Display module and display device

Abstract

The application relates to a display module and a display device. The display module comprises a first substrate provided with a folding area and two non-folding areas; an optical adhesive layer located on one side of the first substrate, the optical adhesive layer comprising folding area optical adhesive and two non-folding area optical adhesive, the folding area optical adhesive being located between the two non-folding area optical adhesive, the modulus of the folding area optical adhesive being smaller than that of the non-folding area optical adhesive, and the thickness of the folding area optical adhesive being smaller than that of the non-folding area optical adhesive. The display module provided by the application can ensure that the stress of the display module can be released based on the folding area optical adhesive with a smaller thickness, and in turn, the bending pressure of the display module can be relieved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic technology, foldable display modules have emerged. In foldable display modules, the various layers of materials are bonded and fixed together using optical adhesive. Optical adhesive is a deformable material in foldable display modules; it deforms under pressure when folded and stretches when flattened. The natural recovery time of the optical adhesive during this process is typically several hours.

[0003] Currently, the optical adhesives used in foldable display modules are typically of uniform thickness and material. However, during frequent bending tests of foldable display modules, the adhesive material does not have sufficient time to recover, leading to stress buildup and material fatigue, resulting in bending deformation, separation of the adhesive from the film material, or even module breakage. Therefore, alleviating the bending stress on foldable display modules is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a display module and display device that can alleviate the bending pressure of the display module in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a display module, including:

[0006] The first substrate has a folded region and two non-folded regions;

[0007] An optical adhesive layer is located on one side of the first substrate. The optical adhesive layer includes a folded region optical adhesive and two non-folded region optical adhesives. The folded region optical adhesive is located between the two non-folded region optical adhesives. The modulus of the folded region optical adhesive is less than the modulus of the non-folded region optical adhesive, and the thickness of the folded region optical adhesive is less than the thickness of the non-folded region optical adhesive.

[0008] Secondly, this application also provides a display device, including a display module as described in any of the first aspects of this application.

[0009] The aforementioned display module and display device include a first substrate and an optical adhesive layer. The optical adhesive layer is located on one side of the first substrate and includes a folded region optical adhesive and two non-folded region optical adhesives. The modulus of the folded region optical adhesive located between the two non-folded region optical adhesives is less than the modulus of the non-folded region optical adhesives, and the thickness of the folded region optical adhesive is less than the thickness of the non-folded region optical adhesives. Therefore, based on the folded region optical adhesive with a smaller thickness, the stress of the display module can be ensured to be released, thereby alleviating the bending pressure of the display module. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main view structure of the display module in one embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main view structure of the display module in another embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a preset pattern in one embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the preset pattern in another embodiment;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the preset pattern in another embodiment;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the preset pattern in another embodiment;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the main view structure of the display module in another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a top view of the display module in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0021] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, the first optical adhesive may be referred to as the second optical adhesive, and similarly, the second optical adhesive may be referred to as the first optical adhesive. Both the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive are optical adhesives, but they are not the same optical adhesive.

[0022] It is understood that the term "connection" in the following embodiments should be understood as "electrical connection," "communication connection," etc., if the connected circuits, modules, units, etc., have electrical signal or data transmission with each other.

[0023] It is understandable that "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least a part of an element" refers to part or all of an element.

[0024] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a display module in one embodiment includes:

[0026] The first substrate 10 has a folded region and two non-folded regions.

[0027] Optical adhesive layer 12 is located on one side of the first substrate 10. The optical adhesive layer 12 includes a folded region optical adhesive 122 and two non-folded region optical adhesives 124. The folded region optical adhesive 122 is located between the two non-folded region optical adhesives 124. The modulus of the folded region optical adhesive 122 is less than the modulus of the non-folded region optical adhesive 124, and the thickness of the folded region optical adhesive 122 is less than the thickness of the non-folded region optical adhesive 124.

[0028] The first substrate 10 refers to the insulating substrate used to support and connect the various layers of materials in the display module. Optionally, the first substrate 10 may be a touch substrate.

[0029] The folding area refers to the portion of the display module that bends when folded. During the folding process, the folding area is subjected to tensile and compressive stresses. Therefore, the folding module needs to be specially designed to ensure that it does not develop creases, breakage, or other damage during frequent folding.

[0030] The non-folding area refers to the portion of the display module that maintains its flat shape when folded. The non-folding area is not subjected to significant tensile or compressive stress during the folding process, thus exhibiting relatively high morphological stability.

[0031] Optical adhesive layer 12 refers to the adhesive layer formed between optical components in the display module. The optical adhesive forming optical adhesive layer 12 is a special adhesive used for bonding optical components, possessing excellent optical and adhesive properties. Optionally, optical adhesive layer 12 is composed of solid optical adhesive or liquid optical adhesive.

[0032] The modulus of optical adhesive refers to its elastic modulus under stress, that is, the ratio of stress to strain under stress. The modulus of optical adhesive is an indicator of how easily it undergoes elastic deformation. A higher modulus means less elastic deformation under the same stress, indicating greater stiffness. Conversely, a lower modulus indicates less elastic deformation. In other words, there is a negative correlation between the modulus and the degree of elastic deformation under the same stress. Therefore, to ensure the folded area can better conform to a bent shape, the modulus of the optical adhesive 122 in the folded area should be less than the modulus of the optical adhesive 124 in the non-folded area.

[0033] The optical adhesive 122 in the folded area is subjected to significant tensile and compressive stresses during folding. If the thickness of the optical adhesive 122 in the folded area is large, the tensile and compressive stresses will be more concentrated, which can easily lead to creases, breakage, or other damage to the optical adhesive 122 in the folded area. Therefore, in order to reduce stress concentration and improve the durability and reliability of the optical adhesive 122 in the folded area, the thickness of the optical adhesive 122 in the folded area should be less than the thickness of the optical adhesive 124 in the non-folded area.

[0034] The folded region optical adhesive 122 is located in the folded region of the first substrate 10, and the two non-folded region optical adhesives 124 are respectively located in the two non-folded regions of the first substrate 10. It is easily understood that the folded region is located between the two non-folded regions; therefore, the folded region optical adhesive 122 is located between the two non-folded region optical adhesives 124.

[0035] Optionally, the display module can be an OLED flexible display module.

[0036] In the aforementioned display module, the display module includes a first substrate and an optical adhesive layer. The optical adhesive layer is located on one side of the first substrate and includes folded region optical adhesive and two non-folded region optical adhesives. The modulus of the folded region optical adhesive located between the two non-folded region optical adhesives is less than the modulus of the non-folded region optical adhesive, and the thickness of the folded region optical adhesive is less than the thickness of the non-folded region optical adhesive. Therefore, based on the folded region optical adhesive with a smaller thickness, it is possible to ensure that the stress of the display module can be released, thereby alleviating the bending pressure of the display module.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a notch at one end of the two non-folded region optical adhesives 20 near the folded region optical adhesive 22, and there are extension portions 222 at both ends of the folded region optical adhesive 22, with the two extension portions 222 respectively covering the notches of the two non-folded region optical adhesives 20.

[0038] Among them, the end of the two non-folded area optical adhesives 20 that is close to the folded area optical adhesive 22 refers to the end of the two non-folded area optical adhesives 20 that is in contact with the folded area optical adhesive 22.

[0039] Specifically, the thickness of the notch in the non-folded area optical adhesive 20 is less than the thickness of the non-folded area optical adhesive 20, so that the notch in the non-folded area optical adhesive 20 appears to be stepped.

[0040] Specifically, the extended portions 222 at both ends of the folded area optical adhesive 22 are due to gaps at the ends of the two non-folded area optical adhesives 20 near the folded area optical adhesive 22. Based on the principle of liquid leveling, the folded area optical adhesive 22 flows to the gaps to form extended portions 222 to cover the gaps. Thus, while filling the gaps, it also fills the splicing gaps between the folded area optical adhesive 22 and the non-folded area optical adhesive 20.

[0041] In this embodiment, since there is a gap with a thickness less than that of the optical adhesive in the non-folded area near the end of the optical adhesive in the folded area, the optical adhesive in the folded area can flow to the gap based on the principle of liquid leveling to form an extension that can cover the gap. While covering the gap, it can also fill the splicing gap between the optical adhesive in the folded area and the two optical adhesives in the non-folded area, avoiding unevenness caused by uneven thickness in the splicing gap. The flatness of the optical adhesive layer improves the bending performance of the display module.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, the display module further includes a second substrate located on the side of the optical adhesive layer away from the first substrate, and the second substrate is attached to the first substrate by the optical adhesive layer.

[0043] The second substrate may include a polarizer.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the display module further includes a cover plate located on the side of the second substrate away from the optical adhesive layer, and another optical adhesive layer is provided between the cover plate and the second substrate, through which the cover plate is adhered to the second substrate.

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the optical adhesive in the folded area includes a first optical adhesive and a second optical adhesive distributed according to a preset pattern. The first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive are interlocked with each other, and the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive have different moduli.

[0046] Preferably, the preset pattern includes a plurality of repeating sub-patterns arranged along a first direction and / or a second direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the boundary between the folded area and the unfolded area, and the second direction is parallel to the extension direction of the boundary between the folded area and the unfolded area.

[0047] The first optical adhesive refers to the optical adhesive that is first printed in the folded area; the second optical adhesive refers to another type of optical adhesive that is printed in the folded area immediately after the first optical adhesive has been pre-cured.

[0048] In the first and second optical adhesives, the optical adhesive with a smaller modulus is used to provide good resilience for the display module, thereby reducing stress concentration during the folding process. Optionally, the modulus of the first optical adhesive may be greater than that of the second optical adhesive, or the modulus of the first optical adhesive may be less than that of the second optical adhesive; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0049] Specifically, the optical adhesive in the folded area includes a first optical adhesive and a second optical adhesive distributed according to a preset pattern, meaning that the distribution pattern of the first optical adhesive in the folded area and the distribution pattern of the second optical adhesive in the folded area form the preset pattern.

[0050] Specifically, the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive are interlocked, meaning that the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive are complementary in shape, and there is no gap between the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive. Thus, the side of the optical adhesive in the folded area away from the first substrate has a flat surface.

[0051] Specifically, a first optical adhesive is printed on the folded area using inkjet printing technology. After pre-curing the first optical adhesive, a second optical adhesive is printed on the remaining areas of the folded area excluding the area covered by the first optical adhesive, also using inkjet printing technology. Optionally, to avoid excessive adhesive volume between the first and second optical adhesives, a gap can be left between them when printing the second optical adhesive on the remaining areas of the folded area excluding the area covered by the first optical adhesive. Based on the principle of liquid leveling, the second optical adhesive flows into the reserved gap to fill it. This ensures that the first and second optical adhesives fit together while preventing uneven seams caused by excessive adhesive volume.

[0052] Specifically, a high-precision printhead is used to print the first and second optical adhesives onto the folded area using inkjet printing technology. This allows for extremely high precision control of the volume of individual optical adhesive droplets, with the droplet size ranging from 8 to 16 picoliters (pL). Simultaneously, the high-precision printhead enables high-precision printing of patterns, and the distribution and shape of the optical adhesive droplets can be precisely controlled as needed. In other words, the precision of multiple repeating sub-patterns is controllable.

[0053] Optionally, the repeating sub-pattern can be a pattern formed by the first optical adhesive or the second optical adhesive.

[0054] Optionally, in order to ensure that the modulus of the optical adhesive in the folded area is less than that of the optical adhesive in the non-folded area, the modulus of both the first and second optical adhesives can be less than that of the optical adhesive in the non-folded area, or the modulus of either the first or the second optical adhesive can be less than that of the optical adhesive in the non-folded area. That is to say, it is necessary to ensure that the modulus of the optical adhesive in the folded area composed of the first and second optical adhesives is less than that of the optical adhesive in the non-folded area.

[0055] Optionally, the second direction is parallel to the extension direction of the fold mark of the folded area, and the fold mark of the folded area is located at the middle position of the folded area along the first direction.

[0056] In this embodiment, the optical adhesive in the folding area includes a first optical adhesive and a second optical adhesive distributed according to a preset pattern. The first and second optical adhesives are interlocked with each other. Thus, by adjusting the preset pattern formed by the distribution of the first and second optical adhesives, stress adjustment of the optical adhesive in the folding area is achieved. Furthermore, the first and second optical adhesives have different moduli. As the optical adhesive in the folding area is composed of two optical adhesives with different moduli, stress adjustment of the optical adhesive in the folding area can be further achieved, giving the optical adhesive in the folding area better resilience, relieving the bending pressure of the display module, and improving the overall performance and service life of the display module.

[0057] In one exemplary embodiment, in a first direction, a plurality of repeating sub-patterns are arranged axially symmetrically about a first central axis, and the first central axis is perpendicular to the first direction. The arrangement density of the repeating sub-patterns in the first direction is negatively correlated with the distance from the first central axis; and / or

[0058] In the second direction, multiple repeating sub-patterns are arranged at equal intervals.

[0059] Since the first direction is perpendicular to the extension direction of the boundary between the folded and unfolded areas, the stress state of each position of the optical adhesive in the folded area is less consistent in the first direction. It is easy to understand that the stress is greater closer to the center of the folded area and less further away from the center of the folded area. Based on this, in order to better cope with the greater stress at the center of the folded area, the optical adhesive modulus should be lower closer to the center of the folded area, while it can have a higher optical adhesive modulus further away from the center of the folded area. Therefore, the arrangement density of the repeating sub-pattern in the first direction is negatively correlated with the distance from the first central axis.

[0060] Specifically, since the second direction is parallel to the extension direction of the boundary between the folded and unfolded regions, the stress state of each position of the optical adhesive in the folded region in the second direction is highly consistent. That is to say, the stress on each position of the optical adhesive in the folded region in the second direction is relatively uniform. Therefore, the multiple repeating sub-patterns in the second direction are distributed at equal intervals to cope with uniform stress changes.

[0061] In this embodiment, in the first direction, multiple repeating sub-patterns are arranged axially symmetrically about a first central axis perpendicular to the first direction, and the arrangement density of the repeating sub-patterns in the first direction is negatively correlated with the distance from the first central axis. In the second direction, multiple repeating sub-patterns are arranged at equal intervals. Thus, by flexibly setting the arrangement density of repeating sub-patterns in different directions, the optical adhesive in the folding area can more specifically and flexibly respond to stress changes during the folding process, thereby alleviating the bending pressure of the display module.

[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, the repeating sub-pattern is a bar pattern, and the extension direction of the bar pattern is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple repeating sub-patterns.

[0063] Among them, a bar pattern refers to a pattern composed of a series of parallel bar elements, which can be straight bar elements. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the bar pattern is a straight bar element, the preset pattern composed of multiple repeating sub-patterns visually appears as a zebra stripe pattern.

[0064] Specifically, when the repeating sub-pattern is a strip pattern, the first optical adhesive with a strip pattern and the second optical adhesive with the same strip pattern are arranged alternately. At the same time, since the first and second optical adhesives have different moduli, the optical adhesive in the folding area is composed of alternating high-modulus optical adhesive and low-modulus optical adhesive. It is easy to understand that the preset pattern in this case can disperse stress and reduce stress concentration during the folding process.

[0065] In this embodiment, the repeating sub-pattern is a strip pattern. Therefore, based on the alternating arrangement of high-modulus optical adhesive and low-modulus optical adhesive stripes, stress can be dispersed during folding to reduce stress concentration. Clearly, when the repeating sub-pattern is a strip pattern, the pattern design of the optical adhesive in the folding area can effectively reduce problems such as creases and breakage of the optical adhesive caused by stress concentration in the folding area, thus alleviating the bending pressure on the display module.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the repeating sub-pattern has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence. The first side and the third side are axially symmetrical about a second central axis, which is perpendicular to a second direction. The second side and the fourth side have the same shape and orientation.

[0067] Preferably, the first side of the repeating sub-pattern is formed by two first broken lines intersecting at the second central axis, and the included angle formed by the intersection of the two first broken lines is greater than 0° and less than 180°.

[0068] Preferably, the third side of the repeating sub-pattern is formed by two second broken lines intersecting at the second central axis, and the included angle formed by the intersection of the two second broken lines is less than or equal to the included angle formed by the intersection of the two first broken lines.

[0069] In this context, a repeating sub-pattern is defined as having a first, second, third, and fourth side connected in sequence. This means the repeating sub-pattern is formed by inkjet printing along these four sides, with the first side simultaneously connected to both the second and fourth sides, the second side simultaneously connected to both the first and third sides, the third side simultaneously connected to both the second and fourth sides, and the fourth side simultaneously connected to both the third and first sides. In this case, the repeating sub-pattern enclosed by the first, second, third, and fourth sides can be formed in a single stroke.

[0070] Optionally, the first and third sides of the repeating sub-pattern can also be curves with a certain curvature, and the curvature of the first side is greater than that of the third side.

[0071] Optionally, the second and fourth sides can be straight lines parallel to the second central axis; further optionally, the second and fourth sides have the same length.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the first side 40 of the repeating sub-pattern is formed by two first broken lines intersecting at the second central axis 42, and the third side 44 of the repeating sub-pattern is formed by two second broken lines intersecting at the second central axis 42, and the included angle formed by the intersection of the two second broken lines is less than or equal to the included angle formed by the intersection of the two first broken lines, and the second side 46 and the fourth side 48 are straight lines parallel to the second central axis 42, the repeating sub-pattern visually appears as an arrowhead pattern.

[0073] In a straightforward manner, when the repeating sub-pattern is presented as an arrowhead, meaning the preset pattern consists of multiple arrowhead patterns, the repeating sub-pattern, through its unique shape and arrangement, can guide stress transmission along a specific direction, dispersing the stress generated during folding into multiple directions. This prevents stress concentration at a single point or in a specific area, thus avoiding localized stress accumulation in the folding region. For example, the tip of the arrowhead can disperse stress to both sides of the arrowhead. This stress dispersion reduces stress concentration, alleviating the bending pressure on the display module.

[0074] Specifically, when the first and third sides of the repeating sub-pattern are curves with a certain curvature, and the curvature of the first side is greater than that of the third side, the repeating sub-pattern visually appears as a wave pattern. Similar to the arrowhead pattern, the repeating sub-pattern can also guide stress to be transmitted along a specific direction through its unique shape and arrangement, so it will not be elaborated further here.

[0075] In this embodiment, the repeating sub-pattern consists of a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence. The first and third sides are axially symmetrical about the second central axis, which is perpendicular to the second direction. The second and fourth sides have the same shape and orientation. Thus, based on the unique shape formed by the first and third sides of the repeating sub-pattern, stress can be guided to be transmitted along a specific direction to avoid localized stress accumulation in the folding area, thereby reducing stress concentration and alleviating the bending pressure on the display module.

[0076] In one exemplary embodiment, the display module has a display surface in which all repeating sub-patterns are arranged in the same direction, or in opposite directions in a first direction for repeating sub-patterns located in adjacent rows.

[0077] Preferably, when the display module has a folding direction, all repeating sub-patterns are set in the same direction; the folding direction includes one of the directions in which the display surfaces are close together and the directions in which the display surfaces are away from each other.

[0078] Preferably, when the display module has two folding directions, the setting directions of the repeating sub-patterns located in adjacent rows are opposite in the first direction.

[0079] The display surface of the display module refers to the surface within the display module used to display images or information. The display surface may be located on the side of the first substrate furthest from the optical adhesive layer. Optionally, the display surface may include components such as a liquid crystal display device, a backlight, and a polarizer, which work together to display images and text.

[0080] Specifically, the setting direction of all repeating sub-patterns is the same, which means that the arrangement direction of all repeating sub-patterns is consistent. In other words, all repeating sub-patterns maintain the same orientation when arranged in the folded area.

[0081] Specifically, the display module has two folding directions, meaning that the display module can be folded with the display surfaces close together or with the display surfaces facing away from each other.

[0082] Specifically, the repeating sub-patterns in adjacent rows are arranged in opposite directions in the first direction. That is, the multiple repeating sub-patterns in each row are arranged in the same direction, but the repeating sub-patterns in adjacent rows are arranged in opposite directions in the first direction. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, when the repeating sub-patterns are visually presented as arrowhead patterns, the direction of the repeating sub-patterns in the first row can be set so that the arrowheads point to the right, while the direction of the repeating sub-patterns in the second row can be set so that the arrowheads point to the left. Similarly, the direction of the repeating sub-patterns in the third row (not shown in the figure) can be set so that the arrowheads point to the right, and so on.

[0083] Specifically, because the repeating sub-patterns at this time can guide the stress to be transmitted along a specific direction through their unique shape and arrangement, the stress generated during the folding process is dispersed into multiple directions, avoiding stress concentration at a certain point or in a certain area, thus avoiding the local accumulation of stress in the folding area. At this time, if the repeating sub-patterns in adjacent rows are set in opposite directions in the first direction, the stress in adjacent rows can be dispersed in opposite directions to a certain extent to offset the stress, further reducing the stress concentration phenomenon and alleviating the bending pressure of the display module. At the same time, it is also more suitable for display modules with two folding directions.

[0084] In this embodiment, the repeating sub-pattern composed of the first, second, third, and fourth sides connected in sequence has a unique shape and arrangement that can guide stress to be transmitted along a specific direction, thereby avoiding localized stress accumulation in the folded area, reducing stress concentration and alleviating the bending pressure of the display module. Thus, when the display module has one folding direction, all repeating sub-patterns are set in the same direction to alleviate the bending pressure of the display module. When the display module has two folding directions, the repeating sub-patterns in adjacent rows are set in opposite directions in the first direction. In the process of dispersing stress, the stress is simultaneously offset by repeating sub-patterns set in opposite directions, which can further alleviate the bending pressure of the display module when the display module has two folding directions.

[0085] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the preset pattern includes a mesh-like intersecting pattern.

[0086] Among them, the mesh-like intersecting pattern refers to a pattern composed of multiple intersecting lines or stripes, which intersect each other in at least two directions to form a mesh-like or woven structure.

[0087] In this embodiment, the preset pattern includes a mesh-like cross pattern. Thus, the mesh-like cross pattern can disperse stress through multi-directional cross structure, reducing stress concentration. At the same time, the mesh-like cross pattern can further enhance the overall stability of the optical adhesive in the folding area through the cross structure, reducing the risk of deformation and breakage of the optical adhesive in the folding area, thereby alleviating the bending pressure of the display module.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, a third optical adhesive 74 is provided on the side of the optical adhesive 70 in the folded area away from the first substrate 72, and the side of the third optical adhesive 74 away from the optical adhesive 70 in the folded area has a flat surface.

[0089] The side furthest from the first substrate 72 refers to the side of the folded area where the optical adhesive 70 does not contact the first substrate 72. The third optical adhesive 74 is located on the side of the first and second optical adhesives furthest from the first substrate 72; in other words, the third optical adhesive 74 is located on the surface of the first and second optical adhesives that do not contact the first substrate 72.

[0090] Specifically, after printing the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive in the folded area using inkjet printing technology, the second optical adhesive is pre-cured. Then, the third optical adhesive 74 is printed on the surface of the first and second optical adhesives away from the first substrate 72 using inkjet printing technology. Based on the principle of liquid leveling, the third optical adhesive 74 flows on the surface of the first and second optical adhesives to form a flat surface, avoiding gaps between the first and second optical adhesives to prevent air bubbles from affecting stress release in the optical adhesive layer.

[0091] Specifically, before printing the third optical adhesive 74 onto the surface of the first and second optical adhesives on the side away from the first substrate 72 using inkjet printing technology, topography scanning technology can be used to detect defects, such as bubbles, depressions, or protrusions, on the surface of the first and second optical adhesives on the side away from the first substrate 72. When surface defects are detected, a layer of the third optical adhesive is applied to the corresponding location of the defect using inkjet printing technology to fill the depressions or level the protrusions, thereby preventing these surface defects from affecting the performance of the final display module.

[0092] In this embodiment, a third optical adhesive is provided on the side of the optical adhesive in the folding area away from the first substrate. The side of the third optical adhesive away from the optical adhesive in the terminal area has a flat surface. Thus, due to the presence of the third optical adhesive, the side of the optical adhesive layer away from the first substrate can have a flat surface, avoiding the possible splicing gaps between the first and second optical adhesives that could affect the stress release of the optical adhesive layer during the folding process, thereby alleviating the bending pressure of the display module.

[0093] In one exemplary embodiment, the optical adhesive layer is composed of acrylic optical adhesive or silicone optical adhesive.

[0094] Preferably, the optical adhesive in the folded area is composed of liquid optical adhesive, and the optical adhesive in each non-folded area is composed of either liquid or solid optical adhesive.

[0095] Preferably, the optical adhesive in both non-folded areas is composed of the same type of optical adhesive.

[0096] Since the mutual solubility between optical adhesives of the same system is better than that between optical adhesives of different systems, in order to avoid uneven splicing seams or air bubbles caused by poor mutual solubility in the optical adhesive layer, the optical adhesive in the folded area and the two non-folded areas should be composed of optical adhesives of the same system. That is to say, the optical adhesive in the folded area and the two non-folded areas are both composed of acrylic optical adhesives or silicone optical adhesives.

[0097] Preferably, the optical adhesive in the folded area and the optical adhesive in the two non-folded areas are both composed of acrylic optical adhesive.

[0098] Specifically, conventional solid optical adhesives used in folding areas have a uniform material and thickness across the entire surface. As a result, it is difficult to completely improve the release of bending stress when folding, regardless of whether the modulus or thickness of the optical adhesive in the folding area is adjusted. This leads to problems such as creases easily appearing at the bending points of the optical adhesive in the folding area. Therefore, using liquid optical adhesives in the folding area can better improve the bending performance of the folding area.

[0099] Specifically, the optical adhesives in the two non-folded regions are composed of the same type of optical adhesive, meaning that the optical adhesives in both non-folded regions are either liquid optical adhesives or solid optical adhesives.

[0100] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown in (a), the optical adhesive 80 in the folded area is composed of liquid optical adhesive, and the optical adhesive 82 in each non-folded area is composed of liquid optical adhesive; as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the optical adhesive 80 in the folded area is composed of liquid optical adhesive, and the optical adhesive 82 in each non-folded area is composed of solid optical adhesive.

[0101] It is understood that the above-mentioned display module can also take other forms, and is not limited to the forms mentioned in the above embodiments, as long as it can achieve the function of relieving the bending pressure of the display module.

[0102] The aforementioned display module can be applied to display devices or similar devices with foldable displays, such as smartphones, tablets, televisions, and laptops.

[0103] This application also provides a display device, which includes a display module as described in any one of the display module embodiments of this application.

[0104] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples.

[0105] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0106] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, The display module includes: A first substrate, the first substrate having a folded region and two non-folded regions; An optical adhesive layer is located on one side of the first substrate. The optical adhesive layer includes a folded region optical adhesive and two non-folded region optical adhesives. The folded region optical adhesive is located between the two non-folded region optical adhesives. The modulus of the folded region optical adhesive is less than the modulus of the non-folded region optical adhesive, and the thickness of the folded region optical adhesive is less than the thickness of the non-folded region optical adhesive.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical adhesive in the folded area includes a first optical adhesive and a second optical adhesive distributed according to a preset pattern. The first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive are interlocked with each other, and the first optical adhesive and the second optical adhesive have different moduli. Preferably, the preset pattern includes a plurality of repeating sub-patterns arranged along a first direction and / or a second direction; The first direction is perpendicular to the extending direction of the boundary between the folded region and the non-folded region, and the second direction is parallel to the extending direction of the boundary between the folded region and the non-folded region.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the first direction, a plurality of repeating sub-patterns are arranged axially symmetrically about a first central axis, and the first central axis is perpendicular to the first direction. The arrangement density of the repeating sub-patterns in the first direction is negatively correlated with the distance from the first central axis; and / or In the second direction, the plurality of repeating sub-patterns are arranged at equal intervals.

4. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The repeating sub-pattern is a bar pattern, and the extension direction of the bar pattern is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple repeating sub-patterns.

5. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The repeating sub-pattern has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side connected in sequence. The first side and the third side are symmetrical about a second central axis. The second central axis is perpendicular to the second direction. The second side and the fourth side have the same shape and orientation. Preferably, the first side of the repeating sub-pattern is formed by two first broken lines intersecting at the second central axis, and the included angle formed by the intersection of the two first broken lines is greater than 0° and less than 180°; Preferably, the third side of the repeating sub-pattern is formed by two second broken lines intersecting at the second central axis, and the included angle formed by the intersection of the two second broken lines is less than or equal to the included angle formed by the intersection of the two first broken lines.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The display module has a display surface, and all the repeating sub-patterns are set in the same direction, or the repeating sub-patterns located in adjacent rows are set in opposite directions in the first direction; Preferably, when the display module has a folding direction, all the repeating sub-patterns are arranged in the same direction; the folding direction includes one of the directions in which the display surfaces are close together and the directions in which the display surfaces are away from each other; Preferably, when the display module has two folding directions, the setting directions of the repeating sub-patterns located in adjacent rows are opposite in the first direction.

7. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The preset pattern includes a mesh-like intersecting pattern.

8. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, A third optical adhesive is provided on the side of the optical adhesive in the folded area away from the first substrate, and the side of the third optical adhesive away from the optical adhesive in the folded area has a flat surface.

9. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical adhesive layer is composed of acrylic optical adhesive or silicone optical adhesive; Preferably, the optical adhesive in the folded area is composed of liquid optical adhesive, and the optical adhesive in each of the non-folded areas is composed of liquid optical adhesive or solid optical adhesive; Preferably, the optical adhesives in the two non-folded regions are composed of the same type of optical adhesive.

10. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes the display module as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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