Display module and folding equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a display module and folding equipment, relates to the technical field of folding equipment, and is used for solving the problem of how to improve the reliability of the display module. The display module comprises a display panel and a supporting plate. The supporting plate is arranged on the non-display side of the display panel in a stacked mode and fixed to the display panel. The supporting plate comprises a first flat plate part, a first bendable part, a second flat plate part, a second bendable part and a third flat plate part which are connected in sequence; the first bendable part comprises a first section, the first section comprises a first part and a second part which are connected, the first part is connected between the second part and the first flat plate part, when the display module is in a folded state, the first flat plate part, the third flat plate part and the second flat plate part are stacked and arranged, the first section is arc-shaped, and the second section is arc-shaped. At least one part of the first part and at least one part of the second part are stacked in the thickness direction of the second flat plate part; and the anti-bending rigidity of the first part is smaller than that of the second part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the advancement of technology, large-screen devices are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. To address the issues of traditional tablets being large and inconvenient to carry, foldable devices have emerged. As foldable display modules continue to develop, tri-fold devices have become a development trend due to their large screen-to-body ratio and portability. However, when a tri-fold display module is bent, the two bending structures interfere with each other, resulting in asymmetrical shapes when bent. Some bending structures have small bending radii, making the display module prone to damage and failure when the foldable device is dropped or subjected to pressure, leading to low reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a display module and a folding device to address the problem of how to improve the reliability of the display module.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a display module having an unfolded state and a folded state. The display module includes a display panel and a support plate. The support plate is stacked on the non-display side of the display panel and fixed to it. The support plate includes a first flat section, a first bendable section, a second flat section, a second bendable section, and a third flat section connected in sequence. The first bendable section includes a first segment, which includes a first part and a second part connected together. The first part is connected between the second part and the first flat section. When the display module is in the folded state, the first flat section and the third flat section are stacked with the second flat section. The first segment is arc-shaped, and at least a portion of the first part and at least a portion of the second part are stacked along the thickness direction of the second flat section. The bending stiffness of the first part is less than that of the second part.

[0006] The display module provided in this application embodiment, relative to the case where the bending stiffness of the second part is the same as that of the first part, can increase the radius of curvature of each point on the second part when the display module is in a folded state by making the bending stiffness of the second part greater than that of the first part. This can increase the radius of curvature of each point on the corresponding part of the display panel, thereby preventing the internal stress of the display panel from increasing significantly due to the folding device falling or being squeezed, which could lead to damage and failure of the display panel.

[0007] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first part has multiple sets of first through holes, and the second part has multiple sets of second through holes. When the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first through holes are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second through holes are spaced apart along the first direction. Along the first direction, the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes is less than the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes. The first direction is the direction from the first bendable part to the second bendable part.

[0008] In this way, by adjusting the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes to be greater than the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes, the bending stiffness of the second part can be increased without requiring additional structural design for the first bendable part, simplifying the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate. Furthermore, increasing the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes also increases the strength of the second part, thereby improving the reliability of the support plate in supporting the display panel, and ultimately enhancing the overall reliability of the display module.

[0009] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, when the display module is in the unfolded state, the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes gradually increases along the first direction.

[0010] In this way, while making the bending stiffness of the second part greater than that of the first part, the strength of the second part can gradually increase along the first direction, which can prevent the support plate from being easily broken due to a large strength difference between the second part and other parts at the junction, thus improving the overall reliability of the display module.

[0011] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes is the same along the first direction. This ensures consistent design and manufacturing parameters for the second through holes, thereby reducing the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate and improving its manufacturing efficiency.

[0012] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, when the display module is in the unfolded state, the length of the first part along the first direction is the same as the length of the second part along the first direction; the distance between the first part and the first flat plate is equal to the distance between the second part and the second flat plate; wherein, the first direction is the direction from the first bendable part to the second bendable part.

[0013] In this way, when the display module is in a folded state, the first bendable part can be bent along its center plane as the folding axis, which makes it easier to design and optimize the structure of the second part by referring to the structure of the first part, so that the bending shape of the first part and the second part are roughly the same, reducing the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate.

[0014] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first part has multiple sets of first through holes, each set of first through holes including multiple first through holes spaced apart along a second direction; the second part has multiple sets of second through holes, each set of second through holes including multiple second through holes spaced apart along a second direction; when the display module is in an unfolded state, the multiple sets of first through holes are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second through holes are spaced apart along a first direction; the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a set of second through holes is greater than the distance between two adjacent first through holes in a set of first through holes; wherein, the first direction is the direction from the first bendable part to the second bendable part, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] In this way, the bending stiffness of the second part can be increased by adjusting the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a set of second through holes, which can be achieved without additional structural design of the first bendable part, simplifying the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate. In addition, increasing the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a set of second through holes can also increase the strength of the second part, thereby improving the reliability of the support plate in supporting the display panel, and thus improving the overall reliability of the display module.

[0016] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, when the display module is in the unfolded state, the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a set of second through holes gradually increases along the first direction.

[0017] In this way, while making the bending stiffness of the second part greater than that of the first part, the strength of the second part can gradually increase along the first direction, which can prevent the support plate from being easily broken due to a large strength difference between the second part and other parts at the junction, thus improving the overall reliability of the display module.

[0018] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, when the display module is in the unfolded state, the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a set of second through holes is the same along the first direction.

[0019] In this way, the design and manufacturing parameters of the second through hole can be consistent, which makes the design and manufacturing of the support plate less difficult and helps to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the support plate.

[0020] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, both the first through hole and the second through hole extend along the second direction, and the extension length of the first through hole is greater than the extension length of the second through hole.

[0021] In this way, while increasing the bending stiffness of the second part, the strength of the support plate connected to the second through hole is further increased, thereby improving the overall reliability of the support plate and thus improving the overall reliability of the display module.

[0022] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the extension length of the second through hole gradually decreases along the first direction.

[0023] In this way, the strength of the support plate portion connected between the second through holes gradually increases along the first direction, further improving the overall reliability of the support plate, thereby improving the overall reliability of the display module.

[0024] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the extension length of the second through hole is the same along the first direction.

[0025] In this way, all the parameters of the second through holes are consistent, which makes the design and manufacturing of the support plate less difficult and helps to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the support plate.

[0026] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, when the display module is in a folded state, the orthographic projection of the first bendable portion in the first plane is a symmetrical figure; the first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion, and the axis of symmetry of the symmetrical figure is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion.

[0027] In this way, the bending stiffness of the second part can be less than that of the first part, thereby increasing the radius of curvature of the second part at each point when the display module is in a folded state. It can also prevent the bending stiffness of the second part from being too large, which would make the second part less flexible, affect the service life of the support plate, and thus reduce the reliability of the display module.

[0028] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the first bendable portion further includes a first transition portion and a second transition portion. The first transition portion connects the first part and the first flat plate part. The second transition portion connects the second part and the second flat plate part. When the display module is in a folded state, the distance between the end of the first transition portion connecting to the first flat plate part and the end of the second transition portion connecting to the second flat plate part is less than the distance between the end of the first transition portion connecting to the first part and the end of the second transition portion connecting to the second part; the bending stiffness of the second transition portion is less than the bending stiffness of the first transition portion.

[0029] In this way, compared to the case where the bending stiffness of the first transition section and the second transition section are the same, when the display module is in a folded state, by making the bending stiffness of the second transition section less than that of the first transition section, when the second part is subjected to the compressive force from the display panel section fixed to the second flat plate section, the bending degree of the second transition section is greater than that of the first transition section. This reduces the compressive force transmitted to the second part and increases the radius of curvature at each point on the second part. This prevents the display panel from being damaged and failing due to a large increase in internal stress when the folding device is dropped or subjected to compression.

[0030] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the surface of the first transition portion has multiple sets of first grooves, and the surface of the second transition portion has multiple sets of second grooves. When the display module is in an unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves are spaced apart along the first direction. The number of sets of first grooves is less than the number of sets of second grooves. The first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion.

[0031] In this way, by simply increasing the number of sets of the second groove to reduce the bending stiffness of the second transition section, the thickness of the support plate at the second groove can be guaranteed, thereby ensuring the strength of the support plate and its reliability, and thus ensuring the reliability of the display module.

[0032] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the surface of the first transition portion has multiple sets of first grooves, and the surface of the second transition portion has multiple sets of second grooves. When the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves are spaced apart along the first direction. The depth of the first groove is less than the depth of the second groove. The first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion.

[0033] In this way, it is not necessary to occupy too much area of ​​the second transition section in the first direction for structural design to reduce the bending stiffness of the second transition section, thus reducing the structural design difficulty of the first bendable part of the support plate.

[0034] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, the second bendable portion includes a second section, the second section including a third part and a fourth part connected together, the third part being connected between the fourth part and the third flat plate, and the fourth part being connected between the third part and the second flat plate; when the display module is in a folded state, the second section is arc-shaped, and at least a portion of the third part and at least a portion of the fourth part are stacked along the thickness direction of the second flat plate; the bending stiffness of the third part is less than the bending stiffness of the fourth part.

[0035] In this way, compared to the case where the bending stiffness of the fourth part is the same as that of the third part, by making the bending stiffness of the fourth part greater than that of the third part, the radius of curvature of each point on the fourth part when the display module is in the folded state can be increased. This can further increase the radius of curvature of each point on the corresponding part of the display panel, thereby preventing the internal stress of the display panel from increasing significantly due to the folding device falling or being squeezed, which could lead to damage and failure of the display panel.

[0036] In some possible implementations of the first aspect, when the display module is in a folded state, the orthographic projection of the second bendable portion in the first plane is a symmetrical figure; the first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion, and the axis of symmetry of the symmetrical figure is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion.

[0037] In this way, while making the bending stiffness of the fourth part smaller than that of the first part to increase the radius of curvature of the fourth part at each point when the display module is in a folded state, it can also prevent the bending stiffness of the fourth part from being too large, which would make the fourth part less flexible, affect the service life of the support plate, and thus reduce the reliability of the display module.

[0038] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a display module having an unfolded state and a folded state. The display module includes a display panel and a support plate. The support plate is stacked on the non-display side of the display panel and fixed to it. The support plate includes a first flat section, a first bendable section, a second flat section, a second bendable section, and a third flat section connected in sequence. The first bendable section includes a first segment, a first transition section, and a second transition section connected together. The first transition section connects the first flat section and the first segment, and the second transition section connects the first segment and the second flat section. When the display module is in the folded state, the first flat section and the third flat section are both stacked with the second flat section. The first segment is arc-shaped. The distance between the end of the first transition section connecting to the first flat section and the end of the second transition section connecting to the second flat section is less than the distance between the end of the first transition section connecting to the first segment and the end of the second transition section connecting to the first segment. The bending stiffness of the second transition section is less than the bending stiffness of the first transition section.

[0039] In this way, compared to the case where the bending stiffness of the first transition section and the second transition section are the same, when the display module is in a folded state, by making the bending stiffness of the second transition section less than that of the first transition section, when the second part is subjected to the compressive force from the display panel section fixed to the second flat plate section, the bending degree of the second transition section is greater than that of the first transition section. This reduces the compressive force transmitted to the second part and increases the radius of curvature at each point on the second part. This prevents the display panel from being damaged and failing due to a large increase in internal stress when the folding device is dropped or subjected to compression.

[0040] In some possible implementations of the second aspect, the surface of the first transition portion has multiple sets of first grooves, and the surface of the second transition portion has multiple sets of second grooves. When the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The number of sets of first grooves is less than the number of sets of second grooves. The first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion.

[0041] In some possible implementations of the second aspect, the surface of the first transition portion has multiple sets of first grooves, and the surface of the second transition portion has multiple sets of second grooves. When the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves are spaced apart along the first direction. The depth of the first groove is less than the depth of the second groove. The first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion.

[0042] In some possible implementations of the second aspect, the second bendable portion includes a second section, the second section including a third part and a fourth part connected together, the third part being connected between the fourth part and the third flat plate, and the fourth part being connected between the third part and the second flat plate; when the display module is in a folded state, the second section is arc-shaped, and at least a portion of the third part and at least a portion of the fourth part are stacked along the thickness direction of the second flat plate; the bending stiffness of the third part is less than that of the fourth part.

[0043] In some possible implementations of the second aspect, when the display module is in a folded state, the orthographic projection of the second bendable portion in the first plane is a symmetrical figure; the first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion, and the axis of symmetry of the symmetrical figure is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion.

[0044] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a folding device, which includes a display module, a first housing, a second housing, a first pivot mechanism, a third housing, and a second pivot mechanism. The display module is any of the above-described implementations. A first flat plate is fixed to the first housing. A second flat plate is fixed to the second housing. The first pivot mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing, allowing the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other; a first bendable portion is supported by the first pivot mechanism. A third flat plate is fixed to the third housing. The second pivot mechanism is connected between the second housing and the third housing, and is located on the side of the second housing away from the first pivot mechanism, allowing the second housing and the third housing to rotate relative to each other; a second bendable portion is supported by the second pivot mechanism.

[0045] Since the folding device provided in this application includes the display module as described in any of the above implementations, both can solve the same technical problem and achieve the same effect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device in its unfolded state, provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially exploded structural diagram of the folding device shown.

[0048] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the folding device shown at line AA;

[0049] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a folding device in a folded state;

[0050] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Another structural schematic diagram of the folding device in the folded state;

[0051] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0052] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial top view of the support plate shown;

[0053] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The cross-sectional structure diagram of the support plate at line BB is shown below;

[0054] Figure 9 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0055] Figure 10 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point D;

[0056] Figure 11 for Figure 3 Another partial top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0057] Figure 12 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0058] Figure 13 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0059] Figure 14 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0060] Figure 15 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0061] Figure 16 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0062] Figure 17 for Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown;

[0063] Figure 18 for Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the support plate of the display module of the folding device shown.

[0064] Figure label:

[0065] 100-folding device;

[0066] 10-Display module; 11-Light-transmitting cover plate; 111-First cover plate portion; 112-Second cover plate portion; 113-Third cover plate portion; 114-Fourth cover plate portion; 115-Fifth cover plate portion; 12-Display panel; 121-First panel portion; 122-Second panel portion; 123-Third panel portion; 124-Fourth panel portion; 125-Fifth panel portion; 13-Support plate; 13a-First surface; 13b-Second surface; 131-First flat plate portion; 132-First bendable portion; 1321-First section; 1321a-First through hole; 1321b-Second through hole; 13211- Part 1; 13211a - First connecting section; 13212 - Second part; 13212a - Second connecting section; 1322 - First transition section; 1322a - First groove; 1322a1 - First groove bottom wall; 1323 - Second transition section; 1323a - Second groove; 1323a1 - Second groove bottom wall; 133 - Second flat plate section; 134 - Second bendable section; 1341 - Second section; 13411 - Third part; 13412 - Fourth part; 1341a - Third through hole; 1342 - Third transition section; 1343 - Fourth transition section; 135 - Third flat plate section;

[0067] 20-Support device; 21-First housing; 22-Second housing; 23-Third housing; 24-First rotating shaft mechanism; 25-Second rotating shaft mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0068] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a detachable connection or a non-detachable connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0069] In the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the directional terms mentioned, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., are only for reference to the direction of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for better and clearer explanation and understanding of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0070] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0071] In embodiments of this application, 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 a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, 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.

[0072] In the embodiments of this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0073] In the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the descriptions of "vertical", "parallel", and "coaxial" respectively indicate approximately vertical, approximately parallel, and approximately coaxial within a certain error range. This error range can be a range with a deviation angle of less than or equal to 5°, 8°, or 10° relative to absolute verticality, absolute parallelism, and absolute coaxiality, respectively, and is not specifically limited here.

[0074] This application provides a foldable device, which can be an electronic device with a display module. This foldable device includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, tablet personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes, etc. The form of the foldable device is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0075] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of the folding device 100 provided in some embodiments of this application in its unfolded state. Figure 2 for Figure 1 This is a partially exploded structural diagram of the folding device 100. This embodiment and the following embodiments illustrate the folding device 100 as a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone. The folding device 100 is approximately rectangular in shape when unfolded. For ease of description in the following embodiments, an XYZ coordinate system is established for the folding device 100 in its unfolded state, defining the length direction of the folding device 100 as the X-axis, the width direction as the Y-axis, and the thickness direction as the Z-axis. It is understood that the coordinate system setting of the folding device 100 can be flexibly set according to actual needs and is not specifically limited here. In other embodiments, the shape of the folding device 100 may also be a square plate, a circular plate, an elliptical plate, etc.

[0076] The folding device 100 includes a display module 10 and a support device 20.

[0077] The display module 10 is used to display information such as images and videos. Specifically, at least two parts of the display module 10 are flexible structures, enabling the display module 10 to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0078] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the folding device 100 at line AA. A support device 20 supports the display module 10. The support device 20 includes a first housing 21, a second housing 22, a third housing 23, a first pivot mechanism 24, and a second pivot mechanism 25. The first pivot mechanism 24 connects the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. The second pivot mechanism 25 is located on the side of the second housing 22 away from the first pivot mechanism 24 and connects the second housing 22 and the third housing 23, allowing them to rotate relative to each other to support the folding device 100 in switching between an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0079] Figure 2 and Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the folding device 100 is a three-fold device. In other embodiments, the folding device 100 may also be a four-fold device. The support device 20 further includes a fourth housing (not shown) and a third rotating mechanism (not shown). The third rotating mechanism is located on the side of the third housing 23 away from the second rotating mechanism 25 and is connected between the fourth housing and the third housing 23, so that the fourth housing and the third housing 23 can rotate relative to each other to support the switching of the folding device 100 between the unfolded state and the folded state. Similarly, the folding device 100 may also be a five-fold, six-fold, or other devices, and the support device 20 may also include other housings and rotating mechanisms. This application does not limit these aspects.

[0080] Folding device 100 in the position Figure 1 When expanded as shown, it enables large-screen display, providing users with richer information and a better user experience. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the folding device 100 in a folded state. When the folding device 100 is in a folded state, the first housing 21 and the third housing 23 are stacked with the second housing 22, reducing the size of the folding device 100 and making it easier to carry. In other words, the display module 10 has both an unfolded state and a folded state. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, when the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the first housing 21 is located between the second housing 22 and the third housing 23, and the support device 20 protects the display module 10 from the display module 10. The display module 10 is not visible to the user and can prevent the display module 10 from being scratched by hard objects.

[0081] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows another structural schematic of the folding device 100 in its folded state. When the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the second housing 22 is located between the first housing 21 and the third housing 23. A portion of the display module 10 is located inside the support device 20, and another portion is located outside the support device 20. A portion of the display module 10 is visible to the user, enabling the display of video and images in the folded state. In other embodiments, when the folding device 100 is in the folded state, the first housing 21 and the third housing 23 are located on the same side of the second housing 22 and are approximately in the same plane. The support device 20 protects the display module 10 from view.

[0082] Please continue reading. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display module 10 includes a light-transmitting cover plate 11, a display panel 12, and a support plate 13 stacked together. It is understood that... Figure 3 and Figure 4The diagram schematically illustrates some of the film layers included in the display module 10, the size and structure of which are not affected by the surrounding environment. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display module 10 may include other film layers besides these, such as polarizers, buffer layers, shielding layers, etc., without specific limitations.

[0083] The light-transmitting cover 11 serves to protect the display panel 12 from water, dust, and scratches. The material of the light-transmitting cover 11 includes, but is not limited to, plastic and ultra-thin glass (UTG). The light-transmitting cover 11 includes a first cover portion 111, a second cover portion 112, a third cover portion 113, a fourth cover portion 114, and a fifth cover portion 115 connected sequentially. In some other embodiments, the display module 10 may not have the light-transmitting cover 11.

[0084] Display panel 12 is the main component for displaying images and videos. Specifically, display panel 12 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, a micro-organic light-emitting diode (micro-OLED) display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) display panel. Display panel 12 has a display side and a back side opposite to the display side. The display side of display panel 12 refers to the side of display panel 12 that displays images or videos, and the user can view the images or videos displayed on display panel 12 from this display side.

[0085] The display panel 12 includes a first panel portion 121, a second panel portion 122, a third panel portion 123, a fourth panel portion 124, and a fifth panel portion 125 connected sequentially, wherein at least the second panel portion 122 and the fourth panel portion 124 are flexible display panel structures that can be bent. The aforementioned light-transmitting cover plate 11 is stacked on the display side of the display panel 12 and fixed to the display panel 12. In some examples, the first panel portion 121, the second panel portion 122, the third panel portion 123, the fourth panel portion 124, and the fifth panel portion 125 of the display panel 12 can be bonded and fixed to the first cover portion 111, the second cover portion 112, the third cover portion 113, the fourth cover portion 114, and the fifth cover portion 115 of the light-transmitting cover plate 11 respectively through an optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer.

[0086] The support plate 13, also known as a "bamboo book," is shaped to match the display panel 12. The support plate 13 is stacked on the non-display side of the display panel 12, specifically on the side of the display panel 12 opposite to the light-transmitting cover 11, and is fixed to the display panel 12. The support plate 13 has a first surface 13a and a second surface 13b facing away from each other. In some examples, the display panel 12 can be bonded to the first surface 13a of the support plate 13 using an optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer. In other examples, the display panel 12 can also be bonded to the first surface 13a of the support plate 13 using a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer.

[0087] In some examples, the support plate 13 can have good toughness, allowing the display panel 12 to switch accordingly when the folding device 100 switches between unfolded and folded states. In other examples, the support plate 13 can also have good rigidity, supporting the display panel 12 and maintaining its shape in unfolded and folded states. In still other examples, the support plate 13 can have both good toughness and good rigidity. Based on this, the support plate 13 can be made of metal plates such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, or copper, to give it a certain degree of hardness and a large elastic modulus, thereby improving the hardness and bending resilience of the display module 10. The support plate 13 can also be made of carbon fiber, giving it high strength and corrosion resistance while maintaining a light weight, ensuring reliable support for the display panel 12 while contributing to the overall thinness and lightness of the folding device 100.

[0088] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 4The diagram shows a top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100. The support plate 13 includes a first flat plate portion 131, a first bendable portion 132, a second flat plate portion 133, a second bendable portion 134, and a third flat plate portion 135 arranged and connected sequentially along the X-axis. The edge of the first flat plate portion 131 away from the first bendable portion 132 forms a partial edge of the support plate 13. The first panel portion 121, the second panel portion 122, the third panel portion 123, the fourth panel portion 124, and the fifth panel portion 125 of the display panel 12 are respectively fixed to the first flat plate portion 131, the first bendable portion 132, the second flat plate portion 133, the second bendable portion 134, and the third flat plate portion 135, so that the folding device 100 folds laterally with the folding axis parallel to the Y-axis direction. In some other embodiments, the first flat plate portion 131, the first bendable portion 132, the second flat plate portion 133, the second bendable portion 134, and the third flat plate portion 135 may also be arranged along the Y-axis direction, so that the folding device 100 folds longitudinally and the folding axis is parallel to the X-axis direction. The first flat plate portion 131, the first bendable portion 132, the second flat plate portion 133, the second bendable portion 134, and the third flat plate portion 135 may be integrally formed, or they may be formed separately and welded together; this application does not limit this.

[0089] Based on this, the aforementioned support device 20 is located on the side of the support plate 13 facing away from the display panel 12. The first flat plate portion 131 is fixed to the first housing 21, the second flat plate portion 133 can be fixed to the second housing 22, and the third flat plate portion 135 is fixed to the third housing 23. That is, the first flat plate portion 131, the second flat plate portion 133, and the third flat plate portion 135 refer to the portions of the support plate 13 that are respectively fixed to the first housing 21, the second housing 22, and the third housing 23 when the support plate 13 is applied to the folding device 100. In some examples, the first flat plate portion 131, the second flat plate portion 133, and the third flat plate portion 135 can be respectively glued to the first housing 21, the second housing 22, and the third housing 23 with adhesive. Based on this, the first bendable portion 132 is supported on the first rotating shaft mechanism 24, and the second bendable portion 134 is supported on the second rotating shaft mechanism 25. That is, the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134 refer to the portions of the support plate 13 that are respectively supported by the first rotating shaft mechanism 24 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 25 when the support plate 13 is applied to the folding device 100. In other words, the three spaced portions of the display module 10 are respectively fixed to the first housing 21, the second housing 22 and the third housing 23, and the other two spaced portions of the display module 10 are respectively supported by the first rotating shaft mechanism 24 and the second rotating shaft mechanism 25.

[0090] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 and Figure 6The first bendable portion 132 includes a first section 1321, a first transition portion 1322, and a second transition portion 1323. The first section 1321 includes a first portion 13211 and a second portion 13212 that are connected. The first transition portion 1322 connects the first portion 13211 and the first flat plate portion 131, meaning the first portion 13211 is indirectly connected to the first flat plate portion 131 via the first transition portion 1322. The second transition portion 1323 connects the second portion 13212 and the second flat plate portion 133, meaning the second portion 13212 is indirectly connected to the second flat plate portion 133 via the second transition portion 1323. In other words, when the display module 10 is in the unfolded state, the first portion 13211 is located between the second portion 13212 and the first flat plate portion 131, and the second portion 13212 is located between the first portion 13211 and the second flat plate portion 133. The direction from the first bendable portion 132 to the second bendable portion 134 is defined as the first direction (X-axis direction). Along the first direction, the lengths of the first portion 13211 and the second portion 13212 can be the same, and the lengths of the first transition portion 1322 and the second transition portion 1323 can be the same.

[0091] Based on this, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, the first plate portion 131, the second plate portion 133 and the third plate portion 135 are stacked along the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the second plate portion 133, the first section 1321 is bent into an arc shape, the first part 13211 and the second part 13212 are stacked along the thickness direction (Z-circumference direction) of the second plate portion 133, and the first transition part 1322 and the second transition part 1323 are stacked along the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the second plate portion 133. Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between one end of the first transition portion 1322 connecting to the first flat plate portion 131 and the end of the second transition portion 1323 connecting to the second flat plate portion 133 is a first distance, and the distance between one end of the first transition portion 1322 connecting to the first portion 13211 and the end of the second transition portion 1323 connecting to the second portion 13212 is a second distance, and the first distance is less than the second distance. That is, the first bendable portion 132 is teardrop-shaped, so that the entire display module including the first bendable portion 132 is teardrop-shaped. The bending stress inside the first bendable portion 132, the second panel portion 122, and the second cover portion 112 is relatively small, which can extend the service life of the display module 10. In some other embodiments, the first distance may be equal to or greater than the second distance.

[0092] Based on this, please continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6The second bendable portion 134 includes a second section 1341, a third transition portion 1342, and a fourth transition portion 1343. The second section 1341 includes a third portion 13411 and a fourth portion 13412 that are connected. The third transition portion 1342 connects the third portion 13411 and the third flat plate portion 135, meaning the third portion 13411 is indirectly connected to the third flat plate portion 135; the fourth transition portion 1343 connects the fourth portion 13412 and the second flat plate portion 133, meaning the fourth portion 13412 is indirectly connected to the second flat plate portion 133. Along the first direction, the lengths of the third portion 13411 and the fourth portion 13412 can be the same, and the lengths of the third transition portion 1342 and the fourth transition portion 1343 can be the same.

[0093] Based on this, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, the third part 13411 and the fourth part 13412 are stacked along the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the second flat plate 133. The second section 1341 is arc-shaped. The distance between the end of the third transition part 1342 connecting to the third flat plate 135 and the end of the fourth transition part 1343 connecting to the second flat plate 133 is the third distance. The distance between the end of the third transition part 1342 connecting to the third part 13411 and the end of the fourth transition part 1343 connecting to the fourth part 13412 is the fourth distance. The third distance and the fourth distance are equal, that is, the second bendable part 134 is approximately U-shaped, so that the display module part including the second bendable part 134 is approximately U-shaped. In some other embodiments, the third distance may also be less than the fourth distance, that is, the second bendable part 134 may also be teardrop-shaped.

[0094] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 for Figure 6 A partial top view of the support plate 13 shown, wherein, Figure 7 (a) is a top view of the first bendable part 132. Figure 7 (b) is a top view of the second bendable portion 134. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 In (b), the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134 may be provided with a hollow structure to reduce the bending stiffness of the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134, thereby increasing the bendability of the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134. Specifically, the hollow structure includes, but is not limited to, an array of multiple through holes.

[0095] Specifically, the first section 1321 has multiple sets of first through holes 1321a, which penetrate the first section 1321 along the Z-axis direction. Each set of first through holes 1321a includes multiple first through holes 1321a spaced apart along a second direction; wherein, the second direction is perpendicular to both the first direction and the thickness direction of the second plate portion 133. The second section 1341 has multiple sets of third through holes 1341a, which penetrate the second section 1341 along the Z-axis direction. Each set of third through holes 1341a includes multiple third through holes 1341a spaced apart along the second direction. When the display module 10 is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first through holes 1321a are evenly spaced apart along the first direction, and the multiple sets of third through holes 1341a are evenly spaced apart along the first direction. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, along the first direction, the first through holes 1321a and the third through holes 1341a are aligned. In some other embodiments, along the first direction, the first through holes 1321a may also be staggered, and the third through holes 1341a may also be staggered to ensure the strength of the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134.

[0096] Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first through hole 1321a is an oblong hole extending along the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the third through hole 1341a is an oblong hole extending along the second direction. In other embodiments, the first through hole 1321a may also be a circular hole, a rectangular hole, a square hole, etc., and the third through hole 1341a may also be a circular hole, a rectangular hole, or a square hole, etc. The shape and size of the first through hole 1321a and the third through hole 1341a may be the same or different, and this application does not limit them in this regard.

[0097] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 for Figure 7The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the support plate 13 at line BB. The surface of the first transition portion 1322 has multiple sets of first grooves 1322a, and the surface of the second transition portion 1323 has multiple sets of second grooves 1323a. Both the first grooves 1322a and the second grooves 1323a extend along a second direction. When the display module 10 is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves 1322a are evenly spaced along the first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves 1323a are also evenly arranged along the first direction. The number and depth of the first grooves 1322a are the same as the number and depth of the second grooves 1323a. The distance between the multiple sets of first grooves 1322a and the first section 1321 is equal to the distance between the multiple sets of second grooves 1323a and the first section 1321, meaning that the bending stiffness of the first transition portion 1322 is the same as that of the second transition portion 1323. In this way, the bending stiffness of the first transition portion 1322 and the second transition portion 1323 can be reduced, thereby increasing the bendability of the first transition portion 1322 and the second transition portion 1323.

[0098] Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the first groove 1322a is located on the second surface 13b and is a blind groove, and the second groove 1323a is located on the second surface 13b and is also a blind groove. This prevents the support plate 13 from deforming and pressing against the adhesive material and display panel 12 when the display module 10 is folded, thus preventing the first groove 1322a and the second groove 1323a from forming imprints on the display panel 12, which would cause a visual film mark to appear on the display module 10.

[0099] In some other embodiments, the first groove 1322a and the second groove 1323a may also penetrate the support plate 13 to form a through hole. In still other embodiments, the first groove 1322a may also be located on the first surface 13a, and the second groove 1323a may also be located on the first surface 13a. In still other embodiments, the surface of the first transition portion 1322 may not have the first groove 1322a, and the surface of the second transition portion 1323 may not have the second groove 1323a.

[0100] Please refer to the following: Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 9 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point C in the middle. Figure 10 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point D. Display module 10 is composed of... Figure 1 Folding to the unfolded state shown Figure 4In the folded state shown, due to the different bending radii of the light-transmitting cover plate 11, the display panel 12, and the support plate 13, the support plate 13 will have a certain displacement relative to the display panel 12. Specifically, the edge of the first panel portion 121 away from the first bendable portion 132 protrudes outward from the edge of the first flat plate portion 131 away from the first bendable portion 132, and the edge of the first cover plate portion 111 away from the first bendable portion 132 protrudes outward from the edge of the first panel portion 121; the edge of the fifth panel portion 125 away from the second bendable portion 134 protrudes outward from the edge of the third flat plate portion 135 away from the second bendable portion 134, and the edge of the fifth cover plate portion 115 away from the second bendable portion 134 protrudes outward from the edge of the fifth panel portion 125.

[0101] Because the edges of the third panel portion 123 away from the first bendable portion 132 and the edges of the third cover portion 113 away from the first bendable portion 132 are restricted by the fourth panel portion 124 and the fourth cover portion 114, they cannot move relative to the second flat plate portion 133; similarly, the edges of the third panel portion 123 away from the second bendable portion 134 and the edges of the third cover portion 113 away from the second bendable portion 134 are restricted by the second panel portion 122 and the second cover portion 112, and cannot move relative to the second flat plate portion 133. Therefore, relative to the first portion 13211, the second portion 13212 will be subjected to a compressive force opposite to the first direction applied by the third panel portion 123 and the third cover portion 113; relative to the third portion 13411, the fourth portion 13412 will be subjected to a compressive force along the first direction applied by the third panel portion 123 and the third cover portion 113. Thus, when the bending stiffness of the first part 13211 and the second part 13212 are the same, and the bending stiffness of the third part 13411 and the fourth part 13412 are the same, the radius of curvature of each point on the second part 13212 is smaller than the radius of curvature of each point on the first part 13211 opposite to it along the Z-axis, and the radius of curvature of each point on the fourth part 13412 is smaller than the radius of curvature of each point on the fourth part 13412 opposite to it along the Z-axis.

[0102] As a result, when the folding device 100 is dropped or squeezed, the radius of curvature of each point on the second part 13212 and the fourth part 13412 of the support plate 13 will be further reduced, which will further reduce the radius of curvature of each point on the second panel part 122 and the fourth panel part 124, thereby increasing the internal stress of the display panel 12, which may easily lead to damage and failure of the display panel 12.

[0103] To resolve the above issues, please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 for Figure 3 Another partial top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 11 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 7 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 is greater than that of the first part 13211. Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 13211 has multiple sets of first through holes 1321a, and the second portion 13212 has multiple sets of second through holes 1321b. When the display module 10 is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first through holes 1321a are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second through holes 1321b are arranged at intervals along the first direction. Along the first direction, the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes 1321a is less than the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b. That is, the distance between any two adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b is greater than the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes 1321a.

[0104] In this way, when the display module 10 is in Figure 4 When the device is folded as shown, since the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 is greater than that of the first part 13211, compared to the case where the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 is the same as that of the first part 13211, the radius of curvature of each point on the second part 13212 is increased. This increases the radius of curvature of each point on the corresponding second panel part 122, thereby preventing the display panel 12 from being damaged and failing due to a large increase in internal stress when the folding device 100 is dropped or squeezed.

[0105] Furthermore, by adjusting the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b to be greater than the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes 1321a, the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 can be adjusted without requiring additional structural design for the first bendable part 132, thus simplifying the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate 13. Finally, increasing the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b can also increase the strength of the second part 13212, thereby improving the reliability of the support plate 13 in supporting the display panel 12 and the light-transmitting cover plate 11, and thus improving the overall reliability of the display module 10.

[0106] Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, when the display module 10 is in the unfolded state, the length of the first part 13211 is the same as the length of the second part 13212. The distance between the first part 13211 and the first flat plate 131 is equal to the distance between the second part 13212 and the second flat plate 133. Thus, when the display module 10 is in the folded state, the first bendable part 132 bends around the interface between the first part 13211 and the second part 13212 (i.e., the center surface of the first bendable part 132) as the bending center. This facilitates the design and optimization of the structure of the second part 13212 by referring to the structure of the first part 13211, ensuring that the bending shapes of the first part 13211 and the second part 13212 are approximately the same, thus reducing the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate 13.

[0107] In some other embodiments, the lengths of the first part 13211 and the second part 13212 may also be different. The length of the first part 13211 may be greater than the length of the second part 13212 or less than the length of the second part 13212. That is, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, a part of the first part 13211 and the entirety of the second part 13212 may be arranged along the thickness direction of the second flat plate portion 133, or the entirety of the first part 13211 and a part of the second part 13212 may be arranged along the thickness direction of the second flat plate portion 133.

[0108] Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, along the first direction, the first through hole 1321a and the second through hole 1321b are aligned. In some other embodiments, the first through hole 1321a may be misaligned, and the second through hole 1321b may also be misaligned. In still other embodiments, the first through hole 1321a may be misaligned, and the second through hole 1321b may be aligned; or, the first through hole 1321a may be aligned, and the second through hole 1321b may be misaligned.

[0109] Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes 1321a is the same, and the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b is the same. This reduces the number of parameters involved in designing and manufacturing the support plate 13, making the design and manufacturing process easier and improving the manufacturing efficiency of the support plate 13.

[0110] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 12 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 11The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b gradually increases along the first direction. This allows the second part 13212 to have a greater bending stiffness than the first part 13211, while simultaneously increasing the strength of the second part 13212 along the first direction. This improves the overall strength of the second part 13212, thereby enhancing its support reliability for the display panel 12 and the light-transmitting cover 11. It also prevents a large strength difference between the second part 13212 and the second transition portion 1323, which could lead to easy breakage of the support plate 13, thus improving the overall reliability of the display module 10.

[0111] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 13 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 11 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b within a set of second through holes 1321b is greater than the distance between two adjacent first through holes 1321a within a set of first through holes 1321a. That is, the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b within any set of second through holes 1321b is greater than the distance between two adjacent first through holes 1321a within a set of first through holes 1321a. Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b is the same, the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b within each set of second through holes 1321b is the same, the extension length of the second through hole 1321b is the same as the extension length of the first through hole 1321a, and the adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b are staggered. In some other embodiments, the distance between adjacent sets of second through holes 1321b may be different; the two sets of second through holes 1321b may also be aligned.

[0112] In this way, the bending stiffness of the second part can be increased by adjusting the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b within a set of second through holes 1321b, without requiring additional structural design for the first bendable part 132, thus simplifying the design and manufacturing difficulty of the support plate 13. Furthermore, the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b within a set of second through holes 1321b can also increase the strength of the second part 13212, especially the strength at the second through holes 1321b, thereby improving the reliability of the support plate 13 in supporting the display panel 12 and the light-transmitting cover plate 11, and thus improving the overall reliability of the display module 10.

[0113] Please see Figure 14 , Figure 14 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 14 and Figure 13 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that, along the first direction, the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b within a set of second through holes 1321b gradually increases. Specifically, the distance between the second through holes 1321b can gradually increase in a certain regular manner, or it can increase randomly.

[0114] In this way, while the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 is greater than that of the first part 13211, the strength of the second part 13212 can gradually increase along the first direction, which is beneficial to improve the overall strength of the second part 13212, thereby improving the support reliability of the second part 13212 for the display panel 12 and the light-transmitting cover 11, and preventing the support plate 13 from being easily broken due to the large strength difference between the second part 13212 and the second transition part 1323, thus improving the overall reliability of the display module 10.

[0115] Please see Figure 15 , Figure 15 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 15 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 13 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the extension length of the first through hole 1321a is greater than the extension length of the second through hole 1321b. Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, all the second through holes 1321b have the same extension length.

[0116] In this way, by making the extension length of the second through hole 1321b less than the extension length of the first through hole 1321a, the distance between two adjacent second through holes 1321b in the same group is greater than the distance between two adjacent first through holes 1321a in the same group. Therefore, while making the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 greater than that of the first part 13211, it is beneficial to improve the overall strength of the second part 13212, thereby improving the support reliability of the second part 13212 for the display panel 12 and the light-transmitting cover plate 11, and thus improving the overall reliability of the display module 10.

[0117] Please see Figure 16 , Figure 16 for Figure 3 Another top view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 16 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 15The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the extension length of the second through hole 1321b gradually decreases along the first direction. Specifically, the extension length of the second through hole 1321b can decrease gradually in a certain pattern, or it can decrease randomly.

[0118] In this way, while the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 is greater than that of the first part 13211, the strength of the second part 13212 can gradually increase along the first direction, which is beneficial to improve the overall strength of the second part 13212, thereby improving the support reliability of the second part 13212 for the display panel 12 and the light-transmitting cover 11, and preventing the support plate 13 from being easily broken due to the large strength difference between the second part 13212 and the second transition part 1323, thus improving the overall reliability of the display module 10.

[0119] Based on the above, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, the orthographic projection of the first bendable portion 132 in the first plane is a symmetrical shape. The first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion 133 and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134. In this way, while making the bending stiffness of the second portion 13212 less than that of the first portion 13211 to increase the radius of curvature of the second portion 13212 at each point when the display module 10 is in a folded state, it also prevents the bending stiffness of the second portion 13212 from being too large, which would result in poor bendability of the second portion 13212, affect the service life of the support plate 13, and thus reduce the reliability of the display module 10.

[0120] Based on the above, please refer to Figure 17 , Figure 17 for Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the support plate of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 13 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 8The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the bending stiffness of the second transition portion 1323 is less than that of the first transition portion 1322. Therefore, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, because the bending stiffness of the second transition portion 1323 is less than that of the first transition portion 1322, compared to the case where the bending stiffness of the first transition portion 1322 and the second transition portion 1323 are the same, when the second portion 13212 is subjected to compressive forces from the third panel portion 123 and the third cover portion 113, the bending degree of the second transition portion 1323 is greater than that of the first transition portion 1322. This reduces the compressive force transmitted to the second portion 13212 and increases the radius of curvature at various points on the second portion 13212. This reduces the risk of damage and failure of the display panel 12 due to a significant increase in internal stress when the folding device 100 is dropped or subjected to pressure.

[0121] Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the number of sets of the first groove 1322a is less than the number of sets of the second groove 1323a. In this way, by simply increasing the number of sets of the second groove 1323a to reduce the bending stiffness of the second transition portion 1323, the thickness of the support plate 13 at the second groove 1323a can be guaranteed, thereby ensuring the strength of the support plate 13 and its reliability, and thus ensuring the reliability of the display module 10.

[0122] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 18 , Figure 18 for Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the support plate 13 of the display module 10 of the folding device 100 shown. Figure 18 The illustrated embodiments and Figure 17 The difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the depth of the first groove 1322a is less than the depth of the second groove 1323a. Here, "the depth of the first groove 1322a is less than the depth of the second groove 1323a" refers to the depth along the Z-axis direction. This eliminates the need to allocate excessive area of ​​the second transition portion 1323 in the first direction for structural design to reduce its bending stiffness, thus reducing the structural design difficulty of the first bendable portion 132 of the support plate 13.

[0123] It should be noted that the bending stiffness of the first transition portion 1322 can be the same as that of the second transition portion 1323, while the bending stiffness of the second portion 13212 is greater than that of the first portion 13211; alternatively, the bending stiffness of the first portion 13211 can be the same as that of the second portion 13212, while the bending stiffness of the first transition portion 1322 is greater than that of the second transition portion 1323; furthermore, the bending stiffness of the second portion 13212 can be greater than that of the first portion 13211, while the bending stiffness of the first transition portion 1322 is greater than that of the second transition portion 1323. All three implementation methods can prevent the display panel 12 from becoming damaged and failing when the folding device 100 falls or is compressed while the display module 10 is in a folded state.

[0124] Based on the above, the bending stiffness of the third part 13411 of the second bendable portion 134 is less than the bending stiffness of the fourth part 13412. Specifically, the method for making the bending stiffness of the third part 13411 less than the bending stiffness of the fourth part 13412 can be referred to the aforementioned method for making the bending stiffness of the second part 13212 greater than the bending stiffness of the first part 13211, and will not be repeated here.

[0125] In this way, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, since the bending stiffness of the fourth part 13412 is greater than that of the third part 13411, compared to the case where the bending stiffness of the fourth part 13412 is the same as that of the third part 13411, the bending radius of each point on the fourth part 13412 is increased. This increases the radius of curvature of each point on the display panel 12 fixed to the fourth part 13412, thereby preventing the display panel 12 from being damaged and failing due to a large increase in internal stress when the folding device 100 is dropped or squeezed.

[0126] Based on the above, when the display module 10 is in a folded state, the orthographic projection of the second bendable portion 134 in the first plane is a symmetrical shape. The first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion 133 and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion 132 and the second bendable portion 134. In this way, while making the bending stiffness of the fourth portion 13412 less than that of the first portion 13411 to increase the radius of curvature of the fourth portion 13412 at each point when the display module 10 is in a folded state, it also prevents the bending stiffness of the fourth portion 13412 from being too large, which would result in poor bendability of the fourth portion 13412, affect the service life of the support plate 13, and thus reduce the reliability of the display module 10.

[0127] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0128] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, The display module has an unfolded state and a folded state, and the display module includes: Display panel; A support plate is stacked on the non-display side of the display panel and fixed to the display panel. The support plate includes a first flat plate, a first bendable plate, a second flat plate, a second bendable plate, and a third flat plate connected in sequence. The first bendable plate includes a first section, which includes a first part and a second part that are connected to each other. The first part is connected between the second part and the first flat plate. When the display module is in the folded state, the first flat plate and the third flat plate are stacked with the second flat plate. The first section is arc-shaped, and at least a portion of the first part and at least a portion of the second part are arranged along the thickness direction of the second flat plate. The bending stiffness of the first part is less than that of the second part.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first part has multiple sets of first through holes, and the second part has multiple sets of second through holes. When the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first through holes are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second through holes are arranged at intervals along the first direction. Along the first direction, the distance between two adjacent sets of first through holes is less than the distance between two adjacent sets of second through holes. Wherein, the first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the display module is in the unfolded state, the distance between two adjacent groups of second through holes gradually increases along the first direction; or, the distance between two adjacent groups of second through holes is the same.

4. The display module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, When the display module is in the unfolded state, the length of the first part along the first direction is the same as the length of the second part along the first direction, and the distance between the first part and the first flat plate is equal to the distance between the second part and the second flat plate.

5. The display module according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first part has multiple sets of first through holes, each set of first through holes including multiple first through holes spaced apart along a second direction; the second part has multiple sets of second through holes, each set of second through holes including multiple second through holes spaced apart along a second direction; when the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first through holes are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second through holes are spaced apart along the first direction; the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a set of second through holes is greater than the distance between two adjacent first through holes in a set of first through holes; Wherein, the first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the display module is in the unfolded state, along the first direction, the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a group of second through holes gradually increases; or, the distance between two adjacent second through holes in a group of second through holes is the same.

7. The display module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Both the first through hole and the second through hole extend along the second direction, and the extension length of the first through hole is greater than the extension length of the second through hole.

8. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the extension length of the second through hole gradually decreases; or, the extension length of the second through hole is the same.

9. The display module according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, When the display module is in the folded state, the orthographic projection of the first bendable portion in the first plane is a symmetrical shape; the first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion, and the axis of symmetry of the symmetrical shape is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion.

10. The display module according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first bendable portion further includes: A first transition portion, which connects the first portion and the first flat plate portion; The second transition section connects the second part and the second flat plate part; when the display module is in the folded state, the distance between the end of the first transition section connected to the first flat plate part and the end of the second transition section connected to the second flat plate part is less than the distance between the end of the first transition section connected to the first part and the end of the second transition section connected to the second part; the bending stiffness of the second transition section is less than the bending stiffness of the first transition section.

11. The display module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The surface of the first transition portion has multiple sets of first grooves, and the surface of the second transition portion has multiple sets of second grooves; when the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves are spaced apart along the first direction; the first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion; The number of groups of the first groove is less than the number of groups of the second groove; and / or, The depth of the first groove is less than the depth of the second groove.

12. The display module according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The second bendable portion includes a second section, the second section including a third part and a fourth part that are connected to each other, the third part being connected between the fourth part and the third flat plate portion, and the fourth part being connected between the third part and the second flat plate portion; When the display module is in the folded state, the second section is arc-shaped, and at least a portion of the third part and at least a portion of the fourth part are arranged along the thickness direction of the second flat plate; the bending stiffness of the third part is less than that of the fourth part.

13. The display module according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the display module is in the folded state, the orthographic projection of the second bendable portion in the first plane is a symmetrical figure; the first plane is perpendicular to the second flat portion and parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion, and the axis of symmetry of the symmetrical figure is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first bendable portion and the second bendable portion.

14. A display module, characterized in that, The display module has an unfolded state and a folded state, and the display module includes: Display panel; A support plate is stacked on the non-display side of the display panel and fixed to the display panel. The support plate includes a first flat plate, a first bendable plate, a second flat plate, a second bendable plate, and a third flat plate connected in sequence. The first bendable plate includes a first segment, a first transition segment, and a second transition segment connected together. The first transition segment connects the first flat plate and the first segment, and the second transition segment connects the first segment and the second flat plate. When the display module is in the folded state, the first flat plate and the third flat plate are stacked with the second flat plate. The first segment is arc-shaped. The distance between the end of the first transition segment connecting to the first flat plate and the end of the second transition segment connecting to the second flat plate is less than the distance between the end of the first transition segment connecting to the first segment and the end of the second transition segment connecting to the first segment. The bending stiffness of the second transition segment is less than the bending stiffness of the first transition segment.

15. The display module according to claim 14, characterized in that, The surface of the first transition portion has multiple sets of first grooves, and the surface of the second transition portion has multiple sets of second grooves; when the display module is in the unfolded state, the multiple sets of first grooves are spaced apart along a first direction, and the multiple sets of second grooves are spaced apart along the first direction; the first direction is the direction from the first bendable portion to the second bendable portion; The number of groups of the first groove is less than the number of groups of the second groove; and / or, The depth of the first groove is less than the depth of the second groove.

16. A folding device, characterized in that, include: The display module is the display module according to any one of claims 1-15; A first housing, wherein the first flat plate portion is fixed to the first housing; The second housing, wherein the second flat plate portion is fixed to the second housing; A first rotating shaft mechanism is connected between the first housing and the second housing to enable the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other; the first bendable portion is supported by the first rotating shaft mechanism. The third housing, wherein the third flat plate portion is fixed to the third housing; The second rotating shaft mechanism is connected between the second housing and the third housing, and is located on the side of the second housing away from the first rotating shaft mechanism, so that the second housing and the third housing can rotate relative to each other; the second bendable portion is supported by the second rotating shaft mechanism.

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