Display module and display device

Abstract

A display module, comprising a display panel, wherein the display panel has at least one bending part and at least two non-bending parts, every two adjacent non-bending parts being connected by means of one of the bending parts. Each bending part comprises a first bending area, two connecting areas and two second bending areas, wherein the two connecting areas are respectively connected to two sides of the first bending area; the side of each connecting area away from the first bending area is connected to one of the second bending areas; and the side of each second bending area away from a connecting area is connected to a non-bending part. When the display panel is in a bent state, the centre of curvature of the first bending area and the centre of curvature of the second bending areas are respectively located on two sides of the display panel. The display module further comprises a cover plate located on a display side of the display panel, wherein the thickness of the portions of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area and the second bending areas is smaller than the thickness of the portions of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting areas.

Description

Display modules and display devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410703191.1, filed on May 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display module and a display device. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of display technology, foldable display devices have become a focus of attention in the industry. A foldable display device is a display device with a folding function, which can be folded under the action of external force and can also return to a flat state under the action of external force. Summary of the Invention

[0004] On one hand, a display module is provided. The display module includes a display panel and a cover plate. The display panel has at least one bent portion and at least two non-bent portions, with adjacent non-bent portions connected by one of the bent portions. The bent portion includes a first bent area, two connecting areas, and two second bent areas. The two connecting areas are respectively connected to both sides of the first bent area. The side of each connecting area away from the first bent area is connected to one of the second bent areas, and the side of the second bent area away from the connecting area is connected to the non-bent portions. When the display panel is in a bent state, the curvature centers of the first bent area and the second bent areas are located on opposite sides of the display panel. The cover plate is located on the display side of the display panel, and the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the first and second bent areas is less than the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting areas.

[0005] In some embodiments, the cover plate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being further away from the display panel than the second surface; in the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area, the first surface is recessed toward the second surface to form a groove; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area, the second surface is recessed toward the first surface to form a groove.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cover plate includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from each other, the first surface being further away from the display panel than the second surface; in the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area, the first surface is recessed toward the second surface to form a groove; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area, the second surface is recessed toward the first surface to form a groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the opening of the groove gradually increases along the thickness direction of the cover plate and along a direction away from the bisector of the cover plate; wherein the bisector is parallel to the plane of the cover plate, and the maximum thickness of the portions of the cover plate located on opposite sides of the bisector is equal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area to the thickness of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting area is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than 1; and / or, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area to the thickness of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting area is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than 1.

[0009] In some embodiments, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area is less than or equal to 45 μm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thickness of the cover plate corresponding to the portion of the first bending area is less than or equal to 35 μm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the display module includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The display module further includes: a cover layer located on the side of the cover plate away from the display panel; a light-shielding pattern layer located on the side of the cover layer close to the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer being located in the non-display area and surrounding the display area; a first adhesive layer located between the light-shielding pattern layer and the cover plate; and a portion of the first adhesive layer filling the groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the display module includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The display module further includes: a cover layer located on the side of the cover plate away from the display panel; a first adhesive layer located between the cover layer and the cover plate; a portion of the first adhesive layer filling the groove; and a light-shielding pattern layer located on the side of the cover plate near the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer being located in the non-display area and surrounding the display area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the display module further includes an anti-fouling layer located between the cover plate and the first adhesive layer, wherein the first adhesive layer is peelable relative to the anti-fouling layer to make the cover layer replaceable.

[0014] In some embodiments, the display module further includes: a second adhesive layer located between the cover plate and the display panel; a portion of the second adhesive layer fills the groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the display module further includes: a first buffer layer located between the cover plate and the display panel, a portion of the first buffer layer filling the groove; the edge of the first buffer layer extending beyond the edge of the cover plate; and a second buffer layer located on the side of the cover plate away from the display panel, the second buffer layer covering the surface of the cover plate away from the display panel and the side of the cover plate, and the second buffer layer abutting against the edge of the first buffer layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the display module includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The display module further includes a light-shielding pattern layer located on the side of the first buffer layer near the display panel. The light-shielding pattern layer is located in the non-display area and is disposed around the display area. The light-shielding pattern layer is located within the range of the first buffer layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the material of the second buffer layer includes a hydrophobic and oleophobic material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the display module includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The display module further includes: a third buffer layer located on the side of the second buffer layer away from the first buffer layer; and a light-shielding pattern layer located between the third buffer layer and the second buffer layer, the light-shielding pattern layer being located in the non-display area and surrounding the display area.

[0019] In some embodiments, the material of the third buffer layer includes a hydrophobic and oleophobic material; and / or, the material of the third buffer layer includes a hardened coating material.

[0020] In some embodiments, the display module further includes: a support member located on the non-display side of the display panel;

[0021] The support member includes a first patterned area corresponding to the first bending area, and the dimension of the first patterned area along a first direction is greater than or equal to the dimension of the first bending area along the first direction; the first patterned area is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one groove; and / or, the support member includes a second patterned area corresponding to the second bending area, and the dimension of the second patterned area along the first direction is greater than or equal to the dimension of the second bending area along the first direction; the second patterned area is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one groove; wherein, the first direction is the arrangement direction of the at least one bending portion and the at least two non-bending portions.

[0022] In some embodiments, the edge of the cover plate extends beyond the edge of the display panel; the display module further includes: a middle frame, the middle frame being installed at the edge of the cover plate, and a step being provided on the side of the middle frame near the cover plate, and the end of the cover plate near the middle frame overlapping the step.

[0023] In some embodiments, the display panel includes a substrate, wherein the thickness of a portion of the substrate corresponding to the first bending region and the second bending region is less than the thickness of a portion of the substrate corresponding to the non-bending region.

[0024] On the other hand, a display device is provided. The display device includes a display module as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the product, the actual process of the method, etc. involved in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of a display module according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of a display panel according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of a display device according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 5 is a simulation curve of the force on a cover plate as a function of position according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of another display module according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 7 is a structural diagram of a cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 9 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 10 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 11 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 13 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0039] Figure 14 is a structural diagram of another cover plate according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 15 is a measured thickness diagram of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the first or second bend area according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 16 is a structural diagram of another display module according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 17 is a structural diagram of another display module according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 18 is a structural diagram of another display module according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 19 is a structural diagram of another display module according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 20 is a structural diagram of a display panel according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 21 is a structural diagram of another display panel according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions in some embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this disclosure are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0048] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0050] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected," and their derivative expressions, may be used. The term "connected" should be interpreted broadly; for example, a "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. The term "coupled," for example, indicates that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. The term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0051] "At least one of A, B and C" has the same meaning as "at least one of A, B or C", both including the following combinations of A, B and C: only A, only B, only C, combinations of A and B, combinations of A and C, combinations of B and C, and combinations of A, B and C.

[0052] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0053] It should be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being on another layer or substrate, it can mean that the layer or element is directly on the other layer or substrate, or that there is an intermediate layer between the layer or element and the other layer or substrate.

[0054] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and the area of ​​regions are enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as being limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. For example, etched areas shown as rectangular would typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the areas of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0055] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a display device that can be any display device that displays images, whether moving (e.g., video) or stationary (e.g., still images), and whether text or images. More specifically, the display device of the embodiments is contemplated to be implemented in or associated with a variety of electronic devices, such as (but not limited to) mobile phones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld or portable computers, GPS receivers / navigators, cameras, MP4 video players, camcorders, game consoles, watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, computer monitors, automotive displays (e.g., odometer displays, etc.), navigators, cockpit controllers and / or displays, displays of camera views (e.g., displays of rearview cameras in vehicles), electronic photographs, electronic billboards or signs, projectors, architectural structures, packaging and aesthetic structures (e.g., displays of images of a piece of jewelry), etc.

[0056] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a display device according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 2000 includes a display module 100.

[0057] For example, the display device 2000 also includes a frame, a display driver IC (integrated circuit), and other electronic components.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a display module 100, which can be applied to the display device 2000 described above. Of course, the display module 100 can also be applied to other display devices, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the display module 100 includes a display panel 1 and a cover plate 2.

[0060] For example, display panel 1 can be an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display panel, a QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes) display panel, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not specifically limit this. For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, display panel 1 is an OLED display panel.

[0061] For example, the display panel 1 can be a flexible folding display panel. A flexible folding display panel is a display panel with a folding function, which can be folded under the action of external force and can also return to a flat state under the action of external force.

[0062] Furthermore, the flexible folding display panel can be either an outward-folding or inward-folding display panel, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited in this regard. Outward folding means that the display side of the flexible folding display panel faces outward when folded, thus providing convenient service to customers. Inward folding means that the display side of the flexible folding display panel faces inward when folded, which effectively avoids scratches and other defects on the flexible folding display panel. In the embodiments of this disclosure, an inward-folding flexible folding display panel is used as an example for illustration.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the display panel 1 has at least one bent portion 10 and at least two non-bent portions 11, with adjacent non-bent portions 11 connected by a bent portion 10.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4, which is a partially enlarged view of the display device 2000, the bent portion 10 of the display panel 1 includes a first bent area 101, two connecting areas 103, and two second bent areas 102. The two connecting areas 103 are respectively connected to both sides of the first bent area 101. The side of each connecting area 103 away from the first bent area 101 is connected to one of the second bent areas 102, and the side of the second bent area 102 away from the connecting area 103 is connected to the non-bent portion 11. When the display panel 1 is in a bent state, the curvature center of the first bent area 101 and the curvature center of the second bent area 102 are located on both sides of the display panel 1.

[0065] In some examples, as shown in Figure 4, the display device 2000 further includes a folding mechanism 200, on which the display panel 1 is disposed. The folding mechanism 200 is used to drive the display panel 1 to fold or unfold relative to each other. When the display panel 1 is folded relative to each other, the display panel 1 may, for example, be located within the folding mechanism 200, which provides protection for the display panel 1.

[0066] For example, when the display panel 1 is an inward-folding display panel, the folding mechanism 200 can be located on the non-display side of the display panel 1.

[0067] It should be noted that the statement "the curvature center of the first bending area 101 and the curvature center of the second bending area 102 are located on both sides of the display panel 1" means that the bending directions of the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 are different. For example, the first bending area 101 bends towards the folding mechanism 200, while the second bending area 102 bends away from the folding mechanism 200. Alternatively, the first bending area 101 bends away from the folding mechanism 200, while the second bending area 102 bends towards the folding mechanism 200.

[0068] As shown in Figure 4, when the display panel 1 is folded relative to the other side, the first bending area 101 and the two second bending areas 102 are in a bent state, while the two connecting areas 103 are in a straight state. Specifically, the first bending area 101 bends away from the folding mechanism 200, and the second bending area 102 bends towards the folding mechanism 200, so that the bending portion 10 bends into a teardrop shape.

[0069] When the display panel 1 is folded relative to the other side, the connecting area 103 has a certain tilt angle. For example, there is an angle between the extension line of the connecting area 103 and the extension line of the non-bent portion 11.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the cover plate 2 is located on the display side of the display panel 1. As the surface structure of the display module 100, the cover plate 2 provides support while protecting the display panel 1 underneath, preventing impurities from entering the display panel 1, and improving the display panel 1's drop and impact resistance, making its surface less prone to scratches or impacts. The side of the display panel 1 used for displaying images is the display side of the display panel 1, and the side facing away from the display side is the non-display side of the display panel 1.

[0071] For example, the two layers of the cover plate are made of a flexible material with a certain degree of rigidity, such as UTG (Ultra Thin Glass), transparent PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), or transparent PI (Polyimide).

[0072] For example, the cover plate is made of ultra-thin glass. Ultra-thin glass is transparent glass with a certain degree of flexibility, which allows the display panel 1 to be bent.

[0073] When the flexible folding display panel is an inward-folding display panel, the display side of the display panel 1 faces inward. In this case, when the flexible folding display panel is in a relatively folded state, the display panel 1 is located on the outside, and the cover plate 2 is located on the inside of the display panel 1. That is, the cover plate 2 is wrapped by the display panel 1.

[0074] Specifically, when the flexible folding display panel is in a relatively folded state, the first bending area 101 bends inward, for example, the first bending area 101 bends into an arc shape and protrudes towards the side away from the cover plate 2. Correspondingly, the cover plate 2 bends into an arc shape corresponding to a portion of the first bending area 101 and protrudes towards the side closer to the display panel 1. The second bending area 102 bends outward, for example, the second bending area 102 bends into an arc shape and protrudes towards the side closer to the cover plate 2. Correspondingly, the cover plate 2 bends into an arc shape corresponding to a portion of the second bending area 102 and protrudes towards the side away from the display panel 1.

[0075] The orthographic projection of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 on the display panel 1 can overlap with the first bending area 101; the orthographic projection of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 on the display panel 1 can overlap with the second bending area 102.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 is a curve showing the stress on cover plate 2 as a function of position extracted from the whole machine simulation. The vertical axis represents Pressure Stress. When the first bending area 101 bends towards the display side, the surface of cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the first bending area 101 near the display panel 1 experiences tensile stress, while the surface away from the display panel 1 experiences compressive stress. When the second bending area 102 bends towards the non-display side, the surface of cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the second bending area 102 near the display panel 1 experiences compressive stress, while the surface away from the display panel 1 experiences tensile stress. The portion of cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is not stressed.

[0077] It is understandable that when the display panel 1 is folded, the stress will cause the cover plate 2 to crack, thereby affecting the display quality of the display panel 1.

[0078] Based on this, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the cover plate 2 is improved, as shown in FIG6, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 is less than the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103.

[0079] For example, the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 ranges from 30 μm to 300 μm.

[0080] Optionally, the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 ranges from 50 μm to 200 μm.

[0081] Furthermore, the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 ranges from 80 μm to 150 μm.

[0082] For example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending region 101 is 30 μm, and the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting region 103 is 250 μm. As another example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 is 50 μm, and the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting region 103 is 300 μm.

[0083] For example, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 may be equal to or unequal to the thickness of the portion of the second bending area 102, and the embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this.

[0084] Furthermore, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the non-bending portion 11 may or may not be equal to the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103. For example, as shown in FIG6, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the non-bending portion 11 is equal to the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103. This improves the impact resistance of the cover plate 2.

[0085] The formula for calculating the stress on cover plate 2 in a bent state is as follows:

[0086] Where σ is the stress on cover plate 2, E is the elastic modulus of cover plate 2, t is the thickness of cover plate 2, and R is the bending radius of cover plate 2.

[0087] As shown in Formula 1, when the elastic modulus and bending radius of the cover plate 2 are constant, the stress on the cover plate 2 is directly proportional to its thickness. That is, the greater the thickness of the cover plate 2, the greater the stress on the cover plate 2; the smaller the thickness of the cover plate 2, the smaller the stress on the cover plate 2.

[0088] Understandably, the lower the stress on cover plate 2, the lower the risk of cover plate 2 breaking. Conversely, the thinner cover plate 2, the lower the impact resistance of the corresponding display module 100.

[0089] For example, the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 ranges from 1 MPa to 200 GPa. For instance, the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 can be 1 MPa, 500 MPa, 10 GPa, 150 GPa, 200 GPa, etc. The higher the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2, the stronger its impact resistance and the less likely it is to bend. The range of the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 from 1 MPa to 200 GPa avoids both excessively high elastic modulus, which would make the hot cover plate 2 difficult to bend, and excessively low elastic modulus, which would result in poor impact resistance.

[0090] In this embodiment, the cover plate 2 is designed with a reduced thickness in the portions corresponding to the first bending region 101 and the second bending region 102. This allows for a smaller thickness in these portions, achieving an ultra-thin design. When the cover plate 2 bends, the stress on these portions corresponding to the first bending region 101 and the second bending region 102 is reduced. This not only reduces the risk of breakage in these portions but also improves the stability of the cover plate 2 when bending. The bending fatigue resistance of the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 is improved to avoid creases after repeated bending, thereby effectively improving the bendability of the cover plate 2. On the other hand, the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 and the non-bending part 11 can have a larger thickness to ensure the pressure resistance of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 and the non-bending part 11. Under external impact, the risk of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 and the non-bending part 11 being broken due to external impact is reduced, thereby improving the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100, thus extending the life of the display module 100 and ensuring the display effect of the display module 100.

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, the cover plate 2 includes a first surface a1 and a second surface a2 facing away from each other, the first surface a1 being further away from the display panel 1 than the second surface a2; in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed toward the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed toward the first surface a1 to form a groove 20.

[0092] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20" refers to the following: in some examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20, as shown in Figures 7 to 10; in other examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20, as shown in Figures 11 and 12; in still other examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20, and the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0093] In this embodiment, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20. This can reduce the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101. When the cover plate 2 is bent, the stress on the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can be reduced. This not only reduces the risk of breakage of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, but also improves the bending fatigue resistance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, avoiding creases after multiple bends, thereby effectively improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

[0094] It is understandable that the mechanical characteristic of glass is that its compressive strength is 10 times its tensile strength. When cover plate 2 is UTG, the side with greater risk of breakage is the side subjected to tensile stress.

[0095] As described above, when the first bending region 101 bends towards the display side, the surface of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the first bending region 101 near the display panel 1 is subjected to tensile stress, while the surface away from the display panel 1 is subjected to compressive stress. When the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20 in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending region 101, reducing the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending region 101 near the display panel 1 releases the tensile stress experienced by the cover plate 2 during bending towards the display side, thereby effectively reducing the risk of breakage in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending region 101.

[0096] In some embodiments, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102, the first surface a1 is recessed toward the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102, the second surface a2 is recessed toward the first surface a1 to form a groove 20.

[0097] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20" refers to the following: In some examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20, as shown in Figures 6, 7, 11, and 14; in other examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20, as shown in Figures 8, 12, and 13; in still other examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20, and the second surface a2 is recessed into the first surface a1 to form a groove 20, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0098] In this embodiment, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the first surface a1 is recessed towards the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the second surface a2 is recessed towards the first surface a1 to form a groove 20. This can reduce the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102. When the cover plate 2 is bent, the stress on the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 can be reduced. This not only reduces the risk of breakage of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, but also improves the bending fatigue resistance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, avoiding creases after multiple bends, thereby effectively improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

[0099] For example, taking cover plate 2 as a UTG (Underlying Toggle Transformer), data analysis of the location of the starting point of defective UTG cracks in the whole machine shows that about half of the cracks in cover plate 2 originate from the portion of cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending zone 102. By reducing the thickness of the portion of cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending zone 102, the risk of cover plate 2 breaking can be significantly reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, as described above, when the second bending region 102 bends towards the non-display side, the surface of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the second bending region 102 near the display panel 1 experiences compressive stress, while the surface away from the display panel 1 experiences tensile stress. In the case where the first surface a1 is recessed into the second surface a2 to form a groove 20 in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102, by reducing the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 away from the display panel 1, the tensile stress experienced by the cover plate 2 during bending towards the non-display side can be released, thereby effectively reducing the risk of breakage of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102.

[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 to 14, the opening of the groove 20 gradually increases in size along the thickness direction of the cover plate 2 and away from the bisector of the cover plate 2. As shown in Figure 7, the bisector of the cover plate 2 is parallel to the plane containing the cover plate 2. The maximum thickness of the portions of the cover plate 2 located on opposite sides of the bisector DD is equal.

[0102] For example, the bottom wall and side wall of the groove 20 have a smooth transition. For instance, the included angle between the bottom wall and side wall of the groove 20 is a rounded angle.

[0103] For example, the sidewall of the groove 20 can be an arc surface.

[0104] As shown in Figure 15, Figure 15 is a measured thickness diagram of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 or the second bending area 102 in some embodiments. In Figure 15, the vertical axis represents the measured thickness of the cover plate 2.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 gradually decreases and then gradually increases. Specifically, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 gradually decreases from 70 μm to about 30 μm, and then gradually increases from 30 μm back to 70 μm.

[0106] For example, the included angle between the bottom wall and the side wall of the groove 20 can be 0.15°. The slope of the side wall of the groove 20 can be 1 / 375.

[0107] In this embodiment, the opening of the groove 20 gradually increases in size, which can prevent the subsequent film layer from breaking at the location of the groove 20 during the subsequent film layer formation process, thereby ensuring the continuity of the subsequent film layer.

[0108] In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting region 103 is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than 1. For example, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting region 103 can be 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.09, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this.

[0109] For example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connection area 103 ranges from 50 μm to 1000 μm, and the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 ranges from 30 μm to 300 μm.

[0110] Therefore, by thinning the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the stress on this portion can be reduced when the cover plate 2 bends, thus reducing the risk of breakage. This also avoids the cover plate 2 being too thin, which would result in low impact resistance and affect the impact and scratch resistance of the display module 100. Simultaneously, the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 has a greater thickness, ensuring its pressure resistance, thereby further improving the impact and scratch resistance of the display module 100.

[0111] Furthermore, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.5.

[0112] Furthermore, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 can be in the range of 0.2 to 0.4.

[0113] It should be noted that when the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is equal to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the non-bent portion 11, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 to the overall thickness of the cover plate 2. In some examples, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than 1. For example, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 can be: 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this.

[0114] For example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connection area 103 ranges from 50 μm to 1000 μm, and the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 ranges from 30 μm to 300 μm.

[0115] Therefore, by thinning the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the stress on this portion can be reduced when the cover plate 2 bends, thus reducing the risk of breakage. This also avoids the cover plate 2 being too thin, which would result in low impact resistance and affect the impact and scratch resistance of the display module 100. Simultaneously, the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 has a greater thickness, ensuring its pressure resistance, thereby further improving the impact and scratch resistance of the display module 100.

[0116] In some embodiments, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 is less than or equal to 45 μm. For example, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 can be 45 μm, 44 μm, 43 μm, 42 μm, 41 μm, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this.

[0117] According to the force variation curve of cover plate 2 with position shown in Figure 5, the maximum tensile stress of the part of cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is 400 MPa.

[0118] When cover plate 2 is UTG, the elastic modulus of cover plate 2 ranges from 60000MPa to 80000MPa. The bending radius R of cover plate 2 ranges from 1mm to 10mm.

[0119] Combining Formula 1 above, when the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 is in the range of 60000MPa to 80000MPa and the bending radius R of the cover plate 2 is in the range of 1mm to 10mm, by making the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 less than or equal to 45μm, the thinning design of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 is achieved. On the one hand, this ensures that the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 has a smaller thickness, ensuring that the tensile stress on the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 is within the safe value of the tensile stress that the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102 can withstand, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102. On the other hand, it also improves the bending performance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending region 102, thereby improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

[0120] In some embodiments, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending region 101 is less than or equal to 35 μm. For example, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending region 101 can be 35 μm, 34 μm, 33 μm, 32 μm, 31 μm, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit this.

[0121] According to the force variation curve of cover plate 2 with position shown in Figure 5, the maximum tensile stress of the part of cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is 600 MPa.

[0122] Combining Formula 1 above, when the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 is in the range of 60000MPa to 80000MPa and the bending radius R of the cover plate 2 is in the range of 1mm to 10mm, by making the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 less than or equal to 35μm, a thinning design of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is achieved. On the one hand, this ensures that the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 has a smaller thickness, ensuring that the tensile stress on the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is within the safe value of the tensile stress that the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can withstand, thereby reducing the risk of breakage of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, and also improving the bending performance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, thus improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

[0123] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, the display module 100 includes a display area AA and a non-display area BB located around the display area AA. For example, the non-display area BB is adjacent to the display area AA and surrounds the display area AA.

[0124] As shown in Figure 6, the display module 100 also includes: a cover layer 3, a light-shielding pattern layer 4, and a first adhesive layer 5.

[0125] As shown in Figure 6, the cover layer 3 is located on the side of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1; the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located on the side of the cover layer 3 close to the display panel 1, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located in the non-display area BB, and is set around the display area AA; the first adhesive layer 5 is located between the light-shielding pattern layer 3 and the cover plate 2, and part of the first adhesive layer 5 fills the groove 20.

[0126] For example, the materials of the cover layer 3 include, but are not limited to, CPI (Colorless polyimide), PET, TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane), and PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).

[0127] For example, the material of the cover layer 3 includes CPI. Since CPI has high hardness, scratch resistance and impact resistance, the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100 can be improved when CPI is used as the cover layer 3.

[0128] For example, the material of the cover layer 3 includes TPU. Since TPU has high strength and high toughness, when TPU is used as the cover layer 3, the recovery ability of the display module 100 can be improved when the display module 100 changes from a folded state to a flat state.

[0129] For example, the first adhesive layer 5 can be OCA adhesive (Optical Clear Adhesive). The cover layer 3 and the cover plate 2 are bonded together by the first adhesive layer 5.

[0130] For example, the light-blocking pattern layer 4 can be black ink, white ink, or ink of other colors.

[0131] The light-shielding pattern layer 4 can block the opaque circuits and other structures in the non-display area BB of the display panel 1 to achieve a decorative effect; it can also cover the part of the cover plate 2 located in the non-display area BB, effectively isolating the edge beam of the cover plate 2, and can also absorb or reflect the diffuse light inside the cover plate 2, preventing light from passing through the edge of the cover plate 2, thereby preventing the display module 100 from having a halo phenomenon.

[0132] In some other embodiments, as shown in FIG16, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located on the side of the cover plate 2 near the display panel 1.

[0133] Therefore, on the one hand, by setting a light-shielding pattern layer 4 in the non-display area BB, the opaque circuits and other structures in the non-display area BB are blocked to achieve a decorative effect, and the edge beam of the cover plate 2 is effectively isolated, the diffuse light inside the cover plate 2 is absorbed or reflected, and the light is prevented from passing through the edge of the cover plate 2, thereby avoiding the halo phenomenon of the display module 100; on the other hand, when the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located on the side of the cover plate 2 close to the display panel 1, the aforementioned cover layer 3 can be a customer-replaceable protective film, which can avoid setting a new customer-replaceable protective film on the cover layer 3, thereby achieving the thinning of the display module 100 to a certain extent.

[0134] In some embodiments, when the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located on the side of the cover plate 2 close to the display panel 1, the display module 100 further includes an anti-finerprint and scratch (AF) layer located between the cover plate 2 and the first adhesive layer 5, wherein the first adhesive layer 5 is peelable relative to the anti-finerprint and scratch layer so that the cover layer 3 is replaceable.

[0135] For example, the overlay 3 is a replaceable protective film for the client.

[0136] For example, the antifouling layer is usually made of fluoride, which achieves oleophobic and hydrophobic effects by increasing the surface water droplet angle, thus making it difficult for dirt or other films to adhere.

[0137] Specifically, in the embodiments of this disclosure, by providing an anti-fouling layer between the cover plate 2 and the first adhesive layer 5, the anti-fouling layer makes it difficult for dirt or other film layers to adhere. In the case where the cover layer 3 is a replaceable protective film for the client, it is convenient for the user to peel off the cover layer 3 and replace the cover layer 3 with other protective films.

[0138] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 and 16, the display module 100 further includes a second adhesive layer 6 located between the cover plate 2 and the display panel 1; a portion of the second adhesive layer 6 fills the groove 20.

[0139] For example, the second adhesive layer 6 and the first adhesive layer 5 may be made of the same or different materials. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0140] For example, the second adhesive layer 6 can be OCA adhesive. Thus, the display panel 1 and the cover plate 2 are bonded together by the second adhesive layer 6.

[0141] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG17, the display module 100 further includes: a first buffer layer 7 located between the cover plate 2 and the display panel 1, a portion of the first buffer layer 7 filling the groove 20; the edge of the first buffer layer 7 extending beyond the edge of the cover plate 2; and a second buffer layer 8 located on the side of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1, the second buffer layer 8 covering the surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1 and the side surface of the cover plate 2, and the second buffer layer 8 abutting against the edge of the first buffer layer 7.

[0142] For example, the materials of the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8 may include at least one of polymer, transparent PI (polyimide), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Of course, the materials of the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8 are not limited to the above materials, as long as they are transparent and can provide a cushioning effect.

[0143] Furthermore, the materials of the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8 can be the same or different. The embodiments disclosed herein do not impose any limitations on this.

[0144] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1 refers to the surface of the cover plate 2 that is close to and opposite to the display panel 1 after the cover plate 2 is attached to the display panel 1. The side of the cover plate 2 refers to the side that connects the surface of the cover plate 2 close to the display panel 1 and the surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1.

[0145] In this embodiment, a first buffer layer 7 is provided between the cover plate 2 and the display panel 1. When the display panel 1 is subjected to a large force, it can protect the display panel 1, making it less likely to be damaged. At the same time, the circuit structure inside the display panel 1 will not be damaged by the pressure of the display panel 1. Meanwhile, the second buffer layer 8 wraps the surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1 and the side of the cover plate 2, which can protect the cover plate 2 when the display module 100 is dropped, thereby improving the reliability of the display module 100.

[0146] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG17, when the display module 100 further includes the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8 described above, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 may be located on the side of the first buffer layer 7 close to the display panel 1, and the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located within the range of the first buffer layer 7.

[0147] Thus, on the one hand, by using the light-shielding pattern layer 4, the opaque circuits and other structures in the non-display area BB are blocked to achieve a decorative effect, and the edge beam of the cover plate 2 is effectively isolated, absorbing or reflecting the diffuse light inside the cover plate 2, preventing light from passing through the edge of the cover plate 2, thereby preventing the display module 100 from having a halo effect; on the other hand, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located within the range of the first buffer layer 7, which can avoid the need for the light-shielding pattern layer 4 to be attached to both the cover plate 2 and the first buffer layer 7 at the same time, thereby improving the adhesion effect of the light-shielding pattern layer 4.

[0148] In addition, an OCA adhesive layer can be provided between the light-shielding pattern layer 4 and the display panel 1. The display panel 1 and the cover plate 2 are bonded together by this OCA adhesive layer.

[0149] Furthermore, the material of the second buffer layer 8 includes hydrophobic and oleophobic materials.

[0150] For example, hydrophobic and oleophobic materials may include perfluoropolyether polymers. Perfluoropolyether polymers can increase the water droplet angle on the surface of the second buffer layer to achieve hydrophobic and oleophobic effects, thereby making it difficult for dirt or other film layers to adhere.

[0151] It is understandable that when the display module 100 is shipped from the factory, a client-replaceable protective film is also provided on the side of the second buffer layer 8 away from the cover plate 2. In the embodiments of this disclosure, by making the material of the second buffer layer 8 include hydrophobic and oleophobic materials, the anti-fouling layer makes it easy for dirt or other film layers to adhere, making it convenient for users to peel off the client-replaceable protective film and replace it with other protective films.

[0152] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG18, if the display module 100 further includes the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8 as described above, the display module 100 further includes a third buffer layer 9.

[0153] As shown in Figure 18, the third buffer layer 9 is located on the side of the second buffer layer 8 away from the first buffer layer 7. The light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located between the third buffer layer 9 and the second buffer layer 8.

[0154] The material of the third buffer layer 9 may include at least one of polymer, transparent PI (Polyimide), or PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).

[0155] In some embodiments, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hydrophobic and oleophobic material; and / or, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hardened coating material.

[0156] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hydrophobic and oleophobic material; and / or, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hardened coating material" means that in some examples, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hydrophobic and oleophobic material; in other examples, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hardened coating material; and in still other examples, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes both a hydrophobic and oleophobic material and a hardened coating material.

[0157] For hydrophobic and oleophobic materials, please refer to the above description; further details will not be provided here.

[0158] For example, the hardened coating material may include nano-inorganic particles (such as SiO2), silica organic-inorganic composite compositions, etc. The material of the third buffer layer 9 includes a hardened coating, which enables the third buffer layer 9 to have high hardness and can further improve the scratch resistance of the display module 100.

[0159] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6 and FIG16-18, the display module 100 further includes a support member 30 located on the non-display side of the display panel 1.

[0160] Support member 30 is used to support display panel 1.

[0161] For example, the support member 30 may be made of metal, such as stainless steel or titanium alloy. Alternatively, the support member 30 may be made of non-metallic material, such as plastic, glass fiber composite material, or carbon fiber composite material. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited in this respect.

[0162] For example, the thickness of the support member 30 ranges from 30μm to 300μm. For instance, the thickness of the support member 30 can be 30μm, 50μm, 100μm, 200μm, 300μm, etc. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0163] For example, the elastic modulus of the support member 30 ranges from 1 MPa to 500 GPa. For instance, the elastic modulus of the support member 30 can be 1 MPa, 500 MPa, 100 GPa, 350 GPa, 500 GPa, etc. The higher the elastic modulus of the support member 30, the stronger its supporting capacity and the less prone it is to bending. A range of 1 MPa to 200 GPa for the elastic modulus of the support member 30 avoids both excessively high elastic modulus, which would make the thermal support member 30 difficult to bend, and excessively low elastic modulus, which would result in poor supporting performance.

[0164] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 16, the support member 30 includes a first patterned region 31, which corresponds to a first bending region 101, and the dimension of the first patterned region 31 along a first direction X is greater than or equal to the dimension of the first bending region 101 along the first direction X; the first patterned region 31 is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one groove. The first direction X is the arrangement direction of at least one bent portion 10 and at least two non-bent portions 11.

[0165] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "the first patterned area 31 is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one slot" means that in some examples, the first patterned area 31 is provided with at least one hole; in other examples, the first patterned area 31 is provided with at least one slot; and in still other examples, the first patterned area 31 includes being provided with at least one hole and at least one slot.

[0166] The shape, number, depth, and arrangement of the holes and slots can be selected and set according to the actual situation, and the embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0167] For example, the first patterned region 31 can be provided with multiple holes. When multiple holes are provided in the first patterned region 31, the multiple holes can be arranged evenly in an array shape, thereby making the bending performance of the first patterned region 31 better and more stable.

[0168] Along the thickness direction of the display module 100, the orthographic projection shape of each hole can be rectangular, circular, rhomboid, or other irregular shapes. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit this.

[0169] The cross-sectional shape of each hole is rectangular, semi-circular, semi-elliptical, trapezoidal, triangular, or other irregular shape, and the cross-section is a section parallel to the axis of the hole.

[0170] In this embodiment, by patterning the portion of the support member 30 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the stress on the portion of the support member 30 corresponding to the first bending area 101 during bending can be reduced, the flexibility of the portion of the support member 30 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can be improved, and the display module 100 can be bent more easily.

[0171] In some examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 16, the support 30 includes a second patterned region 32, which corresponds to the second bending region 102, and the size of the second patterned region 32 along the first direction X is greater than or equal to the size of the second bending region 102 along the first direction X; the second patterned region 32 is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one groove.

[0172] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "the second patterned area 32 is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one slot" means that in some examples, the second patterned area 32 is provided with at least one hole; in other examples, the second patterned area 32 is provided with at least one slot; and in still other examples, the second patterned area 32 includes being provided with at least one hole and at least one slot.

[0173] For example, the second patterned region 32 can be provided with multiple slots. When the second patterned region 32 is provided with multiple slots, the multiple slots can be arranged evenly in an array shape, thereby making the bending performance of the second patterned region 32 better and more stable.

[0174] In this embodiment, by patterning the portion of the support member 30 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the stress on the portion of the support member 30 corresponding to the second bending area 102 during bending can be reduced, the flexibility of the portion of the support member 30 corresponding to the second bending area 102 can be improved, and the display module 100 can be bent more easily.

[0175] In some examples, the ratio of the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 to the thickness of the support member 30 can be in the range of 0.1 to 10.

[0176] Optionally, the ratio of the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 to the thickness of the support member 30 can be in the range of 0.2 to 5.

[0177] Furthermore, the ratio of the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 to the thickness of the support member 30 can be in the range of 0.5 to 2.

[0178] By adopting the above settings, the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 and the thickness of the support member 30 are adjusted to optimize the position of the neutral layer of the display module 100. For example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 is smaller and the thickness of the support member 30 is larger, thereby shifting the position of the neutral layer of the display module 100 towards the support member 30, reducing the tensile stress in the display panel 1, preventing the components in the bending portion 10 of the display panel 1 from being damaged, and thus improving the problem that the components in the bending portion 10 of the display panel 1 are easily damaged.

[0179] In some examples, the ratio of the size of the groove 20 along the first direction X to the size of the first patterned region 31 along the first direction X ranges from 0.1 to 10.

[0180] Optionally, the ratio of the dimension of the groove 20 along the first direction X to the dimension of the first patterned area 31 along the first direction X is in the range of 0.2 to 5.

[0181] Furthermore, the ratio of the dimension of the groove 20 along the first direction X to the dimension of the first patterned area 31 along the first direction X ranges from 0.5 to 2. By adopting the above setting and adjusting the dimensions of the groove 20 and the first patterned area 31 along the first direction X, the display module 100 is guaranteed to have good impact resistance and good bending performance.

[0182] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG19, the edge of the cover plate 2 extends beyond the edge of the display panel 1.

[0183] As shown in Figure 19, the display module 100 also includes a middle frame 40, which is installed at the edge of the cover plate 2, and a step 41 is provided on the side of the middle frame 40 near the cover plate 2. The end of the cover plate 2 near the middle frame 40 overlaps the step 41.

[0184] For example, at one end of the cover plate 2 near the middle frame 40, a portion of the side of the cover plate 2 near the display panel 1 overlaps with the step 41 and is bonded to the middle frame 40.

[0185] For example, the side of the cover plate 2 overlapping the step 41 can be bonded to the middle frame 40 with OCA adhesive.

[0186] For example, the cross-sectional shape of the middle frame 40 is approximately "L".

[0187] As exemplarily shown in FIG19, the display module 100 further includes a frame 50 located on the side of the support member 30 away from the display panel 1. The portion of the frame 50 away from the support member 30 abuts against the middle frame 40.

[0188] In one implementation, a pressure strip is provided on the display side of the display module 100, which, together with the mid-frame, secures the display panel 1. The pressure strip consists of a layered metal layer and a rubber layer, resulting in a black border around the edge of the display module 100.

[0189] In this embodiment, the cover plate 2 is located on the display side of the display panel 1, the edge of the cover plate 2 extends beyond the edge of the display panel 1, and the cover plate 2 overlaps the step 41 of the middle frame 40. The glue frame 50 located on the non-display side of the display panel 1 abuts against the middle frame 40, thereby achieving the fixed pressing of the display panel 1 and improving the problem that the edge of the display module 100 is prone to warping during folding. Moreover, compared with fixing the display panel 1 through the pressure strip and the middle frame, the display module 100 of this disclosure achieves a frameless design.

[0190] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the display panel 1 includes a substrate 110. The thickness of the portion of the substrate 110 corresponding to the first bending region 101 and the second bending region 102 is less than the thickness of the portion of the substrate 110 corresponding to the non-bending region 12.

[0191] In some examples, the substrate 110 described above can be a flexible substrate. This flexible substrate can be a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) substrate, a PEN (Polyethylene naphthalate dimethyl methacrylate) substrate, or a PI (Polyimide) substrate, etc.

[0192] In other examples, the substrate 110 described above can be ultrathin glass.

[0193] By adopting the above configuration, the thickness of the portion of the substrate 110 corresponding to the first bending region 101 and the second bending region 102 is smaller, which can improve the bending performance of the display panel 1 and prevent the devices in the first bending region 101 and the second bending region 102 from being damaged.

[0194] As exemplarily shown in Figures 20 and 21, the display panel 1 further includes: a circuit structure layer 120 located on the substrate 110 and a light-emitting device layer 130 located on the side of the circuit structure layer 120 away from the substrate 110. The circuit structure layer 120 includes a plurality of pixel driving circuits 121 and a plurality of signal lines, etc.

[0195] The pixel driving circuit 121 is generally composed of electronic devices such as thin-film transistors (TFTs) and capacitors. For example, the pixel driving circuit 121 can specifically be a structure such as "2T1C", "6T1C", "7T1C", "6T2C", or "7T2C". Here, "T" represents a transistor, such as a thin-film transistor. The number before "T" indicates the number of transistors. "C" represents a capacitor, and the number before "C" indicates the number of capacitors. In the accompanying drawings of some embodiments of this disclosure, only one thin-film transistor 122 is shown as an example. For example, the thin-film transistor 122 can be a driving transistor.

[0196] The light-emitting device layer 130 includes a plurality of light-emitting devices 131, which are electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit 121. The pixel driving circuit 121 can provide driving signals to the light-emitting devices 131 to drive the light-emitting devices 131 to emit light.

[0197] For example, the electrical connection relationship between the light-emitting device 131 and the pixel driving circuit 121 can be varied, and can be selected and set according to actual needs. This disclosure does not limit it.

[0198] For example, multiple pixel driving circuits 121 and multiple light-emitting devices 131 can be coupled one-to-one. Alternatively, one pixel driving circuit 121 can be coupled to multiple light-emitting devices 131. Or, multiple pixel driving circuits 121 can be coupled to one light-emitting device 131.

[0199] The present disclosure will now illustrate the structure of the display panel 1 by taking the example of a pixel driving circuit 121 coupled with a light-emitting device 131.

[0200] For example, in the display panel 1, the pixel driving circuit 121 can generate a driving signal, and each light-emitting device 131 can emit light under the driving action of the driving signal generated by the corresponding pixel driving circuit 121. The light emitted by multiple light-emitting devices 131 cooperates with each other, thereby enabling the display panel 1 to display an image.

[0201] For example, the light-emitting device 131 described above can be an OLED light-emitting device.

[0202] As exemplarily shown in Figures 20 and 21, the light-emitting device 131 includes an anode 1311, a light-emitting portion 1312, and a cathode 1313 sequentially stacked along a direction away from the substrate 110. The anode 1311 is electrically connected to the drain of a thin-film transistor 122 in the pixel driving circuit 121, which serves as a driving transistor.

[0203] As exemplarily shown in Figures 20 and 21, the display panel 1 further includes an encapsulation layer 140 located on the side of the light-emitting device layer 130 away from the circuit structure layer 120.

[0204] For example, the encapsulation layer 140 can be a thin film encapsulation (TFE) or an encapsulation substrate. The encapsulation layer 140 is configured to encapsulate the light-emitting device layer 130 to block water and oxygen, preventing the light-emitting device in the light-emitting device layer 130 from being damaged by water and oxygen, thereby extending the life of the light-emitting device.

[0205] For example, the encapsulation layer 140 includes a first inorganic layer, an organic layer, and a second inorganic layer arranged sequentially from bottom to top. Of course, the encapsulation layer 140 may also include more inorganic and organic layers.

[0206] In some examples, as shown in Figure 21, the display panel 1 further includes a touch function layer 150 located on the side of the encapsulation layer 140 away from the light-emitting device layer 130. The touch function layer 150 is used to implement the touch function of the display panel 1.

[0207] For example, the touch function layer 150 can be an FMLOC structure. This can reduce the thickness of the display panel 1, which is beneficial for the thinner and lighter design of the display panel 1.

[0208] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display module, comprising a display panel having at least one bending portion and at least two non-bending portions, two adjacent non-bending portions being connected by one bending portion; wherein the bending portion comprising a first bending area, two connecting areas and two second bending areas, the two connecting areas being connected to two sides of the first bending area respectively, each connecting area being connected to one second bending area at a side away from the first bending area, and the second bending area being connected to the non-bending portion at a side away from the connecting area; when the display panel is in a bending state, the center of curvature of the first bending area and the center of curvature of the second bending area are located at two sides of the display panel respectively; the display module further comprising a cover plate located on a display side of the display panel, a thickness of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area and the second bending area is smaller than a thickness of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting area. 2.The display module of claim 1, wherein, the cover plate comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface being farther away from the display panel than the second surface; in the part of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area, the first surface is recessed to form a groove towards the second surface; and / or, in the part of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area, the second surface is recessed to form a groove towards the first surface.

3. The display module of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the cover plate comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, the first surface being farther away from the display panel than the second surface; in the part of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area, the first surface is recessed to form a groove towards the second surface; and / or, in the part of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area, the second surface is recessed to form a groove towards the first surface.

4. The display module of claim 2 or 3, wherein, the opening of the groove gradually increases along the thickness direction of the cover plate and along a direction away from a bisector of the cover plate, the bisector being parallel to the plane of the cover plate, and the maximum thickness of the parts of the cover plate located on opposite sides of the bisector is equal.

5. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, a ratio of the thickness of the part of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area to the thickness of the part of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting area is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than 1; and / or, a ratio of the thickness of the part of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area to the thickness of the part of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting area is greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than 1.

6. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the thickness of the part of the cover plate corresponding to the second bending area is less than or equal to 45 μm.

7. The display module of any one of claims 1-6, wherein, the thickness of the part of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending area is less than or equal to 35 μm. 8.The display module according to any one of claims 2-4, the display module comprising a display area and a non-display area located around the display area, the display module further comprising: a cover layer located on a side of the cover plate away from the display panel; a light-shielding pattern layer located on a side of the cover layer close to the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer being located in the non-display area and being arranged around the display area; a first adhesive layer located between the light-shielding pattern layer and the cover plate, and a part of the first adhesive layer filling in the groove.

9. The display module of any one of claims 2-4, the display module comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display module further comprising: a cover layer located on a side of the cover plate distal to the display panel; a first adhesive layer located between the cover layer and the cover plate; a portion of the first adhesive layer filling the recess; a light-shielding pattern layer located on a side of the cover plate proximal to the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer located in the non-display area and disposed around the display area. a dirt-resistant layer located between the cover plate and the first adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer being peelable relative to the dirt-resistant layer to allow the cover layer to be replaceable.

11. The display module of any one of claims 2-9, further comprising: a second adhesive layer located between the cover plate and the display panel; a portion of the second adhesive layer filling the recess.

12. The display module of any one of claims 2-4, further comprising: a first buffer layer located between the cover plate and the display panel, a portion of the first buffer layer filling the recess, an edge of the first buffer layer extending beyond an edge of the cover plate; a second buffer layer located on a side of the cover plate distal to the display panel, the second buffer layer covering a surface of the cover plate distal to the display panel and a side surface of the cover plate, and an edge of the second buffer layer abutting the edge of the first buffer layer.

13. The display module of claim 12, the display module comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display module further comprising: a light-shielding pattern layer located on a side of the first buffer layer proximal to the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer located in the non-display area and disposed around the display area; the light-shielding pattern layer located within a range of the first buffer layer.

10. The display module of claim 9, further comprising: a material of the second buffer layer comprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic material.

15. The display module of claim 12, the display module comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display module further comprising: a third buffer layer located on a side of the second buffer layer distal to the first buffer layer; a light-shielding pattern layer located between the third buffer layer and the second buffer layer, the light-shielding pattern layer located in the non-display area and disposed around the display area.

16. The display module of claim 15, a material of the third buffer layer comprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic material; and / or, a material of the third buffer layer comprising a hard-coat material.

17. The display module of any one of claims 1-16, further comprising: a support located on a non-display side of the display panel; the support comprising a first patterned region, the first patterned region corresponding to the first bending area, and a dimension of the first patterned region along a first direction being greater than or equal to a dimension of the first bending area along the first direction; the first patterned region being provided with at least one hole and / or at least one slot; and / or, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 14. The display module of claim 13, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The support comprises a second patterned region corresponding to the second bending region, and a dimension of the second patterned region along the first direction is greater than or equal to a dimension of the second bending region along the first direction; the second patterned region is provided with at least one hole and / or at least one slot; The first direction is an arrangement direction of the at least one bending part and the at least two non-bending parts.

18. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, An edge of the cover plate is beyond an edge of the display panel; the display module further comprises: A middle frame is mounted at an edge of the cover plate, and a side of the middle frame close to the cover plate is provided with a step, and an end of the cover plate close to the middle frame is overlapped at the step.

19. The display module of any one of claims 1-18, wherein, The display panel comprises: A thickness of a portion of the substrate corresponding to the first bending region and the second bending region is less than a thickness of a portion of the substrate corresponding to the non-bending region.

20. A display device comprising the display module according to any one of claims 1-19.

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