Support structural member, display module and display apparatus

Abstract

Provided are a support structural member, a display module and a display apparatus, relating to the technical field of display. The support structural member (10) comprises a patterned layer (11), a metal layer (12) and a first organic layer (13) which are sequentially stacked. The patterned layer (11) comprises a bent area (11A) and flat areas (11B). The flat areas (11B) are located on two opposite sides of the bent area (11A), and a plurality of openings (K) are provided at the bent area (11A). The thickness of the metal layer (12) is less than a preset thickness. The elastic modulus of the metal layer (12) is greater than that of the first organic layer (13). According to the present application, bending and supporting are implemented by means of cooperation of the patterned layer and the metal layer, and the surface of the side of the metal layer distant from the patterned layer is protected by means of the first organic layer, so as to achieve both the bending performance and the structural support effect of the support structural member.

Description

Support structure, display module and display device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410122369.3 filed on January 29, 2024, entitled “A supporting structure, a display module and a display device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a supporting structure, a display module, and a display device. Background Art

[0003] Display devices are developing rapidly, often undergoing subtle adjustments in function or structure based on actual market demand. With the development of display technology, various new forms of display devices have emerged in response to the ever-changing market demand. In order to balance the portability and display effects of mobile terminal electronic devices, related technologies have proposed foldable and rollable flexible display devices. Compared with flat rigid display devices, flexible display devices can be folded, rolled, or bent like paper, with higher portability and convenience, while also being able to achieve large-screen display in a flat state. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a supporting structure, a display module and a display device.

[0005] In one aspect, a support structure is provided, comprising: a patterned layer, a metal layer, and a first organic layer stacked in sequence;

[0006] The patterned layer includes a bending area and a flat area, the flat area is located on two opposite sides of the bending area, and the bending area is provided with a plurality of openings;

[0007] The thickness of the metal layer is less than a preset thickness, and the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer.

[0008] Optionally, the thickness of the metal layer is less than 30 microns.

[0009] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than 480 GPa and less than 1 TPa; the elastic modulus of the first organic layer is greater than 10 MPa and less than 5 GPa.

[0010] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the patterned layer.

[0011] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the patterned layer is greater than 70 GPa and less than 150 GPa.

[0012] Optionally, the tensile strength of the metal layer is greater than the tensile strength of the patterned layer.

[0013] Optionally, the tensile strength of the metal layer is greater than 1800 MPa and less than 5 GPa; the tensile strength of the patterned layer is greater than 700 MPa and less than 2 GPa.

[0014] Optionally, the material of the patterned layer includes carbon fiber.

[0015] Optionally, the material of the metal layer includes at least one of the following: stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.

[0016] Optionally, the material of the first organic layer includes at least one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate, polyimide, thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, and silicone.

[0017] Optionally, the thickness of the first organic layer is greater than 5 micrometers and less than 20 micrometers.

[0018] Optionally, the supporting structure further includes a second organic layer, and the second organic layer is located between the patterned layer and the metal layer;

[0019] Wherein, the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the second organic layer.

[0020] Optionally, the thicknesses of the first organic layer, the second organic layer, and the metal layer satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

[0021] The ratio of the thickness of the first organic layer to the thickness of the metal layer is greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3;

[0022] The ratio of the thickness of the second organic layer to the thickness of the metal layer is greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3.

[0023] In another aspect, a display module is provided, comprising: a flexible display panel and a supporting structure as described in any one of the aspects, wherein a side of the flexible display panel away from a display surface is bonded to the supporting structure;

[0024] In which, the flexible display panel includes a bending area and a flat area, the orthographic projection of the bending area on the patterned layer in the supporting structure on the flexible display panel overlaps with the bending area on the flexible display panel, and the orthographic projection of the flat area on the patterned layer in the supporting structure on the flexible display panel overlaps with the flat area on the flexible display panel.

[0025] Optionally, the flexible display panel includes a display layer and a flexible substrate;

[0026] The patterned layer is located on a side of the flexible substrate away from the display layer, and the metal layer in the supporting structure is located between the patterned layer and the flexible substrate.

[0027] Optionally, the display module further includes a first position-limiting structure, and the first position-limiting structure is located on a side of the supporting structure away from the flexible display panel;

[0028] The first limiting structure is configured to limit the bending area on the patterned layer and the bending area on the flexible display panel to be in a first bending state or a flattened state;

[0029] In the first bending state, the light-emitting surfaces of the flat plate areas on both sides of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel face each other and the angle between the flat plate areas on both sides is less than 180°;

[0030] The supporting structure includes the patterned layer, the second organic layer, the metal layer and the first organic layer stacked in sequence, and the elastic modulus of the second organic layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer.

[0031] Optionally, the display module further includes a second position-limiting structure, and the second position-limiting structure is located on a side of the supporting structure away from the flexible display panel;

[0032] The second limiting structure is configured to limit the bending area on the patterned layer and the bending area on the flexible display panel to be in a second bending state or a flattened state;

[0033] In the second bending state, the light-emitting surfaces of the flat plate areas on both sides of the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel are opposite to each other and the angle between the flat plate areas on both sides is less than 180°;

[0034] The supporting structure includes the patterned layer, the second organic layer, the metal layer and the first organic layer stacked in sequence, and the elastic modulus of the second organic layer is smaller than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer.

[0035] In yet another aspect, a display device is provided, comprising: the supporting structure as described in any one of the first aspects, or the display module as described in any one of the second aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a patterned layer provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another supporting structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another supporting structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a method for preparing a supporting structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display module provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0045] Flexible display devices achieve foldable displays through flexible structures. However, due to their low rigidity, they suffer from poor drop and impact resistance, often failing to meet practical application requirements. Therefore, improving the drop and impact resistance of flexible display devices remains an unresolved challenge in the realization of foldable displays.

[0046] Related art proposes using bendable support structures to provide structural support for flexible display devices. For example, carbon fiber plates or stainless steel plates (SUS) are used as support structures. However, if the support structures are made of soft and thin materials such as carbon fiber, they may not be able to provide sufficient support. If the support structures are made of hard and thick materials such as stainless steel, they may affect the bending performance of the flexible display device, for example, reducing the number of times the flexible display device can be bent or reducing the maximum bendable angle of the flexible display device.

[0047] If a carbon fiber sheet and a stainless steel sheet are used together as the supporting structure of a flexible display device, the drop resistance of the flexible display device will be improved. However, to ensure bending performance, the thickness of the stainless steel sheet needs to be set to a sufficiently small thickness. If the thickness of the stainless steel sheet is set to a small enough thickness, it is very easy to wrinkle or scratch the surface, which will actually seriously reduce the number of times the flexible display device can be bent, resulting in poor bending performance of the flexible display device.

[0048] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a support structure and a preparation method thereof, a display module, and a display device. The support structure provided in the embodiments of the present application includes a stacked patterned layer, a metal layer, and an organic layer. The organic layer protects the metal layer to reduce wrinkles or scratches on the metal layer, and the patterned layer is combined with openings to provide a bending area, which can not only improve the mass production of the support structure, but also improve the bending performance of the support structure. The support structure provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various types of foldable devices, including but not limited to foldable flexible display devices, to achieve support and fixation of the foldable device, and improve the bending performance and impact resistance of the foldable device.

[0049] The embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] For example, Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, support structure 10 includes a patterned layer 11, a metal layer 12, and a first organic layer 13, which are stacked in sequence. The first organic layer 13 protects the metal layer 12. The patterned layer 11 and metal layer 12 provide structural support.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of a patterned layer provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, patterned layer 11 includes a bending region 11A and a flat region 11B. Flat region 11B is located on opposite sides of bending region 11A. Bending region 11A is provided with a plurality of openings K. The bending region, also known as the folding region, provides a bending or folding function. The flat region, also known as the non-folding region, provides a flat support function.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing openings on the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 , the patterned layer 11 can be effectively made easier to bend in the bending region 11A, thereby reducing material fatigue of the patterned layer 11 .

[0053] 2 , the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 is rectangular. For example, the bending region 11A is a rectangular region provided with patterned openings K or openings K arranged in an array.

[0054] Optionally, the plurality of openings K on the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 include, but are not limited to, one or more of rectangular openings, circular openings, or elliptical openings. Optionally, the plurality of openings K on the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 include through holes and / or non-through holes.

[0055] In addition, in the supporting structure 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the metal layer 12 is less than a preset thickness, and the elastic modulus of the metal layer 12 is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer 13 .

[0056] In the embodiment of the present application, by using a relatively thin metal layer 12 with high material strength, the metal layer can cooperate with the patterned layer 11 to play a structural support role and cooperate with the bending area 11A of the patterned layer 11 to achieve the overall bendability of the supporting structure. Optionally, the preset thickness is 30 microns (μm), that is, the thickness of the metal layer 12 is less than 30μm. Optionally, the thickness of the metal layer 12 ranges from 15μm to 30μm. For example, the thickness of the metal layer 12 is 20μm. Optionally, the elastic modulus of the metal layer 12 is greater than 480 gigapascals (Gpa) and less than 1 terapascal (Tpa).

[0057] The embodiment of the present application uses a first organic layer 13 with a relatively low elastic modulus to achieve a protective effect and an anti-wrinkle effect on the metal layer 12. Optionally, the elastic modulus of the first organic layer 13 is greater than 10 megapascals (Mpa) and less than 5 Gpa.

[0058] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the metal layer 12 is not equal to the elastic modulus of the patterned layer 11. This can take into account both the bending performance and the supporting performance of the supporting structure.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present application, the bending performance can be quantified by the number of bendable lifespans or the maximum recoverable bend angle of the bending zone. For example, the greater the number of bendable lifespans or the larger the maximum recoverable bend angle of the bending zone, the stronger the bending performance. The bending performance of a film layer is generally positively correlated with the elastic modulus of the film layer material; the higher the elastic modulus of the film layer material, the stronger the bending performance of the film layer.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present application, the support performance can be quantified by the strength of the flat plate region. For example, the higher the strength of the flat plate region, the stronger the support performance. Alternatively, the strength of the flat plate region can be represented by at least one of the following: tensile strength, yield strength, compressive strength, shear strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. Among them, tensile strength is also known as tensile strength. The greater the tensile strength, the higher the material strength.

[0061] It is worth noting that in the embodiments of the present application, the characteristics to be quantified, such as elastic modulus, tensile strength, etc., unless otherwise specified, when they are used to characterize the properties of the material themselves, then the characteristics of the target object are used to characterize the characteristics of the material used for the target object. For example, "elastic modulus of the patterned layer" can mean "elastic modulus of the material used in the patterned layer." In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, material properties such as elastic modulus and tensile strength can specifically refer to the properties exhibited by the material at room temperature. Among them, the normal temperature can be 25°C.

[0062] The support structure 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes bending and support through the cooperation of the patterned layer 11 and the metal layer 12, and protects the surface of the metal layer 12 away from the patterned layer 11 through the first organic layer 13, thereby reducing or avoiding wrinkles or surface scratches on the metal layer 12, thereby reducing the reduction in bending performance and structural support effect of the metal layer 12 due to wrinkles or surface scratches, thereby achieving a balance between the bending performance and structural support effect of the support structure. In addition, the embodiment of the present application can form the first organic layer 13 on the motherboard of the metal layer 12, and then cut it to obtain multiple metal layers 12, thereby avoiding wrinkles or surface scratches on the metal layer 12 during the preparation process of the support structure, thereby improving the material processing yield of the metal layer 12 and improving the mass production of the support structure.

[0063] The support structure 10 provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to a foldable flexible display device, thereby improving the bending performance and impact resistance of the foldable flexible display device. If the openings K in the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 are non-through holes, the opening direction of the openings K in the bending region 11A can be aligned with the folding direction of the flexible display device to which the support structure is applied, thereby further improving the bending performance of the patterned layer 11 and the support structure 10.

[0064] Alternatively, Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another support structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to the support structure 10 shown in Figure 1, the support structure 10 further includes a second organic layer 14. The second organic layer 14 is positioned between the patterned layer 11 and the metal layer 12. The elastic modulus of the metal layer 12 is greater than that of the second organic layer 14.

[0065] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 is greater than 10 MPa and less than 5 GPa.

[0066] In the embodiment of the present application, by providing organic layers on both sides of the metal layer 12, it is possible to protect both sides of the metal layer 12, further reducing the risk of wrinkles or surface scratches on the metal layer 12. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, an organic layer may be provided on only one side of the metal layer 12, for example, the first organic layer 13 may be provided only on the side of the metal layer 12 away from the patterned layer 11, or the second organic layer 14 may be provided only on the side of the metal layer 12 close to the patterned layer 11, to provide anti-scratch and anti-wrinkle protection for the metal layer 12, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0067] Optionally, the thicknesses of the first organic layer 13, the second organic layer 14 and the metal layer 12 satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the ratio of the thickness of the first organic layer 13 to the thickness of the metal layer 12 is greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3; the ratio of the thickness of the second organic layer 14 to the thickness of the metal layer 12 is greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3.

[0068] Optionally, the thickness of the second organic layer 14 may be the same as or different from the thickness of the first organic layer 13. For example, if the ratio of the thickness of the first organic layer 13 to the thickness of the metal layer 12 is 1 / 2, the ratio of the thickness of the second organic layer 14 to the thickness of the metal layer 12 is also 1 / 2.

[0069] Optionally, the thickness of the first organic layer 13 is greater than 5 μm and less than 20 μm. The thickness of the second organic layer 14 is greater than 5 μm and less than 20 μm. For example, the thickness of the metal layer 12 is 20 μm, and the thickness of the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14 are both 10 μm.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, by setting the ratio of the thickness of the organic layer to the thickness of the metal layer to be greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3, the organic layer can effectively protect the metal layer while minimizing the impact on the bending performance of the metal layer.

[0071] Optionally, the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14 are made of an organic polymer material having an elastic modulus greater than 10 MPa and less than 5 GPa at room temperature. This type of material is characterized by low resistance to elastic deformation, thereby ensuring the wrinkle resistance and scratch resistance of the metal layer 12. Optionally, the material of the first organic layer 13 includes at least one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate, polyimide, thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, and silicone. The material of the second organic layer 14 includes at least one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate, polyimide, thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, and silicone.

[0072] Alternatively, a fluid organic polymer material is coated on both sides of the metal layer 12 and then cured to form the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14. For example, the metal layer 12 is a stainless steel plate coated with an organic layer (abbreviated as Coating SUS).

[0073] Optionally, the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14 may be made of the same material, and accordingly, the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14 may have the same elastic modulus. Alternatively, the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14 may be made of the same material, and accordingly, the first organic layer 13 and the second organic layer 14 may have different elastic moduli.

[0074] The patterned layer 11 and metal layer 12 in the embodiment of the present application serve as supporting layers. The higher the strength and rigidity, the more likely they are to wrinkle or scratch during the recovery process after bending, compared to materials with lower strength and rigidity. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application considers using an organic layer to protect the metal layer (which has higher strength and rigidity), while using the patterned layer (which has relatively lower rigidity) to create openings to form the bending area.

[0075] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the metal layer 12 is greater than the elastic modulus of the patterned layer 11 , and / or the tensile strength of the metal layer 12 is greater than the tensile strength of the patterned layer 11 .

[0076] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the metal layer 12 is greater than 480 GPa and less than 1 TPa, and the elastic modulus of the patterned layer 11 is greater than 70 GPa and less than 150 GPa. Optionally, the tensile strength of the metal layer 12 is greater than 1800 Mpa and less than 5 GPa, and the tensile strength of the patterned layer 11 is greater than 700 Mpa and less than 2 GPa.

[0077] Optionally, the material of the patterned layer 11 includes carbon fiber. The elastic modulus and / or tensile strength of the patterned layer 11 can be adjusted by adjusting the manufacturing process of the carbon fiber.

[0078] Optionally, the material of the metal layer 12 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. For example, the material of the metal layer 12 is stainless steel. The elastic modulus and / or tensile strength of the metal layer 12 can be adjusted by adjusting the material and / or manufacturing process of the metal, such as the tempering temperature.

[0079] Optionally, the thickness of the patterned layer 11 is smaller than the thickness of the metal layer 12 , and the weight of the patterned layer 11 is smaller than the weight of the metal layer 12 .

[0080] Optionally, the patterned layer 11 and the second organic layer 14 are fixedly connected by bonding. For example, FIG4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another support structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , based on the support structure 10 shown in FIG3 , the support structure 10 further includes an adhesive layer 15. The adhesive layer 15 is positioned between the second organic layer 14 and the patterned layer 11 and is used to bond and secure the second organic layer 14 and the patterned layer 11.

[0081] Optionally, after a fluid organic polymer is coated on both sides of the metal layer 12 and solidified to form a first organic layer 13 and a second organic layer 14, the side of the second organic layer 14 away from the metal layer 12 is bonded to the patterned layer 11 through an adhesive layer 15 to obtain a supporting structure.

[0082] Optionally, the adhesive layer 15 is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer or an optical adhesive (OCA) layer. Optionally, the material of the adhesive layer 15 includes but is not limited to acrylic, polyurethane (PU) or silicone adhesive.

[0083] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 15 is less than 100 kPa. The thickness of the adhesive layer 15 ranges from 10 μm to 100 μm. For example, the elastic modulus of the adhesive layer 15 is 50 kPa and the thickness is 20 μm. This can better meet the requirements of foldability.

[0084] For example, Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for preparing a support structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method can be used to prepare the support structure 10 shown in Figures 1, 3, or 4. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes but is not limited to the following steps 501 to 503.

[0085] In step 501 , a metal layer is provided, wherein the thickness of the metal layer is less than a predetermined thickness.

[0086] Optionally, the thickness of the metal layer is less than 30 μm, and the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than 480 GPa and less than 1 TPa.

[0087] In step 502 , a first organic layer is formed on the metal layer, and the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer.

[0088] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the first organic layer is greater than 10 MPa and less than 5 GPa.

[0089] Optionally, the first organic layer is formed by coating a fluid organic polymer material on one surface of the metal layer and then curing the material.

[0090] In step 503 , a patterned layer is provided on a side of the metal layer away from the first organic layer. The patterned layer includes a bending region and a flat region. The flat region is located on opposite sides of the bending region. The bending region is provided with a plurality of openings.

[0091] Alternatively, a patterned layer is first prepared, and then the patterned layer is fixedly disposed on the side of the metal layer away from the first organic layer by bonding to obtain a support structure. The support structure obtained by steps 501 to 503 above can be as shown in FIG1 . The materials and functions of the various components of the support structure can be described in the above structural embodiment, and will not be further described in detail in this embodiment of the present application.

[0092] Optionally, before setting the patterned layer on the side of the metal layer away from the first organic layer, a second organic layer is formed on the side of the metal layer away from the first organic layer, and the elastic modulus of the metal layer is greater than the elastic modulus of the second organic layer. Accordingly, the implementation method of setting the patterned layer on the side of the metal layer away from the first organic layer includes: setting the patterned layer on the side of the second organic layer away from the metal layer. Optionally, the elastic modulus of the second organic layer is greater than 10Mpa and less than 5Gpa. The support structure prepared in this way can be shown in Figure 3. The material, function, etc. of each component in the support structure can refer to the relevant content in the above-mentioned structural embodiment, and the embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0093] Optionally, a method for providing a patterned layer on a side of the second organic layer remote from the metal layer includes forming an adhesive layer on a side of the second organic layer remote from the metal layer, and then attaching the patterned layer to a side of the adhesive layer remote from the second organic layer. The support structure produced in this manner may be as shown in FIG4 . The materials and functions of the various components of the support structure can be described in the aforementioned structural embodiments, and will not be further elaborated herein.

[0094] The support structure provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a foldable flexible display device to support the flexible display panel in the flexible display device in a folded state or an unfolded state. The bending area 11A on the patterned layer 11 in the support structure 10 corresponds to the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel. The flat area 11B on the patterned layer 11 in the support structure 10 corresponds to the non-bending area of ​​the flexible display panel. The patterned layer 11 and / or the metal layer 12 in the support structure 10 can be used to support the flexible display panel, play a structural support role, and can also bend in the bending area.

[0095] For example, Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display module provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the display module includes a flexible display panel 20 and a support structure 10. The side of the flexible display panel 20 facing away from the display surface is in contact with the support structure 10. The support structure 10 is used to support and secure the flexible display panel 20 in both a flattened and bent state.

[0096] Optionally, the support structure 10 is the support structure 10 shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 or Figure 4, and can be prepared using the preparation method shown in Figure 5. In the display module shown in Figure 6, the support structure 10 shown in Figure 4 is used as an example for illustration.

[0097] Referring to Figure 6 , the flexible display panel 20 includes a bending region 20A and a flat region 20B. The orthographic projection of the bending region 11A on the patterned layer 11 in the support structure 10 onto the flexible display panel 20 overlaps with the bending region 20A on the flexible display panel 20. The orthographic projection of the flat region 11B on the patterned layer 11 in the support structure 10 onto the flexible display panel 20 overlaps with the flat region 20B on the flexible display panel 20.

[0098] The bending region 11A on the patterned layer 11 and the bending region 20A on the flexible display panel 20 may be located in a bendable or foldable bending region of the display module.

[0099] In the display module provided in the embodiment of the present application, the flexible display panel 20 is supported and fixed in a flattened state and a bent state by a supporting structure 10, thereby improving the bending performance and impact resistance of the foldable flexible display module, including increasing the number of bends and service life of the display module, and increasing the drop resistance of the display module.

[0100] For example, Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display module provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, a flexible display panel 20 includes a display layer 21 and a flexible substrate 22. The patterned layer 11 is located on a side of the flexible substrate 22 away from the display layer 21, and the metal layer 12 in the support structure 10 is located between the patterned layer 11 and the flexible substrate 22.

[0101] Optionally, the flexible display panel 20 is a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a micro light-emitting diode (Micro LED) display panel, and accordingly, the display module can be a flexible OLED display module or a Micro LED display module.

[0102] For example, the display layer 21 of the OLED display panel may include: a cathode, an anode, a hole injection layer (HIL), an electron injection layer (EIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), an electron blocking layer (EBL), a hole blocking layer (HBL) and an emission layer (EML).

[0103] Optionally, the material of the flexible substrate 22 includes but is not limited to polyimide (PI). A thin film transistor (TFT) array circuit may be provided on the flexible substrate 22 .

[0104] Optionally, the flexible display panel 20 further includes an encapsulation layer (not shown), which is located on the side of the display layer 21 away from the flexible substrate 22. The encapsulation layer may be a laminated structure consisting of an inorganic layer / organic layer / inorganic layer. For example, the inorganic layer / organic layer / inorganic layer may be silicon oxynitride (SiON), acrylic, and silicon nitride (SiN), respectively.

[0105] Optionally, the display module further includes a touch layer and a protective substrate (not shown in the figure), the touch layer is located on the side of the flexible display panel 20 away from the supporting structure 10, and the protective substrate is located on the side of the touch layer away from the flexible display panel 20. The touch layer and the protective substrate can be connected by optical adhesive. Optionally, the touch layer can be integrated into the flexible display panel 20. The protective substrate can be a flexible and foldable protective substrate. For example, the protective substrate includes at least one of a flexible film layer such as transparent polyimide (Colorless Polyimide, CPI), PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or flexible ultra-thin glass (UTG).

[0106] Optionally, the flexible display panel 20 further includes a protective film located between the display layer 21 and the flexible substrate 22 , and a polarizer or a color filter layer located between the display layer 21 and the touch layer.

[0107] Optionally, the flexible display panel 20 is obtained by laser cutting a display motherboard, for example, by using a UV pico laser to cut the display motherboard to obtain the flexible display panel 20 .

[0108] Optionally, to enable the support structure 10 to better limit and support the flexible display panel 20, a limiting structure can be provided in the display module. For example, Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display module provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, based on the display module shown in Figure 6, the display module further includes a limiting structure 30. The limiting structure 30 is located on the side of the support structure 10 away from the flexible display panel 20.

[0109] Among them, the limiting structure 30 can be configured to limit the inward folding or outward folding of the screen of the display module. In the embodiment of the present application, the flexible display panel 20 is provided with a relative light-emitting surface and a backlight surface. The light-emitting surface can be the side facing the user, used for light-emitting display. In the display module, the light-emitting surface can be the side surface of the flexible display panel 20 facing away from the supporting structure 10, and the backlight surface can be the side surface of the flexible display panel 20 facing the supporting structure 10. The inward folding of the screen can be the folding of the light-emitting surfaces relative to each other, and the outward folding of the screen can be the folding of the light-emitting surfaces opposite to each other. For the sake of distinction, in the embodiment of the present application, the limiting structure 30 configured to limit the inward folding of the screen of the display module is referred to as the first limiting structure, and the limiting structure 30 configured to limit the outward folding of the screen of the display module is referred to as the second limiting structure.

[0110] In a first possible implementation, the first limiting structure is configured to constrain the bending region 11A on the patterned layer 11 and the bending region 20A on the flexible display panel 20 to a first bent state or a flattened state. In the first bent state, the light-emitting surfaces of the flat regions 20B on either side of the bending region 20A on the flexible display panel 20 face each other, and the angle between the flat regions 20B on either side is less than 180°, equivalent to an inward folding of the screen. In this implementation, the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer 13.

[0111] Optionally, the first retaining structure is an inward-facing hinge retaining structure that can switch between a flattened state and a closed state in a first direction. The first direction is the stacking direction of the patterned layer 11, the metal layer 12, and the first organic layer 13. Optionally, the opening of the non-through hole in the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 can face the first direction.

[0112] In the first possible implementation described above, by setting the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 to be greater than that of the first organic layer 13, the support structure 10 can be better suited for use in display modules with inward-folding screens. Optionally, the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 can be greater than 1 GPa and less than 5 GPa, and the selected material can include relatively hard polymethyl methacrylate or polyimide. The elastic modulus of the first organic layer 13 can be greater than 10 MPa and less than 50 MPa, and the selected material can include relatively soft thermoplastic polyurethane rubber or silicone.

[0113] In a second possible implementation, the second limiting structure is configured to restrict the bending region 11A on the patterned layer 11 and the bending region 20A on the flexible display panel 20 to a second bent state or flattened state. In the second bent state, the light-emitting surfaces of the flat regions 20B on either side of the bending region 20A on the flexible display panel 20 face away from each other, and the angle between the flat regions 20B on either side is less than 180°, equivalent to an outward fold of the screen. In this implementation, the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 is lower than that of the first organic layer 13.

[0114] Optionally, the second retaining structure is an outward-facing hinge retaining structure that can switch between a flattened state and a closed state in a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. Optionally, the opening of the non-through hole in the bending region 11A of the patterned layer 11 can face the second direction.

[0115] In the second possible implementation described above, by setting the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 to be smaller than that of the first organic layer 13, the support structure 10 can be better suited for use in display modules with foldable screens. Optionally, the elastic modulus of the second organic layer 14 can be greater than 10 MPa and less than 50 MPa, and the selected material can include relatively soft thermoplastic polyurethane rubber or silicone. The elastic modulus of the first organic layer 13 can be greater than 1 GPa and less than 5 GPa, and the selected material can include relatively hard polymethyl methacrylate or polyimide.

[0116] Optionally, the folding area of ​​the flexible display device is generally strip-shaped and is arranged between the flat plate areas on both sides. In order to adapt to the folding structure of the flexible display device, the embodiment of the present application can set the shape of the bending area 11A on the patterned layer 11 in the supporting structure 10 to a rectangle, and accordingly, the flat plate area 11B is located on both sides of the long side of the rectangle.

[0117] In an embodiment of the present application, the flat plate area 11B on the patterned layer 11 can be arranged on both sides of the bending area 11A along the rectangular short side direction of the bending area 11A, so as to help limit and support the flexible display panel 20 when the flexible display device is folded through the strip folding area.

[0118] An embodiment of the present application also provides a display device, comprising any of the above-mentioned supporting structural members, such as the supporting structural member 10 shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 or Figure 4, or a supporting structural member prepared by the preparation method shown in Figure 5; or comprising any of the above-mentioned display modules, such as the display module shown in any of Figures 6 to 8.

[0119] Optionally, the display device includes an OLED display module.

[0120] Optionally, the product form of the display device includes but is not limited to electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, virtual reality (VR) devices, tablet computers or complete computers.

[0121] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising: any of the display devices described above.

[0122] Optionally, the electronic device includes but is not limited to a mobile phone, a smart watch, a VR device, a tablet computer or a complete computer.

[0123] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0124] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0125] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or mutual communication; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can refer to internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0126] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0127] In this application, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or terminal device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes the element.

[0128] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of" means two or more. Unless otherwise specified, "approximately," "about," "approximately," and "roughly" are not absolute and refer to values ​​within ±10% of a reference value.

[0129] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, the numerical range represented by “between value A and value B” or similar definitions includes value A and value B.

[0130] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0131] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "same layer" means that two or more defined objects are in the same layer position in a stacking relationship, or are entirely or partially in the same horizontal plane in the thickness direction of the stacking relationship.

[0132] The terms "and / or" and "and / or" in this article are merely a way to describe the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0133] Finally, it should be noted that specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only intended to help understand the technical solutions and core concepts of the present application. Although preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they understand the basic creative concepts. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A supporting structure (10), comprising: A patterned layer (11), a metal layer (12), and a first organic layer (13) are sequentially stacked; The patterned layer (11) comprises a bending region (11A) and a flat region (11B), wherein the flat region (11B) is located on two opposite sides of the bending region (11A), and the bending region (11A) is provided with a plurality of openings (K); The thickness of the metal layer (12) is less than a preset thickness, and the elastic modulus of the metal layer (12) is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer (13).

2. The supporting structure (10) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the metal layer (12) is less than 30 micrometers.

3. The support structure (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic modulus of the metal layer (12) is greater than 480 GPa and less than 1 TPa; and the elastic modulus of the first organic layer (13) is greater than 10 MPa and less than 5 GPa.

4. According to the supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the elastic modulus of the metal layer (12) is greater than the elastic modulus of the patterned layer (11).

5. The supporting structure (10) according to claim 4, wherein the elastic modulus of the patterned layer (11) is greater than 70 GPa and less than 150 GPa.

6. According to the supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the tensile strength of the metal layer (12) is greater than the tensile strength of the patterned layer (11).

7. The supporting structure (10) according to claim 6, wherein the tensile strength of the metal layer (12) is greater than 1800 MPa and less than 5 GPa; and the tensile strength of the patterned layer (11) is greater than 700 MPa and less than 2 GPa.

8. The supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the material of the patterned layer (11) comprises carbon fiber.

9. The supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the material of the metal layer (12) comprises at least one of the following: stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.

10. The supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the material of the first organic layer (13) comprises at least one of the following: polymethyl methacrylate, polyimide, thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, and silicone.

11. The supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thickness of the first organic layer (13) is greater than 5 micrometers and less than 20 micrometers.

12. The support structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a second organic layer (14), wherein the second organic layer (14) is located between the patterned layer (11) and the metal layer (12); in, The elastic modulus of the metal layer (12) is greater than the elastic modulus of the second organic layer (14).

13. The supporting structure (10) according to claim 12, wherein the thicknesses of the first organic layer (13), the second organic layer (14) and the metal layer (12) satisfy at least one of the following conditions: The ratio of the thickness of the first organic layer (13) to the thickness of the metal layer (12) is greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3; The ratio of the thickness of the second organic layer (14) to the thickness of the metal layer (12) is greater than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3.

14. A display module comprising: A flexible display panel (20) and a supporting structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a side of the flexible display panel (20) away from a display surface is arranged in contact with the supporting structure (10); The flexible display panel (20) comprises a bending area (20A) and a flat area (20B); an orthographic projection of the bending area (11A) on the patterned layer (11) in the supporting structure (10) on the flexible display panel (20) overlaps with the bending area (20A) on the flexible display panel (20); and an orthographic projection of the flat area (11B) on the patterned layer (11) in the supporting structure (10) on the flexible display panel (20) overlaps with the flat area (20B) on the flexible display panel (20).

15. The display module according to claim 14, wherein the flexible display panel (20) comprises a display layer (21) and a flexible substrate (22); in, The patterned layer (11) is located on a side of the flexible substrate (22) away from the display layer (21), and the metal layer (12) in the supporting structure (10) is located between the patterned layer (11) and the flexible substrate (22).

16. The display module according to claim 15, further comprising a first position-limiting structure (30), wherein the first position-limiting structure (30) is located on a side of the supporting structure (10) away from the flexible display panel (20); The first limiting structural member (30) is configured to limit the bending area (11A) on the patterned layer (11) and the bending area (20A) on the flexible display panel (20) to be in a first bending state or a flattened state; In the first bending state, the light-emitting surfaces of the flat plate areas (20B) on both sides of the bending area (20A) on the flexible display panel (20) are opposite, and the angle between the flat plate areas (20B) on both sides is less than 180°; in, The supporting structure (10) comprises the patterned layer (11), the second organic layer (14), the metal layer (12) and the first organic layer (13) which are stacked in sequence, and the elastic modulus of the second organic layer (14) is greater than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer (13).

17. The display module according to claim 15, further comprising a second position-limiting structure (30), wherein the second position-limiting structure (30) is located on a side of the supporting structure (10) away from the flexible display panel (20); The second limiting structure (30) is configured to limit the bending area (11A) on the patterned layer (11) and the bending area (20A) on the flexible display panel (20) to be in a second bending state or a flattened state; In the second bending state, the light-emitting surfaces of the flat plate areas (20B) on both sides of the bending area (20A) of the flexible display panel (20) are opposite to each other, and the angle between the flat plate areas (20B) on both sides is less than 180°; in, The supporting structure (10) comprises the patterned layer (11), the second organic layer (14), the metal layer (12) and the first organic layer (13) stacked in sequence, and the elastic modulus of the second organic layer (14) is smaller than the elastic modulus of the first organic layer (13).

18. A display device comprising: The supporting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the display module according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

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