Display module and display device

Abstract

A display module and a display device. The display module is provided with a cover plate (1), a first bonding layer (2), a display panel (4), a second bonding layer (5), and a support layer (6) which are stacked. The display panel (4) comprises a first non-folding region, a first foldable region, and a second non-folding region; the support layer (6) comprises a first region (6a) corresponding to the first foldable region of the display panel (4), and second regions (6b) located on two sides of the first region (6a); and in a first direction, at least part of the first region (6a) has a first thickness, at least part of each second region (6b) has a second thickness, and the first thickness is less than the second thickness. According to the display module, the problem of breakage and creases of a support layer caused by the first region (6a) of the support layer (6) being bent multiple times in a bending region of a flexible display module is effectively mitigated.

Description

Display module and display device Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display module and a display device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of display technology, the applications of display devices are becoming more and more extensive, and flexible display devices are particularly popular. Flexible display devices are relatively thin and lightweight, highly flexible, and can be folded or rolled into various application forms.

[0003] Currently, flexible products require flexible display modules to be able to bend, and due to material limitations, the metal support on the back of the display panel is often designed with through-holes and semi-etched areas in the bending zone. However, this design reduces the strength of the bending zone of the flexible display module, resulting in mold marks, fractures in the bending zone of the support, and creases after multiple bends.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible display module and a flexible display device, which are used to obtain a display module and a display device having a support layer with unequal thicknesses in the bending region and the non-bending region, thereby reducing the risk of mold marks on the flexible display module after multiple bending, as well as the risk of fractures and creases in the bending region of the support layer. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a flexible display module, comprising:

[0007] cover;

[0008] The display panel comprises a first non-folding area, a first foldable area, and a second non-folding area, wherein the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area are located on both sides of the foldable area; and

[0009] a first adhesive layer, disposed between the cover plate and the display panel;

[0010] a second adhesive layer, disposed on a side of the display panel away from the cover plate;

[0011] a supporting layer disposed on a side of the second adhesive layer away from the display panel; the supporting layer having a first region corresponding to the first foldable region of the display panel and second regions located on both sides of the first region, wherein at least a portion of the first region has a first thickness, and at least a portion of the second region has a second thickness;

[0012] Wherein, in a first direction, the first thickness is smaller than the second thickness; and the first direction is perpendicular to the plane where the display panel is located.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first region has a first recessed portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first region further has a second concave portion, and the second concave portion is disposed along the first direction on a side of the support layer opposite to the first concave portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support layer further has a second concave portion, and the second concave portion is disposed on the second surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom surface of the first concave portion and the surface of the support layer away from the first concave portion in the first direction is the first thickness; or

[0017] The distance between the bottom surface of the first concave portion and the bottom surface of the second concave portion in the first direction is the first thickness.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dimension of the first thickness along the first direction is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the dimension of the second thickness along the first direction; and

[0019] A dimension of the first thickness along the first direction is less than or equal to half a dimension of the second thickness along the first direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a first filling layer, and the first filling layer is disposed in the first concave portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a second filling layer, and the second filling layer is disposed in the second concave portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first foldable area is inwardly folded, the first recessed portion is located on a side of the support layer away from the display panel, and the first filling layer is composed of one or more of pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, and foam.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first foldable area is inwardly folded, the second concave portion is located on a side of the support layer close to the display panel, and the second filling layer is composed of one or more of polyimide and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the support layer further comprises the transition zone, wherein the transition zone is located between the first region and the second region;

[0025] The transition zone is provided with a first opening, and the orthographic projection of the first opening on the support layer forms an opening pattern.

[0026] In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom of the first opening and the side of the support layer away from the first opening in the first direction is a third thickness;

[0027] The dimension of the third thickness along the first direction is greater than or equal to half of the dimension of the second thickness along the first direction; and

[0028] A dimension of the third thickness along the first direction is less than or equal to two-thirds of a dimension of the second thickness along the first direction.

[0029] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a second opening in the transition region, the second opening is disposed on a side opposite to the first opening, and an orthographic projection of the second opening on the supporting layer forms the opening pattern.

[0030] In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom of the first opening and the bottom of the second opening in the first direction is a third thickness;

[0031] The third thickness is greater than or equal to half of the dimension of the second thickness along the first direction; and

[0032] The third thickness is less than or equal to two-thirds of a dimension of the second thickness along the first direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the opening pattern formed by orthographic projection of the first opening and the second opening on the supporting layer is the same.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first opening includes at least one opening pattern, and the orthographic projection pattern of the opening pattern on the support layer is one or more of a rectangular shape, a wavy shape, and an arc shape.

[0035] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the first opening is one or more of a rectangle, a square, and a trapezoid.

[0036] In some embodiments, the opening pattern extends along the second direction and has a first length in the second direction, and adjacent opening patterns are spaced apart in the third direction.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first length is the same as the length of the support layer in the second direction.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first length is greater than or equal to one quarter of the length of the support layer in the second direction; and

[0039] The first length is less than or equal to half of the length of the support layer in the second direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first opening and the second opening are symmetrically arranged in the first direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first openings and the second openings are staggered in the first direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, the supporting layer includes a first supporting layer, a second supporting layer and a third adhesive layer, the second supporting layer is arranged on a side of the first supporting layer away from the display panel, and the second supporting layer is bonded to the first supporting layer through the third adhesive layer.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first region has a third concave portion, and the third concave portion is disposed on a side of the second supporting layer away from the first supporting layer.

[0044] In some embodiments, a distance between a surface of the second supporting layer away from the first supporting layer and a surface of the first supporting layer close to the display panel in the first direction is the second thickness.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a third filling layer, and the third filling layer is disposed in the third concave portion;

[0046] The first foldable area is inwardly folded, and the third filling layer is composed of one or more of pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, and foam.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second region of the second supporting layer has a first groove, and the first groove is symmetrically arranged along the first region in the third direction.

[0048] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a fourth filling layer, which is disposed in the first groove and is composed of one or more of graphite, thermal conductive adhesive, and copper sheet.

[0049] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second foldable area and a third non-foldable area, the second foldable area is located between the second non-foldable area and the third non-foldable area, and in the third direction, the width of the first foldable area is greater than that of the second foldable area;

[0050] The supporting layer has a third region corresponding to the second foldable region. At least a portion of the third region has a fourth thickness. The fourth thickness is smaller than the second thickness in the first direction.

[0051] In some embodiments, the third region has a fourth concave portion, and the distance between the bottom surface of the fourth concave portion and the surface of the supporting layer away from the fourth concave portion in the first direction is the fourth thickness;

[0052] In the first direction, the first thickness is greater than the fourth thickness.

[0053] In some embodiments, in the first folding region, the display panel is folded with a first curvature radius.

[0054] In the second folding area, the display panel is folded with a second curvature radius; and

[0055] The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature.

[0056] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a first filling layer, the first filling layer is disposed in the first concave portion, and the first concave portion is located on a side of the supporting layer away from the display panel;

[0057] a fifth filling layer, the fifth filling layer being disposed in the fourth concave portion, the fourth concave portion being located on a side of the supporting layer away from the display panel;

[0058] The modulus of the first filling layer is greater than the modulus of the fifth filling layer.

[0059] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a polarizing layer disposed on a side of the display panel away from the supporting layer.

[0060] In another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a flexible display device is provided, wherein the flexible display device includes any one of the aforementioned flexible display modules.

[0061] The flexible display module provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a support layer located on the side of the second adhesive layer away from the display panel. The support layer has a first area corresponding to the foldable area of ​​the display panel, and second areas located on both sides of the first area. The first area at least partially has a first thickness, and the second area at least partially has a second thickness. In addition, in a direction perpendicular to the plane where the display panel is located and pointing from the support layer to the display panel, the first thickness is less than the second thickness, thereby forming a support layer with unequal thickness design between the first area and the second area, so that the support layer remains as a whole in the first area. On the one hand, the unequal thickness design between the first area and the second area of ​​the support layer effectively reduces the risk of fracture, creases, etc. of the support layer after multiple bending in the bending zone of the flexible display module while ensuring the bending performance of the flexible display module. On the other hand, the first area of ​​the support layer does not require an additional manufacturing process to produce hollow holes, which simplifies the manufacturing method of the support layer while also providing a certain dust-proof effect on the first area of ​​the support layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0063] FIG1 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in the related art;

[0064] FIG2 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a support layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG4 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another supporting layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG6 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of another supporting layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another supporting layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG9 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG10 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG11 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG12 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a bending of a flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another supporting layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG15 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG16 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG17 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG18a is a schematic diagram of a first opening provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG18b is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG18A-A;

[0082] FIG19a is another schematic diagram of a first opening provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG19b is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG18A-A;

[0084] FIG20a is a schematic diagram of another first opening provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIG20 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG18A-A;

[0086] FIG21 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of another supporting layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] FIG23 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of another supporting layer structure provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0090] FIG25 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] FIG26 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of yet another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0092] FIG27 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of yet another flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0093] FIG28 is a schematic diagram of a tri-fold display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0094] FIG29 is a schematic diagram of another tri-fold display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Legend: 1, cover plate 2, first adhesive layer 3, polarizer 4, display panel 5, second adhesive layer 6, support layer 61, first support layer 62, second support layer 63, third adhesive layer

[0096] 6a, first area 6b, second area 6c, transition area

[0097] 71. The first concave portion 72, the second concave portion 73, and the third concave portion

[0098] 81. First filling layer 82. Second filling layer

[0099] 83. Third filling layer 84. Fourth filling layer

[0100] 91. First opening 92. Second opening

[0101] 10. Opening pattern 11. First slot

[0102] H1, first thickness H2, second thickness H3, third thickness W1, first length

[0103] X, first direction Y, second direction Z, third direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] In order to better understand the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this specification, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification are described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments of this specification and the specific features in the embodiments are detailed descriptions of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification, rather than limitations on the technical solutions of this specification. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of this specification and the technical features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0105] In this article, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or equipment comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also include elements inherent to such process, method, article or equipment. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the statement "comprising a ..." do not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or equipment comprising the elements. The term "two or more" includes two or more than two cases.

[0106] The terms "x-axis direction," "y-axis direction," and "z-axis direction" are used herein, and herein, the "x-axis direction" is a first direction X, the "y-axis direction" is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction Y, and the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z all refer to directions of the flexible display module when placed on a plane and in an unfolded state; and the "z-axis direction" is a third direction Z perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first direction (x-axis direction), the second direction (y-axis direction), and the third direction (z-axis direction) may correspond to the thickness direction, the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction of the flexible display module, respectively.

[0107] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in the related art. As shown in Figure 1, the flexible display module comprises a stacked cover plate 1, a first adhesive layer 2, a polarizer 3, a display panel 4, a second adhesive layer 5, and a support layer 6. The support layer 6 comprises a first region 6a and a second region 6b, with the second region 6a located on either side of the first region 6a. The first region 6a corresponds to the first foldable region of the display panel 4, while the second region 6b corresponds to the first and second unfolding regions of the display panel 4. In the related art, to improve the bending performance of the flexible display module, multiple through-holes are provided in the first region 6a of the support layer 6. While the support layer 6 can provide support, the first region 6a of the support layer 6 also meets the bending requirements of the flexible display module. However, the multiple through-holes penetrating the support layer 6 can easily cause creases and fractures in the support layer 6 after repeated bending of the flexible display module. This can also affect the mechanical strength of the flexible display module and cause lamination marks in the first bending region of the display panel 4 during lamination.

[0108] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the supporting layer structure corresponding to the flexible display module. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the supporting layer 6 has a first recessed portion 71 in a first region 6a. In a first direction X, the bottom of the first recessed portion 71 and the side of the supporting layer 6 not provided with the first recessed portion 71 have a first thickness H1 in the first region 6a. The supporting layer 6 has a second thickness H2 in the second region 6b, where the first thickness H1 is less than the second thickness H2. The first direction X refers to the thickness direction of the display panel 4.

[0109] Exemplarily, the first thickness H1 is 1 / 5 to 1 / 2 of the second thickness H2. Specifically, the first thickness H1 can be 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 of the second thickness H2. During the bending process of the flexible display module, the first thickness H1 retained in the first region 6a can meet the support performance of the support layer 6. At the same time, after the first recessed portion 71 is provided, the first region 6a remains a whole. Compared with providing multiple through holes in the first region 6a, this can effectively improve the bending performance of the support layer 6, prevent the support layer 6 from breaking due to multiple bending, and provide dust protection.

[0110] For example, the first concave portion 71 may be provided on a side of the supporting layer 6 away from the display panel 4 ; or, the first concave portion 71 may also be provided on a side of the supporting layer 6 close to the display panel 4 , which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0111] Exemplarily, the cross-section of the first recessed portion 71 may be rectangular or square, in which case the first thickness H1 is the distance between the bottom side of the rectangle or square and the side of the support layer 6 where the first recessed portion 71 is not provided in the first direction X; or, the cross-section of the first recessed portion 71 may be half an arc, in which case the first thickness H1 refers to the distance between the bottom point of the arc and the side of the support layer 6 where the first recessed portion 71 is not provided in the first direction X; or, the cross-section of the first recessed portion 71 may be an inverted trapezoid, in which case the first thickness H1 is the distance between the bottom side of the inverted trapezoid and the side of the support layer 6 where the first recessed portion 71 is not provided in the first direction X; or, the cross-section of the first recessed portion 71 may be a curved quadrilateral, in which case the first thickness H1 is the distance between the bottom side of the quadrilateral and the side of the support layer 6 where the first recessed portion 71 is not provided in the first direction X. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the first recessed portion 71 , as long as the first thickness H1 of the first region 6 a of the support layer 6 is at least partially smaller than the second thickness H2 of the second region 6 b .

[0112] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5 , the support layer 6 further includes a second concave portion 71, and the second concave portion 72 is provided in the first region 6a corresponding to the first concave portion 71. In this case, the first thickness H1 refers to the distance between the first concave portion 71 and the second concave portion 72 in the first direction X. Exemplarily, the first thickness H1 is 1 / 5 to 1 / 2 of the second thickness H2. Specifically, the first thickness H1 may be 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 of the second thickness H2.

[0113] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first recessed portion 71 may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the second recessed portion 72; or, the cross-sectional shape of the first recessed portion 71 may be different from the cross-sectional shape of the second recessed portion 72, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0114] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 7 to 8 are schematic diagrams of another support layer structure provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the support layer 6 also includes a first filling layer 81, which is disposed in the first recessed portion 71. Optionally, as shown in Figure 8, the support layer 6 also includes a second filling layer 82, which is disposed in the second recessed portion 72. When the flexible display module rubs against the hinge of the entire device during bending, the first filling layer 81 and the second filling layer 82 can effectively act as a buffer, reducing the risk of breakage of the support layer 6.

[0115] In one possible embodiment, as shown in FIG9 , the flexible display module can be folded inward, and when the flexible display module is in the inward folded state, the display surface of the first non-folding area and the display surface of the second non-folding area are relatively close to each other. At this time, the first recessed portion 71 can be provided on the side of the support layer 6 away from the display panel 4, and the material of the first filling layer 81 can be selected from pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam. By filling the first recessed portion 71 with a first filling layer 81 made of a material such as pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam, on the one hand, the bending performance of the support layer 6 is guaranteed and the risk of fracture of the support layer 6 is reduced. On the other hand, the first filling layer 81 can make the side of the support layer 6 where the first recessed portion 71 is provided appear flat, thereby effectively improving the mold printing problem that may be caused by the first recessed portion 71.

[0116] Optionally, the flexible display module can be folded outward. When the flexible display module is in the outward folded state, the display surface of the first unfolded area is disposed toward the exterior of the folding device, and the display surface of the second unfolded area is disposed away from the display surface of the first unfolded area. In this case, the first recessed portion 71 can be disposed on the side of the support layer 6 away from the display panel 4. In this case, the material of the first filling layer 81 can be PI (polyimide), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), etc.

[0117] Continuing with FIG9 , the flexible display module can be folded inward, and the second recessed portion 72 can be provided on the side of the support layer 6 near the display panel 4. In this case, the second filling layer 82 can be made of a material such as PI (polyimide) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Filling the second recessed portion 72 with the second filling layer 82 of a material such as PI or PET can improve the support performance of the first region 6a of the support layer 6, improve the crease problem caused by multiple folds of the flexible display module, and enhance the pen-dropping and ball-dropping performance of the flexible display module.

[0118] Optionally, as shown in FIG9 , a first filling layer 81 and a second filling layer 82 are simultaneously provided in the support layer 6; or, as shown in FIG10 , the support layer 6 may only be provided with the first filling layer 81; or, as shown in FIG11 , the support layer 6 may only be provided with the second filling layer 82, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0119] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the bending of the flexible display module. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the support layer 6 also includes a transition zone 6c, which is located between the first region 6a and the second region 6b. In conjunction with Figure 14, the transition zone 6c has a first opening 91. In the first direction X, the bottom of the first opening 91 and the side of the support layer 6 where the first opening 91 is not provided have a third thickness H3 in the transition zone 6c. The third thickness H3 is 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the second thickness H2. Optionally, the third thickness H3 can be 1 / 2, 3 / 5, or 2 / 3 of the second thickness H2.

[0120] For example, as shown in FIG12 and FIG15 , the first opening 91 can be provided on the side of the support layer 6 away from the display panel 4 . This arrangement is conducive to stress release during the bending process of the flexible display module, thereby improving the bending performance of the flexible display module.

[0121] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the support layer 6 further includes a second opening 92. The second opening 92 is disposed in the transition zone 6c corresponding to the first opening 91. In this case, the third thickness H3 refers to the distance between the bottom of the first opening 91 and the bottom of the second opening 92 in the first direction X. The third thickness H3 is 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the second thickness H2. Optionally, the third thickness H3 can be 1 / 2, 3 / 5, or 2 / 3 of the second thickness H2. Providing the first opening 91 and the second opening 92 on either side of the support layer 6 effectively alleviates the problem of different deformation amounts on both sides of the support layer 6 during the bending process of the flexible display module. In addition, providing the second opening 92 on the side of the support layer 6 close to the display panel 4 can provide a certain amount of bending offset for the bending of the support layer 6, preventing the film layer from separating and fracturing in the water droplet-shaped transition zone 6c, thereby improving the bending performance of the support layer 6.

[0122] For example, as shown in FIG16 , the first opening 91 and the second opening 92 are symmetrically arranged along the first direction X on the transition zone 6c; or, as shown in FIG17 , the first opening 91 and the second opening 92 are staggered in the first direction X. Such an arrangement is beneficial to reducing the modulus of the support layer 6 and improving the bending performance of the support layer.

[0123] Continuing with FIG16 and FIG17 , the orthographic projections of the first opening 91 and the second opening 92 on the display panel 4 form an opening pattern 10. Optionally, the opening pattern 10 formed by the first opening 91 on the supporting layer 6 may be the same as the opening pattern 10 formed by the second opening 92 on the supporting layer 6; or, the opening pattern 10 formed by the first opening 91 on the supporting layer 6 may be at least partially different from the opening pattern 10 formed by the second opening 92 on the supporting layer 6, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment.

[0124] Taking the opening pattern 10 in the first opening 91 as an example, Figures 18 to 20 are schematic diagrams of a first opening provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 18a to 20a are orthographic projections of the opening pattern in the first opening on the display panel 4, and Figures 18b to 20b are side views of the first opening. As shown in Figure 18, the first opening 91 includes an opening pattern 10, which extends along the second direction Y. The opening pattern 10 has a first length W1 in the second direction Y, and the opening pattern 10 forms an orthographic projection pattern on the display panel 4. Optionally, the orthographic projection pattern can be rectangular, wavy, or arc-shaped. In addition, the cross-sectional shape reflected in the side view of the first opening 91 can be rectangular, square, or trapezoidal. The second direction Y is the width direction of the display panel 4, and the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the orthographic projection pattern and cross-sectional shape of the first opening 91, as long as it meets the requirements of the technical solution.

[0125] In a possible embodiment, as shown in FIG18 , the first opening 91 includes only one opening pattern 10 . In this case, the first length W1 is the same as the length of the support layer 6 in the second direction Y, that is, the opening pattern 10 penetrates the support layer 6 in the second direction Y.

[0126] In another possible embodiment, as shown in FIG19 , the first opening 91 may be composed of a plurality of opening patterns 10, wherein the first length W1 is the same as the length of the support layer 6 in the second direction Y, and the plurality of opening patterns 10 are spaced apart in the third direction Z. Optionally, the plurality of opening patterns 10 may be evenly spaced along the third direction Z; or, the plurality of opening patterns 10 may be unevenly spaced along the third direction Z, wherein the third direction Z refers to the longitudinal direction of the display panel 4, the plane formed by the third direction Z and the second direction Y is parallel to the display panel 4, and the third direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0127] In another possible embodiment, as shown in FIG20 , the first opening 91 may be composed of a plurality of opening patterns 10 . In this case, the first length W1 is less than the length of the support layer 6 in the second direction Y. Optionally, the first length W1 is 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the length of the support layer 6 in the second direction Y. Specifically, the first length W1 may be 1 / 4, 1 / 3, 2 / 5, or 1 / 2 of the length of the support layer 6 in the second direction Y.

[0128] Continuing to refer to Figure 20, optionally, a plurality of adjacent opening patterns 10 are staggered in the second direction Y; or, a plurality of adjacent opening patterns 10 are evenly arranged in the second direction Y, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another flexible display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 21, the support layer 6 includes a first support layer 61, a second support layer 62 and a third adhesive layer 63. The first support layer 61 is bonded to the display panel 4 through the second adhesive layer 5. The second support layer 62 is arranged on the side of the first support layer 61 away from the display panel 4, and is bonded to the first support layer 61 through the third adhesive layer 63. Continuing to refer to Figure 21, a third recessed portion 73 is provided in the first region 6a of the second supporting layer 62. With such a configuration, the first supporting layer 61 can effectively ensure the structural strength of the flexible display module and ensure the supporting performance of the supporting layer 6. The second supporting layer 62 is bonded to the first supporting layer 61 through the third adhesive layer 63, and the third recessed portion 73 is provided in the first region 6a of the second supporting layer 62, thereby improving the bending performance of the supporting layer 6 and reducing the risk of the supporting layer 6 breaking after the flexible display module is bent multiple times.

[0129] For example, referring to FIG22 , the third recessed portion 73 is provided on a side of the second supporting layer 62 away from the first supporting layer 61. In this case, the first thickness H1 refers to the distance from the first supporting layer 61 in the first direction X, and the second thickness H2 refers to the distance from the side of the second supporting layer 62 away from the first supporting layer 61 to the side of the first supporting layer 61 close to the display panel 4 in the first direction X.

[0130] For example, the cross-section of the third recessed portion 73 can be rectangular or square; alternatively, the cross-section of the third recessed portion 73 can be half a circular arc; alternatively, the cross-section of the third recessed portion 73 can be an inverted trapezoid; alternatively, the cross-section of the third recessed portion 73 can be a curved quadrilateral. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on the shape of the cross-section of the third recessed portion 73, as long as the first thickness H1 is at least partially smaller than the second thickness H2.

[0131] In one possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the second supporting layer 62 further includes a third filling layer 83, which is disposed in the third recessed portion 73. Optionally, the flexible display module can be configured to fold inward, in which case the material of the third filling layer 83 can be selected from pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam. By filling the third recessed portion 73 with the third filling layer 83 made of a material such as pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam, on the one hand, the bending performance of the supporting layer 6 is ensured and the risk of fracture of the supporting layer 6 is reduced. On the other hand, the third filling layer 83 can make the side of the second supporting layer 62 where the third recessed portion 73 is disposed appear flat, thereby effectively improving the mold printing problem that may be caused by the provision of the third recessed portion 73.

[0132] In another possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 , a first groove 12 is provided in the second region 6 b of the second supporting layer 62 , and in the third direction Z, the first groove 12 is symmetrically provided along the first region 6 a of the second supporting layer 62 .

[0133] Exemplarily, the depth of the first groove 12 in the first direction X can be the same as the distance of the second supporting layer 62 along the first direction X; or, the depth of the first groove 12 in the first direction X is only 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the distance of the second supporting layer 62 along the first direction X. Specifically, the depth of the first groove 12 in the first direction X is 1 / 3, 3 / 10, or 1 / 2 of the distance of the second supporting layer 62 along the first direction X, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0134] For example, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the second supporting layer 62 further includes a fourth filling layer 84, which is disposed in the first groove 12. Optionally, the fourth filling layer 84 can be made of a heat dissipation material, specifically graphite, thermally conductive adhesive, copper sheet, etc. By providing the first groove 12 in the second region 6b of the second supporting layer 62 and filling the first groove 12 with the fourth filling layer 84, the supporting layer 6 not only meets the supporting performance requirements but also improves the thermal conductivity, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation performance of the flexible display module.

[0135] Figures 28 and 29 are schematic diagrams of three configurations of a flexible display module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one possible implementation, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, the display panel 4 further includes a second foldable region and a third non-foldable region, with the second foldable region being located between the second non-foldable region and the third non-foldable region. Optionally, in the third direction Z, the width of the first foldable region is greater than the width of the second foldable region.

[0136] Exemplarily, the display panel 4 is folded with a first curvature radius within the range of the first folding area and is folded with a second curvature radius within the range of the second folding area. Optionally, the first curvature radius of the first folding area is greater than the second curvature radius of the second folding area.

[0137] Exemplarily, the supporting layer 6 further has a third region corresponding to the second foldable region of the display panel 4. The third region further has a fourth recessed portion. In the first direction X, a portion between the bottom of the fourth recessed portion and the side of the supporting layer 6 where the fourth recessed portion is not provided has a fourth thickness in the third region. The fourth thickness is less than the second thickness H2 and less than the first thickness H1.

[0138] Optionally, the first concave portion 71 is provided on a side of the supporting layer 6 away from the display panel 4 ; meanwhile, the fourth concave portion is also provided on a side of the supporting layer 6 away from the display panel 4 .

[0139] Optionally, the supporting layer 6 further includes a first filling layer 81 and / or a fifth filling layer, the first filling layer 81 is arranged in the first concave portion 71, the fifth filling layer is arranged in the fourth concave portion, and the modulus of the first filling layer is greater than that of the fifth filling layer.

[0140] Optionally, as shown in FIG28 , the first foldable area is folded inward, and the second foldable area is also folded inward, and the display panel 4 is folded in a “G” shape. The material of the first filling layer 81 and the fifth filling layer can be selected from pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam, etc. By filling the first concave portion 71 and / or the fourth concave portion with the first filling layer 81 and / or the fifth filling layer of materials such as pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam, on the one hand, the bending performance of the support layer 6 is guaranteed and the risk of fracture of the support layer 6 is reduced. On the other hand, the first filling layer 81 and / or the fifth filling layer can make the side of the support layer 6 where the first concave portion 71 and / or the fourth concave portion is provided to be flat, thereby effectively improving the mold printing problem that may be caused by the first concave portion 71 and / or the fourth concave portion.

[0141] Optionally, as shown in Figure 29, the first foldable area folds outward, and the second foldable area folds inward, resulting in a "Z"-shaped folding arrangement. The first filling layer 81 can be made of materials such as PI (polyimide) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate); the fifth filling layer can be made of pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, or foam.

[0142] For example, the display panel 4 can be folded in a "G" shape; or, the display panel 4 can be folded in a "Z" shape. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the folding method of the display panel 4, and those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs.

[0143] In one possible embodiment, a flexible display device is further provided, comprising a flexible display module. The flexible display module may be a flexible display module having any of the aforementioned support layers 6. The flexible display module comprises a cover plate 1, a first adhesive layer 2, a polarizer 3, a display panel 4, a second adhesive layer 5, and a support layer 6. The support layer 6 supports the display panel 4, and the cover plate 1 protects the display panel 4.

[0144] For example, the cover plate 1 can be a single layer or a stacked multi-layer structure. When the cover plate 1 is a single layer structure, the material of the cover plate 1 can be an organic material with high light transmittance, such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (CPI), etc., to ensure the light transmittance of the cover plate 1, the protection of the display panel, and the bendability.

[0145] When the cover plate 1 has a stacked multilayer structure, the cover plate 1 may be a first organic layer, an inorganic layer, and a second organic layer stacked in sequence. The materials of the first organic layer and the second organic layer may be polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (CPI), etc. The inorganic layer may be a glass layer, optionally an ultra-thin glass layer (UTG), an ultra-thin glass layer of varying thickness (UFG), etc. These materials can provide protection for the flexible display panel 4.

[0146] Illustratively, the first adhesive layer 2 is made of optical adhesive, and the polarizer 3 is bonded to the cover plate 1 via the first adhesive layer 2 .

[0147] Exemplarily, the display panel 4 includes but is not limited to an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display panel, a QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) display panel, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the display panel 4.

[0148] For example, the support layer 6 can be made of a metal material with a high elastic modulus, such as SUS (stainless steel), steel sheet, titanium (Ti), etc.; or a non-metallic material, such as a carbon fiber composite material layer (CFRP), a glass fiber composite material layer, etc.; or a combination of metal / non-metallic materials. When the support layer 6 is made of a carbon fiber composite material layer, the weight of the support layer 6 can be effectively reduced, while still meeting the supporting function of the flexible display module, further achieving a lightweight design of the flexible display module.

[0149] Exemplarily, the second adhesive layer 5 is a whole layer structure. Optionally, the second adhesive layer 5 is made of pressure-sensitive adhesive or optical adhesive. These materials can achieve the bonding function without affecting the display function of the flexible display panel 2.

[0150] Exemplarily, the third adhesive layer 63 is made of pressure-sensitive adhesive or optical adhesive, which satisfies the bonding function without affecting the supporting performance of the first supporting layer 61 and the second supporting layer 62 .

[0151] For example, the flexible display device provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to scenarios such as smart phones, tablet computers, monitors, laptop computers, medical monitors, televisions, smart wearable displays, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not specifically limited.

[0152] The flexible display device has the same technical effects as the aforementioned flexible display module, which will not be described in detail here.

[0153] It should be noted that, in the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0154] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0155] Although the preferred embodiments of this specification have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concepts. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of this specification.

[0156] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification. Thus, if such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims of this specification and their equivalents, this specification is intended to include such changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A flexible display module, characterized in that: The flexible display module comprises: Cover plate; The display panel comprises a first non-folding area, a first foldable area and a second non-folding area, wherein the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area are located on both sides of the foldable area; and A first adhesive layer is disposed between the cover plate and the display panel; A second adhesive layer is disposed on a side of the display panel away from the cover plate; A support layer is arranged on a side of the second adhesive layer away from the display panel; the support layer has a first area corresponding to the first foldable area of ​​the display panel, and second areas located on both sides of the first area, the first area at least partially has a first thickness, and the second area at least partially has a second thickness; Wherein, in a first direction, the first thickness is smaller than the second thickness; and the first direction is perpendicular to the plane where the display panel is located.

2. The flexible display module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first region has a first recessed portion.

3. The flexible display module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first region further has a second concave portion, and the second concave portion is arranged along the first direction on a side of the support layer opposite to the first concave portion.

4. The flexible display module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between the bottom surface of the first concave portion and the surface of the support layer away from the first concave portion in the first direction is the first thickness; or, The distance between the bottom surface of the first concave portion and the bottom surface of the second concave portion in the first direction is the first thickness.

5. The flexible display module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dimension of the first thickness along the first direction is greater than or equal to one fifth of the dimension of the second thickness along the first direction; and, A dimension of the first thickness along the first direction is less than or equal to one half of a dimension of the second thickness along the first direction.

6. The flexible display module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The invention also includes a first filling layer, wherein the first filling layer is disposed in the first concave portion.

7. The flexible display module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The invention also includes a second filling layer, wherein the second filling layer is arranged in the second recessed portion.

8. The flexible display module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first foldable area is inwardly folded, the first concave portion is located on a side of the support layer away from the display panel, and the first filling layer is composed of one or more of pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, and foam.

9. The flexible display module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first foldable area is inwardly folded, the second concave portion is located on a side of the support layer close to the display panel, and the second filling layer is composed of one or more of polyimide and polyethylene terephthalate.

10. The flexible display module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support layer further comprises the transition zone, wherein the transition zone is located between the first region and the second region; The transition zone is provided with a first opening, and the orthographic projection of the first opening on the support layer forms an opening pattern.

11. The flexible display module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The distance between the bottom of the first opening and the side of the support layer away from the first opening in the first direction is a third thickness; The dimension of the third thickness along the first direction is greater than or equal to one half of the dimension of the second thickness along the first direction; and, A dimension of the third thickness along the first direction is less than or equal to two thirds of a dimension of the second thickness along the first direction.

12. The flexible display module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The transition zone further includes a second opening, which is arranged on a side opposite to the first opening, and an orthographic projection of the second opening on the support layer forms the opening pattern.

13. The flexible display module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The distance between the bottom of the first opening and the bottom of the second opening in the first direction is a third thickness; The third thickness is greater than or equal to one half of the dimension of the second thickness along the first direction; and, The third thickness is less than or equal to two thirds of a dimension of the second thickness along the first direction.

14. The flexible display module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The opening pattern formed by orthographic projection of the first opening and the second opening on the support layer is the same.

15. The flexible display module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The number of the opening pattern is at least one, and the opening pattern is in one or more of a rectangular, wavy, and arc shape.

16. The flexible display module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first opening cross-section is one or more of a rectangular, a square, and a trapezoid.

17. The flexible display module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The opening patterns extend along the second direction and have a first length in the second direction, and adjacent opening patterns are arranged at intervals in the third direction.

18. The flexible display module according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first length is the same as a length of the support layer in the second direction.

19. The flexible display module according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first length is greater than or equal to one quarter of the length of the support layer in the second direction; and The first length is less than or equal to half of the length of the support layer in the second direction.

20. The flexible display module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first opening and the second opening are symmetrically arranged in the first direction.

21. The flexible display module according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first openings and the second openings are alternately arranged in the first direction.

22. The flexible display module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting layer includes a first supporting layer, a second supporting layer and a third adhesive layer. The second supporting layer is arranged on a side of the first supporting layer away from the display panel. The second supporting layer is bonded to the first supporting layer through the third adhesive layer.

23. The flexible display module according to claim 22, characterized in that: The first region has a third concave portion, and the third concave portion is arranged on a side of the second supporting layer away from the first supporting layer.

24. The flexible display module according to claim 23, characterized in that: The distance between a surface of the second supporting layer away from the first supporting layer and a surface of the first supporting layer close to the display panel in the first direction is the second thickness.

25. The flexible display module according to claim 24, characterized in that: It also includes a third filling layer, wherein the third filling layer is disposed in the third recessed portion; The first foldable area is inwardly folded, and the third filling layer is composed of one or more of pressure-sensitive adhesive, optical adhesive, and foam.

26. The flexible display module according to any one of claims 23 or 25, characterized in that: The second region of the second supporting layer has a first groove, and the first groove is symmetrically arranged along the first region in the third direction.

27. The flexible display module according to claim 26, characterized in that: It also includes a fourth filling layer, which is arranged in the first slot and is composed of one or more of graphite, thermal conductive glue, and copper sheet.

28. The flexible display module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a second foldable area and a third non-foldable area, the second foldable area is located between the second non-foldable area and the third non-foldable area, and in the third direction, the width of the first foldable area is greater than that of the second foldable area; The supporting layer has a third region arranged corresponding to the second foldable region, and at least a portion of the third region has a fourth thickness, and the fourth thickness is smaller than the second thickness in the first direction.

29. The flexible display module according to claim 28, characterized in that: The third region has a fourth concave portion, and the distance between the bottom surface of the fourth concave portion and the surface of the support layer away from the fourth concave portion in the first direction is the fourth thickness; In the first direction, the first thickness is greater than the fourth thickness.

30. The flexible display module according to claim 29, characterized in that In the first folding area, the display panel is folded with a first curvature radius, In the second folding area, the display panel is folded with a second curvature radius; and, The first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature.

31. The flexible display module according to claim 30, characterized in that: It also includes a first filling layer, wherein the first filling layer is disposed in the first concave portion, and the first concave portion is located on a side of the supporting layer away from the display panel; a fifth filling layer, the fifth filling layer being disposed in the fourth concave portion, the fourth concave portion being located at a side of the supporting layer away from the display panel; The modulus of the first filling layer is greater than the modulus of the fifth filling layer.

32. The flexible display module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The polarizing layer is arranged on a side of the display panel away from the supporting layer.

33. A flexible display device, characterized in that: The flexible display device comprises the flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 25 and 27 to 32.

Images