Supporting layer, display module and foldable equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a supporting layer, a display module and foldable equipment. The bending area in the supporting layer is located between the two plane areas, and the inner hole opening area and the outer hole opening area are directly connected. The inner hole area is provided with a plurality of first holes, the outer hole area is provided with a plurality of second holes, and the rigidity of the inner hole area is smaller than that of the outer hole area. The width of the inner opening area in the first direction is large, and the bending area is prone to deformation. The free included angle of the display module in the closed state is large, the width of the display module in the flattened state is smaller than or equal to 20 mm, the included angle of a plate body in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly is about 30 degrees, and the supporting layer can be naturally attached to the first plate body and the second plate body in the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state. The supporting layer is respectively connected with the first plate body and the second plate body without glue, so that the normal stress of each layer of glue and an interface of the display module in a closed state is reduced, the extrusion collision between the main shaft inner plate and the display module in a falling scene is reduced, and the bending and falling capabilities of the display module are improved. And the opening and closing moment required for switching between the flattening state and the closing state of the display module is small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of display modules, and in particular, to a support layer, a display module, and a foldable device. Background Art

[0002] A foldable device (such as a foldable mobile phone) can provide a large display area when in the unfolded state, and has a compact overall structure and is convenient to carry when in the closed state. The foldable device includes a display module and a rotating shaft assembly. The display module includes a flexible display panel and a support layer, and the support layer is disposed on the back surface of the display panel. The rotating shaft assembly is located on the side of the support layer away from the display panel. The display panel can be bent following the rotation of the left and right plates in the rotating shaft assembly. The support layer can be bent following the display panel, and the display panel is supported on the support layer when in the unfolded state.

[0003] In the trend of thinning the design of foldable devices or rotating shaft assemblies, how to provide a support layer that can be applied to a rotating shaft assembly with a width less than or equal to 20 mm in the unfolded state, and the bending area of the support layer can naturally fit on the left and right plates of the rotating shaft assembly when in the closed state is a problem that the industry needs to face. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a support layer, a display module, and a foldable device, so that the support layer can be applied to a rotating shaft assembly with a width less than or equal to 20 mm in the unfolded state, and the bending area of the support layer can naturally fit on the left and right plates of the rotating shaft assembly when in the closed state.

[0005] Embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a support layer, including: a bending area and paired planar areas, and the bending area is located between the two planar areas along a first direction. The bending area includes an inner opening area and paired outer opening areas, and the inner opening area is located between the two outer opening areas along the first direction. Two opposite side edges of the inner opening area are directly connected to the corresponding outer opening areas. A side edge of each outer opening area away from the inner opening area is connected to the corresponding planar area. The inner opening area has a plurality of first holes, and the outer opening area has a plurality of second holes. The stiffness of the inner opening area is less than the stiffness of the outer opening area.

[0007] The support layer provided by the embodiment of the present application has a bending area located between two planar areas, and the inner opening area and the outer opening area in the bending area are directly connected. The inner opening area has a plurality of first holes, and the outer opening area has a plurality of second holes, so that the stiffness of the inner opening area is less than that of the outer opening area. The width of the inner opening area of the support layer in the first direction is larger in this embodiment, making the bending area prone to deformation. When the support layer of this embodiment is applied to a display module, the free included angle of the display module in the closed state is relatively large (such as about 30°), and it can be adapted to the scenario where the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state is about 30°, that is, the bent support layer in the closed state can naturally fit the first plate body and the second plate body in the rotating shaft assembly, which is beneficial to the thinning design of the foldable device. There may be no colloidal connection between the support layer and the first plate body or the second plate body, which can reduce the normal stress of the adhesive materials and interfaces of each layer of the display module in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bending area in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. In the case of a foldable device falling, the inner plate of the main shaft moves, and the display module can deform freely, reducing the extrusion and collision between the inner plate of the main shaft and the display module, and having high drop reliability. The opening / closing torque / rebound torque required when the display module switches between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening / closing experience is good. The display module can also be adapted to the scenario where the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly is greater than 20 mm.

[0008] In an alternative implementation, when the support layer is applied to a rotating shaft assembly with a flattened state width less than or equal to 20 mm, the width range of the inner opening area in the first direction is [7 mm, 10 mm], and the width range of the outer opening area in the first direction is [4 mm, 10 mm]. The width of the inner opening area of the support layer in the first direction can be increased to make the bending area prone to deformation, so that the display module with this support layer can be adapted to the included angle between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state, and the support layer can naturally fit the first plate body and the second plate body in the closed state.

[0009] In an alternative implementation, the support layer can be a carbon fiber layer, a titanium alloy layer or a stainless steel layer.

[0010] In an alternative implementation, when a carbon fiber layer is used, both the first holes in the inner opening area and the second holes in the outer opening area can be through holes, and processes such as laser cutting can be used for manufacturing.

[0011] In an alternative implementation, when a titanium alloy layer or a stainless steel layer is used, both the first holes in the inner opening area and the second holes in the outer opening area can be blind holes, and processes such as etching can be used for manufacturing.

[0012] In an alternative implementation, the thickness range of the support layer is [0.1 mm, 0.2 mm]. The thickness of this support layer is small, and it can effectively support and protect the display panel.

[0013] In an alternative implementation, when the support layer is applied to the display module, the support layer, the display panel, and the transparent cover plate are stacked in sequence, and the free included angle of the display module in the closed state is greater than or equal to 30°. This display module can be adapted to a scenario where the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state is approximately 30°. In the closed state, the support layer can match the rotating shaft assembly, that is, the support layer can naturally adhere to the first plate body and the second plate body in the closed state. By reducing the opening and closing torque of the display module, the requirements for springs and cams can be reduced, and the number of springs and cams can be set to be small or the occupied space can be small, so that the space required for the rotating shaft assembly is small.

[0014] In an alternative implementation, both the first hole and the second hole are strip-shaped, and the length of the first hole is greater than the length of the second hole. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc. This can make the stiffness of the inner opening area less than that of the outer opening area, and the inner opening area is more likely to deform than the outer opening area, which is beneficial to forming a predetermined water droplet shape in the bending area of the display module in the closed state.

[0015] In an alternative implementation, both the first hole and the second hole are strip-shaped, the length of the first hole is equal to the length of the second hole, and the arrangement spacing of the first hole in the first direction is less than the arrangement spacing of the second hole. This can make the stiffness of the inner opening area less than that of the outer opening area, and the inner opening area is more likely to deform than the outer opening area, which is beneficial to forming a predetermined water droplet shape in the bending area of the display module in the closed state.

[0016] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of first holes are arranged in the first direction and the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the plurality of first holes arranged in the second direction are used as a column of first holes; among two adjacent columns of first holes, the center of any first hole in one column of first holes is offset from the center of any first hole in the other column of first holes in the second direction. This can arrange more first holes in the inner opening area with a limited area, and the inner opening area can have a smaller stiffness, which is convenient for the inner opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0017] In an alternative implementation, the first hole is strip-shaped, the length direction of the first hole is parallel to the second direction, and the width c2 direction of the first hole is parallel to the first direction. This can arrange more first holes in the inner opening area with a limited area, the first hole extends in the second direction, effectively reducing the stiffness of the inner opening area in the first direction, and the inner opening area has a certain stiffness in the second direction, which is convenient for the inner opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0018] In an alternative implementation, the first holes are strip-shaped, the length range of the first holes is [1.5 millimeters, 7 millimeters], and the width c2 range of the first holes is [0.05 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters]; the length range of the connecting ribs between two adjacent first holes in the second direction in the second direction is [0.1 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters]; the width c4 range of the connecting ribs between two adjacent first holes in the first direction in the first direction is [0.1 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters]. A relatively large number of first holes can be arranged in the inner opening area with a limited area, and the inner opening area forms a relatively small predetermined stiffness, which is beneficial to the inner opening area bending and deforming around the second direction.

[0019] In an alternative implementation, the first holes can be strip-shaped, and a predetermined angle is provided between the length direction of the first holes and the first direction, such as 0° to 90°.

[0020] In an alternative implementation, the shape of the first holes can be at least one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape. The polygon can be a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, and so on. By selecting the shape and arrangement of the first holes, the stiffness of the inner opening area is made smaller than that of the outer opening area.

[0021] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of second holes are arranged along the first direction and the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the plurality of second holes arranged along the second direction are used as a column of second holes; among two adjacent columns of second holes, the center of any second hole in one column of second holes is staggeredly arranged in the second direction from the center of any second hole in the other column of second holes. A relatively large number of second holes can be arranged in the outer opening area with a limited area, and the outer opening area can have a relatively small stiffness, which is convenient for the outer opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0022] In an alternative implementation, the second holes are strip-shaped, the length direction of the second holes is parallel to the second direction, and the width direction of the second holes is parallel to the first direction. A relatively large number of second holes can be arranged in the outer opening area with a limited area, the second holes extend along the second direction, effectively reducing the stiffness of the outer opening area in the second direction, and the outer opening area has a certain stiffness in the second direction, which is convenient for the outer opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0023] In an alternative implementation, the second holes are strip-shaped, the length range of the second holes is [1 millimeter, 3 millimeters], and the width range of the second holes is [0.05 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters]; the length range of the connecting ribs between two adjacent second holes in the second direction in the second direction is [0.1 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters]; the width range of the connecting ribs between two adjacent second holes in the first direction in the first direction is [0.1 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters]. A relatively large number of second holes can be arranged in the outer opening area with a limited area, and the outer opening area forms a relatively small predetermined stiffness, which is beneficial to the outer opening area bending and deforming around the second direction.

[0024] In an alternative implementation, the second hole may be strip-shaped, and there is a predetermined angle, such as 0° to 90°, between the length direction of the second hole and the first direction.

[0025] In an alternative implementation, the shape of the second hole may be at least one of a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. The polygon may be a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, etc. By selecting the shape and arrangement of the second holes, the stiffness of the inner hole region is made less than the stiffness of the outer hole region.

[0026] In an alternative implementation, the inner hole region includes a first sub-region and paired second sub-regions. The first sub-region is located between the two second sub-regions. The two opposite sides of the first sub-region are directly connected to the corresponding second sub-regions. The length of the first hole on the first sub-region is greater than the length of the first hole on the second sub-region. The stiffness of the first sub-region is less than the stiffness of the second sub-region. In the case where the foldable device drops, the second sub-region is less likely to deform than the first sub-region, reducing the damage to the display panel caused by the deformation of the local position of the support layer.

[0027] In an alternative implementation, the length of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes in the second direction on the first sub-region may be less than the length of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes in the second direction on the second sub-region. This can make the stiffness of the first sub-region less than the stiffness of the second sub-region.

[0028] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a support layer, including: a bending region and paired planar regions. The bending region is located between the two planar regions along the first direction. The bending region includes an inner hole region, paired transition hole regions, and paired outer hole regions. The inner hole region is located between the two transition hole regions along the first direction. The two opposite sides of the inner hole region are directly connected to the corresponding transition hole regions respectively. The side of each transition hole region away from the inner hole region is directly connected to the corresponding outer hole region. The side of each outer hole region away from the inner hole region is connected to the corresponding planar region. The inner hole region has a plurality of first holes, the outer hole region has a plurality of second holes, and the transition hole region has a plurality of third holes. The stiffness of the inner hole region is less than the stiffness of the transition hole region, and the stiffness of the transition hole region is less than the stiffness of the outer hole region.

[0029] The support layer provided by the embodiment of the present application has a bending area located between two planar areas. The inner opening area and the transition opening area in the bending area are directly connected, and the transition opening area and the outer opening area are directly connected. The inner opening area has a plurality of first holes, the outer opening area has a plurality of second holes, and the transition opening area has a plurality of third holes, so that the stiffness of the transition opening area is between the stiffness of the inner opening area and the stiffness of the outer opening area, and the stiffness of the inner opening area is the smallest. The sum of the widths of the inner opening area and the transition opening area of the support layer in the first direction in this embodiment is relatively large, making the bending area easy to deform. When the support layer of this embodiment is applied to a display module, the free included angle of the display module in the closed state is relatively large (such as about 30°), and it can be adapted to the scenario where the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle of the plate body of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state is about 30°, that is, the bent support layer in the closed state can naturally fit the first plate body and the second plate body in the rotating shaft assembly, which is beneficial to the thinning design of the foldable device. There may be no colloid connection between the support layer and the first plate body or the second plate body, which can reduce the normal stress of the glue materials and interfaces of each layer of the display module in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bending area in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. In the case of the main shaft inner plate moving during the fall of the foldable device, the display module can deform freely, reducing the extrusion and collision between the main shaft inner plate and the display module, and having high drop reliability. The opening / closing torque / rebound torque required for the display module to switch between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good. The display module can also be adapted to the scenario where the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly is greater than 20 mm.

[0030] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of third holes are arranged along the first direction and the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the plurality of third holes arranged along the second direction are used as a column of third holes; in the direction from the inner opening area to the outer opening area along the first direction, the lengths of multiple columns of third holes gradually become smaller. In the direction from the inner opening area to the outer opening area along the first direction, the stiffness of the transition opening area gradually increases, so that the display module in the closed state forms a predetermined water droplet shape.

[0031] In an alternative implementation, the third holes are strip-shaped, the length direction of the third holes is parallel to the second direction, and the width direction of the third holes is parallel to the first direction. In the direction from the inner opening area to the outer opening area along the first direction, the lengths of the respective third holes gradually become shorter.

[0032] In an alternative implementation, the length of the third hole on the transition opening area close to the inner opening area may be equal to the length of the first hole in the inner opening area, and the length of the third hole on the transition opening area close to the outer opening area may be equal to the length of the second hole in the outer opening area.

[0033] In an alternative implementation, the width range of the transition opening area in the first direction is [0 mm, 3 mm]. By using a transition opening area with a relatively narrow first direction, the width of the inner opening area in the first direction can be increased, making the bending area easy to deform.

[0034] In an alternative implementation, when the support layer is applied to a rotating shaft assembly with a flattened state width less than or equal to 20 mm, the width range of the inner perforated area in the first direction is [7 mm, 10 mm], and the width range of the outer perforated area in the first direction is [4 mm, 10 mm]. The width of the inner perforated area of the support layer in the first direction can be increased to make the bending area easily deformable, so that the display module with the support layer can adapt to the plate body angle in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly, and the support layer can naturally fit on the first plate body and the second plate body in the closed state.

[0035] In an alternative implementation, the support layer can be a carbon fiber layer, a titanium alloy layer, or a stainless steel layer.

[0036] In an alternative implementation, when a carbon fiber layer is used, the first holes in the inner perforated area and the second holes in the outer perforated area can both be through holes, and processes such as laser cutting can be used for manufacturing.

[0037] In an alternative implementation, when a titanium alloy layer or a stainless steel layer is used, the first holes in the inner perforated area and the second holes in the outer perforated area can both be blind holes, and processes such as etching can be used for manufacturing.

[0038] [[ID=...]] In an alternative implementation, the thickness range of the support layer is [0.1 mm, 0.2 mm]. The thickness of this support layer is small, and it can effectively support and protect the display panel.

[0039] In an alternative implementation, when the support layer is applied to a display module, the support layer, the display panel, and the transparent cover plate are stacked in sequence, and the free angle in the closed state of the display module is greater than or equal to 30°. This display module can adapt to the scenario where the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm and the plate body angle in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly is about 30°. In the closed state, the support layer can match the rotating shaft assembly, that is, the support layer can naturally fit on the first plate body and the second plate body in the closed state. By reducing the opening and closing torque of the display module, the requirements for springs and cams can be reduced, the number of springs and cams can be set to be small or the occupied space can be small, and the space required for the rotating shaft assembly can be small.

[0040] In an alternative implementation, both the first holes and the second holes are strip-shaped, and the length of the first holes is greater than the length of the second holes. The strip shape can be a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, etc. It can make the stiffness of the inner perforated area less than that of the outer perforated area, and the inner perforated area is more easily deformable than the outer perforated area, which is beneficial to forming a predetermined water droplet shape in the bending area of the display module in the closed state.

[0041] In an alternative implementation, both the first hole and the second hole are strip-shaped, the length of the first hole is equal to the length of the second hole, and the arrangement pitch of the first hole in the first direction is smaller than the arrangement pitch of the second hole. This can make the stiffness of the inner opening area smaller than that of the outer opening area, and the inner opening area is more likely to deform than the outer opening area, which is beneficial to forming a predetermined water droplet shape in the bending area of the display module in the closed state.

[0042] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of first holes are arranged along the first direction and the second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the plurality of first holes arranged along the second direction are used as a column of first holes; among two adjacent columns of first holes, the center of any first hole in one column of first holes is offset from the center of any first hole in the other column of first holes in the second direction. This can arrange more first holes in the inner opening area with a limited area, and the inner opening area can have a smaller stiffness, which is convenient for the inner opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0043] In an alternative implementation, the first hole is strip-shaped, the length direction of the first hole is parallel to the second direction, and the width c2 direction of the first hole is parallel to the first direction. This can arrange more first holes in the inner opening area with a limited area, the first hole extends along the second direction, effectively reducing the stiffness of the inner opening area in the first direction, and the inner opening area has a certain stiffness in the second direction, which is convenient for the inner opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0044] In an alternative implementation, the first hole is strip-shaped, the length range of the first hole is [1.5 mm, 7 mm], and the width c2 range of the first hole is [0.05 mm, 0.1 mm]; the length range of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes in the second direction in the second direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]; the width c4 range of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes in the first direction in the first direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]. This can arrange more first holes in the inner opening area with a limited area, and the inner opening area forms a smaller predetermined stiffness, which is beneficial to the inner opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0045] In an alternative implementation, the first hole can be strip-shaped, and there is a predetermined angle, such as 0° to 90°, between the length direction of the first hole and the first direction.

[0046] In an alternative implementation, the shape of the first hole can be at least one of a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. The polygon can be a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, etc. By selecting the shape and arrangement method of the first hole, the stiffness of the inner opening area is made smaller than that of the outer opening area.

[0047] In an alternative implementation, a plurality of second holes are arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction; the plurality of second holes arranged in the second direction are used as a column of second holes; among two adjacent columns of second holes, the center of any second hole in one column of second holes is offset from the center of any second hole in the other column of second holes in the second direction. A relatively large number of second holes can be arranged in the outer opening area with a limited area, and the outer opening area can have a relatively small stiffness, which is convenient for the outer opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0048] In an alternative implementation, the second holes are strip-shaped, the length direction of the second holes is parallel to the second direction, and the width direction of the second holes is parallel to the first direction. A relatively large number of second holes can be arranged in the outer opening area with a limited area, and the second holes extend along the second direction, effectively reducing the stiffness of the outer opening area in the second direction. The outer opening area has a certain stiffness in the second direction, which is convenient for the outer opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0049] In an alternative implementation, the second holes are strip-shaped, the length range of the second holes is [1 mm, 3 mm], and the width range of the second holes is [0.05 mm, 0.1 mm]; the length range of the connecting ribs between two adjacent second holes in the second direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]; the width range of the connecting ribs between two adjacent second holes in the first direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]. A relatively large number of second holes can be arranged in the outer opening area with a limited area, and the outer opening area forms a relatively small predetermined stiffness, which is beneficial to the outer opening area to bend and deform around the second direction.

[0050] In an alternative implementation, the second holes can be strip-shaped, and a predetermined angle is formed between the length direction of the second holes and the first direction, such as 0° to 90°.

[0051] In an alternative implementation, the shape of the second holes can be at least one of a circular shape, an oval shape, and a polygonal shape. The polygon can be a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, etc. By selecting the shape and arrangement of the second holes, the stiffness of the inner opening area is made smaller than the stiffness of the outer opening area.

[0052] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display module, including the support layer, the display panel, and the transparent cover plate in any of the above embodiments, and the support layer, the display panel, and the transparent cover plate are sequentially stacked.

[0053] In an alternative implementation, the display module may include a support layer, a display panel, and a transparent cover plate that are sequentially stacked. The support layer, the display panel, the transparent cover plate, and different layers of the transparent cover plate can be connected by an optically transparent adhesive.

[0054] Fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a foldable device, including a first housing, a second housing, a rotating shaft assembly, and the above display module. The first housing and the second housing are both connected to the rotating shaft assembly. The rotating shaft assembly is located on the side of the support layer away from the display panel. The rotating shaft assembly includes a main shaft, a first plate body, and a second plate body. The first plate body and the second plate body are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main shaft. One planar area of the support layer is fixed to the first housing, and the other planar area is fixed to the second housing. The bending area and the rotating shaft assembly are arranged opposite to each other.

[0055] The foldable device has a flattened state, a closed state, and an intermediate state. During the opening and closing movement of the first housing and the second housing, the display module can follow the first housing, the second housing, and the rotating shaft assembly to perform unfolding and bending movements.

[0056] In an optional implementation manner, during the relative opening and closing movement of the first plate body and the second plate body, the support layer can move relative to the first plate body and the second plate body. The free included angle of the display module in the closed state is relatively large (such as about 30°), which can be adapted to the scenario where the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 millimeters and the included angle between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state is about 30°. That is, the bent support layer in the closed state can naturally fit on the first plate body and the second plate body in the rotating shaft assembly.

[0057] In an optional implementation manner, the rotating shaft assembly includes a main shaft, a first plate body, and a second plate body. The first plate body and the second plate body are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main shaft. A part of the area of the support layer and the first plate body are connected by a first colloid, and another part of the area of the support layer and the second plate body are connected by a first colloid. The modulus range of the first colloid is [0.1 megapascal, 10 megapascals]. The first colloid within the above modulus range is a low-modulus colloid.

[0058] It can reduce the normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface in the display module in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bending area in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. When the inner plate of the main shaft moves during the falling of the foldable device, the first colloid can deform and dissipate kinetic energy, has less restraint on the display module, reduces the extrusion and collision between the inner plate of the main shaft and the display module, and has high falling reliability. The opening and closing torque required for the display module to switch between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good. It reduces the risk of reverse arching and dead folding failure of the display module during the bending process, and has high falling reliability.

[0059] In an optional implementation manner, the first colloid can be a foam adhesive or an ultraviolet light-curing adhesive, or a combination of an ultraviolet light-curing adhesive and a foam adhesive.

[0060] In an alternative implementation, the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm and greater than or equal to 14 mm, and the included angle range of the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state is [30°, 35°]; when the rotating shaft assembly is in the closed state, a screen-containing space is formed among the main shaft, the first plate body and the second plate body of the rotating shaft assembly, the bending area of the support layer is located in the screen-containing space, and the support layer can be attached to the main shaft, the first plate body and the second plate body.

[0061] The free included angle of the display module in the closed state is relatively large (about 30°). The display module can be adapted to the scenario where the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle of the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly in the closed state is about 30°. In the closed state, the support layer can match the rotating shaft assembly, that is, the support layer can naturally adhere to the first plate body and the second plate body in the closed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of the foldable device provided by the embodiment of the present application when in the flattened state;

[0063] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a three-dimensional exploded view of the foldable device;

[0064] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a further three-dimensional exploded view of a partial structure of the foldable device;

[0065] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the foldable device when in the closed state;

[0066] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the foldable device when in the intermediate state;

[0067] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of the display module provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of the rotating shaft assembly and the display module of the foldable device provided by the embodiment of the present application when in the flattened state;

[0069] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a schematic structural diagram of the rotating shaft assembly and the display module of the foldable device when in the closed state;

[0070] Figure 9 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a support layer in the related art;

[0071] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of the display module and the rotating shaft assembly in the related art;

[0072] Figure 11 Structural schematic diagram of a display module and a rotating shaft assembly of another related technology;

[0073] Figure 12 Structural schematic diagram of a support layer provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Figure 13 For Figure 12 Partial enlarged view of part A of;

[0075] Figure 14 Structural schematic diagram of a support layer provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Figure 15 For Figure 14 Partial enlarged view of part B of;

[0077] Figure 16 For a foldable device having Figure 14 Structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly and the display module when the support layer is in the closed state;

[0078] Figure 17 Partial enlarged view of the support layer provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0079] Figure 18 For a foldable device having Figure 17 Structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly and the display module when the support layer is in the closed state;

[0080] Figure 19 Structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly and the display module when the foldable device provided by another embodiment of the present application is in the flattened state;

[0081] Figure 20 For Figure 19 Structural schematic diagram of the rotating shaft assembly and the display module when the foldable device is in the closed state;

[0082] Figures 21 to 25 Partial enlarged views of the support layer provided by different embodiments of the present application respectively. Detailed implementation manners

[0083] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by this application more clearly understood, the following further elaborates on this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not used to limit this application. Although the description of this application will be introduced in conjunction with some embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the implementation as an application is to cover other alternatives or modifications that may extend based on the claims of this application. In order to provide a deep understanding of this application, many specific details will be included in the following description. This application can also be implemented without these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusing or obscuring the key points of this application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0084] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0085] It should be understood that in the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. 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. The orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to this application.

[0086] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0087] In the embodiments of the present application, "and / or" is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Additionally, in this text, the character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0088] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" described in this specification mean that specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment are included in one or more embodiments of the present application. Thus, statements such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other some embodiments", "in still other embodiments", etc., which appear in different places in this specification, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0089] Referring to Figure 1 , embodiments of the present application provide a foldable device 1000, which can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, an e-book reader, a netbook, a personal digital assistant, a smart wearable device (such as a smart watch), etc.

[0090] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the foldable device 1000 provided by embodiments of the present application includes a first housing 200, a second housing 300, a rotating shaft assembly 400, and a display module 100. Both the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are connected to the rotating shaft assembly 400. In combination with Figure 4 , Figure 5 , both the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can rotate relative to the rotating shaft assembly 400 to achieve the opening and closing movement of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300.

[0091] The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 can be installed with devices such as a circuit board, a battery, a receiver, a speaker, a camera, etc.

[0092] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , the rotating shaft assembly 400 can be referred to as a hinge assembly. The rotating shaft assembly 400 includes a main shaft 410, a first plate body 420, and a second plate body 430. The first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main shaft 410. The first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 are the left and right plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly 400. The main shaft 410 can have an inner plate 411 facing the display module 100. The first plate body 420 is installed on the first housing 200, and the second plate body 430 is installed on the second housing 300.

[0093] When setting up the display module 100, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , the display module 100 includes a first fixing part 100a, a bending part 100b, and a second fixing part 100c that are connected in sequence. The first fixing part 100a is fixed on the first housing 200, and the second fixing part 100c is fixed on the second housing 300. The bending part 100b and the rotating shaft assembly 400 are correspondingly arranged.

[0094] Refer to Figure 6 , the display module 100 may include a support layer 110, a display panel 120, and a transparent cover plate 130 that are stacked in sequence. The display panel 120 may include a light-emitting device layer for outputting light outward to display information. A functional layer, such as a polarizer layer, may be provided on the light-emitting electrical layer. The display panel 120 may be an organic light-emitting diode display screen, an active matrix organic light-emitting diode, or an active matrix organic light-emitting diode display screen, etc.

[0095] The support layer 110 is used to provide support for the display panel 120. Combining Figure 2 , the support layer 110 can be installed on the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 of the foldable device 1000 to prevent the display panel 120 from being squeezed and impacted by the back structural members, making the entire display module 100 have good flatness.

[0096] Refer to Figure 6 , the transparent cover plate 130 is used to provide protection for the display panel 120 and reduce damage to the display panel 120 during use. The transparent cover plate 130 may be an optically transparent polymer film material, such as, colorless polyimide (CPI), polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET). The transparent cover plate 130 has a certain stiffness to protect the display panel 120 and has flexibility and is easy to bend.

[0097] A protective film 131 may be provided on the side of the transparent cover plate 130 away from the support layer 110. The protective film 131 can isolate external influences such as scratches and friction to protect the transparent cover plate 130 and the display panel 120. The transparent cover plate 130 can be replaced secondly. The thickness range of the protective film 131 can be 75 microns to 150 microns.

[0098] The support layer 110, the display panel 120, the transparent cover plate 130, and different layers of the transparent cover plate 130 can be connected by an optically transparent adhesive.

[0099] Exemplarily, the transparent cover plate 130 includes a transparent polyimide layer and a hardening coating which are stacked. The thickness range of the transparent polyimide layer can be from 50 microns to 60 microns, and the thickness range of the hardening coating can be from 5 microns to 10 microns. The thickness range of the polarizer layer can be from 30 microns to 53 microns. The thickness range of the light-emitting device layer can be from 100 microns to 130 microns, such as 117 microns.

[0100] The polarizer layer and the light-emitting device layer can be connected by a transparent adhesive material with a thickness of 15 microns to 25 microns. The light-emitting device layer and the support layer 110 can be connected by a transparent adhesive material with a thickness of 15 microns to 25 microns. The thickness range of the support layer 110 can be from 140 microns to 160 microns.

[0101] The foldable device 1000 has a flattened state, a closed state, and an intermediate state. During the opening and closing movement of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, the display module 100 can follow the first housing 200, the second housing 300, and the rotating shaft assembly 400 to perform unfolding and bending movements.

[0102] Refer to Figure 1 , when the foldable device 1000 is in the flattened state, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are arranged on both sides of the main shaft 410 along the vertical direction of the length direction of the main shaft 410, and the angle between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 is approximately 180°. Combining Figure 7 , the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 are arranged on both sides of the main shaft 410 along the vertical direction of the length direction of the main shaft 410. When in the flattened state, the bending part 100b of the display module 100 is supported on the first plate body 420, the main shaft 410, and the second plate body 430.

[0103] Refer to Figure 4 , when the foldable device 1000 is in the closed state, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 approach each other to form a stacked structure. The first fixing part 100a and the second fixing part 100c of the display module 100 are attached to each other. Combining Figure 8 , the bending part 100b of the display module 100 is bent with a water-drop-shaped edge. The first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 approach each other, and the first plate body 420, the second plate body 430, and the main shaft 410 can enclose a screen-containing space 440, and the water-drop-shaped bending part 100b can be accommodated in the screen-containing space 440.

[0104] Refer to Figure 5, when the foldable device 1000 is in the intermediate state, which is a state between the closed state and the flattened state, the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are not fully closed or fully flattened, a predetermined angle is formed between the first housing 200 and the second housing 300, a predetermined angle is also formed between the first fixing portion 100a and the second fixing portion 100c in the display module 100, and the bending portion 100b is in a bent shape.

[0105] For the convenience of describing the positions and orientations of the support layer 110, the display module 100, and the foldable device 1000, the arrangement direction of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 in the flattened state is defined as the first direction X, the length direction of the main shaft 410 is defined as the second direction Y, and the thickness direction of the foldable device 1000 in the flattened state is defined as the third direction Z. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can be perpendicular to each other pairwise.

[0106] Some parameter definitions of the display module 100 and the rotating shaft assembly 400 are given below.

[0107] Refer to Figure 7 , the flattened state width a1 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 refers to the distance between the end of the first plate body 420 away from the main shaft 410 and the end of the second plate body 430 away from the main shaft 410 when the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 are in the flattened state.

[0108] Refer to Figure 8 , the free closing angle α of the display module 100 refers to the angle formed by two sides of the display module 100 at a position away from the main shaft 410 when the bending portion 100b of the display module 100 is in a water droplet shape in the closed state.

[0109] The closing state plate body angle β of the rotating shaft assembly 400 refers to the angle between the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the closed state.

[0110] The closing state first direction X spacing of the rotating shaft assembly 400 includes the spacing a2 between the upper ends of the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the first direction X and the spacing a3 between the lower ends of the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the first direction X in the closed state.

[0111] The closing state third direction Z spacing a4 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 refers to the distance between the upper end of the first plate body 420 (or the upper end of the second plate body 430) and the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 in the closed state.

[0112] The closing state plate body angle β of the rotating shaft assembly 400, the closing state first direction X spacing (a2, a3) of the rotating shaft assembly 400, and the closing state third direction Z spacing a4 of the rotating shaft assembly 400. These parameters determine the thickness of the foldable device 1000 in the closed state and the shape of the display module 100.

[0113] Refer to Figure 9 , a support layer 11 in the related art, the bent area of the support layer 11 includes an inner perforated area 11a, an adhesive solid area 11b, and an outer perforated area 11c. The adhesive solid area 11b and the outer perforated area 11c are sequentially arranged outward on opposite sides of the inner perforated area 11a. The adhesive solid area 11b is located between the inner perforated area 11a and the outer perforated area 11c. There are a plurality of openings on both the inner perforated area 11a and the outer perforated area 11c, which can reduce the stiffness of the bent area of the support layer 11 to facilitate the bending of the bent area of the support layer 11 following the display panel.

[0114] The flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly 4 in the related art is usually greater than 20 millimeters (mm), and the width of the inner perforated area 11a of the support layer 11 in the first direction X can be set to more than 10 millimeters. Refer to Figure 10 , in order to make the foldable device thinner, the first direction X spacing (a2, a3) in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly 4 and the third direction Z spacing a4 in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly 4 will be further reduced. Correspondingly, the flattened state width of the rotating shaft assembly 4 needs to be further reduced (less than 20 millimeters, such as 17 millimeters, 15 millimeters), and the screen-containing space 44 formed by the rotating shaft assembly 4 is reduced. When in the flattened state, the width b1' of the inner perforated area 11a of the support layer 11 in the first direction X will decrease accordingly (such as decreasing to 7 millimeters), making the inner perforated area 11a of the support layer 11 not easily deformed, the free angle α in the closed state of the display module 1 becomes smaller, and the bent part of the water-drop-shaped display module 1 and the rotating shaft assembly 4 are not matched, that is, the plate body angle β (such as 30°) in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly 4 is greater than the free angle α (such as 22°) in the closed state of the display module 1. The support layer 11 in the natural state does not fit with the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43, and there are certain gaps between the display module 1 and the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43 respectively. The bent part of the water-drop-shaped display module 1 sags, requiring a larger Z-direction screen-containing space 44, which is not conducive to the thinning design of the foldable device.

[0115] Refer to Figure 11 , in order to make the bent part of the water-drop-shaped display module 1 and the rotating shaft assembly 4 match, the support layer 11 and the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43 can be connected through a strong adhesive 45 (such as dotting glue or back glue), increasing the angle α' of the display module 1 in the closed state to 30° to adapt to the angle β between the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43 in the closed state, so that the display module 1 fits with the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43 respectively instead of having a large gap.

[0116] However, after the support layer 11 is fixed to the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43 respectively by a high modulus strong adhesive 45, when in the closed state, the normal stresses on each layer of adhesive material and the interfaces of the display module 1 are relatively large, and the bending stress concentrations in the inner opening area 11a and the outer opening area 11c pose a risk of fracture. Moreover, the display module 1 cannot deform freely. In the case of the folding device falling, the inner plate 41a of the main shaft 41 will move around, and the inner plate 41a of the main shaft 41 will squeeze and collide with the display module 1, and there is a risk of reverse arching or dead folding failure of the local position of the display module 1 bending inward, resulting in poor drop reliability. Additionally, the display module 1 is fixed to the first plate body 42 and the second plate body 43 by the strong adhesive 45, making the opening and closing torque required for the folding device to switch between the flattened state and the closed state relatively large, and the user experience of opening and closing is poor.

[0117] Referring to Figure 12 、 Figure 13 , an embodiment of the present application provides a support layer 110, including: a bending area 110a and a pair of planar areas 110b. Along the first direction X, the bending area 110a is located between the two planar areas 110b. The bending area 110a includes an inner opening area 111 and a pair of outer opening areas 112. Along the first direction X, the inner opening area 111 is located between the two outer opening areas 112, and two opposite sides of the inner opening area 111 are directly connected to the corresponding outer opening areas 112. Each side of the outer opening area 112 away from the inner opening area 111 is correspondingly connected to the planar area 110b. The inner opening area 111 has a plurality of first holes 1111, and the outer opening area 112 has a plurality of second holes 1121. The stiffness of the inner opening area 111 is less than the stiffness of the outer opening area 112.

[0118] Wherein, the direct connection between two predetermined parts means that no additional area is added between the two predetermined parts, and the gap between the two predetermined parts is very small, for example, the gap is less than 0.5 millimeters (mm). The direct connection between two opposite sides of the inner opening area 111 and the corresponding outer opening areas 112 means that the adjacent inner opening area 111 and outer opening area 112 are directly connected, without the bonding entity area 11b being provided between the inner opening area 11a and the outer opening area 11c as shown in Figure 9 the related art.

[0119] Combined with Figure 2 、 Figure 3When the support layer 110 is applied to the foldable device 1000, the support layer 110, the display panel 120, and the transparent cover 130 are stacked in sequence to form the display module 100. The foldable device 1000 includes a first housing 200, a second housing 300, and a hinge assembly 400. The hinge assembly 400 is located on the side of the support layer 110 facing away from the display panel 120. One of the flat areas 110b of the support layer 110 is fixed to the first housing 200, and the other flat area 110b is fixed to the second housing 300. The bending area 110a and the hinge assembly 400 are arranged opposite each other.

[0120] The support layer 110 provided in the embodiment of the present application has a bending area 110a located between two planar areas 110b, and the inner opening area 111 and the outer opening area 112 in the bending area 110a are directly connected. The inner opening area 111 has a plurality of first holes 1111, and the outer opening area 112 has a plurality of second holes 1121, so that the stiffness of the inner opening area 111 is less than that of the outer opening area 112. Figure 9 The related art shown has a support layer 11 with a bonded solid area 11b. In this embodiment, the inner opening area 111 of the support layer 110 has a larger width b1 in the first direction x, making the bending area 110a easy to deform. Figure 8 When the support layer 110 of this embodiment is applied to the display module 100, the closed-state free angle α of the display module 100 is relatively large (e.g., approximately 30°). This adapts to scenarios where the flattened width a1 of the hinge assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 mm and the closed-state plate angle β of the hinge assembly 400 is approximately 30°. In other words, when in the closed state, the bent support layer 110 can naturally adhere to the first plate 420 and the second plate 430 of the hinge assembly 400, facilitating a thinner design for the foldable device 1000. No adhesive connection is required between the support layer 110 and the first or second plate 420, 430. This reduces the normal stresses in the adhesive layers and interfaces of the display module 100 when in the closed state, reduces the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the closed-state bending zone 110a, and enhances the bending capability. If the foldable device 1000 is dropped, the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 moves, allowing the display module 100 to deform freely. This reduces the risk of collision between the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 and the display module 100, resulting in high drop reliability. The display module 100 requires minimal opening and closing torque and rebound torque when switching between the flattened and closed states, providing a good user experience. This display module 100 is also adaptable to scenarios where the flattened width a1 of the hinge assembly 400 is greater than 20 mm.

[0121] like Figure 9 In the related art shown, the support layer 11 having the adhesive solid area 11b is applied to the rotating shaft assembly 4 with a flattened width of less than or equal to 20 mm (such as 17 mm, 15 mm), and the width b1' of the inner opening area 11a of the support layer 11 in the first direction X is reduced (such as reduced to 7 mm).Figure 10 , the inner opening area 11a of the support layer 11 is not easily deformed, which will reduce the free included angle α of the closed state of the display module 1, and the bent portion and the rotating shaft assembly 4 of the water-drop-shaped display module 1 are not well-matched.

[0122] In some embodiments, the support layer 110 is applied to a rotating shaft assembly 400 with a flattened state width a1 less than or equal to 20 mm and greater than or equal to 14 mm as shown in Figure 7 . Combining Figure 13 , the width b1 of the inner opening area 111 in the first direction x ranges from [7 mm, 10 mm], and the width b2 of the outer opening area 112 in the first direction X ranges from [4 mm, 10 mm].

[0123] Compared with the inner opening area 11a of the support layer 11 in the related art as shown in Figure 9 , the support layer 110 in this embodiment does not need to be provided with an adhesive entity area 11b between the inner opening area 11a and the outer opening area 11c as shown in Figure 9 . The width b1 of the inner opening area 111 of the support layer 110 in the first direction x can be increased, making the bending area 110a easily deformed. Combining Figure 8 , so that the display module 100 with the support layer 110 can adapt to the closed-state plate included angle β of the rotating shaft assembly 400. When in the closed state, the support layer 110 can naturally fit on the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430, which is beneficial to the thinning design of the foldable device 1000.

[0124] Exemplarily, the width b1 of the inner opening area 111 in the first direction x can be 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc. The width b2 of the outer opening area 112 in the first direction X can be 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, etc. The specific dimensions are set according to requirements.

[0125] When setting the material of the support layer 110, the support layer 110 can be a carbon fiber layer, a titanium alloy layer or a stainless steel layer. The specific material of the support layer 110 is set according to requirements. When using a carbon fiber layer, the first hole 1111 of the inner opening area 111 and the second hole 1121 of the outer opening area 112 can both be through holes, and processes such as laser cutting can be used for production. When using a titanium alloy layer or a stainless steel layer, the first hole 1111 of the inner opening area 111 and the second hole 1121 of the outer opening area 112 can both be blind holes, and processes such as etching can be used for production.

[0126] When setting the thickness of the support layer 110, the thickness range of the support layer 110 is [0.1 mm, 0.2 mm]. The thickness of this support layer 110 is small, and it can effectively support and protect the display panel 120. Exemplarily, the thickness of the support layer 110 can be 0.15 mm (tolerance ±0.02 mm).

[0127] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 when the support layer 110 is applied to the display module 100, the support layer 110, the display panel 120, and the transparent cover plate 130 are stacked in sequence, and the free included angle α of the closed state of the display module 100 is greater than or equal to 30°.

[0128] The display module 100 can be adapted to a scenario where the flattened state width a1 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle β of the plate body of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state is about 30°. In the closed state, the support layer 110 can match the rotating shaft assembly 400, that is, in the closed state, the support layer 110 can naturally adhere to the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430. No colloidal connection needs to be provided between the support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 respectively, which can reduce the normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface of the display module 100 in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bent area 110a in the closed state, and improve the bending ability of the display module 100. The reliability of the display module 100 with the support layer 110 is high. The opening and closing torque required when the display module 100 switches between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good.

[0129] Through the spring and cam in the rotating shaft assembly 400, the first fixing part 100a and the second fixing part 100c in the display module 100 are kept hovering at any included angle. The acting force generated by the spring and cam needs to be greater than or equal to the opening and closing torque of the display module 100. By reducing the opening and closing torque of the display module 100, the requirements for the spring and cam can be reduced, the number of springs and cams can be set to be small or the occupied space is small, and the space required for the rotating shaft assembly 400 is small.

[0130] Exemplarily, compared with the Figure 11 shown in the related art display module 1, the support layer 11 and the first plate body 42 or the second plate body 43 are connected by a strong adhesive 45, as Figure 7 , Figure 8 shown, in the display module 100 with the support layer 110 of this embodiment, no colloidal connection needs to be provided between the support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 respectively. The normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface of the display module 100 drops by about 17%, reducing the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bent area 110a in the closed state, and improving the bending ability of the display module 100.

[0131] When realizing the switching of the display module 100 between the flattened state and the closed state, a certain acting force needs to be applied to the display module 100 to overcome the rebound torque of the display module 100. Exemplarily, compared with the Figure 11The rebound torque of the related art display module 1 shown is 2.4 kilogram-force centimeters (kgf·cm), and the rebound torque of the display module 100 with the support layer 110 of this embodiment is 2.1 kgf·cm. The rebound torque is reduced, and the user's opening and closing experience is good.

[0132] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 , both the first hole 1111 and the second hole 1121 are strip-shaped, and the length c1 of the first hole 1111 is greater than the length d1 of the second hole 1121. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc. The strip-shaped first hole 1111 and second hole 1121 are easy to process. This solution can make the stiffness of the inner hole opening area 111 less than that of the outer hole opening area 112, and the inner hole opening area 111 is more likely to deform than the outer hole opening area 112. Combining Figure 16 , it is beneficial for the bending area 110a of the closed display module 100 to form a predetermined water droplet shape.

[0133] In other embodiments, both the first hole 1111 and the second hole 1121 are strip-shaped, the length c1 of the first hole 1111 is equal to the length d1 of the second hole 1121, and the arrangement spacing of the first hole 1111 in the first direction X is less than the arrangement spacing of the second hole 1121 in the first direction X. The arrangement spacing of the first hole 1111 in the first direction X refers to the width of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the first direction X. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc. The strip-shaped first hole 1111 and second hole 1121 are easy to process. This solution can make the stiffness of the inner hole opening area 111 less than that of the outer hole opening area 112, and the inner hole opening area 111 is more likely to deform than the outer hole opening area 112, which is beneficial for the bending area 110a of the closed display module 100 to form a predetermined water droplet shape.

[0134] When setting the first hole 1111 in the inner hole opening area 111, referring to Figure 13 , a plurality of first holes 1111 are arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X; the plurality of first holes 1111 arranged along the second direction Y are used as a column of first holes 1111; among two adjacent columns of first holes 1111, the center of any first hole 1111 in one column of first holes 1111 is staggeredly arranged with the center of any first hole 1111 in the other column of first holes 1111 in the second direction Y.

[0135] This solution can arrange more first holes 1111 in the inner hole opening area 111 with a limited area. The inner hole opening area 111 can have a smaller stiffness, which is convenient for the inner hole opening area 111 to bend and deform around the second direction Y.

[0136] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13, the first hole 1111 is strip-shaped, the length c1 direction of the first hole 1111 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the width c2 direction of the first hole 1111 is parallel to the first direction X. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc.

[0137] By arranging the strip-shaped first hole 1111 on the inner opening area 111, a relatively large number of first holes 1111 can be arranged within the limited area of the inner opening area 111. The first hole 1111 extends along the second direction Y, effectively reducing the stiffness of the inner opening area 111 in the first direction X. The inner opening area 111 has a certain stiffness in the second direction Y, facilitating the bending deformation of the inner opening area 111 around the second direction Y.

[0138] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 , the first hole 1111 is strip-shaped, the length c1 range of the first hole 1111 is [1.5 mm, 7 mm], and the width c2 range of the first hole 1111 is [0.05 mm, 0.1 mm]; the length c3 range of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]; the width c4 range of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the first direction X is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm].

[0139] The connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the first direction X (second direction Y) refers to the area on the inner opening area 111 between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the first direction X (second direction Y).

[0140] This solution can arrange a relatively large number of first holes 1111 within the limited area of the inner opening area 111, and the inner opening area 111 forms a relatively small predetermined stiffness, which is beneficial to the bending deformation of the inner opening area 111 around the second direction Y. Combining Figure 7 , Figure 8 , when the support layer 110 is applied to the rotating shaft assembly 400 with the flattened state width a1 less than or equal to 20 mm, the inner opening area 111 of the support layer 110 can naturally fit onto the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state, enabling the display module 100 in the closed state to adapt to the plate body angle β of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state. Moreover, this solution can further reduce the bending stress of the inner opening area 111 and reduce the opening and closing torque of the foldable device 1000.

[0141] In other embodiments, the first hole 1111 can be strip-shaped, and there is a predetermined angle, such as 0° to 90°, between the length c1 direction of the first hole 1111 and the first direction X. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc.

[0142] In some other embodiments, the shape of the first hole 1111 can be at least one of a circular shape, an oval shape, and a polygonal shape. The polygon can be a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, and so on. By selecting the shape and arrangement of the first hole 1111, the stiffness of the inner hole opening area 111 is made less than the stiffness of the outer hole opening area 112.

[0143] When setting the second holes 1121 in the outer hole opening area 112, referring to Figure 13 , a plurality of second holes 1121 are arranged along a first direction X and a second direction Y, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X; the plurality of second holes 1121 arranged along the second direction Y are taken as a column of second holes 1121; among two adjacent columns of second holes 1121, the center of any one of the second holes 1121 in one column of second holes 1121 is staggeredly arranged in the second direction Y from the center of any one of the second holes 1121 in the other column of second holes 1121.

[0144] This solution can arrange more second holes 1121 in the outer hole opening area 112 with a limited area, and the outer hole opening area 112 can have a smaller stiffness, which is convenient for the outer hole opening area 112 to bend and deform around the second direction Y.

[0145] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 , the second hole 1121 is in a strip shape, the length d1 direction of the second hole 1121 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the width d2 direction of the second hole 1121 is parallel to the first direction X. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc.

[0146] Setting the strip-shaped second holes 1121 in the inner hole opening area 111 can arrange more second holes 1121 in the outer hole opening area 112 with a limited area. The second holes 1121 extend along the second direction Y, effectively reducing the stiffness of the outer hole opening area 112 in the second direction Y. The outer hole opening area 112 has a certain stiffness in the second direction Y, which is convenient for the outer hole opening area 112 to bend and deform around the second direction Y.

[0147] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13 , the second hole 1121 is in a strip shape, the length d1 range of the second hole 1121 is [1 mm, 3 mm], and the width d2 range of the second hole 1121 is [0.05 mm, 0.1 mm]; the length d3 range of the connecting rib between two adjacent second holes 1121 in the second direction Y is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]; the width d4 range of the connecting rib between two adjacent second holes 1121 in the first direction X is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm].

[0148] The connecting rib between two adjacent second holes 1121 in the first direction X (second direction Y) refers to the area on the outer hole opening area 112 between two adjacent second holes 1121 in the first direction X (second direction Y).

[0149] This solution can arrange more second holes 1121 in the outer opening area 112 with a limited area, and the outer opening area 112 forms a relatively small predetermined stiffness, which is beneficial for the outer opening area 112 to bend and deform around the second direction Y. Combined with Figure 7 , Figure 8 , when the support layer 110 is applied to the rotating shaft assembly 400 with a flattened state width a1 less than or equal to 20 mm, the outer opening area 112 of the support layer 110 is beneficial for the bending area 110a of the display module 100 in the closed state to form a predetermined water droplet shape, so that the display module 100 in the closed state can be adapted to the plate body angle β of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state.

[0150] In some other embodiments, the second hole 1121 can be strip-shaped, and there is a predetermined angle, such as 0° to 90°, between the length d1 direction of the second hole 1121 and the first direction X. The strip shape can be a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, etc.

[0151] In some other embodiments, the shape of the second hole 1121 can be at least one of a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. The polygon can be a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, etc. By selecting the shape and arrangement of the second holes 1121, the stiffness of the inner opening area 111 is made less than the stiffness of the outer opening area 112.

[0152] In order to reduce the risk of local arching or dead fold failure of the display module 100 in the case of the folding device 1000 falling, in some embodiments, refer to Figure 15 , the inner opening area 111 includes a first sub-area 111a and a pair of second sub-areas 111b. The first sub-area 111a is located between the two second sub-areas 111b. The two opposite sides of the first sub-area 111a are directly connected to the corresponding second sub-areas 111b. The length c11 of the first hole 1111 on the first sub-area 111a is greater than the length c12 of the first hole 1111 on the second sub-area 111b. The stiffness of the first sub-area 111a is less than the stiffness of the second sub-area 111b.

[0153] Combined with Figure 16 , when the bending area 110a of the support layer 110 is bent into a water droplet shape, the first sub-area 111a corresponds to the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 of the rotating shaft assembly 400, and the two second sub-areas 111b are respectively located on both sides of the water droplet shape. In the case of the folding device 1000 falling, the second sub-area 111b is less likely to deform than the first sub-area 111a, reducing the damage to the display panel 120 caused by the local deformation of the support layer 110. The number of columns of the first holes 1111 on the first sub-area 111a and the second sub-area 111b is set as required.

[0154] The length c31 of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the first sub-region 111a can be less than the length c32 of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the second sub-region 111b. This can make the stiffness of the first sub-region 111a less than that of the second sub-region 111b.

[0155] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 15 , the length c11 of the first hole 1111 in the first sub-region 111a is 2.3 millimeters, and the length c12 of the first hole 1111 in the second sub-region 111b is 1.5 millimeters. The length c31 of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the first sub-region 111a in the second direction Y is 0.30 millimeters, and the length c32 of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the second sub-region 111b in the second direction Y is 1.1 millimeters. The first sub-region 111a is provided with 15 columns of first holes 1111, and each second sub-region 111b is provided with 8 columns of first holes 1111.

[0156] Referring to Figure 17 , an embodiment of the present application provides a support layer 110, including: a bending region 110a and paired planar regions 110b. Along the first direction X, the bending region 110a is located between the two planar regions 110b. The bending region 110a includes an inner opening region 111, paired transition opening regions 113, and paired outer opening regions 112. Along the first direction X, the inner opening region 111 is located between the two transition opening regions 113. The two opposite side edges of the inner opening region 111 are directly connected to the corresponding transition opening regions 113 respectively. The side edge of each transition opening region 113 away from the inner opening region 111 is directly connected to the corresponding outer opening region 112. The side edge of each outer opening region 112 away from the inner opening region 111 is connected to the corresponding planar region 110b. The inner opening region 111 has a plurality of first holes 1111, the outer opening region 112 has a plurality of second holes 1121, and the transition opening region 113 has a plurality of third holes 1131. The stiffness of the inner opening region 111 is less than that of the transition opening region 113, and the stiffness of the transition opening region 113 is less than that of the outer opening region ၁၁၂.

[0157] Among them, the two opposite side edges of the inner opening region 111 are directly connected to the corresponding transition opening regions 113 respectively, which means that the adjacent inner opening region 111 and transition opening region 113 are directly connected, without, for example, Figure 9 as shown in the related art, a bonding entity region 11b is provided between the inner opening region 11a and the outer opening region 11c.

[0158] The side edge of each transition opening region 113 away from the inner opening region 111 is directly connected to the corresponding outer opening region 112, which means that the adjacent transition opening region 113 and outer opening region 112 are directly connected, without, for example, Figure 9The related art shown provides an adhesive solid area 11b between the inner opening area 11a and the outer opening area 11c.

[0159] Combined with Figure 2 , Figure 3 , when the support layer 110 is applied to the foldable device 1000, the support layer 110, the display panel 120, and the transparent cover plate 130 are sequentially stacked to form a display module 100. The foldable device 1000 includes a first housing 200, a second housing 300, and a rotating shaft assembly 400. The rotating shaft assembly 400 is located on the side of the support layer 110 away from the display panel 120. One planar area 110b of the support layer 110 is fixed to the first housing 200, and the other planar area 110b is fixed to the second housing 300. The bending area 110a and the rotating shaft assembly 400 are disposed opposite to each other.

[0160] In the support layer 110 provided by the embodiment of the present application, the bending area 110a is located between two planar areas 110b. The inner opening area 111 and the transition opening area 113 in the bending area 110a are directly connected, and the transition opening area 113 and the outer opening area 112 are directly connected. The inner opening area 111 has a plurality of first holes 1111, the outer opening area 112 has a plurality of second holes 1121, and the transition opening area 113 has a plurality of third holes 1131, so that the stiffness of the transition opening area 113 is between the stiffness of the inner opening area 111 and the stiffness of the outer opening area 112, and the stiffness of the inner opening area 111 is the smallest. Compared with Figure 9 the support layer 11 with an adhesive solid area 11b shown in the related art, the sum of the widths of the inner opening area 111 and the transition opening area 113 of the support layer 110 in the first direction x is larger in this embodiment, making the bending area 110a easily deformable. Combined with Figure 18, when the support layer 110 of this embodiment is applied to the display module 100, the free included angle α of the display module 100 in the closed state is relatively large (for example, about 30°), which can be adapted to the scenario where the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle β between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state is about 30°. That is, the bent support layer 110 in the closed state can naturally fit the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400, which is beneficial to the thinning design of the foldable device 1000. No colloid connection may be provided between the support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 or the second plate body 430, which can reduce the normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface in the display module 100 in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bent area 110a in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. In the case of the drop of the foldable device 1000, the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 moves, and the display module 100 can deform freely, reducing the extrusion and collision between the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 and the display module 100, and having high drop reliability. The opening / closing torque / rebound torque required for the display module 100 to switch between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good. The display module 100 can also be adapted to the scenario where the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is greater than 20 mm.

[0161] When setting the third holes 1131 in the transition opening area 113, refer to Figure 17 , a plurality of third holes 1131 are arranged along the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X; the plurality of third holes 1131 arranged along the second direction Y are used as a column of third holes 1131; in the direction from the inner opening area 111 to the outer opening area 112 along the first direction X, the lengths of multiple columns of third holes 1131 gradually become smaller.

[0162] In the direction from the inner opening area 111 to the outer opening area 112 along the first direction X, the stiffness of the transition opening area 113 gradually increases, so that the display module 100 in the closed state forms a predetermined water droplet shape. In the closed state, the support layer 110 can match the rotating shaft assembly 400, that is, in the closed state, the support layer 110 can naturally fit the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 of the rotating shaft assembly 400.

[0163] Exemplarily, the third holes 1131 are strip-shaped, the length direction of the third holes 1131 is parallel to the second direction Y, and the width direction of the third holes 1131 is parallel to the first direction X. The strip shape can be a rectangle or a rounded rectangle, etc. In the direction from the inner opening area 111 to the outer opening area 112 along the first direction X, the lengths of the respective third holes 1131 gradually become shorter. The length of the third hole 1131 on the transition opening area 113 close to the inner opening area 111 can be equal to the length c1 of the first hole 1111 in the inner opening area 111, and the length of the third hole 1131 on the transition opening area 113 close to the outer opening area 112 can be equal to the length d1 of the second hole 1121 in the outer opening area 112.

[0164] When setting the width of the transition opening area 113, the width b3 of the transition opening area 113 in the first direction X ranges from [0 mm, 3 mm]. By using a relatively narrow transition opening area 113 in the first direction X, the width b1 of the inner opening area 111 in the first direction x can be increased, making the bending area 110a prone to deformation. The width b3 of the transition opening area 113 in the first direction X can be 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, etc., and is specifically set as needed.

[0165] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the support layer 110 with a transition opening area 113 as shown in Figure 17 , when setting the width b1 of the inner opening area 111 in the first direction x, the width b2 of the outer opening area 112 in the first direction X, the material of the support layer 110, the thickness of the support layer 110, the situation where the support layer 110 is applied to the rotating shaft assembly 400, the arrangement of the first holes 1111 in the inner opening area 111, the shape and size of the first holes 1111, the size of the connecting ribs between adjacent first holes 1111, the arrangement of the second holes 1121 in the outer opening area 112, the shape and size of the second holes 1121, and the size of the connecting ribs between adjacent second holes 1121, reference can be made to the embodiment of the support layer 110 in which the inner opening area 111 and the outer opening area 112 are directly connected as shown in Figure 13 , which will not be elaborated here.

[0166] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 , the rotating shaft assembly 400 includes a main shaft 410, a first plate body 420, and a second plate body 430. The first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main shaft 410; during the relative opening and closing movement of the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430, the support layer 110 can move relative to the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430.

[0167] When the support layer 110 is applied to the display module 100, the free included angle α of the closed state of the display module 100 is relatively large (for example, about 30°), which can adapt to the scenario where the flattened width a1 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 millimeters and the included angle β of the plate body of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state is about 30°. That is, the bent support layer 110 in the closed state can naturally fit the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400. There may be no colloid connection between the support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 respectively, which can reduce the normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface of the display module 100 in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bent area 110a in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. In the case of the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 moving in the falling scenario of the foldable device 1000, the display module 100 can deform freely, reducing the extrusion and collision between the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 and the display module 100, and having high falling reliability. The opening and closing torque required for the display module 100 to switch between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good.

[0168] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 19 、 Figure 20 , the rotating shaft assembly 400 includes a main shaft 410, a first plate body 420, and a second plate body 430. The first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main shaft 410; a part of the area of the support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 are connected through a first colloid 450, and another part of the area of the support layer 110 and the second plate body 430 are connected through the first colloid 450. The modulus range of the first colloid 450 is [0.1 megapascal, 10 megapascals]. The first colloid 450 with the above modulus range is a low-modulus colloid.

[0169] The bent support layer 110 in the closed state can match the rotating shaft assembly 400, that is, the support layer 110 can naturally fit the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state. The support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 can be connected through the low-modulus first colloid 450 respectively, which can reduce the normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface of the display module 100 in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bent area 110a in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. In the case of the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 moving in the falling scenario of the foldable device 1000, the first colloid 450 can deform and dissipate kinetic energy, with less restraint on the display module 100, reducing the extrusion and collision between the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 and the display module 100, and having high falling reliability. The opening and closing torque required for the display module 100 to switch between the flattened state and the closed state is small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good. It reduces the risk of reverse arching and dead folding failure of the display module 100 during the bending process, and has high falling reliability.

[0170] The first colloid 450 can be a foam adhesive or an ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive, or a combination of a UV adhesive and a foam adhesive.

[0171] As Figure 11 shown in the related art foldable device, the support layer 110 is connected to the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 by a strong colloid 45. In the drop test of the foldable device, the drop height is 0.7 m, and the anti-accidental impact ability is poor.

[0172] Exemplarily, as Figure 4 、 Figure 20 shown in the foldable device 1000 of this embodiment, the support layer 110 is connected to the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 by a first colloid 450 with a low modulus. In the drop test of the foldable device 1000, the drop height is 1.2 meters (m), and the anti-accidental impact ability of the display module 100 is relatively high.

[0173] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 16 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 20 , the flattened state width a1 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 mm and greater than or equal to 14 mm, and the included angle β of the plate bodies in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly 400 ranges from [30°, 35°]; when the rotating shaft assembly 400 is in the closed state, a screen accommodating space 440 is formed between the main shaft 410, the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 of the rotating shaft assembly 400, the bending area 110a of the support layer 110 is located in the screen accommodating space 440, and the support layer 110 can fit on the main shaft 410, the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430.

[0174] When the support layer 110 of this embodiment is applied to the above-mentioned display module 100, the free included angle α of the display module 100 in the closed state is relatively large (about 30°). The display module 100 can be adapted to the scenario where the flattened width a1 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle β between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state is about 30°. In the closed state, the support layer 110 can match the rotating shaft assembly 400, that is, in the closed state, the support layer 110 can naturally adhere to the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430, which is beneficial to the thinning design of the foldable device 1000. There is no need to set a colloid connection between the support layer 110 and the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430 in the rotating shaft assembly 400 respectively, which can reduce the normal stress of each layer of adhesive material and interface in the display module 100 in the closed state, reduce the risk of stress concentration and fracture in the bending area 110a in the closed state, and improve the bending ability. In the scenario where the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 moves during the fall of the foldable device 1000, the display module 100 can deform freely, reducing the extrusion and collision between the inner plate 411 of the main shaft 410 and the display module 100, and having high drop reliability. The opening / closing torque and rebound torque required when the display module 100 switches between the flattened state and the closed state are small, and the user's opening and closing experience is good.

[0175] Table 1 below gives the parameter dimensions of multiple embodiments of the support layer 110 (the display module 100 and the foldable device 1000 with this support layer 110), and Table 2 gives the technical effects of multiple embodiments. Figure 13 It is a partial enlarged view of the support layer of Embodiment 1. Figure 21 It is a partial enlarged view of the support layer of Embodiment 4. Figure 22 It is a partial enlarged view of the support layer of Embodiment 5. Figure 23 It is a partial enlarged view of the support layer of Embodiment 6. Figure 24 It is a partial enlarged view of the support layer of Embodiment 7. Figure 25 It is a partial enlarged view of the support layer of Embodiment 8.

[0176] Among them, the inner opening area 111 in the support layer 110 of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3 both includes a first sub-area 111a and paired second sub-areas 111b.

[0177] In Embodiment 2, the length c11 of the first hole 1111 in the first sub-area 111a is 2.3 mm, and the length c12 of the first hole 1111 in the second sub-area 111b is 1.5 mm. The length c31 in the second direction Y of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the first sub-area 111a is 0.30 mm, and the length c32 in the second direction Y of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the second sub-area 111b is 1.1 mm. Each second sub-area 111b has 2 columns of first holes 1111.

[0178] In the second embodiment, the length c11 of the first hole 1111 in the first sub-region 111a is 2.3 mm, and the length c12 of the first hole 1111 in the second sub-region 111b is 1.5 mm. The length c31 of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the first sub-region 111a is 0.30 mm in the second direction Y, and the length c32 of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in the second direction Y on the second sub-region 111b is 1.1 mm or 0.30 mm in the second direction Y. Each second sub-region 111b has 4 columns of first holes 1111, where the length of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in each column of the two columns of first holes 1111 is 1.1 mm, and the length of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes 1111 in each column of the other two columns of first holes 1111 is 0.30 mm.

[0179] For the support layers 110 of Embodiments 1 to 8, they can all be adapted to the scenario where the flattened width a1 of the rotating shaft assembly 400 is less than or equal to 20 mm and the included angle β between the plate bodies of the rotating shaft assembly 400 in the closed state is about 30°. In the closed state, the support layer 110 can match the rotating shaft assembly 400, that is, in the closed state, the support layer 110 can naturally adhere to the first plate body 420 and the second plate body 430.

[0180] As can be seen from Table 2, the free included angle α of the display module 100 in the closed state of these embodiments is relatively large (between 30° and 33°), the display module 100 has good bending ability and drop ability, and the rebound torque is small.

[0181] Table 1:

[0182]

[0183]

[0184] Table 2:

[0185]

[0186] When confirming the support layer 110 and the foldable device 1000 of the embodiments of the present application, the support layer 110 can be disassembled and its structural features can be analyzed. When the bending region 110a includes the inner opening region 111 and the paired outer opening regions 112, the two opposite sides of the inner opening region 111 and the outer opening regions 112 are directly connected correspondingly. When the bending region 110a includes the inner opening region 111, the paired transition opening regions 113 and the paired outer opening regions 112, the two opposite sides of the inner opening region 111 are respectively directly connected to the corresponding transition opening regions 113, and the side of each transition opening region 113 away from the inner opening region 111 is directly connected to the outer opening region 112 correspondingly.

[0187] Finally, it should be noted that the above is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims described above.

Claims

1. A support layer, characterized in that, Comprising: A bent region and paired planar regions, the bent region being located between the two planar regions along a first direction; The bent region includes an inner opening region and paired outer opening regions, the inner opening region being located between the two outer opening regions along the first direction, two opposite side edges of the inner opening region and the outer opening regions being directly connected correspondingly; For each of the outer opening regions, a side edge away from the inner opening region is connected to the corresponding planar region; The inner opening region has a plurality of first holes, and the outer opening region has a plurality of second holes; The stiffness of the inner opening region is less than that of the outer opening region.

2. A support layer, characterized in that, Comprising: A bent region and paired planar regions, the bent region being located between the two planar regions along a first direction; The bent region includes an inner opening region, paired transition opening regions and paired outer opening regions, the inner opening region being located between the two transition opening regions along the first direction, two opposite side edges of the inner opening region being directly connected to the corresponding transition opening regions respectively, and for each of the transition opening regions, a side edge away from the inner opening region is directly connected to the corresponding outer opening region; For each of the outer opening regions, a side edge away from the inner opening region is connected to the corresponding planar region; The inner opening region has a plurality of first holes, the outer opening region has a plurality of second holes, and the transition opening region has a plurality of third holes; the stiffness of the inner opening region is less than that of the transition opening region, and the stiffness of the transition opening region is less than that of the outer opening region.

3. The support layer according to claim 2, wherein A plurality of the third holes are arranged along the first direction and a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of the third holes arranged along the second direction form a column of the third holes; in the direction from the inner opening region to the outer opening region along the first direction, the lengths of multiple columns of the third holes gradually become smaller; And / or, the width range of the transition opening region in the first direction is [0 mm, 3 mm].

4. The support layer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that When the support layer is applied to a rotating shaft assembly, the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm, the width range of the inner opening region in the first direction is [7 mm, 10 mm], and the width range of the outer opening region in the first direction is [4 mm, 10 mm]; And / or, the support layer is a carbon fiber layer, a titanium alloy layer or a stainless steel layer; And / or, the thickness range of the support layer is [0.1 mm, 0.2 mm]; And / or, when the support layer is applied to a display module, the support layer, the display panel and the transparent cover plate are stacked in sequence, and the free included angle of the display module in the closed state is greater than or equal to 30°; And / or, both the first holes and the second holes are strip-shaped, and the length of the first holes is greater than the length of the second holes.

5. The support layer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A plurality of the first holes are arranged along the first direction and a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of the first holes arranged along the second direction form a column of the first holes; In two adjacent columns of the first holes, the center of any one of the first holes in one column is offset from the center of any one of the first holes in the other column in the second direction.

6. The support layer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first hole is in a strip shape, the length direction of the first hole is parallel to the second direction, and the width direction of the first hole is parallel to the first direction; The length of the first hole ranges from [1.5 mm to 7 mm], and the width of the first hole ranges from [0.05 mm to 0.1 mm]; The length range of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes in the second direction in the second direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]; the width range of the connecting rib between two adjacent first holes in the first direction in the first direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm].

7. The support layer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The plurality of second holes are arranged along the first direction and a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; the plurality of second holes arranged along the second direction constitute a row of second holes; In two adjacent rows of the second holes, the center of any second hole in one row of the second holes is staggered with the center of any second hole in the other row of the second holes in the second direction.

8. The support layer according to claim 7, wherein The second hole is in a strip shape, the length direction of the second hole is parallel to the second direction, and the width direction of the second hole is parallel to the first direction; The length range of the second hole is [1 mm, 3 mm], and the width range of the second hole is [0.05 mm, 0.1 mm]; The length range of the connecting rib between two adjacent second holes in the second direction in the second direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm]; the width range of the connecting rib between two adjacent second holes in the first direction in the first direction is [0.1 mm, 0.3 mm].

9. The support layer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The inner opening area includes a first sub-area and a pair of second sub-areas, the first sub-area is located between the two second sub-areas, the two opposite sides of the first sub-area are directly connected to the second sub-areas respectively, the length of the first hole on the first sub-area is greater than the length of the first hole on the second sub-area, and the stiffness of the first sub-area is less than the stiffness of the second sub-area.

10. A display module, characterized in that, The device comprises a display panel, a transparent cover plate and the supporting layer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the supporting layer, the display panel and the transparent cover plate are stacked in sequence.

11. A foldable device, characterized in that, The display module comprises a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly, and the display module according to claim 10, wherein the first housing and the second housing are both connected to the hinge assembly; the hinge assembly is located on a side of the support layer facing away from the display panel; the hinge assembly comprises a main shaft, a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate are respectively connected to opposite sides of the main shaft; One of the planar areas is fixed on the first shell, the other planar area is fixed on the second shell, and the bending area and the rotating shaft assembly are arranged opposite to each other.

12. The foldable device according to claim 11, characterized in that, During the relative opening and closing movement of the first plate and the second plate, the support layer can move relative to the first plate and the second plate; Alternatively, a part of the support layer and the first plate body are connected by a first colloid, and another part of the support layer and the second plate body are connected by the first colloid, and the modulus range of the first colloid is [0.1 MPa, 10 MPa]; Alternatively, the flattened width of the rotating shaft assembly is less than or equal to 20 mm, and the included angle range of the plate bodies in the closed state of the rotating shaft assembly is [30°, 35°]; when the rotating shaft assembly is in the closed state, a screen accommodating space is formed among the main shaft, the first plate body and the second plate body, the bending area of the support layer is located in the screen accommodating space, and the support layer can be attached to the main shaft, the first plate body and the second plate body.

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