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 module and display device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410703191.1, filed May 31, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of display, and in particular, to a display module and a display device. BACKGROUND

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

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

[0005] In some embodiments, the cover plate includes first and second surfaces opposite to each other, the first surface is 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.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cover plate includes first and second surfaces opposite to each other, the first surface is 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.

[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 a bisector of the cover plate, wherein the bisector is parallel to the plane in which the cover plate lies, and the maximum thicknesses of the portions of the cover plate on opposite sides of the bisector are equal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the first bending region to the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting region 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 second bending region to the thickness of the portion of the cover plate corresponding to the connecting region 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 region is less than or equal to 45 μm.

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

[0011] In some embodiments, the display module includes a display region and a non-display region located around the display region, and the display module further includes: 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 region and being arranged around the display region; 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 region and a non-display region located around the display region, and the display module further includes: a cover layer located on a 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 a side of the cover plate close to the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer being located in the non-display region and being arranged around the display region.

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

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

[0015] In some embodiments, the display module further comprises a first buffer layer between the cover plate and the display panel, a portion of the first buffer layer filling in the groove; an edge of the first buffer layer protruding compared to an edge of the cover plate; a second buffer layer on a side of the cover plate away from the display panel, the second buffer layer covering a surface of the cover plate away from the display panel and a side surface of the cover plate, and the second buffer layer abutting the edge of the first buffer layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the display module comprises a display area and a non-display area around the display area, and the display module further comprises a light-shielding pattern layer on a side of the first buffer layer close to the display panel, the light-shielding pattern layer being located in the non-display area and arranged around the display area; and the light-shielding pattern layer is within the range of the first buffer layer.

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

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

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

[0020] In some embodiments, the display module further comprises a support on a non-display side of the display panel.

[0021] The support comprises a first patterned area corresponding to the first bending area, and a dimension of the first patterned area along a first direction is greater than or equal to a 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 slot; and / or, the support comprises a second patterned area corresponding to the second bending area, and a dimension of the second patterned area along the first direction is greater than or equal to a 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 slot; wherein the first direction is the arrangement direction of the at least one bending part and the at least two non-bending parts.

[0022] In some embodiments, the edge of the cover plate is beyond the edge of the display panel; the display module further comprises: a middle frame, the middle frame is installed at the edge of the cover plate, and a step is arranged on one side of the middle frame close to the cover plate, and one end of the cover plate close to the middle frame is overlapped at the step.

[0023] In some embodiments, the display panel comprises: a substrate, the thickness of the part of the substrate corresponding to the first bending area and the second bending area is less than the thickness of the part of the substrate corresponding to the non-bending area.

[0024] In another aspect, a display device is provided. The display device comprises the display module as described in any of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present disclosure, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described in the following description are only the drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings can also be obtained by those skilled in the art according to these drawings. In addition, the drawings in the following description can be regarded as schematic diagrams, and are not limited to the actual size, actual process, etc. of the product related to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

[0030] FIG. 5 is a curve diagram of the overall simulation stress of a cover plate changing with position according to some embodiments;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] FIG. 15 is a thickness measurement diagram of a portion of a cover plate corresponding to a first bending region or a second bending region according to some embodiments;

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] FIG. 21 is a structural diagram of yet another display panel according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The technical solutions in some embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art belong to the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0048] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the term "comprise," and variations thereof (e.g., "comprises" and "comprising"), will be construed to be inclusive in a manner consistent with the term's plain meaning, namely, "including but not limited to." In describing the description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example" or "some examples," and the like, mean that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment or example of the disclosure, but that it can not be included in other embodiments or examples. The illustrative appearance of the foregoing terms in various places in the description are not necessarily intended to refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] Hereinafter, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of description and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implying the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more, unless otherwise specified.

[0050] In describing some embodiments, "coupled" and "connected," and variations thereof, can be used. The term "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, "connected" can be fixedly connected, or detachably connected, or integrated; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The term "coupled" indicates, for example, that two or more components have direct physical contact or electrical contact. The term "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" can also mean that two or more components 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 herein.

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

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

[0053] It will be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers can also be present.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or plan view illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. Variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an etched region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have jagged edges. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of an embodiment.

[0055] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a display device, which can be any display device that displays images whether in motion (e.g., video) or stationary (e.g., a still image), and whether textual or pictorial. More specifically, it is contemplated that the display devices of the embodiments can be implemented in or associated with a variety of electronic devices such as, but not limited to, mobile telephones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld or portable computers, GPS receivers / navigators, cameras, MP4 players, camcorders, game consoles, wrist watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat-panel displays, computer monitors, auto displays (e.g., odometer display, etc.), cockpit controls and / or displays, camera view displays (e.g., display of a rear view camera in a vehicle), electronic photographs, electronic billboards or signs, projections, architectural structures, packaging, and aesthetic structures (e.g., display of images on a piece of jewelry) and the like.

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

[0057] Exemplarily, the display device 2000 further includes a frame, a display driving IC (Integrated Circuit), other electronic accessories, etc.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, some embodiments of the 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, the disclosure does not limit this.

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

[0060] For example, the display panel 1 can be an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display panel, a QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diodes) display panel, or the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not make specific limitations in this regard. For example, the display panel 1 in embodiments of the present disclosure is an OLED display panel.

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

[0062] In addition, the flexible folding display panel can be an outer folding display panel or an inner folding display panel, and embodiments of the present disclosure do not make specific limitations in this regard. Outer folding refers to that the display side of the flexible folding display panel faces outward when in a folded state, thereby providing convenient services for customers. Inner folding refers to that the display side of the flexible folding display panel faces inward when in a folded state, thereby avoiding scratches and other adverse effects of the flexible folding display panel. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible folding display panel is exemplarily described as an inner folding display panel.

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

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the bending portion 10 of the display panel 1 includes a first bending area 101, two connecting areas 103, and two second bending areas 102. The two connecting areas 103 are respectively connected to the two sides of the first bending area 101. Each connecting area 103 is connected to one second bending area 102 away from the first bending area 101. The second bending area 102 is connected to the non-bending portion 11 away from the connecting area 103. When the display panel 1 is in a folded state, the centers of curvature of the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 are respectively located on the two sides of the display panel 1.

[0065] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the display device 2000 further includes a folding mechanism 200, and the display panel 1 is arranged on the folding mechanism 200. The folding mechanism 200 is used to drive the display panel 1 to fold or unfold. When the display panel 1 is folded, the display panel 1 can be located in the folding mechanism 200, and the folding mechanism 200 can provide protection for the display panel 1.

[0066] Exemplarily, in the case that the display panel 1 is an inner folding display panel, the folding mechanism 200 can be located at the non-display side of the display panel 1.

[0067] It should be noted that the above-mentioned “the curvature center of the first bending area 101 and the curvature center of the second bending area 102 are respectively located at two 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 direction close to the folding mechanism 200, and the second bending area 102 bends towards the direction away from the folding mechanism 200. For another example, the first bending area 101 bends towards the direction away from the folding mechanism 200, and the second bending area 102 bends towards the direction close to the folding mechanism 200.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, in the case that the display panel 1 is folded, the first bending area 101 and the two second bending areas 102 are in the bending state, and the two connecting areas 103 are in the flat state. Specifically, the first bending area 101 bends towards the direction away from the folding mechanism 200, and the second bending area 102 bends towards the direction close to the folding mechanism 200, so that the bending part 10 is bent to have a water drop profile shape.

[0069] In the case that the display panel 1 is folded, the connecting area 103 has a certain inclination angle. For example, the connecting area 103 has an included angle between the extension line and the extension line of the non-bending part 11.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover plate 2 is located at the display side of the display panel 1. The cover plate 2 is the surface structure of the display module 100, which not only has a certain supporting effect, but also protects the display panel 1 below, prevents impurities from entering the display panel 1, and improves the drop resistance and impact protection of the display panel 1, so that the surface of the display panel 1 is not easy to be scratched or damaged. Wherein, the side of the display panel 1 for displaying images is the display side of the display panel 1, and the side away from the display side of the display panel 1 is the non-display side of the display panel 1.

[0071] Exemplarily, the cover plate 2 is made of a flexible material with a certain hardness, such as UTG (Ultra Thin Glass), transparent PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), or transparent PI (Polyimide).

[0072] For example, the cover plate is ultra-thin glass. The ultra-thin glass is transparent and flexible glass, so that the display panel 1 can be bent.

[0073] In the case that the flexible folding display panel is an inner folding display panel, the display side of the display panel 1 faces inwards. In this case, when the flexible folding display panel is in the relative folding 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 the relative folding state, the first bending area 101 bends inwards, for example, the first bending area 101 bends to form a circular arc shape and protrudes towards the side away from the cover plate 2. Correspondingly, the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 bends to form a circular arc shape and protrudes towards the side close to the display panel 1. The second bending area 102 bends outwards, for example, the second bending area 102 bends to form a circular arc shape and protrudes towards the side close to the cover plate 2. Correspondingly, the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 bends to form a circular arc shape and protrudes towards the side away from the display panel 1.

[0075] In this case, the orthographic projection of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 on the display panel 1 can overlap the first bending area 101. The orthographic projection of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 on the display panel 1 can overlap the second bending area 102.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a curve diagram of the stress of the cover plate 2 changing with the position extracted in the whole machine simulation. The vertical coordinate is the pressure stress. When the first bending area 101 bends towards the display side, the surface of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 close to the display panel 1 is subjected to tensile stress, and the surface of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 away from the display panel 1 is subjected to pressure stress. When the second bending area 102 bends towards the non-display side, the surface of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 close to the display panel 1 is subjected to pressure stress, and the surface of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 away from the display panel 1 is subjected to tensile stress. The part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is not subjected to stress.

[0077] It can be understood that, in the case that the display panel 1 is relatively folded, the stress will cause the cover plate 2 to break, thereby affecting the display quality of the display panel 1.

[0078] Based on this, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover plate 2 is improved. As shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the part 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 part 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] Further, 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 portion of the first bending area 101 is 30 μm, and the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the connecting area 103 is 250 μm. For another example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the second bending area 102 is 50 μm, and the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the connecting area 103 is 300 μm.

[0083] For example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the first bending area 101 is 30 μm, and the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the connecting area 103 is 250 μm. For another example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the second bending area 102 is 50 μm, and the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the connecting area 103 is 300 μm.

[0084] In addition, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the non-bending part 11 can be equal to or different from the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the connecting area 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the non-bending part 11 is equal to the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the portion of the connecting area 103. In this way, the impact resistance of the cover plate 2 can be improved.

[0085] The stress of the cover plate 2 in the bending state is calculated according to the following formula:

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

[0087] According to the formula 1, when the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 and the bending radius of the cover plate 2 are constant, the stress of the cover plate 2 is proportional to the thickness of the cover plate 2. That is, the greater the thickness of the cover plate 2, the greater the stress of the cover plate 2; the smaller the thickness of the cover plate 2, the smaller the stress of the cover plate 2.

[0088] It can be understood that the smaller the stress of the cover plate 2, the lower the risk of the cover plate 2 breaking. Conversely, the smaller the thickness of the 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 example, the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 can be 1 MPa, 500 MPa, 10 GPa, 150 GPa, 200 GPa, etc. The greater the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2, the stronger the impact resistance, and the less likely to bend. The range of the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 is 1 MPa to 200 GPa, which can avoid the problem that the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 is too large, which makes the cover plate 2 not easy to bend, and also avoids the problem that the modulus of the cover plate 2 is too small, which makes the impact resistance of the cover plate 2 poor.

[0090] In the embodiment, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 is reduced. On the one hand, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 is small, which realizes the ultra-thin design of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102. When the cover plate 2 is bent, the stress on the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 is reduced, which reduces the risk of breaking of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102, improves the bending fatigue resistance of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102, avoids creases after multiple bending, and effectively improves the bendability of the cover plate 2. On the other hand, the thickness of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 and the non-bending part 11 is large, which ensures the pressure resistance of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 and the non-bending part 11. Under external force impact, the risk of breaking of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 and the non-bending part 11 due to external force impact is reduced, which improves the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100, prolongs the service life of the display module 100, and ensures the display effect of the display module 100.

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the cover plate 2 includes opposite first and second surfaces a1 and a2, and the first surface a1 is farther 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 to form a groove 20 toward the second surface a2. In the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed to form a groove 20 toward the first surface a1.

[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 to form a groove 20 toward the second surface a2; and / or, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed to form a groove 20 toward the first surface a1” means that, in some examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed to form a groove 20 toward the second surface a2, as shown in FIGS. 7-10; in other examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the second surface a2 is recessed to form a groove 20 toward the first surface a1, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12; in yet other examples, in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the first surface a1 is recessed to form a groove 20 toward the second surface a2, and the second surface a2 is recessed to form a groove 20 toward the first surface a1, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0093] In the embodiment, the first surface a1 is recessed to the second surface a2 to form the groove 20 in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101; and / or the second surface a2 is recessed to the first surface a1 to form the groove 20 in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101. The thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can be thinned, and 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. Not only the risk of fracture of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is reduced, but also the bending fatigue resistance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is improved, and the creases after multiple bending are avoided, thereby effectively improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

[0094] It can be understood that the mechanical characteristics of the glass material are that the compressive capacity of the glass is 10 times the tensile capacity. In the case of the UTG cover plate 2, the side of the cover plate 2 that is more likely to be broken is the side under tensile stress.

[0095] As described above, when the first bending area 101 is bent towards the display side, the surface of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 that is close to the display panel 1 is under tensile stress, and the surface of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 that is away from the display panel 1 is under compressive stress. In the case that the second surface a2 is recessed to the first surface a1 to form the groove 20 in the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 that is close to the display panel 1 can be thinned, so that the tensile stress on the cover plate 2 during bending towards the display side is released, thereby effectively reducing the risk of fracture of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101.

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

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

[0098] In the embodiment, in the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the first surface a1 is recessed to the second surface a2 to form a groove 20; and / or, in the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the second surface a2 is recessed to the first surface a1 to form a groove 20, which can thin the thickness of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, and when the cover plate 2 is bent, the stress on the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 can be reduced, not only reducing the risk of fracture of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, but also improving the bending fatigue resistance of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, avoiding creases after multiple bending, thereby effectively improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

[0099] For example, taking the cover plate 2 as the UTG, the position analysis data of the whole machine bad UTG Crack (breakage) starting point shows that about half of the breakage of the cover plate 2 originates from the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102. By thinning the thickness of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the risk of fracture of the cover plate 2 can be greatly reduced.

[0100] In addition, as known from the above, when the second bending area 102 is bent towards the non-display side, the surface of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 close to the display panel 1 is under compressive stress, and the surface of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 away from the display panel 1 is under tensile stress. In the case where, in the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the first surface a1 is recessed to the second surface a2 to form a groove 20, by thinning the thickness of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 away from the display panel 1, the tensile stress on the cover plate 2 during bending towards the non-display side can be released, thereby effectively reducing the risk of fracture of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102.

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

[0102] For example, the groove 20 has a smooth transition between the bottom wall and the side wall. For example, the included angle between the bottom wall and the side wall of the groove 20 is a circular arc angle.

[0103] For example, the side wall of the groove 20 can be a circular arc surface.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a thickness measurement 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 FIG. 15, the ordinate is the measured thickness of the cover plate 2.

[0105] As can be seen from FIG. 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 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 the embodiment, the opening of the groove 20 gradually increases, which can avoid the rupture of the subsequent film layer at the position of the groove 20 during the subsequent film layer forming 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 area 102 to the thickness of the portion 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 second bending area 102 to the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 can be 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.09, etc. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not make any limitation in this regard.

[0109] For example, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting 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, the stress borne by the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 can be reduced when the cover plate 2 is bent by thinning the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102, the risk of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 being broken is reduced, and the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is not too thin to cause the impact resistance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 to be too low to affect the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100. At the same time, the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 has a greater thickness to ensure the pressure resistance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103, thereby further improving the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100.

[0111] Further, 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 portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 can be in the range of 0.1-0.5.

[0112] Further, 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 portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 can be in the range of 0.2-0.4.

[0113] It should be noted that when the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is equal to the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the non-bending part 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 portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is also 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 portion 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 portion 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 the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0114] For example, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is in the range of 50-1000 μm, and the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is in the range of 30-300 μm.

[0115] Therefore, the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can be thinned, when the cover plate 2 is bent, the stress borne by the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can be reduced, the risk of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 breaking is reduced, and the thickness of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is prevented from being too small, so that the impact resistance of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is too low, and the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100 are affected. At the same time, the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 has a larger thickness, so that the pressure resistance of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the connecting area 103 is ensured, and the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the display module 100 are further improved.

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

[0117] According to the stress position change curve of the cover plate 2 shown in FIG. 5, it can be obtained that the maximum tensile stress borne by the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is 400 MPa.

[0118] In the case of the cover plate 2 being a UTG, the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 ranges from 60,000 MPa to 80,000 MPa. The bending radius R of the cover plate 2 ranges from 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0119] In combination with the above formula 1, it can be obtained that, in the case that the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 ranges from 60,000 MPa to 80,000 MPa, and the bending radius R of the cover plate 2 ranges from 1 mm to 10 mm, by making the thickness of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 less than or equal to 45 μm, the thinning design of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is realized. On the one hand, the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 has a smaller thickness, the tensile stress borne by the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is ensured to be within the safety value of the tensile stress that the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 can bear, so that the risk of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 breaking is reduced, and the bending performance of the part of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is improved, thereby improving the bendability of the cover plate 2.

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

[0121] According to the force-position curve of the cover plate 2 shown in FIG. 5, it can be obtained that the maximum tensile stress of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is 600 MPa.

[0122] In combination with the above formula 1, it can be obtained that, in the case that the elastic modulus of the cover plate 2 is in the range of 60000 MPa-80000 MPa and the bending radius R of the cover plate 2 is in the range of 1 mm-10 mm, the thinning design of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is realized by making the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 less than or equal to 35 μm. On the one hand, the thickness of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is ensured to be small, and the tensile stress of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is ensured to be within the safety value of the tensile stress that the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 can withstand, so as to reduce the risk of fracture of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and improve the bending performance of the portion of the cover plate 2 corresponding to the first bending area 101, thereby improving the bendable performance of the cover plate 2.

[0123] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, 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 the non-display area BB surrounds the display area AA in a whole circle.

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

[0125] As shown in FIG. 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, and the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located in the non-display area BB and is arranged 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 is filled in the groove 20.

[0126] For example, the material of the cover layer 3 includes CPI (Colorless polyimide), PET, TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane), and PMMA (Poly methyl 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 the display module 100 changes from the folded state to the flat state, the recovery ability of the display module 100 can be improved when TPU is used as the cover layer 3.

[0129] For example, the first adhesive layer 5 can be an optical clear adhesive (OCA). The cover layer 3 and the cover plate 2 are bonded by the first adhesive layer 5.

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

[0131] The light-shielding pattern layer 4 can shield the non-display area BB of the display panel 1 to achieve a decorative effect. The light-shielding pattern layer 4 can also cover part of the cover plate 2 in the non-display area BB to effectively isolate the edge light beam of the cover plate 2. The light-shielding pattern layer 4 can also absorb or reflect the internal diffuse reflection light of the cover plate 2 to prevent light from leaking from the edge of the cover plate 2, thereby avoiding the display module 100 from having a light halo phenomenon.

[0132] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located on the side of the cover plate 2 close to the display panel 1.

[0133] Thus, on the one hand, by setting the light-shielding pattern layer 4 in the non-display area BB, the non-display area BB is shielded to achieve a decorative effect. The light-shielding pattern layer 4 can also effectively isolate the edge light beam of the cover plate 2, absorb or reflect the internal diffuse reflection light of the cover plate 2, and prevent light from leaking from the edge of the cover plate 2, thereby avoiding the display module 100 from having a light halo phenomenon. 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 cover layer 3 can be a client replaceable protective film. Thus, the display module 100 can be thinned 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-fingerprint and scratch (AF) layer between the cover plate 2 and the first adhesive layer 5. The first adhesive layer 5 is peelable relative to the anti-fingerprint and scratch layer, so that the cover layer 3 is replaceable.

[0135] For example, the cover layer 3 is a client replaceable protective film.

[0136] Exemplarily, the material of the anti-fouling layer is generally fluoride, which achieves the effect of oleophobicity and hydrophobicity by increasing the water drop angle of the surface, so that dirt or other film layers are not easily adhered.

[0137] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, by arranging the anti-fouling layer between the cover plate 2 and the first adhesive layer 5, the anti-fouling layer is used to prevent dirt or other film layers from being easily adhered, which facilitates the user to peel off the cover layer 3 and replace the cover layer 3 with other protective films in the case that the cover layer 3 is a client replaceable protective film.

[0138] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 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; and a portion of the second adhesive layer 6 fills in the groove 20.

[0139] Exemplarily, the material of the second adhesive layer 6 and the material of the first adhesive layer 5 can be the same or different. The embodiments of the present disclosure 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 by the second adhesive layer 6.

[0141] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, 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 fills in the groove 20; an edge of the first buffer layer 7 protrudes compared with an edge of the cover plate 2; a second buffer layer 8 located on a side of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1, the second buffer layer 8 covers a surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1 and a side surface of the cover plate 2, and the second buffer layer 8 abuts with the edge of the first buffer layer 7.

[0142] Exemplarily, the material of the first buffer layer 7 and the material of the second buffer layer 8 can include at least one of polymer, transparent PI (Polyimide), or PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). Of course, the material of the first buffer layer 7 and the material of the second buffer layer 8 can not be limited to the above-mentioned materials, as long as they are transparent and can play a buffering role.

[0143] In addition, the material of the first buffer layer 7 and the material of the second buffer layer 8 can be the same or different. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0144] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1 refers to the surface of the cover plate 2 opposite to the display panel 1 after the cover plate 2 is attached to the display panel 1. The side surface of the cover plate 2 refers to the side surface connecting 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 the embodiment, the first buffer layer 7 is arranged between the cover plate 2 and the display panel 1, so that the display panel 1 can be protected when the display panel 1 is subjected to a large force, and the display panel 1 is not easily damaged, and the circuit structure and the like in the display panel 1 are not damaged due to the extrusion of the display panel 1. Meanwhile, the surface of the cover plate 2 away from the display panel 1 and the side surface of the cover plate 2 are wrapped by the second buffer layer 8, so that the cover plate 2 can be protected when the display module 100 falls, thereby improving the reliability of the display module 100.

[0146] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, in the case that the display module 100 further includes the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 can 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 in the range of the first buffer layer 7.

[0147] Therefore, on the one hand, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 can shield the non-transparent circuit structure in the non-display area BB to achieve a decorative effect, and effectively isolate the edge beam of the cover plate 2, absorb or reflect the internal diffuse reflection light of the cover plate 2, and avoid the light from the edge of the cover plate 2, thereby avoiding the light halo phenomenon of the display module 100. On the other hand, the light-shielding pattern layer 4 is located in the range of the first buffer layer 7, so that the light-shielding pattern layer 4 does not need to be attached to the cover plate 2 and the first buffer layer 7 at the same time, thereby improving the attachment effect of the light-shielding pattern layer 4.

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

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

[0150] For example, the hydrophobic and oleophobic material can include a perfluoropolyether polymer. The perfluoropolyether polymer can improve the water drop angle of the surface of the second buffer layer to achieve the effect of being hydrophobic and oleophobic, so that dirt or other film layers are not easily adhered.

[0151] It can be understood that the side of the second buffer layer 8 away from the cover plate 2 is further provided with a client replaceable protective film when the display module 100 is shipped. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, by making the material of the second buffer layer 8 include a hydrophobic and oleophobic material, and using the anti-fouling layer to make the dirt or other film layers not easily adhere, the user can easily peel off the client replaceable protective film and replace it with other protective film.

[0152] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, in the case that the display module 100 further comprises the first buffer layer 7 and the second buffer layer 8, the display module 100 further comprises a third buffer layer 9.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 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 can include at least one of a polymer, a transparent PI (Polyimide), or a 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 hard 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 hard 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 hard coating material; and in yet other examples, the material of the third buffer layer 9 includes both a hydrophobic and oleophobic material and a hard coating material.

[0157] The hydrophobic and oleophobic material can refer to the above-mentioned description, which will not be repeated here.

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

[0159] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6, 16-18, the display module 100 further comprises a support 30 located on the non-display side of the display panel 1.

[0160] The support 30 is used to support the display panel 1.

[0161] For example, the material of the support 30 can be metal, such as stainless steel or titanium alloy, etc. For another example, the material of the support 30 is non-metal, such as plastic, glass fiber composite material, or carbon fiber composite material, etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0162] Exemplarily, the thickness of the support 30 ranges from 30 μm to 300 μm. For example, the thickness of the support 30 can be 30 μm, 50 μm, 100 μm, 200 μm, 300 μm, etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0163] Exemplarily, the elastic modulus of the support 30 ranges from 1 MPa to 500 GPa. For example, the elastic modulus of the support 30 can be 1 MPa, 500 MPa, 100 GPa, 350 GPa, 500 GPa, etc. The greater the elastic modulus of the support 30, the stronger the supporting ability and the less likely to be bent. The elastic modulus of the support 30 ranges from 1 MPa to 200 GPa, which can avoid the problem that the elastic modulus of the support 30 is too large, resulting in that the thermal support 30 is not easy to bend, and also avoid the problem that the modulus of the support 30 is too small, resulting in that the supporting performance of the support 30 is poor.

[0164] In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 16, the support 30 includes a first patterned region 31, the first patterned region 31 corresponds to the first bending region 101, and the size of the first patterned region 31 along the first direction X is greater than or equal to the size 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 slot. Wherein, the first direction X is the arrangement direction of the at least one bending part 10 and the at least two non-bending parts 11.

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

[0166] Wherein, the shape, number, depth and arrangement manner of the hole and the slot can be selected according to actual conditions, and embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0167] For example, the first patterned region 31 can be provided with a plurality of holes. In the case that the first patterned region 31 is provided with a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes can be arranged in an array shape, thereby making the bending performance of the first patterned region 31 better and more stable.

[0168] Wherein, along the thickness direction of the display module 100, the shape of the orthographic projection of each hole can be a rectangle, a circle, a diamond or other irregular shape. Embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0169] The shape of the cross section of each hole is a rectangle, a semicircle, a semicircle, a trapezoid, a triangle or other irregular shape, which is a cross section parallel to the axis direction of the hole.

[0170] In the embodiment, the part of the support 30 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is patterned, so that the stress of the part of the support 30 corresponding to the first bending area 101 in the bending process is reduced, the flexibility of the part of the support 30 corresponding to the first bending area 101 is improved, and the display module 100 is more easily bent.

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

[0172] It should be noted that the above "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; in yet other examples, the second patterned area 32 includes at least one hole and at least one slot.

[0173] For example, the second patterned area 32 can be provided with a plurality of slots. In the case that the second patterned area 32 is provided with a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots can be uniformly arranged in an array shape, so that the bending performance of the second patterned area 32 is better and more stable.

[0174] In the embodiment, the part of the support 30 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is patterned, so that the stress of the part of the support 30 corresponding to the second bending area 102 in the bending process is reduced, the flexibility of the part of the support 30 corresponding to the second bending area 102 is improved, and the display module 100 is more easily bent.

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

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

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

[0178] With the above arrangement, by adjusting the overall thickness of the cover plate 2 and the thickness of the support member 30, the neutral layer position of the display module 100 is optimized, for example, the thickness of the cover plate 2 is smaller and the thickness of the support member 30 is larger, so that the neutral layer position of the display module 100 is offset to the direction of the support member 30, the tensile stress in the display panel 1 is reduced, the device in the bending part 10 of the display panel 1 is prevented from being damaged, and the problem that the device in the bending part 10 of the display panel 1 is easily damaged is improved.

[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 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 0.2 to 5.

[0181] Further, 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 0.5 to 2. With the above arrangement, by adjusting 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, the display module 100 has better impact resistance and better bending performance.

[0182] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the edge of the cover plate 2 exceeds the edge of the display panel 1.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 19, the display module 100 further comprises a middle frame 40, the middle frame 40 is installed at the edge of the cover plate 2, and the middle frame 40 is provided with a step 41 close to one side of the cover plate 2, and one end of the cover plate 2 close to the middle frame 40 is lapped at the step 41.

[0184] For example, the part of the side surface of the cover plate 2 close to the display panel 1 is lapped at the step 41 and bonded with the middle frame 40.

[0185] For example, the part of the side surface of the cover plate 2 lapped at the step 41 and the middle frame 40 can be bonded by OCA glue.

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

[0187] For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the display module 100 further comprises a glue frame 50 located away from the display panel 1 on the side of the support member 30. The part of the side surface of the glue frame 50 away from the support member 30 abuts against the middle frame 40.

[0188] In an implementation manner, a display side of the display module 100 is provided with a pressing strip, and the display panel 1 is fixed by the pressing strip and the middle frame. The pressing strip is a metal layer and a rubber layer arranged in a stack, so that there is a black edge at the edge position of the display module 100.

[0189] In the embodiment, the cover plate 2 is located at the display side of the display panel 1, the edge of the cover plate 2 exceeds the edge of the display panel 1, and the cover plate 2 is overlapped at the step 41 of the middle frame 40. The glue frame 50 located at the non-display side of the display panel 1 is abutted with the middle frame 40, so as to realize the fixed compression of the display panel 1 and improve the problem that the edge of the display module 100 is easy to be warped in the folding process. Compared with the fixed compression of the display panel 1 by the pressing strip and the middle frame, the display module 100 of the present disclosure realizes the frameless design.

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

[0191] In some examples, the substrate 110 described above can be a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate can be a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) substrate, a PEN (Polyethylene naphthalate two formic acid glycol ester) substrate, or a PI (Polyimide) substrate, etc.

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

[0193] With the above arrangement, the thickness of the part of the substrate 110 corresponding to the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 is small, which can improve the bending performance of the display panel 1 and prevent the devices of the first bending area 101 and the second bending area 102 from being damaged.

[0194] For example, as shown in FIGS. 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 (TFT), capacitors, etc. For example, the pixel driving circuit 121 can specifically be of a structure of “2T1C”, “6T1C”, “7T1C”, “6T2C”, or “7T2C”, etc. Here, “T” represents a transistor, for example, a thin film transistor. The number before “T” represents the number of transistors. “C” represents a capacitor, and the number before “C” represents the number of capacitors. In the drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure, only one thin film transistor 122 is schematically shown. 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, and the light emitting devices 131 are electrically connected with the pixel driving circuit 121. The pixel driving circuit 121 can provide a driving signal for the light emitting device 131 to drive the light emitting device 131 to emit light.

[0197] For example, the plurality of pixel driving circuits 121 and the plurality of light emitting devices 131 can be one-to-one coupled. For another example, one pixel driving circuit 121 can be coupled with a plurality of light emitting devices 131. For another example, a plurality of pixel driving circuits 121 can be coupled with one light emitting device 131.

[0198] For example, the plurality of pixel driving circuits 121 and the plurality of light emitting devices 131 can be one-to-one coupled. For another example, one pixel driving circuit 121 can be coupled with a plurality of light emitting devices 131. For another example, a plurality of pixel driving circuits 121 can be coupled with one light emitting device 131.

[0199] Hereinafter, the structure of the display panel 1 will be schematically described by taking an example of one pixel driving circuit 121 coupled with one light emitting device 131.

[0200] For example, in the display panel 1, the pixel driving circuit 121 can generate a driving signal, each light emitting device 131 can emit light under the driving action of the driving signal generated by the corresponding pixel driving circuit 121, and the light emitted by the plurality of light emitting devices 131 cooperates with each other, so that the display panel 1 realizes image display.

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

[0202] For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the light emitting device 131 includes an anode 1311, a light emitting part 1312, and a cathode 1313, which are sequentially stacked in a direction away from the substrate 110. Among them, the anode 1311 is electrically connected with the drain of the thin film transistor 122 used as a driving transistor in the pixel driving circuit 121.

[0203] As shown in FIGS. 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 prevent water and oxygen from damaging the light emitting devices in the light emitting device layer 130, thereby prolonging the service life of the light emitting devices.

[0205] For another example, the encapsulation layer 140 includes a first inorganic layer, an organic layer, and a second inorganic layer arranged in sequence from bottom to top. Of course, the encapsulation layer 140 can further include more inorganic layers and organic layers.

[0206] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 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 configured to implement the touch function of the display panel 1.

[0207] For example, the touch function layer 150 can be an FMLOC structure. In this way, the thickness of the display panel 1 can be reduced, which is conducive to the lightweight design of the display panel 1.

[0208] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present disclosure, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be subject to the protection 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 of any one of claims 1-5, 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 to 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 a direction of arrangement of the at least one bending part and the at least two non-bending parts.

18. The display module of any one of claims 1-17, 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.

Images