion 210 is located between the second support area 222 and the non-bending area 120. At this time, since the second hardness of the second support area 222 is less than the first hardness of the first support portion 210, the support structure 20 is close to the non-bending area 120. The hardness gradually increases, and the first support portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, since the portion of the support structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second support portion 220 with a second hardness, the support structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, so that both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 can be effectively supported, avoiding excessive stress of the display panel 10 in the bending area and extending the service life of the display module.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the first supporting area 221 in the first direction a is greater than the thickness of the first supporting portion 210 . The first direction a is a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the display panel 10 , and the first surface is a surface of the display panel 10 opposite to the supporting structure 20 .

[0038] In the above optional implementation, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the first support area 221 in the first direction a is H1, and the thickness of the first support portion 210 in the first direction a is H2, and H1 is greater than H2. The thickening of the second support portion 220 in the non-bending area 120 can provide stronger structural support, ensure the flatness and stability of the non-bending area 120 when the display module is unfolded, and avoid unnecessary bending or deformation of the non-bending area 120 due to external force or gravity. In addition, the increased thickness of the second support portion 220 in the non-bending area 120 helps to improve the stress distribution inside the screen body, especially during the folding and unfolding process, which can reduce the stress concentration between the non-bending area 120 and the bending area, thereby extending the service life of the folding screen.

[0039] In the above optional implementation, if Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the first support area 221 can also be the sum of the thickness of the second support area 222 and the first support portion 210. By making the first support area 221, the second support area 222 and the first support portion 210 satisfy the above thickness relationship, the thickness distribution of the entire display module can be balanced to avoid structural imbalance or poor display effect caused by local thickness differences.

[0040] In some optional embodiments, the hardness of the second support portion 220 is less than that of the first support portion 210 , the material of the first support portion 210 includes a rigid material, and the material of the second support portion 220 includes a flexible material.

[0041] Specifically, the flexible material forming the first support portion 210 can be selected from any one or more of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), polyimide (PI), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and elastomeric rubber, but is not limited to the above types. Those skilled in the art can make a reasonable selection based on the prior art.

[0042] Specifically, the second support portion 220 may be selected from rigid materials such as metal materials, glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP), carbon fiber composite materials, ceramic materials, engineering plastics and reinforcement plates, wherein the metal materials include but are not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium alloys, etc., and the above types have high strength, good thermal stability and thermal conductivity; glass fiber reinforced plastic is a composite material that combines the high strength of glass fiber and the lightweight properties of plastic, and is often used in applications requiring higher rigidity and lightweight, and carbon fiber composite materials also have an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio; engineering plastics include but are not limited to polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), nylon, etc., and have good mechanical properties and heat resistance; a reinforcement plate is a composite material plate containing metal or carbon fiber components, which can be used to enhance the rigidity of a specific area.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first support area 221 has a plurality of support protrusions 230 close to the bendable area 110. The support protrusions 230 can provide support when the display module is flattened, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the display module is bent, a semicircular arc with a fixed curvature can be formed by design to stably support the bending area, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0044] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second supporting portion 220 includes a base 240 and supporting protrusions 230 . The supporting protrusions 230 are distributed on a side of the base 240 close to the display panel 10 and have the same height.

[0045] In the above optional embodiment, the support protrusions 230 of equal height can ensure that the stress distribution of the bending area of ​​the display panel 10 is more uniform during the folding and unfolding process. This can avoid material fatigue or damage caused by stress concentration and extend the service life of the display module; and when the multiple support protrusions 230 are equal in height, they can form a preset, uniform radius of curvature when the display module is bent, which helps to reduce the depth of the crease, so that the display module still maintains good visual effects and flatness after folding. On the other hand, the support protrusions 230 of equal height can fit closely with each other during the folding process, so as to form a continuous support surface and reduce the gaps between the support protrusions 230, thereby improving the structural stability and mechanical strength of the bending area and preventing the display module from bending irregularly or excessively when folded.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the orthographic projections of the plurality of supporting protrusions 230 on the display panel 10 have the same area, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of supporting protrusions 230 on the display panel 10 have the same shape.

[0047] In the above optional implementation, the support protrusions 230 of the same orthographic projection size mean that they occupy the same area on the plane, so when under pressure, the load can be dispersed more evenly to avoid excessive force on a certain part and cause material fatigue or damage, thereby improving the overall stability and durability; and, during the folding and unfolding process, the support protrusions 230 of the same orthographic projection size can help the display module form a more consistent curved shape, avoid uneven folding or uneven creases caused by uneven sizes of the support protrusions 230, and improve the display quality and user experience of the display module. In addition, the use of support protrusions 230 of the same size can simplify the design process, making it more convenient and efficient in structural design and subsequent manufacturing processes. Standardized sizes also mean that the same mold can be used for production, reducing production costs and time.

[0048] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the supporting protrusion 230 on the display panel 10 may be selected from any one or more combinations of a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, a rhombus and a parallelogram, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0049] It should be noted that although Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cross-sectional shape of the support protrusion 230 shown in the figure is a rectangle, but the cross-sectional shape of the support protrusion 230 in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to a rectangle, and can also be other shapes, such as a trapezoid, a combination of a trapezoid and a rectangle, and other shapes that can form a close arrangement.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second support portion 220 is divided into a first support area 221 and a second support area 222. The second support portion 220 includes a base 240 and a support protrusion 230. Each support protrusion 230 having the same shape has a second surface and a third surface relative to each other. The second surface is located on a side of the third surface close to the display panel 10, and the orthographic projection of the third surface on the first surface is located in the orthographic projection of the second surface on the first surface.

[0051] Specifically, by designing the second surface and the third surface of the support protrusion 230 as described above, the shape of the support protrusion 230 can be equal to or similar to a trapezoid, and the trapezoidal structure can adaptively adjust its support characteristics according to the angle and degree of bending of the display module. When the display module is flattened, the upper base of the trapezoid can provide sufficient support; and when bent, the lower base of the trapezoid can provide a wider support area to ensure the stability and support effect of the display module in different states. Moreover, compared with a rectangle or other shapes, the trapezoidal design can provide more stable support during the bending process, avoid the left and right shaking of the support protrusion 230 when bending, improve the structural stability of the screen, and reduce deformation and damage to the bendable area 110.

[0052] For example, using Figure 5 The display module shown is used as a folding screen. The display panel 10 is divided into a bendable area 110 and a non-bendable area 120. The bendable area 110 is connected between two non-bendable areas 120. Figure 6 Yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the display module in the bent state is shown. When the display module is in the bent state, Figure 6 As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the supporting structure, the second supporting portion 220 is divided into a first supporting area 221 and a second supporting area 222, the first supporting portion 210 is located between the second supporting area 222 and the non-bending area 120, the second hardness of the second supporting area 222 is less than the first hardness of the first supporting portion 210, and the first supporting portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, the portion of the supporting structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second supporting portion 220 with the second hardness, so that the supporting structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, so that the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 can be effectively supported; and the trapezoidal support protrusion 230 can provide more stable support during the bending process.

[0053] In other optional embodiments, such as Figure 7As shown, the second supporting portion 220 includes a base 240 and a supporting protrusion 230, and each supporting protrusion 230 having the same shape has a first sub-protrusion 2301 and a second sub-protrusion 2302, the first sub-protrusion 2301 is located on a side of the second sub-protrusion 2302 close to the display panel 10, the first sub-protrusion 2301 has a first orthographic projection on the first surface, and the second sub-protrusion 2302 has a second orthographic projection on the first surface, and the size of the first orthographic projection is smaller than the size of the second orthographic projection.

[0054] Specifically, the design of the first sub-protrusion 2301 and the second sub-protrusion 2302 can make the support protrusion 230 form a shape similar to an arrow. The arrow-shaped design can provide multi-point contact when bending, so as to more effectively disperse stress, reduce stress concentration, and thus reduce the formation of creases, thereby improving the durability of the display module. In addition, the arrow-shaped support protrusion 230 can provide good planar support when unfolded, and can naturally form a stable triangular shape when folded. This structure has excellent self-supporting ability, helps to maintain the shape of the bendable area 110, and reduces deformation and damage when folded.

[0055] For example, using Figure 7 The display module shown is used as a folding screen. The display panel 10 is divided into a bendable area 110 and a non-bendable area 120. The bendable area 110 is connected between two non-bendable areas 120. Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the display module in the bent state is shown. When the display module is in the bent state, Figure 8 As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the supporting structure, the second supporting portion 220 is divided into a first supporting area 221 and a second supporting area 222, the first supporting portion 210 is located between the second supporting area 222 and the non-bending area 120, the second hardness of the second supporting area 222 is less than the first hardness of the first supporting portion 210, and the first supporting portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, the portion of the supporting structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second supporting portion 220 with the second hardness, so that the supporting structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, so that the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 can be effectively supported; and the arrow-shaped supporting protrusion 230 can form a stable triangular state during the bending process, so that the supporting protrusion 230 has excellent self-supporting ability for the display panel.

[0056] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, a plurality of support protrusions 230 are arranged in at least one row on one side of the display panel 10 , and the arrangement direction of each row of support protrusions 230 is the direction from the bendable area 110 to the non-bending area 120 .

[0057] In the above optional embodiment, the support protrusions 230 are arranged in at least one row, which can ensure that each area of ​​the display panel 10 is evenly and stably supported, especially in the bendable area 110, which can effectively disperse the stress, avoid damage and creases of the display panel 10 caused by stress concentration, and extend the service life of the display module; further, the support protrusions 230 can be arranged to be distributed in an array, and the support protrusions 230 distributed in an array form a grid-like support system. This structure provides additional mechanical stability and strength, reduces the deformation of the support layer during folding and unfolding, and thus improves the structural stability of the entire display module.

[0058] In some optional embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, any two adjacent support protrusions 230 have the same spacing. The support protrusions 230 arranged at equal intervals mean that each part of the display panel 10 is supported by the same frequency and equal strength, which helps to evenly disperse the stress borne by the display panel 10 when folding and unfolding, avoid local stress concentration, thereby reducing the deformation and creases of the display panel 10 and extending the service life of the display module. In addition, in the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10, the support protrusions 230 at equal intervals form a stable array, and the upper ends of the support protrusions 230 contact each other to form a semicircular arc line shape with a fixed curvature. The closely arranged support protrusions 230 can support the bending area in all directions, and the interaction between each structure is more orderly. The bendable area 110 will not shake or deform left and right due to unbalanced support, which can enhance the rigidity of the structure and reduce the instability of the bendable area 110 during the folding process, so that the display module is more stable in the folded state, reducing creases and improving the service life of the folding screen.

[0059] In the above optional implementation, the spacing between adjacent supporting protrusions 230 may satisfy the following preset formula:

[0060] △L=π×H / n,

[0061] Wherein, ΔL is the distance between adjacent supporting protrusions 230 , H is the height of the supporting protrusions 230 , and n is the number of supporting protrusions 230 in the same row.

[0062] Take the above-mentioned supporting protrusion 230 as a rectangle as an example for explanation. Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a plurality of closely arranged support protrusions 230 is shown in the middle A area. The closely arranged support protrusions 230 form a semicircular arc with a fixed curvature. The height of the support protrusion 230 is H. When the display module is in a bent state, the upper inner circle arc length of the semicircular arc formed by the closely arranged support protrusions 230 is L1, and the radius of the circle is R1. The lower outer circle arc length of the semicircular arc formed by the closely arranged support protrusions 230 is L2, and the radius of the circle is R2. The arc lengths L1 and L2, the radii R1 and R2, and the number n can satisfy the following relationship:

[0063] α=π / n, L1=α×R1, L2=α×R2, R2=R1+H;

[0064] L2-L1=n×△L,

[0065] Wherein, ΔL is the distance between adjacent supporting protrusions 230 , and n is the number of closely arranged supporting protrusions 230 in the same row that form a semicircular arc shape with a fixed curvature.

[0066] When the display panel 10 is bent, a curvature radius is formed in the bendable area. In order to ensure that the display panel forms a smooth curved surface when bent, the support protrusions 230 need to be closely arranged in the bent state to form a semicircular arc arrangement that matches the bending curvature of the display panel. That is, the spacing (△L) of the support protrusions 230 needs to be adjusted according to the curvature radius of the display panel when it is bent to ensure that the support protrusions can be evenly distributed on the bending curve of the display panel. Specifically, when the display panel is in a bent state, the upper side (considered as the inner circle in the flattened state) and the lower side (considered as the outer circle in the flattened state) of the closely arranged support protrusions 230 have different arc lengths, and the arc length (L2) corresponding to the lower side is always greater than the arc length (L1) corresponding to the upper side, and this difference determines the spacing (△L) of the support protrusions, that is: △L = (L2-L1) / n. The above formula ensures that in the bent state, the supporting protrusion can form a continuous and uniform supporting surface according to a preset curvature radius, thereby preventing the display panel from forming additional creases or damage when bent.

[0067] At this time, the spacing between adjacent support protrusions 230 can satisfy the following formula: △L=L2-L1=π×H / n. The above design can support the bendable area in all directions, and will not cause the bendable area to shake or deform due to unbalanced support, thereby improving the stability of the bendable area, reducing creases, and increasing the service life of the folding screen.

[0068] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application can be optimized according to the size of the bendable area of ​​the display panel 10 and the required curvature to ensure the structural stability and smooth operation of the display panel 10 when it is bent. The above-mentioned optimized support protrusion 230 ensures the structural stability and smooth operation of the display panel 10 when it is bent, avoids local damage to the display panel 10 during the bending process, and improves the stability and durability of the display module. Application scenarios include devices that need to be bent frequently, such as the daily use of foldable screen mobile phones. This design can ensure the stability and smoothness of the screen when it is frequently bent, and improve the user experience.

[0069] In some optional embodiments, at least one first supporting protrusion 231 among the multiple supporting protrusions 230 has a contact portion on one side close to an adjacent second supporting protrusion 232, and when the display module is in a bent state, the first supporting protrusion 231 contacts the second supporting protrusion 232 through the contact portion.

[0070] In the above optional implementation, the first supporting protrusion 231 contacts the second supporting protrusion 232 via the contact portion, which can reduce the friction between the supporting protrusions 230 when the display module is bent, thereby maintaining the stability of the supporting layer.

[0071] In the above optional implementation, if Fig.11 As shown, the contact portion may be a receiving protrusion 2310, and a side of the second supporting protrusion 232 close to the first supporting protrusion 231 may have a receiving groove 2320 matched with the receiving protrusion 2310, and when the display module is in a bent state, at least part of the receiving protrusion 2310 is located in the receiving groove 2320. This matching design of the receiving protrusion 2310 and the receiving groove 2320 reduces the friction between the supporting protrusions 230 when the display module is bent, ensures the smoothness of the screen bending, and improves the durability of the screen and the user experience.

[0072] For example, Fig.11As shown, the receiving protrusion 2310 is spherical, the receiving groove 2320 has a concave surface, and the radius R3 of the receiving protrusion 2310 is smaller than the radius R4 of the concave surface in the receiving groove 2320. The convex spherical shape and the receiving groove 2320 of the semicircular concave surface cooperate to form a connection method similar to a ball socket, which can enhance the stability between adjacent rectangular supporting protrusions 230 and prevent the supporting structure from sliding relative to each other during the bending process of the display module, thereby improving the structural stability of the entire supporting layer. In addition, when the spherical receiving protrusion 2310 contacts the receiving groove 2320 of the semicircular concave surface, it can provide a larger contact area, which helps to disperse stress and reduce stress concentration points, thereby reducing the crease when the screen is bent, and improving the durability and service life of the screen. In addition, the spherical structure has strong adaptability and can maintain good contact in bending at different angles. Even when the bending angle of the display module changes, the spherical structure can adapt seamlessly to ensure the continuity of the supporting protrusion 230 and the stable support of the bendable area.

[0073] Furthermore, the size and position of the accommodating protrusion 2310 and the accommodating groove 2320 can be reasonably designed and precisely calculated to ensure that when the screen is bent to a specific angle, the supporting protrusion 230 can form a continuous semicircular arc line, thereby providing stable curvature support, thereby ensuring that the supporting layer can form a continuous semicircular arc line when bent to a specific angle, providing stable curvature support, avoiding local damage to the display module during the bending process, and improving the stability and durability of the display module.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, such as Fig.12 As shown, the second support portion 220 further includes a base 240 and a connecting portion located on the base 240 . The connecting portion is located on one side of the base 240 close to the non-bending area 120 . The second support portion 220 is connected to the first support portion 210 via the connecting portion.

[0075] In the above optional implementation, the connection portion of the second support portion 220 can enhance the connection stability with the first support portion 210 , and prevent gaps or separation caused by relative movement during the bending process of the display module.

[0076] In the above optional implementation, if Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the first support portion 210 may have a receiving cavity 260 close to the second support portion 220 , and the connecting portion may be an embedded structure 250 that is engaged and connected with the receiving cavity 260 .

[0077] Specifically, the connection portion can be designed in the shape of an "I". At this time, by designing a matching accommodating cavity 260 in the first support portion 210, the second support portion 220 can form a mechanical snap-on connection with the first support portion 210. This interlocking fit can significantly enhance the connection stability between the first support portion 210 and the second support portion 220. Moreover, the interlocking "I"-shaped design increases the contact surface area between the second support portion 220 and the first support portion 210, which helps to improve the mechanical strength and rigidity of the entire support layer, ensuring the structural stability of the display module during folding and unfolding. In addition, the interlocking design helps to achieve the precise positioning of the second support portion 220 between the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110, ensuring the correct layout of the support protrusion 230 on the display panel 10, and avoiding the folding performance of the display module being affected by position offset.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, the support protrusion 230, the connecting portion and the base 240 are integrally formed. The integrally formed design reduces the number of seams in the support layer and avoids weakening of the joints, thereby improving the overall structural strength and stability of the second support portion 220. During the bending process, this seamless structure can better withstand stress and reduce wear and damage. In addition, the integrally formed technology can more accurately control the size and shape of the second support portion 220, ensure a close fit between the support protrusion 230, the connecting portion and the base 240, reduce assembly problems caused by manufacturing tolerances, and ensure the smoothness and stability of the display module when folded.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present application, Fig.14 As shown, a display device 1 is provided, comprising the display module in the above embodiment, including a stacked display panel and a supporting structure, wherein the display panel has a display area 3 and a non-display area 2. The display device 1 may have the display module in the above embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The display module shown includes a stacked display panel 10 and a support structure 20, the display panel 10 includes a bendable area 110 and a non-bending area 120, the bendable area 110 is connected between the two non-bending areas 120, and when the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area 110 is bent toward a side away from the support structure 20, and the support structure 20 includes: a first support portion 210, which is arranged corresponding to the non-bending area 120, and the first support portion 210 has a first hardness; a second support portion 220, which is at least arranged corresponding to the bendable area 110, and the second support portion 220 has a second hardness less than the first hardness.

[0080] Fig.15 Yes Fig.14The structure diagram of the display device 1 in the bent state is shown. When the display device 1 is in the bent state, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the supporting structure 20, and the second supporting portion 220 includes at least a first supporting area 221 and a second supporting area 222. The first supporting portion 210 is located between the second supporting area 222 and the non-bending area 120. At this time, since the second hardness of the second supporting area 222 is less than the first hardness of the first supporting portion 210, the hardness of the supporting structure 20 gradually increases in the direction close to the non-bending area 120, and the first supporting portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, since the portion of the supporting structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second supporting portion 220 with the second hardness, the supporting structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, so that both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 can be effectively supported.

[0081] Exemplarily, taking the display panel in the display device 1 as a foldable OLED display panel as an example, the OLED display panel is mainly used in products such as foldable screen mobile phones, wearable devices and portable e-readers. For example, in a foldable screen mobile phone, the bendable area 110 of the OLED display panel can realize the bending of the screen, which not only greatly reduces the size of the device, making it easier to carry and store, but also provides users with a larger screen display area, improving the multimedia and multi-tasking experience. In the design of a foldable screen mobile phone, the non-bending area 120 of the display panel 10 is mainly used for fixing and supporting, while the bendable area 110 allows the screen to be folded when not in use to protect the display panel 10 from external damage.

[0082] Specifically, the display device may be an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a computer, and a television, and the display panel may be applied thereto.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, the OLED display panel includes a driving substrate, a light-emitting layer and an encapsulation layer stacked in sequence, and the support structure in the display device is located on the side of the driving substrate away from the light-emitting layer. Exemplarily, the driving substrate is a TFT substrate, and the TFT substrate has a thin film transistor; the light-emitting layer includes an anode layer, a cathode layer and an organic light-emitting material layer formed between the anode layer and the cathode layer.

[0084] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present application achieve the following technical effects:

[0085] 1) The present application adopts a material with a higher hardness in the non-bending area and a material with a lower hardness in the bendable area through the combination of the first supporting part and the second supporting part, which respectively corresponds to the bending characteristics of the display panel that the non-bending area requires hard support and the bendable area requires soft support, thereby effectively improving the structural stability and durability of the screen and avoiding bending deformation of the support layer after the display module is bent multiple times;

[0086] 2) The present application can also optimize the support structure design to ensure the smoothness and uniform curvature of the display module when bending, reduce the friction and damage of the screen during frequent bending, and significantly improve the user experience and service life of the folding screen device. In actual applications, the design of the support structure in this application can adapt to a variety of folding modes to meet the needs of different users.

[0087] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, commodity or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity or device. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity or device including the elements.

[0088] The above are only embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that: The invention comprises a stacked display panel and a support structure, wherein the display panel comprises a bendable area and a non-bending area, wherein the bendable area is connected between two non-bending areas, and when the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area bends toward a side away from the support structure, and the support structure comprises: A first support portion, disposed corresponding to the non-bending area, and having a first hardness; The second supporting portion is at least arranged corresponding to the bendable area, and the second supporting portion has a second hardness smaller than the first hardness.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second supporting portion includes a first supporting area and a second supporting area, the first supporting area is connected between two second supporting areas, and the first supporting portion is located between the second supporting area and the non-bending area.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the first supporting area is greater than the thickness of the first supporting portion in a first direction, and the first direction is a direction perpendicular to a first surface of the display panel, and the first surface is a surface of the display panel opposite to the supporting structure.

4. The display module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness of the first supporting region is the sum of the thickness of the second supporting region and the first supporting portion.

5. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The material of the first supporting part includes a rigid material, and the material of the second supporting part includes a flexible material.

6. The display module according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The first supporting region has a plurality of supporting protrusions close to the bendable area.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second supporting portion includes a base and the supporting protrusions, and the supporting protrusions are distributed on a side of the base close to the display panel and have the same height.

8. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The orthographic projections of the plurality of support protrusions on the display panel have the same area, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of support protrusions on the display panel have the same shape.

9. The display module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the supporting protrusion on the display panel is selected from any one or more combinations of a rectangle, a trapezoid, a triangle, a rhombus and a parallelogram.

10. The display module according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the supporting protrusions having the same shape has a second surface and a third surface opposite to each other, the second surface is located on a side of the third surface close to the display panel, the orthographic projection of the third surface on the first surface of the display panel is located in the orthographic projection of the second surface on the first surface, and the first surface is a surface of the display panel opposite to the supporting structure; or Each of the supporting protrusions having the same shape has a first sub-protrusion portion and a second sub-protrusion portion, the first sub-protrusion portion is located on a side of the second sub-protrusion portion close to the display panel, the first sub-protrusion portion has a first orthographic projection on the first surface, the second sub-protrusion portion has a second orthographic projection on the first surface of the display panel, the size of the first orthographic projection is smaller than the size of the second orthographic projection, and the first surface is the surface of the display panel opposite to the supporting structure.

11. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of support protrusions are arranged in at least one row on one side of the display panel, and the support protrusions in each row are arranged in a direction from the bendable area to the non-bending area.

12. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that: Any two adjacent support protrusions have the same distance between them.

13. The display module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The spacing between adjacent support protrusions satisfies the following preset formula: △L=π×H / n, Wherein, ΔL is the distance between adjacent supporting protrusions, H is the height of the supporting protrusion, and n is the number of the supporting protrusions in the same column.

14. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least one first supporting protrusion among the plurality of supporting protrusions has a contact portion on one side close to an adjacent second supporting protrusion, and when the display module is in a bent state, the first supporting protrusion contacts the second supporting protrusion through the contact portion.

15. The display module according to claim 14, characterized in that: The contact portion is a receiving protrusion, and a side of the second supporting protrusion close to the first supporting protrusion has a receiving groove matching with the receiving protrusion. When the display module is in a bent state, at least part of the receiving protrusion is located in the receiving groove.

16. The display module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The receiving protrusion is spherical, the receiving groove has a concave surface, and the radius of the receiving protrusion is smaller than the radius of the concave surface.

17. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second supporting portion further includes a base and a connecting portion located on the base, the connecting portion is located on a side of the base close to the non-bending area, and the second supporting portion is connected to the first supporting portion via the connecting portion.

18. The display module according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first supporting portion has a receiving cavity close to the second supporting portion, and the connecting portion is an embedded structure that is engaged and connected with the receiving cavity.

19. The display module according to claim 17, characterized in that: The supporting protrusion, the connecting portion and the base are integrally formed.

20. A display device, characterized in that: A display module comprising any one of claims 1 to 19.

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