Display module and display device with the same

Abstract

The application discloses a display module and a display device with the same. The display module comprises a display panel and a support structure which are stacked, the display panel comprises a bendable area and a non-bendable area, the bendable area is connected between two non-bendable areas, the bendable area is bent towards a side away from the support structure in a bent state of the display module, and the support structure comprises: a first support part which is arranged corresponding to the non-bendable area and has a first hardness; and a second support part which is arranged corresponding to at least the bendable area and has a second hardness smaller than the first hardness. The application solves the problem that the use of rigid materials to support the display panel in the prior art display module easily leads to poor stability and easy bending deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more specifically, to a display module and a display device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Foldable screen devices are prone to damage in the bending area due to stress concentration caused during bending. Current technologies use steel sheets as a support structure to address this issue; however, steel sheets are heavy and expensive, which does not align with the current trend towards thinner and more portable smart devices. Therefore, a support layer combining flexible and rigid components is gradually emerging in the foldable screen field.

[0003] However, in the current combination of flexible and rigid support layers, the two materials have different hardness and properties, which can easily lead to gaps. These gaps can cause unstable connection of the support layer, poor support stability in the bending area, and unstable fit of the support structure, ultimately causing the display module to be easily bent and deformed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a display module and a display device having the same, to solve the problem in the prior art that the use of rigid materials to support the display panel in the display module easily leads to poor stability and easy bending and deformation.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a display module is provided, including a stacked display panel and a support structure. The display panel includes a bendable area and non-bendable areas. The bendable area is connected between two of the non-bendable areas. When the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area bends toward a side away from the support structure. The support structure includes: a first support portion corresponding to the non-bendable areas and having a first hardness; and a second support portion corresponding to at least the bendable areas and having a second hardness less than the first hardness.

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

[0007] This application proposes a display module, wherein the display panel includes a bendable area and a non-bendable area, and the display panel also includes a support structure. Since the first hardness of the first support portion corresponding to the non-bendable 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 harder material in the non-bendable area and a softer material in the bendable area. This addresses the bending characteristics of the display panel, where the non-bendable area requires rigid support and the bendable area requires soft support. This design ensures effective support for both the non-bendable and bendable areas of the display panel when the display module is unfolded and folded, avoiding excessive stress on the bendable area and extending the lifespan of the display module. Therefore, in this application, the first and second support portions are tightly connected through a fitting mechanism, improving the support stability of the support structure for the display panel and preventing bending deformation of the support layer after multiple bends of the display module. This solves the problem in existing display modules where using rigid materials to support the display panel easily leads to poor stability and easy bending deformation. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a display module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display module in a bent state.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display module provided according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display module in a bent state.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display module in a bent state.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display module in a bent state.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a display module in a bent state;

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of region A in the display module.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a first support protrusion and a second support protrusion in a display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the second support portion in a display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the first support portion in a display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The diagram shows the structure of the display device in a bent state.

[0024] The above figures 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-bendable area; 20. Support structure; 210. First support part; 220. Second support part; 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. Receiving protrusion; 232. Second support protrusion; 2320. Receiving groove; 240. Base; 250. Embedded structure; 260. Receiving cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0026] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort 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, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0029] As mentioned in the background section, in the currently used support layers that combine flexible and rigid materials, the two materials have different hardness and properties, which easily leads to gaps. These gaps can cause unstable connections in the support layer, poor support stability in bending areas, and unstable fit of the support structure, ultimately resulting in the display module being prone to bending and deformation. To solve the above technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a display module and a display device having the same.

[0030] According to embodiments of this application, such as 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 non-bendable areas 120. The bendable area 110 is connected between two non-bendable areas 120. When the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the support structure 20. The support structure 20 includes: a first support portion 210, which is correspondingly disposed to the non-bendable areas 120 and has a first hardness; and a second support portion 220, which is at least corresponding to the bendable area 110 and has a second hardness less than the first hardness.

[0031] In the display module described in the above embodiments, 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 the bendable area 110, the support structure 20 can be designed to use a material with higher hardness in the non-bending area 120 and a material with lower hardness in the bending area. This corresponds to the bending characteristics of the display panel 10, where 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 are effectively supported when the display module is unfolded and folded, avoiding excessive stress on the display panel 10 in the bendable area 110 and extending the service life of the display module. Therefore, in this application, the first support part 210 and the second support part 220 are closely connected by a fitting and cooperating manner, which improves the support stability of the support structure 20 for the display panel 10, avoids the bending deformation of the support layer after the display module is bent multiple times, and solves the problem that the use of rigid materials to support the display panel 10 in the display module in the prior art easily leads to poor stability and easy bending deformation.

[0032] The above is the core idea of ​​this application. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] In a display module of one embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the display panel 10 includes a bendable area 110 and a non-bendable 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 areas 222 and the non-bendable area 120. The first support area 221 corresponds to the bendable area 110, and the second support area 222 corresponds to the non-bendable area 120.

[0034] Specifically, when using a display module as a foldable screen, the display panel 10 can be divided into a bendable area 110 and a non-bendable area 120, with the bendable area 110 connecting the two non-bendable areas 120. Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state. When the display module is bent, as shown... Figure 2As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the support structure 20. The second support portion 220 can also be divided into a first support region 221 and a second support region 222. The first support portion 210 is located between the second support region 222 and the non-bending area 120. At this time, since the second hardness of the second support region 222 is less than the first hardness of the first support portion 210, the hardness of the support structure 20 gradually increases in the direction close to the non-bending area 120. 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 part of the support structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second support portion 220 with the second hardness, the support structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110. This allows both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 to be effectively supported, avoiding excessive stress on the display panel 10 in the bending area and extending the service life of the display module.

[0035] In another embodiment of the display module of this application, such as 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 connecting area 223. The connecting 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 connecting 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 using a display module as a foldable 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. The second bendable area 112 is connected between the two non-bendable areas 120 and the first bendable area 111. Figure 4 Is it like this? Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state. When the display module is bent, as shown... Figure 4As shown, the bendable region 110, having a first bendable region 111 and a second bendable region 112, bends toward the side away from the support structure 20. The second support portion 220 can also be divided into a first support region 221, a second support region 222, and a connecting region 223. The first support portion 210 is located between the second support region 222 and the non-bending region 120. At this time, since the second hardness of the second support region 222 is less than the first hardness of the first support portion 210, the support structure 20 is supported in the direction closer to the non-bending region 120. The hardness gradually increases, and the first support part 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, since the part of the support structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second support part 220 with a second hardness, the support structure 20 maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110. This allows both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 to be effectively supported, avoiding excessive stress on the display panel 10 in the bending area and extending the service life of the display module.

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

[0038] In the above optional implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the first support region 221 in the first direction a is H1, and the thickness of the first support portion 210 in the first direction a is H2, where H1 is greater than H2. The increased thickness of the second support portion 220 in the non-bending area 120 provides stronger structural support, ensuring the flatness and stability of the non-bending area 120 when the display module is unfolded, and preventing unnecessary bending or deformation of the non-bending area 120 due to external forces or gravity. Furthermore, the increased thickness of the second support portion 220 in the non-bending area 120 helps improve the stress distribution inside the screen, especially during folding and unfolding, reducing stress concentration between the non-bending area 120 and the bending area, thereby extending the lifespan of the foldable screen.

[0039] In the above optional implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the first support region 221 can also be the sum of the thicknesses of the second support region 222 and the first support portion 210. By ensuring that the first support region 221, the second support region 222, and the first support portion 210 satisfy the above-mentioned thickness relationship, the thickness distribution of the entire display module can be balanced, avoiding structural imbalance or poor display effect caused by local thickness differences.

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

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

[0042] Specifically, the second support 220 can be selected from rigid materials such as metal materials, glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), carbon fiber composite materials, ceramic materials, engineering plastics, and reinforcing plates. Among them, the metal materials include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, and magnesium alloys, which 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 with the lightweight properties of plastic and is often used in applications requiring high rigidity and lightweight. 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), and nylon, which have good mechanical properties and heat resistance. The reinforcing plate is a composite material plate containing metal or carbon fiber components, which can be used to enhance the rigidity of specific areas.

[0043] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the first support region 221 has multiple support protrusions 230 near the bendable region 110. These support protrusions 230 can provide support when the display module is flattened, such as... Figure 1 As shown, when the display module bends, a semi-circular arc with a fixed curvature can be designed to stably support the bending area, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0044] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second support portion 220 includes a base 240 and a support protrusion 230. The support protrusion 230 is distributed on the side of the base 240 close to the display panel 10 and has the same height.

[0045] In the above-mentioned optional embodiments, the equal-height support protrusions 230 ensure a more uniform stress distribution in the bending area of ​​the display panel 10 during folding and unfolding. This avoids material fatigue or damage caused by stress concentration, extending the service life of the display module. Furthermore, when multiple support protrusions 230 are of equal height, they can form a preset, uniform radius of curvature when the display module is bent, which helps reduce the depth of creases and allows the display module to maintain good visual effect and flatness after folding. On the other hand, the equal-height support protrusions 230 can fit closely together during folding, facilitating the formation of a continuous support surface, reducing the gaps between the support protrusions 230, thereby improving the structural stability and mechanical strength of the bending area and preventing irregular or excessive bending of the display module during folding.

[0046] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the orthographic projections of the multiple support protrusions 230 on the display panel 10 have the same area, and the orthographic projections of the multiple support protrusions 230 on the display panel 10 have the same shape.

[0047] In the above optional embodiments, the support protrusions 230 with the same orthographic projection size mean that they occupy the same area on the plane. Therefore, when subjected to pressure, the load can be distributed more evenly, avoiding excessive stress on any part that could cause material fatigue or damage, thereby improving the overall stability and durability. Furthermore, during folding and unfolding, the support protrusions 230 with the same orthographic projection size help the display module form a more consistent curved shape, avoiding uneven folding or uneven creases caused by uneven sizes of the support protrusions 230, thus improving the display quality and user experience of the display module. In addition, using support protrusions 230 of the same size simplifies the design process, making structural design and subsequent manufacturing processes more convenient and efficient. Standardized dimensions also mean that the same molds can be used for production, reducing production costs and time.

[0048] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the aforementioned support protrusion 230 on the display panel 10 can be selected from any one or more combinations of rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, rhombuses, and parallelograms, and this application embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

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

[0050] In some alternative implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second support portion 220 is divided into a first support region 221 and a second support region 222. The second support portion 220 includes a base 240 and a support protrusion 230. Each support protrusion 230 with the same shape has a second surface and a third surface opposite to each other. The second surface is located on the side of the third surface closer to the display panel 10. 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 and third surfaces of the support protrusion 230 as described above, its shape can be equal to or similar to a trapezoid. This 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 flat, the upper base of the trapezoid provides sufficient support; while when bent, the lower base provides a wider support area, ensuring the stability and support effect of the display module in different states. Furthermore, compared to rectangles or other shapes, the trapezoidal design provides more stable support during bending, preventing the support protrusion 230 from swaying left and right during bending, improving the structural stability of the screen, and reducing deformation and damage to the bendable area 110.

[0052] For example, adopting such Figure 5 The display module shown is used as a foldable 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 the two non-bendable areas 120. Figure 6 Is it like this? Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state. When the display module is bent, as shown... Figure 6 As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the support structure. The second support portion 220 is divided into a first support region 221 and a second support region 222. The first support portion 210 is located between the second support region 222 and the non-bending area 120. The second hardness of the second support region 222 is less than the first hardness of the first support portion 210. The first support portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, the part of the support structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second support portion 220 with second hardness, so that the support structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, thereby enabling both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10 to be effectively supported. Furthermore, the trapezoidal support protrusion 230 can provide more stable support during bending.

[0053] In other alternative implementations, such as Figure 7As shown, the second support portion 220 includes a base 240 and a support protrusion 230. Each support 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 the side of the second sub-protrusion 2302 that is 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. 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 allows the support protrusion 230 to form an arrow-like shape. This arrow-shaped design provides multi-point contact during bending, thereby more effectively dispersing stress, reducing stress concentration, and thus mitigating crease formation and improving the durability of the display module. Furthermore, the arrow-shaped support protrusion 230 provides good planar support when unfolded, and naturally forms a stable triangular shape when folded. This structure has excellent self-supporting capabilities, helping to maintain the shape of the bendable area 110 and reducing deformation and damage during folding.

[0055] For example, adopting such Figure 7 The display module shown is used as a foldable 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 the two non-bendable areas 120. Figure 8 Is it like this? Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structure of the display module in a bent state. When the display module is bent, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the support structure. The second support portion 220 is divided into a first support region 221 and a second support region 222. The first support portion 210 is located between the second support region 222 and the non-bending area 120. The second hardness of the second support region 222 is less than the first hardness of the first support portion 210. The first support portion 210 with greater hardness can enhance the structural rigidity of the non-bending area 120. At the same time, the part of the support structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second support portion 220 with the second hardness, so that the support structure 20 always maintains a low hardness in the direction close to the bendable area 110, thereby effectively supporting both the non-bending area 120 and the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10. Furthermore, the arrow-shaped support protrusion 230 can form a stable triangular shape during the bending process, thereby giving the support protrusion 230 excellent self-supporting ability for the display panel.

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

[0057] In the above optional embodiments, the support protrusions 230 are arranged in at least one column, which can ensure that every area of ​​the display panel 10 is uniformly and stably supported. Especially in the bendable area 110, stress can be effectively dispersed, avoiding damage and creases to the display panel 10 caused by stress concentration, and extending the service life of the display module. Furthermore, the support protrusions 230 can also be arranged in an array, forming a grid-like support system. This structure provides additional stability and strength mechanically, 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 alternative implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, any two adjacent support protrusions 230 have the same spacing. The equally spaced support protrusions 230 mean that every part of the display panel 10 is supported by the same frequency and intensity. This helps to evenly distribute the stress on the display panel 10 during folding and unfolding, avoiding localized stress concentration, thereby reducing deformation and creases in the display panel 10 and extending the lifespan of the display module. Furthermore, in the bendable area 110 of the display panel 10, the equally spaced support protrusions 230 form a stable array. The upper ends of the support protrusions 230 contact each other, forming a closely arranged semi-circular arc shape with a fixed curvature. The closely arranged support protrusions 230 can support the bendable area from all directions. The interaction between each structure is more orderly, preventing the bendable area 110 from swaying or deforming due to unbalanced support. This enhances the rigidity of the structure, reduces the instability of the bendable area 110 during folding, makes the display module more stable in the folded state, reduces creases, and improves the lifespan of the foldable screen.

[0059] In the above optional embodiments, the spacing between adjacent support protrusions 230 can satisfy the following preset formula:

[0060] △L=π×H / n,

[0061] Where △L is the spacing between adjacent support protrusions 230, H is the height of the support protrusion 230, and n is the number of support protrusions 230 located in the same column.

[0062] Taking the aforementioned support protrusion 230 as an example of a rectangle, as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, where, Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram in area A shows a series of closely arranged support protrusions 230. These closely arranged protrusions form a semi-circular arc with a fixed curvature. The height of each support protrusion 230 is H. When the display module is bent, the upper inner arc length of the semi-circular arc formed by the closely arranged support protrusions 230 is L1, and the radius of the circle is R1. The lower outer arc length of the semi-circular 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] Where △L is the spacing between adjacent support protrusions 230, and n is the number of closely arranged support protrusions 230 in the same column that form a semi-circular arc shape with a fixed curvature.

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

[0067] At this point, the spacing between adjacent support protrusions 230 can satisfy the following formula: △L=L2-L1=π×H / n. This design provides all-around support for the bendable area, preventing it from swaying or deforming due to unbalanced support, thus improving the stability of the bendable area, reducing creases, and extending the lifespan of the foldable screen.

[0068] Therefore, the embodiments of this 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 during bending. The support protrusion 230 of the above-mentioned optimized design ensures the structural stability and smooth operation of the display panel 10 during bending, avoids local damage to the display panel 10 during bending, and improves the stability and durability of the display module. Application scenarios include devices that require frequent bending, such as the daily use of foldable screen phones. This design can ensure the stability and smoothness of the screen during frequent bending, improving the user experience.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments, at least one of the plurality of support protrusions 230, a first support protrusion 231, has a contact portion on the side near the adjacent second support protrusion 232, and the first support protrusion 231 contacts the second support protrusion 232 through the contact portion when the display module is in a bent state.

[0070] In the above optional embodiments, the first support protrusion 231 contacts the second support protrusion 232 through the contact portion, which can reduce the friction between the support protrusions 230 when the display module is bent and maintain the stability of the support layer.

[0071] In the above optional implementations, such as Figure 11 As shown, the contact portion can be a receiving protrusion 2310, and the side of the second support protrusion 232 near the first support protrusion 231 can have a receiving groove 2320 that mates with the receiving protrusion 2310. 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 mating design of the receiving protrusion 2310 and the receiving groove 2320 reduces the friction between the support 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, such as Figure 11As shown, the receiving protrusion 2310 is spherical, and the receiving groove 2320 has a concave surface. The radius R3 of the receiving protrusion 2310 is smaller than the radius R4 of the concave surface in the receiving groove 2320. The spherical protrusion and the semi-circular concave receiving groove 2320 cooperate to form a connection similar to a ball-and-socket joint. This connection enhances the stability between adjacent rectangular support protrusions 230, preventing relative sliding of the support structure during the bending of the display module, thereby improving the structural stability of the entire support layer. Furthermore, when the spherical receiving protrusion 2310 contacts the semi-circular concave receiving groove 2320, it can provide a larger contact area, which helps to disperse stress, reduce stress concentration points, and thus reduce creases during screen bending, improving the screen's durability and lifespan. In addition, the spherical structure has strong adaptability and can maintain good contact during bending at different angles. Even when the bending angle of the display module changes, the spherical structure can adapt seamlessly, ensuring the continuity of the support protrusion 230 and stable support of the bendable area.

[0073] Furthermore, the size and position of the accommodating protrusion 2310 and the accommodating groove 2320 can be precisely calculated to ensure that when the screen is bent to a specific angle, the supporting protrusion 230 can form a continuous semi-circular arc, thereby providing stable curvature support. This ensures that the support layer can form a continuous semi-circular arc 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 alternative implementations, such as Figure 12 As shown, the second support portion 220 also includes a base 240 and a connecting portion located on the base 240. The connecting portion is located on the side of the base 240 near the non-bending area 120. The second support portion 220 is connected to the first support portion 210 through the connecting portion.

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

[0076] In the above optional implementations, such as Figure 12 and Figure 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 fits into and connects with the receiving cavity 260.

[0077] Specifically, the connecting part can be designed in an "I" shape. In this case, by designing a matching receiving cavity 260 in the first support part 210, the second support part 220 can form a mechanical snap-fit ​​connection with the first support part 210. This interlocking fit significantly enhances the connection stability between the first support part 210 and the second support part 220. Furthermore, the interlocking "I" shape design increases the contact area between the second support part 220 and the first support part 210, helping to improve the mechanical strength and rigidity of the entire support layer and ensuring the structural stability of the display module during folding and unfolding. In addition, the interlocking design helps to achieve precise positioning of the second support part 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 any impact on the folding performance of the display module due to positional misalignment.

[0078] In some alternative embodiments, the support protrusion 230, the connecting portion, and the base 240 are integrally molded. This integral molding design reduces the number of seams in the support layer, preventing weakening at the joints and thus improving the overall structural strength and stability of the second support portion 220. During bending, this seamless structure can better withstand stress, reducing wear and damage. Furthermore, the integral molding technology allows for more precise control of the size and shape of the second support portion 220, ensuring a tight fit between the support protrusion 230, the connecting portion, and the base 240, reducing assembly problems caused by manufacturing tolerances, and guaranteeing the smoothness and stability of the display module during folding.

[0079] According to another embodiment of this application, such as Figure 14 As shown, a display device 1 is provided, including the display module in the above embodiment, comprising a stacked display panel and a supporting structure. The display panel has a display area 3 and a non-display area 2. The display device 1 may have the features described above. 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-bendable area 120. The bendable area 110 is connected between two non-bendable areas 120. When the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the support structure 20. The support structure 20 includes: a first support portion 210, which is correspondingly disposed to the non-bendable area 120 and has a first hardness; and a second support portion 220, which is at least corresponding to the bendable area 110 and has a second hardness less than the first hardness.

[0080] Figure 15 Is it like this? Figure 14The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the display device 1 in a bent state. When the display device 1 is bent, as shown... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the bendable area 110 bends toward the side away from the support structure 20. The second support portion 220 includes at least a first support region 221 and a second support region 222. The first support portion 210 is located between the second support region 222 and the non-bending area 120. At this time, since the second hardness of the second support region 222 is less than the first hardness of the first support portion 210, the hardness of the support structure 20 gradually increases in the direction close to the non-bending area 120. 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 part of the support structure 20 corresponding to the bendable area 110 is the second support portion 220 with the 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.

[0081] For example, taking a foldable OLED display panel as an example, the display panel in display device 1 is mainly used in products such as foldable screen phones, wearable devices, and portable e-readers. For instance, in a foldable screen phone, the bendable area 110 of the OLED display panel allows the screen to be bent, 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 multitasking experience. In the design of a foldable screen 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, protecting the display panel 10 from external damage.

[0082] Specifically, the aforementioned display device can be an electronic device such as a mobile phone, computer, or television, and the aforementioned display panel can be applied to all of them.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, the OLED display panel includes a driving substrate, a light-emitting layer, and an encapsulation layer stacked sequentially, with the support structure in the display device located on the side of the driving substrate opposite to the light-emitting layer. For example, the driving substrate is a TFT substrate, which has thin-film transistors; 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] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects:

[0085] 1) This application uses a combination of a first support part and a second support part, using a material with higher hardness in the non-bending area and a material with lower hardness in the bendable area, respectively corresponding to the bending characteristics of the display panel, which requires hard support in the non-bending area and soft support in the bendable area. This effectively improves the structural stability and durability of the screen and avoids bending deformation of the support layer after the display module is bent multiple times.

[0086] 2) The optimized support structure design of this application also ensures the smoothness and uniform curvature of the display module when it is bent, reduces the friction and damage of the screen during frequent bending, and significantly improves the user experience and service life of the foldable screen device. In practical applications, the support structure design in this application can adapt to various folding modes and meet the needs of different users.

[0087] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0088] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, The system includes a stacked display panel and a support structure. The display panel includes a bendable area and non-bendable areas. The bendable area is connected between two non-bendable areas. When the display module is in a bent state, the bendable area bends toward the side away from the support structure. The support structure includes: A first support portion is provided corresponding to the non-bending area, and the first support portion has a first hardness; The second support portion has a second hardness that is less than the first hardness. The second support portion includes a first support area corresponding to the bendable area and a second support area corresponding to the non-bendable area. The first support area connects the two second support areas. The first support portion is located between the second support area and the non-bendable area. The first support area has multiple support protrusions near the bendable area. The second support portion includes a base and the support protrusions. The support protrusions are distributed on the side of the base near the display panel and have the same height. The multiple support protrusions are arranged in at least one column on one side of the display panel. The arrangement direction of each column of support protrusions is from the bendable area to the non-bendable area. There is the same spacing between any two adjacent support protrusions. When the display module is in a bent state, the spacing ΔL between the ends of adjacent support protrusions away from the display panel satisfies the following preset formula: △L =π×H / n, Wherein, △L is the spacing between adjacent support protrusions, H is the height of the support protrusion, and n is the number of support protrusions located in the same column.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first direction, the thickness of the first support region is greater than the thickness of the first support portion. The first direction is a direction perpendicular to the first surface of the display panel, and the first surface is the surface of the display panel opposite to the support structure.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness of the first support region is the sum of the thicknesses of the second support region and the first support portion.

4. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first support portion is made of a rigid material, and the second support portion is made of a flexible material.

5. The display module according to claim 1, 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.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the support protrusion on the display panel is selected from any one or more combinations of rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, rhombuses, and parallelograms.

7. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the support protrusions having the same shape has a second surface and a third surface, the second surface being located on the side of the third surface closer to the display panel, the orthographic projection of the third surface on the first surface of the display panel being located in the orthographic projection of the second surface on the first surface, the first surface being the surface of the display panel opposite to the support structure; or Each of the support protrusions having the same shape has a first sub-protrusion and a second sub-protrusion. The first sub-protrusion is located on the side of the second sub-protrusion closer to the display panel. The first sub-protrusion has a first orthographic projection on the first surface, and the second sub-protrusion 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. The first surface is the surface of the display panel opposite to the support structure.

8. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of support protrusions has a contact portion on one side near the adjacent second support protrusion, and the first support protrusion contacts the second support protrusion through the contact portion when the display module is in a bent state.

9. The display module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The contact portion is a receiving protrusion, and the side of the second support protrusion near the first support protrusion has a receiving groove that mates with the receiving protrusion. When the display module is in a bent state, at least a portion of the receiving protrusion is located in the receiving groove.

10. The display module according to claim 9, 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.

11. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second support portion further includes a base and a connecting portion located on the base. The connecting portion is located on the side of the base near the non-bending area, and the second support portion is connected to the first support portion through the connecting portion.

12. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first support portion has a receiving cavity near the second support portion, and the connecting portion is an embedded structure that fits into and connects with the receiving cavity.

13. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The supporting protrusion, the connecting part, and the base are integrally formed.

14. A display device, characterized in that, The display module includes any one of claims 1 to 13.

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