Display module and electrical equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a display module which comprises a circuit board, a light guide plate module and a support, a top light-emitting element, a side light-emitting element and a touch control metal area are arranged on the circuit board, the light guide plate module is arranged between the touch control metal area of the circuit board and the support, and the side light-emitting element is arranged on the side light-emitting element. The support is provided with a first containing cavity used for a top light-emitting element, a second containing cavity used for a side light-emitting element and a containing opening used for a light guide plate module. Therefore, the ultrathin display module with good integrated display and touch control functions can be realized. In addition, the utility model also relates to electrical equipment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to the display field of electrical equipment, specifically, relate to a display module and electrical equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of modern electrical equipment, especially in the household appliance industry, the design and application of display modules are constantly evolving. Currently, the display modules used in electrical equipment on the market usually integrate display and touch functions, with both icon display and touch operation functions. With the increasing pursuit of thinness in household appliances, reducing the thickness of the display module and achieving ultra-thin display modules have become the needs of the industry.

[0003] The touch function of the existing display module is usually realized by a touch spring. However, this design based on the touch spring has obvious defects. On the one hand, it is easily disturbed by complex environments, leading to unstable touch; on the other hand, the touch sensitivity is closely related to the material and installation quality of the touch spring, making it difficult to ensure stable and consistent touch experience and increasing production and maintenance costs.

[0004] In addition, with the increasing richness of display content, the number and type of icons are constantly increasing, especially the application of small icons or closely arranged icons, which poses a great challenge to the realization of ultra-thin display modules. For example, the seven-segment display (seven-segment LED) widely used in electrical equipment is mainly composed of an 8-shaped icon and seven light-emitting elements (usually LEDs) used to illuminate the display segments of the icon. By controlling the on-off of the seven light-emitting elements, numbers and / or letters are displayed in the 8-shaped icon. In some scenarios involving multiple seven-segment displays, an eighth light-emitting element is added to indicate the decimal point to expand the range of numerical display. However, in the process of achieving ultra-thin, the structure of the seven-segment display and the layout of the numerous light-emitting elements make it difficult to effectively reduce the thickness of the display module while ensuring good display effect.

[0005] It is generally known from the prior art to use top-emitting LEDs to directly illuminate the display film in a top-emitting display module. However, in such a top-emitting display module, in order to fully diffuse and homogenize the light of the top-emitting LEDs, the thickness of the top-emitting display module is at least 6.5 mm. At a time when household appliances are increasingly pursuing thinness, such thickness may not meet the design requirements.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an ultra-thin display module that can achieve good integrated display and touch functions. In addition, how to achieve ultra-thin while ensuring display effect, optimizing the assembly process and / or controlling manufacturing cost has become a technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0007] The utility model discloses a task is in providing a kind of display module capable of overcoming at least one technical problem in prior art, whereby can realize good integrated display and touch control function's ultrathin display module.In addition, the display module of some embodiments of the utility model allows while realizing ultrathin, guarantee display effect, optimize assembly process and / or control manufacturing cost.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the utility model, a display module is provided, comprising: a circuit board, a light guide plate module, and a support, wherein a top light emitting element, a side light emitting element, and a touch control metal area are provided on the circuit board, wherein the light guide plate module is arranged between the touch control metal area of the circuit board and the support, and wherein a first accommodating cavity for the top light emitting element, a second accommodating cavity for the side light emitting element, and an accommodating opening for the light guide plate module are provided on the support.

[0009] According to the utility model, the display module comprises a circuit board, which can be understood to mean that the display module of the utility model can comprise one or more circuit boards, and corresponding top light emitting elements, corresponding side light emitting elements, and touch control metal areas can be provided on the one or more circuit boards.

[0010] According to the utility model, the display module comprises a support, which can be understood to mean that the display module of the utility model can comprise one or more supports, and a first accommodating cavity for a top light emitting element, a second accommodating cavity for a side light emitting element, and an accommodating opening for a light guide plate module can be provided on the one or more supports.

[0011] Advantageously, according to the utility model, a ultrathin display module with good integrated display and touch control function can be realized through the synergistic cooperation and interaction between the side light emitting element, the touch control metal area, the light guide plate module, and the support.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one top light emitting element group for a first icon is provided on the circuit board, wherein the first icon comprises a plurality of display segments, and each display segment of the first icon is respectively provided with at least two top light emitting elements in the corresponding top light emitting element group. Advantageously, through the combination of the number allocation relationship between the top light emitting elements and the corresponding display segments and the optimization of the structure and / or material of the light guide structure formed on the support, the touch control and display effect of the closely arranged icon can be significantly improved, while meeting the requirements of light and thin display module and high performance.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first light guide structure for the first icon is formed on the support, and the first light guide structure is configured to guide the light from the top light emitting element group to exit forward.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first icon is configured as a seven-segment 8-shaped icon.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first light guide structure includes a light guide cavity for a corresponding top-emitting element, and the first receiving cavity is part of the light guide cavity of the first light guide structure or the first receiving cavity communicates with the light guide cavity of the first light guide structure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the circuit board has a touch metal area disposed for a light guide plate module and a group of side-emitting elements arranged adjacent to the touch metal area, and the light guide plate module is configured to guide light from the group of side-emitting elements to be emitted forward.

[0017] In some embodiments, the side-emitting element group includes at least one side-emitting element disposed on a first side of the corresponding touch metal area and at least one side-emitting element disposed on a second side of the corresponding touch metal area opposite to the first side.

[0018] In some embodiments, the display module includes a light guide plate assembly composed of multiple light guide plate modules, the multiple light guide plate modules being joined together into a single light guide plate assembly by means of connecting ribs.

[0019] In some embodiments, the display module includes a plurality of light guide plate assemblies, wherein the first light guide plate assembly and the second light guide plate assembly differ from each other in the number of light guide plate modules, and / or the shape of the light guide plate modules, and / or the size of the light guide plate modules.

[0020] In some embodiments, each light guide plate assembly is configured as a one-piece injection-molded light guide plate assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments, the space for housing the side-emitting element is defined by adjacent light guide plate modules and corresponding connecting ribs.

[0022] In some embodiments, a group of side-emitting elements for a second icon is provided on the circuit board, and a second light guide structure for the second icon is formed on the bracket, the second light guide structure being configured to guide light from the group of side-emitting elements to be emitted forward.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second light guide structure includes a reflective surface and a light guide cavity, wherein light from the corresponding side-emitting element is reflected by the reflective surface to the light guide cavity and emitted through the light guide cavity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second icon is configured as a progress bar icon.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second receiving cavity is part of the light guide cavity of the second light guide structure or the second receiving cavity is connected to the light guide cavity.

[0026] In some embodiments, a limiting groove for pre-fixing the light guide plate module is formed on the bracket.

[0027] In some embodiments, the light guide plate module is configured to be abutted or bonded to the touch metal area.

[0028] In some embodiments, the bracket is fastened to the circuit board by means of fasteners.

[0029] In some embodiments, the air gap between the light guide plate module and the touch metal area is less than 0.3 mm.

[0030] In some embodiments, the thickness of the display module is less than 4 mm.

[0031] In some embodiments, the circuit board is configured as a printed circuit board in which the surface protective layer of the printed circuit board itself is removed within the area of ​​the touch metal region, and a reflective protective layer is applied to the exposed touch metal region.

[0032] In some embodiments, the reflective protective layer is configured as a tin-coated layer.

[0033] In some embodiments, the display module includes: a display film configured to be disposed on the front side of a bracket; and a front panel configured to be disposed on the front side of the display film and the bracket, wherein icons are provided on the display film and / or the front panel.

[0034] It should be understood that the display module involved in this utility model can also serve as an intermediate product in the manufacturing process of the aforementioned display module. In some embodiments, the display module, viewed from front to back, may sequentially include a display film, a bracket, a light guide plate module, and a circuit board. This means that the display module involved in this utility model can relate to a display module in a state without the front panel assembled. In other embodiments, the display module, viewed from front to back, may sequentially include a bracket, a light guide plate module, and a circuit board. This means that the display module involved in this utility model can relate to a display module in a state without the front panel and display film assembled.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bracket is configured as a one-piece injection-molded bracket.

[0036] In some embodiments, the circuit board is configured as a single printed circuit board.

[0037] According to a second aspect of this utility model, an electrical device is provided, the electrical device having a display module as described in some embodiments of this application. According to one embodiment of this utility model, the electrical device is a household appliance, such as a water heater, air conditioner, range hood, stove, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, food processor, washing machine, dryer, stereo, television, smart faucet, or smart toilet.

[0038] Other features of this invention are derived from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description. All features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, as well as features and combinations thereof mentioned below in the detailed description and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations given, but also in other combinations, or in their individual states. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 and 2 A perspective view of a display module in an assembled state according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 2 The front panel has been removed from the view;

[0040] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the display module, showing the front panel, display film, bracket, light guide plate module, and circuit board from front to back;

[0041] Figure 4 and 5 They are shown respectively Figure 1 A perspective view and a top view of the circuit board of the display module;

[0042] Figure 6 , 7 Figures 8 and 9 respectively show a perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of a support for a display module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 A perspective view of a light guide plate module of a display module according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 10 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a second light guide structure formed on a bracket for a display module according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figures 11 to 13 Views showing some assembly steps of a display module according to some embodiments of the present invention are provided.

[0046] Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional view of the circuit board of a display module according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown at the touch metal area. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the various embodiments described, the same reference numerals or element names are used for the same elements, and the disclosure contained throughout the specification can be applied semantically to elements with the same reference numerals or element names. Furthermore, in the various embodiments, the number, implementation, and / or arrangement of elements are not limited to the examples shown, but other numbers, implementations, and / or arrangements can be selected according to actual needs.

[0048] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the appended claims. The positional descriptions chosen in the specification, such as, for example, top, bottom, left, right, etc., refer to the direct description and the accompanying drawings, and can be adapted to new positions according to their meaning when the positions change.

[0049] The features disclosed in this utility model document are important for the implementation of embodiments in different design aspects, not only individually but also in any combination.

[0050] In this document, the term “A or B” includes both “A and B” and “A or B”, rather than exclusively including only “A” or only “B”, unless otherwise specified.

[0051] In this document, the term "exemplary" means "used as an example, instance, or illustration," and not as a "model" to be precisely copied. Any implementation described herein by example is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, this invention is not limited to any stated or implied theory given in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or detailed description.

[0052] Additionally, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used in this document for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words “first,” “second,” and other such numerical terms relating to structures or elements do not imply order or sequence.

[0053] Reference Figures 1-3 The figures show perspective views of the display module 100 in its assembled state and exploded views of the display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention, viewed from front to back, may include a front panel 50, a display film 40, a bracket 30, a light guide plate module 20, and a circuit board 10.

[0055] The front panel 50 can be configured as a protective plate disposed on the front side of the display film 40 and the bracket 30 to protect the various functional components inside the display module 100 from external physical damage, and to prevent dust, moisture, etc. from entering the display module 100 and affecting the display effect. In some embodiments, the front panel 50 can have an optical performance adjustment function, such as refracting and reflecting light to improve the optical performance of the display, such as viewing angle and brightness uniformity. In some embodiments, the front panel 50 can employ an optical coating or structure to reduce reflection and increase light transmittance. In some embodiments, the front panel 50 can integrate icons and / or decorative elements. In some embodiments, the front panel 50 can have an electromagnetic shielding layer to prevent electromagnetic signals inside the display module 100 from interfering with the outside world, and to resist the influence of external electromagnetic interference on the display module 100, ensuring the stability of the display.

[0056] The display film 40 can be configured to be arranged on the front side of the support 30 and at least partially cover the support 30. The display film 40 is typically positioned on the front side facing the user to present information to the user. One or more icons can be provided on the display film 40, which may include, for example, text, numbers, patterns, symbols, etc. In some embodiments, all icons may be provided on the display film 40. In some embodiments, a first portion of the icons may be provided on the display film 40, while a second portion of the icons may be provided on the front panel 50. The icons may, for example, be configured as transparent areas or cutout areas corresponding to the displayed content. Preferably, the icons are printed on the display film 40 by screen printing or inkjet printing. Here, a transparent area refers to a light-transmitting area on the substrate of the display film 40; the transparent area may also be colored, while a cutout area is an area in the substrate of the display film 40 that is cut out. The transparent or cutout areas can transmit light emitted from a light-emitting element, such as an LED element, and present icons that correspond to the displayed content.

[0057] In some embodiments, in order to adequately diffuse the light from the light-emitting element and thus achieve uniform luminous efficacy, it is conceivable to integrate the light diffusion layer into the display film 40 or to print light diffusion ink onto the display film 40. However, a separate light diffusion layer may also be used, which can be stacked with the display film 40, particularly by connecting the light diffusion layer to the display film 40, such as by adhesive.

[0058] It should be understood that the display module 100 of this utility model can also serve as an intermediate product in the manufacturing process of the aforementioned display module 100. In some embodiments, the display module 100, viewed from front to back, may sequentially include a display film 40, a bracket 30, a light guide plate module 20, and a circuit board 10. This means that the display module 100 of this utility model can refer to a display module 100 in a state where the front panel 50 is not assembled. In other embodiments, the display module 100, viewed from front to back, may sequentially include a bracket 30, a light guide plate module 20, and a circuit board 10. This means that the display module 100 of this utility model can refer to a display module 100 in a state where the front panel 50 and the display film 40 are not assembled.

[0059] Figure 4 and 5 Perspective and top views of a circuit board 10 of a display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention are shown respectively. According to the present invention, the display module 100 includes a circuit board 10. It is understood that the display module 100 of the present invention may include one or more circuit boards 10, on which a corresponding top-emitting element 11, a corresponding side-emitting element 12, and a touch-sensitive metal area 13 may be provided. In some embodiments, the circuit board 10 may be configured as a printed circuit board, and the corresponding light-emitting element may be configured as an LED element mounted on the printed circuit board. In the illustrated embodiments, the display module 100 may include one circuit board 10 or only one circuit board 10 (e.g., configured as an integrated printed circuit board), on which the top-emitting element 11, the side-emitting element 12, and the touch-sensitive metal area 13 may be integrated. In other embodiments, the display module 100 may include multiple circuit boards 10, on which at least a portion of the top-emitting element 11, the side-emitting element 12, and the touch-sensitive metal area 13 may be integrated.

[0060] In some embodiments, a top-emitting element 11, a side-emitting element 12, and a touch-sensitive metal area 13 may be arranged on a first surface of the printed circuit board, and a control unit (not shown) may be arranged on a second surface of the printed circuit board opposite to the first surface. The control unit is configured to control the switching on and off of each of the light-emitting elements. By controlling the switching on and off of each light-emitting element, the duty cycle of each light-emitting element can be flexibly adjusted, thereby allowing for optimization of uniform light efficiency using a software approach.

[0061] According to this utility model, the top-emitting element 11, such as a top-emitting LED element, can be understood as a light-emitting element whose light mainly emerges from the top. The main light-emitting surface of the top-emitting element is generally located at the top. The side-emitting element 12, such as a side-emitting LED element, can be understood as a light-emitting element whose light mainly emerges from the side. The main light-emitting surface of the side-emitting element is generally located on the side.

[0062] According to this invention, the touch-sensitive metal area 13 on the circuit board 10 is a key component for realizing the touch function of the display module 100. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive metal area 13 can be implemented as a touch-sensitive copper foil on a printed circuit board. The corresponding touch-sensitive metal area 13, or touch-sensitive copper foil, can be formed with specific patterns and layouts to achieve precise sensing and positioning of touch operations. The touch-sensitive metal area 13 can realize the touch function, for example, based on capacitive touch or resistive touch technology.

[0063] Figure 6 , 7 Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views, top views, and bottom views of a support 30 for a display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. According to the present invention, the display module 100 includes a support 30. It is understood that the display module 100 of the present invention may include one or more supports 30, on which a first receiving cavity for a top-emitting element 11, a second receiving cavity for a side-emitting element 12, and a receiving opening 33 for a light guide plate module 20 may be provided. In the illustrated embodiments, the display module 100 may include one support 30 or only one support 30 (e.g., a one-piece injection-molded support 30 manufactured by an injection molding process), on which a first receiving cavity for a corresponding top-emitting element 11, a second receiving cavity for a corresponding side-emitting element 12, and a receiving opening 33 for a corresponding light guide plate module 20 may be defined. In other embodiments, the display module 100 may include a plurality of supports 30, each support 30 may define at least a portion of a first receiving cavity for a corresponding top-emitting element 11, a second receiving cavity for a corresponding side-emitting element 12, and a receiving opening 33 for a corresponding light guide plate module 20. For example, at least a first receiving cavity and / or a first light guide structure 31 for the top-emitting element 11 may be formed on the first support 30, and at least a second receiving cavity and / or a second light guide structure 32 for the side-emitting element 12 may be formed on the second support 30.

[0064] Advantageously, according to this utility model, an ultra-thin display module with good integrated display and touch functions can be realized through the synergistic cooperation and action between the side-emitting element 12, the touch metal area 13, the light guide plate module 20, and the bracket 30.

[0065] like Figure 3As shown, the touch metal area 13 on the circuit board 10, the light guide plate module 20, and the receiving opening 33 on the bracket 30 can be correspondingly arranged so that the light guide plate module 20 can be arranged between the touch metal area 13 of the circuit board 10 and the bracket 30. Advantageously, each light guide plate module 20 can be filled into the receiving opening 33 of the bracket 30, so that the receiving opening 33 is substantially filled. Thus, the light guide plate module 20 can function as a medium structure in touch detection. In order to achieve good touch effect, the thickness and / or dielectric parameters of the light guide plate module 20 can be limited to a certain range. For example, the thickness of the light guide plate module 20 can be less than a first threshold, for example, 4 mm, or even 3 mm. This further ensures good touch function of the ultra-thin display module 100.

[0066] Furthermore, side-emitting elements, particularly a group 12 of side-emitting elements, may be arranged adjacent to the touch metal area 13 on the circuit board 10. These side-emitting elements 12 can be configured to generate display functions, particularly touch-related display functions, via corresponding light guide plate modules 20. This means that when the touch metal area 13 detects a touch action, the corresponding side-emitting elements can be activated to emit light, thereby generating associated display functions via the light guide plate module 20 and possible icons on the display film 40 or front panel 50. Figure 5 As shown, the side-emitting element group 12 may include at least one side-emitting element 12 disposed on a first side of the corresponding touch metal area 13 and at least one side-emitting element 12 disposed on a second side of the corresponding touch metal area 13 opposite to the first side. Thus, the light guide plate module 20 located within the touch metal area 13 can be configured to receive light incident from the opposite first and second sides by the side-emitting element group 12 and further guide the light forward, thereby generating a display function, particularly a display function associated with touch functionality. In other embodiments, the side-emitting element group 12 may only include at least one side-emitting element 12 disposed on the first side of the corresponding touch metal area 13, with a light-diffusing structure provided on the rear surface of the light guide plate module 20 allowing the light incident from the side-emitting element group 12 to be uniformly diffused and emitted forward. Advantageously, good display effects can be achieved with a relatively thin light guide plate module 20, for example, less than 4 mm or even 3 mm.

[0067] In some embodiments, the light guide plate module 20 may be made of frosted polycarbonate or acrylic material, for example, by extrusion molding or injection molding. In some embodiments, a light-diffusing material may be added to the light guide plate module 20, causing light to be refracted, reflected, and scattered multiple times within the material, forming a uniform frosted effect while maintaining high light transmittance. In some embodiments, frosted powder may be added to the light guide plate module 20, resulting in good diffuse reflection and wear resistance. In some embodiments, a light-diffusing structure, such as a light guide dot or concave line group structure, may be provided on the rear surface of the light guide plate module 20, which can optimize the distribution of light, reduce light spots and dark areas, and improve the display effect. In some embodiments, an optical film layer, such as a diffusion layer or a brightness enhancement layer, may be deposited on the front surface, i.e., the light-emitting surface, of the light guide plate module 20, which can enhance the uniformity and brightness of the light. In some embodiments, a reflective layer and / or a protective layer may be provided on the rear surface of the light guide plate module 20, which can improve the light utilization efficiency and protect the light guide plate module 20.

[0068] In some embodiments, to optimize the display effect of the display module 100, or the display and touch effect, the touch metal area 13 configured for touch functionality can be optimized. For example, the surface protective layer of the printed circuit board itself can be removed within the touch metal area 13. The surface protective layer of the printed circuit board itself may involve a so-called green solder mask or white solder mask. Thus, the touch metal area 13 can be exposed. In some cases, the exposed touch metal area 13 may also be beneficial to the touch effect. Furthermore, the present invention proposes to apply a reflective protective layer 15, for example by applying a reflective tin plating layer, on the exposed touch metal area 13 to further increase the reflectivity of the exposed touch metal area 13. The applied tin plating layer can, on the one hand, improve the reflectivity of the touch metal area 13, thereby further reflecting the light incident toward the touch metal area 13 forward; on the other hand, it can also protect the exposed touch metal area 13 from oxidation and wear.

[0069] Figure 14 A partial cross-sectional view of the circuit board 10 of a display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown at the touch metal area 13. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the printed circuit board may include a dielectric substrate 16, a touch metal region 13 in front of the dielectric substrate 16, and a reflective protective layer 15, such as a tin coating, in front of the touch metal region 13, while the original green or white solder mask layer in front of the touch metal region 13 is removed. According to this invention, the tin coating can be applied to the surface of the touch metal region 13 using a lead-free solder plating process. In a further embodiment, other surface treatment processes, such as electroplating, electroless plating, or coating a protective film, can be applied to the exposed touch metal region 13. These processes can improve the surface quality of the touch metal region 13, enhancing its conductivity, oxidation resistance, and / or abrasion resistance.

[0070] By optimizing the structure and / or materials described in the above embodiments, the touch and display effects of the display module 100 can be significantly improved, while meeting the requirements of thinness and high performance of the display module 100.

[0071] Figure 9 A perspective view of the light guide plate module 20 of a display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the display module 100 may include a light guide plate assembly 25 composed of multiple light guide plate modules 20, which are joined together as a single unit by means of connecting ribs 22. Furthermore, adjacent light guide plate modules 20 and corresponding connecting ribs 22 define a receiving space 23 for the side-emitting element. The light guide plate assembly 25 may, for example, be configured as a single injection-molded light guide plate assembly. Thus, the individual light guide plate modules 20 no longer exist separately, but rather multiple light guide plate modules 20 are integrated together. This not only helps reduce manufacturing costs but also improves assembly efficiency. Advantageously, the display module 100 may include multiple light guide plate assemblies 25, which may be constructed differently from each other, thereby further improving assembly efficiency, because each unique light guide plate assembly 25 can be quickly identified as having its installation location. In the illustrated embodiment, the display module 100 may include a first light guide plate assembly 25, a second light guide plate assembly 25, and a third light guide plate assembly 25, wherein these light guide plate assemblies 25 may differ from each other in terms of the number of light guide plate modules 20, and / or the shape of the light guide plate modules 20, and / or the size of the light guide plate modules 20.

[0072] In a further improved embodiment, instead of using side-emitting elements (groups) to achieve a thinner display module 100, the display module 100 of this invention uses top-emitting elements (groups) for some icons, especially closely arranged icons. At least one top-emitting element group 11 for a first icon, such as a seven-segment figure-eight icon, can be provided on the circuit board 10. A first receiving cavity can be constructed on the bottom side of the support 30 and receive the top-emitting element 11. A first light guide structure 31 for the first icon, such as a seven-segment figure-eight icon, can also be formed on the support 30. The first light guide structure 31 for the first icon can be configured to guide light from the top-emitting element group 11 forward. The first receiving cavity can be part of the light guide cavity of the first light guide structure 31 or communicate with the light guide cavity of the first light guide structure 31. The first icon, such as a seven-segment figure-eight icon, can include multiple display segments, and each display segment can be respectively equipped with at least two top-emitting elements from the corresponding top-emitting element group 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the top-emitting element group 11 for a seven-segment figure-eight icon may include fourteen top-emitting elements, with two top-emitting elements correspondingly assigned to a display segment.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, the first display segment of the seven-segment figure-eight icon may be assigned a first number of top-emitting elements, and the second display segment of the seven-segment figure-eight icon may be assigned a second number of top-emitting elements, wherein the first number is less than the second number, and the first number may be equal to or greater than 1. Alternatively or additionally, the first display segment of the seven-segment figure-eight icon may be assigned a first type of top-emitting element, and the second display segment of the seven-segment figure-eight icon may be assigned a second type of top-emitting element.

[0074] Furthermore, the first light guide structure 31 can be configured to guide light from the respective top-emitting elements, particularly to a calibrated seven-segment figure-eight icon. The first light guide structure 31 may include a group of light guide cavities assigned to the respective top-emitting element group 11. For example, seven corresponding light guide cavities may be provided on the first light guide structure 31, each housing at least two top-emitting elements for illuminating the respective display segment. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light guide cavities in the group of light guide cavities may have guiding ramps for correcting the offset between the respective top-emitting elements and the assigned display segment. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light guide cavities in the group of light guide cavities may have avoidance ramps for preventing light from the respective top-emitting elements from being blocked by the light guide cavities and / or blocking light from adjacent top-emitting elements. In some embodiments, to further optimize uniform light efficiency, at least a portion of the light guide cavities may be filled with a scattering material, such as potting compound or light-diffusing adhesive, to diffuse light from the top-emitting elements. In some embodiments, to further optimize uniform light effect, a reflective coating may be arranged on a small portion of the inner wall of the light guide cavity so that the light from the top light-emitting element is fully projected onto the display film.

[0075] By combining the quantitative arrangement relationship between the top-emitting elements and the corresponding display segments, as well as the structural and / or material optimization of the light guide structure formed on the bracket 30, the touch and display effects of closely arranged icons can be significantly improved, while meeting the requirements of thinness and high performance of the display module 100.

[0076] In a further improved embodiment, instead of the side-emitting display scheme based on the light guide plate module 20, the display module 100 of this invention adopts a side-emitting display scheme without the light guide plate module 20 for some icons, especially small icons or dense and interlaced icons. This side-emitting display scheme without the light guide plate module 20 simplifies the structure of the display module 100 and thus simplifies the assembly of the display module 100; on the other hand, it can also meet the requirements of thinness and high performance of the display module 100 while ensuring good display effect for specific icons. A side-emitting element group 12 for a second icon, such as a progress bar icon, can be provided on the circuit board 10, and a second light guide structure 32 for the second icon can be formed on the bracket 30. The second light guide structure 32 for the second icon can be configured to guide the light from the side-emitting element group 12 to be emitted forward, so that the side-emitting element group 12 for the second icon does not need to be equipped with a light guide plate module.

[0077] Figure 10 An exemplary cross-sectional view of a second light guide structure 32 formed on a bracket 30 in a display module 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Figure 10As shown, the second light guide structure 32 for the second icon may include a reflective surface 321 and a light guide cavity 322. Light from the corresponding side-emitting element 12 is reflected by the reflective surface 321 to the light guide cavity 322 and emitted through the light guide cavity 322. In some embodiments, the second receiving cavity may be constructed on the bottom side of the bracket 30 and receive the side-emitting element 12. The second receiving cavity may be part of the light guide cavity 322 of the second light guide structure 32 or communicate with the light guide cavity 322. The opening 38 of the second receiving cavity may be opposite to the reflective surface 321, such that light emitted from the second receiving cavity can be reflected by the reflective surface 321 into the light guide cavity 322 and ultimately illuminate the top side of the bracket 30, that is, illuminate the display film 40 located thereon.

[0078] Next, refer to Figures 11-13 This section details an exemplary assembly process for the display module 100 of this utility model. For example... Figure 11 As shown, a one-piece injection-molded bracket 30 is provided. The bracket 30 can be molded with a first receiving cavity and a first light guide structure 31 for the corresponding top-emitting element 11, a second receiving cavity and a second light guide structure 32 for the corresponding side-emitting element 12, and a receiving opening 33 for the corresponding light guide plate module 20. Furthermore, a limiting groove 34 for pre-fixing the light guide plate module 20 can also be formed on the bracket 30; the corresponding limiting groove 34 can be disposed on the rear side of the bracket 30. Figure 11 As shown, a light guide plate assembly 25, composed of multiple adjacent light guide plate modules 20, can be installed into the corresponding receiving opening 33 of the bracket 30 and pre-fixed by the limiting groove 34. Figure 12 As shown, the circuit board 10, which integrates the top light-emitting element 11, the side light-emitting element 12, and the touch metal area 13, is mounted on the rear side of the bracket 30, such that the top light-emitting element 11 is arranged in the corresponding first receiving cavity or the first light guide structure, the side light-emitting element 12 is arranged in the corresponding second receiving cavity or the second light guide structure, and the light guide plate module 20 is tightly attached to the touch metal area 13. Alternatively, the light guide plate module 20 can also be bonded to the touch metal area 13.

[0079] Furthermore, the bracket 30 can be fastened to the printed circuit board using fasteners, such as thermal rivets, thereby achieving efficient and tight assembly between the bracket 30, the light guide plate module 20, and the circuit board 10. Advantageously, the display module 100 is assembled so tightly that the air gap between the light guide plate module 20 and the touch metal area 13 is less than 0.3 mm or even 0.2 mm, and the thickness of the display module 100 is less than 4 mm or even 3 mm. In subsequent assembly, the display film 40 can be fixed to the front side of the bracket 30 by suitable methods such as adhesive bonding, snap-fit ​​fixing, thermoforming welding, or ultrasonic welding. The front panel 50 can then be mounted to the front side of the display film 40 and the bracket 30, such as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0080] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention by utilizing the above-disclosed technical content without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, The display module includes a circuit board, a light guide plate module, and a bracket. The circuit board has a top light-emitting element, a side light-emitting element, and a touch metal area. The light guide plate module is arranged between the touch metal area of ​​the circuit board and the bracket. The bracket has a first receiving cavity for the top light-emitting element, a second receiving cavity for the side light-emitting element, and a receiving opening for the light guide plate module.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board is provided with at least one top light-emitting element group for the first icon, wherein the first icon includes multiple display segments and each display segment of the first icon is respectively provided with at least two top light-emitting elements from the corresponding top light-emitting element group.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first light guide structure for the first icon is formed on the bracket, and the first light guide structure is configured to guide light from the top light-emitting element group to be emitted forward. and / or The first icon is a seven-segment figure-eight shape; and / or The first light guide structure includes a light guide cavity for a corresponding top light-emitting element, and the first receiving cavity is part of the light guide cavity of the first light guide structure or the first receiving cavity communicates with the light guide cavity of the first light guide structure.

4. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The circuit board has a touch metal area provided for the light guide plate module and a group of side-emitting elements arranged adjacent to the touch metal area, and the light guide plate module is configured to guide the light from the group of side-emitting elements to be emitted forward.

5. The display module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The side-emitting element group includes at least one side-emitting element disposed on a first side of the corresponding touch metal area and at least one side-emitting element disposed on a second side of the corresponding touch metal area opposite to the first side.

6. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The display module includes a light guide plate assembly composed of multiple light guide plate modules, which are connected into an integrated light guide plate assembly by means of connecting ribs.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The display module includes multiple light guide plate assemblies, wherein the first light guide plate assembly and the second light guide plate assembly differ from each other in the number of light guide plate modules, and / or the shape of the light guide plate modules, and / or the size of the light guide plate modules; and / or Each light guide plate assembly constitutes a one-piece injection-molded light guide plate assembly; and / or The space for accommodating the side-emitting element is defined by adjacent light guide plate modules and corresponding connecting ribs.

8. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The circuit board is provided with a group of side-emitting elements for the second icon, and a second light guide structure for the second icon is formed on the bracket. The second light guide structure is configured to guide light from the group of side-emitting elements to be emitted forward.

9. The display module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second light guide structure includes a reflective surface and a light guide cavity. Light from the corresponding side-emitting element is reflected by the reflective surface to the light guide cavity and then emitted through the light guide cavity; and / or The second icon is a progress bar icon; and / or The second receiving cavity is either part of the light guide cavity of the second light guide structure or the second receiving cavity is connected to the light guide cavity.

10. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The bracket has a limiting groove formed on it for pre-fixing the light guide plate module; and / or The light guide plate module is configured to be attached to or bonded to the touch metal area; and / or The bracket is fastened to the circuit board by means of fasteners; and / or The air gap between the light guide plate module and the touch metal area is less than 0.3 mm; and / or The thickness of the display module is less than 4 mm.

11. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The circuit board is configured as a printed circuit board, in which the surface protective layer of the printed circuit board itself is removed within the area of ​​the touch metal region, and a reflective protective layer is applied to the exposed touch metal region.

12. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The reflective protective layer is configured as a tin-coated layer.

13. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The display module includes: The display film is configured to be disposed on the front side of the support; Front panel, the front panel being configured to be disposed on the front side of the display film and the support, Icons are provided on the display film and / or front panel.

14. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The bracket is configured as a one-piece injection-molded bracket; and / or the circuit board is configured as a one-piece printed circuit board.

15. Electrical equipment, characterized in that, The electrical equipment has a display module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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