Display module, support member, and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a display module, a support member, and an electronic device. The display module is applied to an electronic device. The display module comprises: a flexible display screen and a support member which are stacked, and the support member is arranged on the side facing away from a light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen. The support member comprises: a first non-bending region, a second non-bending region, and a bending region which correspond to the display module. When the display module is in an unfolded state, the bending region is disposed between the first non-bending region and the second non-bending region. The first non-bending region and the second non-bending region comprise a first composite board layer, the bending region comprises a first region, and the surface of the first region facing away from the flexible display screen is provided with a groove. Therefore, by providing the groove in the bending area, the bending performance of the electronic device can be improved, the modulus variation is also more uniform, creases of the display module can be reduced, and resistance to compression and to impact and drop can be improved.

Description

Display modules, support components, and electronic devices

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510061907.7, filed on January 14, 2025, entitled "Display Module, Support and Electronic Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display module, a support member, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of display technology, foldable display terminals are gradually becoming a development trend for future mobile electronic products. A foldable display terminal includes at least a flexible display screen. The performance of each component directly affects the performance of the display screen. To maintain the flatness and rigidity of the flexible display screen, there is usually one or more layers of metal underneath as a support structure.

[0004] To improve the bending performance of the support component, through holes can be provided in the portion of the support component corresponding to the bending area of ​​the flexible display screen. However, providing through holes in the support component can affect the extrusion resistance and impact resistance of the display module, making it prone to creases. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a display module, a support member, and an electronic device, which solves the problem that creases are easily generated when through holes are set on the support member.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A first aspect of this application provides a display module, comprising: a flexible display screen and a support member stacked together, the support member being disposed on a side facing away from the light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen; the flexible display screen including a first bent portion, a first non-bent portion, and a second non-bent portion, the first bent portion connecting the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion; the support member including: a first non-bent area corresponding to the first non-bent portion, a second non-bent area corresponding to the second non-bent portion, and a bent area corresponding to the first bent portion; wherein the first non-bent area and the second non-bent area include a first composite plate layer, and the bent area includes: a first region, the surface of the first region facing away from the flexible display screen having a groove. Thus, by providing a groove in the bent area, the bending performance of the electronic device can be improved. Compared with providing through holes in the bent area, the structure is more uniform in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the display module, and the modulus change is more uniform, which can reduce creases and improve resistance to compression and impact drops. The first and second non-bending areas use composite panels, which include fiber composite materials. Fiber composite materials have high strength and are relatively lightweight compared to metal materials such as stainless steel. They can provide good rigid support for the flexible screen while also achieving significant weight reduction benefits, which is conducive to improving the product competitiveness of foldable terminals.

[0008] In one optional implementation, the groove includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The first opening and the second opening are respectively located at both ends of the support member, and the third opening connects the first opening and the second opening, and the third opening is parallel to the bending axis of the support member. Therefore, the groove adopts a strip-shaped structure, which can be a through groove, allowing it to penetrate the support member along the bending line direction, thus improving the bending performance of the support member.

[0009] In one optional implementation, the bending region includes a second composite plate layer. The first composite plate layer comprises multiple layers of first fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member. The second composite plate layer comprises multiple layers of second fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member. The number of first fiber composite layers is greater than the number of second fiber composite layers in the first region, forming the first groove in the first region. Thus, all parts of the support member utilize composite plate layers, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the first fiber composite layer includes a first portion disposed in the first non-bending region and a second portion disposed in the second non-bending region; the second fiber composite layer includes a third portion disposed in the bending region; the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are disposed in the same layer; and the modulus of the first portion is equal to the modulus of the second portion. Thus, the first and second portions of the fiber composite layer can be integrated into a single structure, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, the modulus of the first part, the modulus of the second part, and the modulus of the third part are all the same. Therefore, the first part, the second part, and the third part are made of a single-layer fiber composite, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0012] In one alternative implementation, the modulus of the first part is equal to the modulus of the second part, and the modulus of the first part is greater than the modulus of the third part. Therefore, different materials can be used in the bending and non-bending areas. A material with a lower modulus can be used in the bending area, resulting in a lower modulus in the bending section compared to the non-bending section, leading to higher elongation at break and better bending performance. Compared to using a material with a high modulus throughout the entire area, the bending performance is better; compared to using a material with a low modulus throughout the entire area, the support effect is better, and the overall light and shadow effect is more pronounced. Thus, both the bending and support performance of the support component can be considered.

[0013] The third part includes: a first sub-part disposed in the thinning region, i.e., the first region, and a second sub-part disposed in the non-thinning region, i.e., the second region, wherein the modulus of the first part is greater than the modulus of the third part, which can make the modulus of the first part greater than the modulus of the first sub-part, and / or the modulus of the first part greater than the modulus of the second sub-part.

[0014] In one optional implementation, the third part includes a first sub-part disposed in the first region, the modulus of the first sub-part being less than the modulus of the first part. Thus, by using a material with a lower modulus in the groove region, the modulus of the groove region is lower than that of the non-bending region, resulting in higher elongation at break and better bending performance.

[0015] In one optional implementation, the bending region further includes a second region, which is a non-thinned region without grooves. The number of fiber composite layers in the second region is the same as the number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending region. The third part further includes a second sub-part disposed in the second region, wherein the modulus of the second sub-part is less than the modulus of the first sub-part. In this way, the fiber modulus of the non-thinned region of the bending region can be adjusted so that the fiber modulus of the non-thinned region is less than that of the non-bending region, thereby further improving the bending performance of the support member.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the number of layers in the first fiber composite layer is greater than or equal to 2. That is, there are at least 2 fiber composite layers in the thinned region, and the fiber orientations of the 2 fiber composite layers in the thinned region can be different, which is beneficial to make the fibers form a multi-directional distribution and a fiber network, thereby meeting the mechanical strength requirements of the fiber composite material in different directions and providing better rigid support for the flexible screen.

[0017] In one alternative implementation, the fiber directions of two adjacent first fiber composite layers are perpendicular. This allows the fibers to be continuously distributed in multiple directions, improving the strength of the fiber composite material in all directions and enhancing its overall mechanical properties.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, the second region is positioned between the first region and the first non-bending region. Thus, the second region can serve as a modulus transition region, with the modulus gradually decreasing from the first non-bending region, through the second region, back to the first region, resulting in a more uniform modulus change and improving the bending reliability of the support component.

[0019] In one optional implementation, the first composite plate layer further includes a first film layer, which is spaced apart from the first fiber composite layer. Thus, the first film layer can reduce the rebound force generated when the support layer is bent.

[0020] In one optional implementation, the second composite layer further includes a second film layer, which is spaced apart from the second fiber composite layer. Thus, the second film layer can reduce the rebound force generated when the support layer is bent.

[0021] In one optional implementation, the first film layer is made of at least one of a polymer material and a metallic material. The second film layer can be made of the same material as the first film layer. This allows both the first and second film layers to be relatively thin and have low moduli.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the bending zone is made of a metallic material. The modulus of the metallic material is lower than that of the composite plate layer, resulting in a lower modulus in the bending section compared to the non-bending section, leading to higher elongation at break and superior bending performance. This approach balances the bending and support performance of the support component.

[0023] In one optional implementation, the support further includes a connecting layer, the first surface of which is connected to the flexible display screen, and the first non-bending area, the second non-bending area, and the bending area are connected to the second surface of the connecting layer. This improves the surface flatness of the support near the flexible display screen, thus helping to maintain the flatness of the flexible display screen.

[0024] In one alternative implementation, the connecting layer is made of a fiber composite layer or a polymer material. Thus, during the hot pressing process, the resin flow through this connecting layer can connect the various parts into a single unit, resulting in an integrated support component.

[0025] In one alternative implementation, the first non-bending region, the second non-bending region, and the bending region are formed by hot pressing. Therefore, the forming process of the support component is simple and facilitates mass production.

[0026] In one optional implementation, the bending area includes a first bending area, a second bending area, and a third bending area. The support member further includes a first connecting area and a second connecting area. The first non-bending area, the second bending area, the first connecting area, the first bending area, the second connecting area, the third bending area, and the second bending area are sequentially connected. The groove includes a first groove disposed in the first bending area. Thus, the support member can be used for teardrop-shaped screens, which can weaken the film printing on the teardrop-shaped screen and adjust the teardrop shape.

[0027] In one optional implementation, the groove further includes a second groove and a third groove, the second groove being disposed in the second bending region and the third groove being disposed in the third bending region. This further improves the bending performance of the second and third bending regions.

[0028] In one alternative implementation, the bending region is provided with a through hole. This can further improve the bending performance of the bending region.

[0029] In one optional implementation, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the groove includes: rectangular, trapezoidal, arc-shaped, and stepped. Thus, when the groove is rectangular, the transition from bottom to top is rapid. When the groove is trapezoidal, arc-shaped, or stepped, the transition from bottom to top is gradual, resulting in a more uniform modulus change and improved bending reliability of the support.

[0030] A second aspect of this application provides a support member disposed on a side away from the light-emitting surface of a flexible display screen. The flexible display screen includes a first bent portion, a first non-bent portion, and a second non-bent portion, wherein the first bent portion connects the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion. The support member includes a first non-bent area corresponding to the first non-bent portion, a second non-bent area corresponding to the second non-bent portion, and a bent area corresponding to the first bent portion. The first non-bent area and the second non-bent area include a first composite plate layer, and the bent area includes a first region having a groove on a surface away from the flexible display screen.

[0031] In one optional implementation, the bending area includes a second composite plate layer, wherein the first composite plate layer includes multiple layers of first fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member, and the second composite plate layer includes multiple layers of second fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member, wherein the number of layers of the first fiber composite layer is greater than the number of layers of the second fiber composite layer in the first region, and the first groove is formed in the first region.

[0032] In one optional implementation, the first fiber composite layer includes a first portion disposed in the first non-bending region and a second portion disposed in the second non-bending region, and the second fiber composite layer includes a third portion disposed in the bending region. The first portion, the second portion and the third portion are disposed in the same layer, and the modulus of the first portion is equal to the modulus of the second portion.

[0033] In one optional implementation, the third part includes: a first sub-part disposed in the first region, wherein the modulus of the first sub-part is less than the modulus of the first part.

[0034] In one optional implementation, the bending region further includes: a second region, which is a non-thinning region and has no grooves; the number of fiber composite layers in the second region is the same as the number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending region. The third part further includes: a second sub-part disposed in the second region, wherein the modulus of the second sub-part is less than the modulus of the first sub-part.

[0035] In one alternative implementation, the bending area is made of a metallic material.

[0036] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device including a hinge mechanism and a display module as described above. The hinge mechanism is disposed on the side of the support member opposite to the flexible display screen and corresponds to the bending area. A protrusion is provided on the hinge, which is adapted to the groove. Therefore, by using the aforementioned display module, the electronic device can improve its bending performance, reduce creases, and enhance its resistance to compression and impact drops.

[0037] This application provides a display module, a support member, and an electronic device. The display module is used in an electronic device and includes: a flexible display screen and a support member stacked together, the support member being disposed on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen; the flexible display screen is U-shaped or teardrop-shaped when bent. The support member includes: a first non-bending area, a second non-bending area, and a bending area; wherein the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area include a first composite plate layer, and the bending area includes: a first region, the surface of the first region opposite to the flexible display screen having a groove. Therefore, by providing a groove in the bending area, the bending performance of the electronic device can be improved, the modulus change is more uniform, and creases in the display module can be reduced, improving resistance to compression and impact drops.

[0038] In some embodiments, the bending region also includes a second composite layer, such that the number of fiber composite layers in the first composite layer is greater than the number of fiber composite layers in the second composite layer in the first region, forming a groove in the first region. Thus, by using composite layers in various parts of the support member, the manufacturing process is simplified.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fiber composite layer is located in the thinned region, i.e., the modulus of the first region is lower than that of the non-bending region, resulting in higher elongation at break and better bending performance. This can improve the bending performance of the support.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bending region further includes a second region, which is a non-thinned region and has no groove. The modulus of the fiber composite layer in the non-thinned region of the bending region can be adjusted so that the modulus of the fiber composite layer in the non-thinned region, i.e., the second region, is less than the modulus of the fiber composite layer in the non-bending region, thereby improving the bending performance of the support.

[0041] In other embodiments, the bending area can be formed of a metal material, and a first region of the bending area can be thinned to form a groove. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the disassembly structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a support member;

[0047] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 7A is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of an intermediate product structure for the fabrication of a support member according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the intermediate product structure for the preparation of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 13 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0060] Furthermore, in this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation of the components shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0061] This application provides an electronic device. This electronic device can be a tablet computer, mobile phone, e-reader, remote control, personal computer (PC), laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), in-vehicle device, smart TV, wearable device, television set, or other products with a display interface, as well as smart display wearable products such as smartwatches and smart bracelets. This application does not impose any special limitations on the form of the above-mentioned electronic device.

[0062] For example, the electronic device can be a foldable screen device, including but not limited to foldable phones, foldable tablets, etc.

[0063] For ease of explanation, the following examples all use mobile phones as an example of electronic devices.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the foldable display terminal 1 includes a flexible display screen 10. The flexible display screen 10 can be an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display screen.

[0065] As a self-emissive display, AMOLED displays do not require a backlight module (BLM). Therefore, when the substrate of an AMOLED display is made of a flexible resin material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the AMOLED display can be bent.

[0066] In addition, as shown in Figure 1, the foldable display terminal 1 also includes a rotating mechanism 40 for supporting the flexible display screen 10.

[0067] The rotating mechanism 40 includes a first middle frame 401, a second middle frame 402, and a rotating shaft mechanism 403 disposed between the first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402.

[0068] The first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402 can be used to support the flexible display screen 10, so that the flexible display screen 10 can remain as flat as possible during use and protect the non-display surface of the flexible display screen 10.

[0069] A portion of the flexible display screen 10 is fixed to the first middle frame 401 by an adhesive layer 30, a portion is fixed to the second middle frame 402 by the adhesive layer 30, and a portion is fixed to the rotating shaft mechanism 403 by the adhesive layer 30. The adhesive layer 30 can be a thin film layer formed by applying adhesive; the specific form of the adhesive layer 30 is not limited in this embodiment. Furthermore, other electronic components, such as cameras, headphones, earpieces, buttons, and batteries, can also be disposed on the first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402; the other electronic components disposed on the first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402 are not limited in this embodiment.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flexible display screen 10 may include a first non-bending portion 101 corresponding to the first middle frame 401, a second non-bending portion 102 corresponding to the second middle frame 402, and a bending portion 1003 corresponding to the pivot mechanism 403. The bending portion 1003 may be connected between the first non-bending portion 101 and the second non-bending portion 102.

[0071] The first non-bending portion 101 can be connected to the first middle frame 401, and the second non-bending portion 102 can be connected to the second middle frame 402.

[0072] A hinge mechanism 403 can be connected between the first middle frame and the second middle frame. A portion of the bending portion 1003 of the flexible display screen 10 can be fixed to the hinge mechanism 403. Under the action of the hinge mechanism 403, the first middle frame and the second middle frame can move closer to each other or further away from each other. Correspondingly, the first non-bending portion 101 and the second non-bending portion 102 of the flexible display screen 10 can move closer to each other or further away from each other, so that the flexible display screen 10 can be folded or unfolded.

[0073] When the foldable display terminal 1 is in the folded state, the first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402 can be arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other, and the distance between the first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402 is minimal. Similarly, the first non-bent portion 101 and the second non-bent portion 102 can be arranged parallel to each other and opposite to each other, and the height between the first non-bent portion 101 and the second non-bent portion 102 is minimal. At this time, the first non-bent portion 101 and the second non-bent portion 102 can be considered to be arranged on different planes.

[0074] The foldable display terminal 1 shown in Figure 1 is in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the angle between the first middle frame 401 and the second middle frame 402 can be approximately 180°, and the flexible display screen 10 can be in the unfolded state shown in Figure 1.

[0075] Foldable electronic devices can be unfolded into a flat state, folded into a closed state, or exist in an intermediate state between the two. Foldable electronic devices have at least two states: a flat state and a closed state. In some cases, a third state, an intermediate state between the flat and closed states, may be further included. The intermediate state is not unique; it can be any one or more states between the flat and closed states of the electronic device.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the foldable display terminal adopts an inward folding design, and the flexible display screen 10 is located inside the device when folded.

[0077] In other embodiments, the foldable display terminal adopts an outward folding design, in which the flexible display screen 10 is located on the outside of the device when folded.

[0078] Figure 1 above illustrates a dual-screen electronic device. The foldable electronic devices involved in this application embodiment can also be devices with more screens, such as three-screen foldable, four-screen foldable, five-screen foldable, and other electronic devices.

[0079] The following description uses a dual-screen foldable electronic device as an example. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a foldable display terminal. As shown in Figure 2, in order to protect the flexible display screen 10, the electronic device also includes a support member 200, which is disposed on the backlight side of the flexible display screen 10 and is used to provide reliable support for the flexible display screen 10.

[0080] The support member can be used in foldable terminals as an under-screen support for flexible displays. For example, the support member 200 can be a bamboo book structure.

[0081] As shown in Figure 2, the support member 200 is positioned below the flexible display screen 10.

[0082] This application does not limit the structure of the support member in its embodiments. In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the support member 200 includes a first non-bending area 201, a bending area 2003, and a second non-bending area 202 connected in sequence. When the display screen is in a flattened state, the first non-bending area 201, the bending area 2003, and the second non-bending area 202 are distributed along a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the support member 200. When the display screen is in a folded state, the bending area 2003 is in a bent state.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the support member 200 includes: a first non-bending area 201 connected to the first non-bending portion 101, a second non-bending area 202 connected to the second non-bending portion 102, and a bending area 2003 partially connected to the first bending portion 103.

[0084] When the display screen is in a flattened state, the bending area 2003 is located between the first non-bending area 201 and the second non-bending area 202.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, the foldable display terminal is U-shaped when bent.

[0086] In some other embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the foldable display terminal is teardrop-shaped when bent.

[0087] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the bending portion 1003 of the flexible display screen 10 includes: a second bending portion 104, a first bending portion 103, and a third bending portion 105. The flexible display screen 10 also includes: a first transition portion 106 and a second transition portion 107.

[0088] The first non-bending portion 101, the second bending portion 104, the first transition portion 106, the first bending portion 103, the second transition portion 107, the third bending portion 105, and the second non-bending portion 102 are connected in sequence.

[0089] In some embodiments, the bending region 2003 of the support member 200 includes: a first bending region 203, a second bending region 204, and a third bending region 205. The support member also includes: a first connecting region 206 and a second connecting region 207.

[0090] The first non-bending area 201, the second bending area 204, the first connecting area 206, the first bending area 203, the second connecting area 207, the third bending area 205, and the second non-bending area 202 are connected in sequence.

[0091] The first non-bending area 201 can be connected to the first non-bending portion 101, thereby providing mechanical support for the first non-bending portion 101. The second non-bending area 202 can be connected to the second non-bending portion 102, thereby providing mechanical support for the second non-bending portion 102. The first bending area 203 can be correspondingly connected to the first bending portion 103, thereby providing mechanical support for the first bending portion 103. The second bending area 204 can be correspondingly connected to the second bending portion 104, thereby providing mechanical support for the second bending portion 104. The third bending area 205 can be correspondingly connected to the third bending portion 105, thereby providing mechanical support for the third bending portion 105. The first connecting area 206 can be correspondingly attached to the first transition portion 106, thereby providing mechanical support for the first transition portion 106. The second connecting area 207 can be correspondingly attached to the second transition portion 107, thereby providing mechanical support for the second transition portion 107.

[0092] In one example, when the flexible display screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the first non-bending portion 101, the second bending portion 104, the first bending portion 103, the third bending portion 105, and the second non-bending portion 102 can all be in a flat state.

[0093] Accordingly, when the flexible display screen 10 is in the unfolded state, the support member 200 can also be in the unfolded state, and the first non-bending area 201, the second bending area 204, the first bending area 203, the third bending area 205, and the second non-bending area 202 can all be in a flat state. The first non-bending area 201 being in a flat state means that any two different positions of the first non-bending area 201 can be considered to be located on the same plane.

[0094] As shown in Figure 4, when the flexible display screen 10 is in a folded state, the first bending portion 103 can be in a bent state.

[0095] Accordingly, the first bending region 203 can be in a bent state. Both the first non-bending portion 101 and the second non-bending portion 102 can be in a flat state. The second bending portion 104 and the third bending portion 105 can both be in a (slight) bent state (the curvature of the (slight) bent state can be smaller than the curvature of the folded state), wherein the curvature of the second bending portion 104 can be smaller than the curvature of the first bending portion 103, and the curvature of the third bending portion 105 can be smaller than the curvature of the first bending portion 103. The second bending portion 104 can serve as a transition between the flat state of the first non-bending portion 101 and the bent state of the first bending portion 103, and the third bending portion 105 can serve as a transition between the flat state of the second non-bending portion 102 and the bent state of the bending portion 103. Both the second bending region 204 and the third bending region 205 can be in a (slight) bent state. The bending arc of the second bending region 204 can be smaller than that of the first bending region 203, and the bending arc of the third bending region 205 can be smaller than that of the first bending region 203. The second bending region 204 can serve as a transition between the flat state of the first non-bending region 201 and the bent state of the first bending region 203, and the third bending region 205 can serve as a transition between the flat state of the second non-bending region 202 and the bent state of the first bending region 203.

[0096] One example is a support member that forms a U-shape when bent. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of such a support member. To achieve the bending performance of the support member, as shown in Figure 5, a through hole 1000 can be provided in the bending area 2003 of the support member. However, providing a through hole 1000 on the support member will affect the extrusion resistance and impact resistance of the display module, and is prone to causing creases.

[0097] Therefore, this application provides an improved support member. The support member is disposed on the side away from the light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen. The bending area 2003 of the support member, that is, the part corresponding to the bending area of ​​the flexible display screen, adopts a thinning design, which can reduce or eliminate the opening in the bending area 2003, reduce creases, and improve the performance of resistance to compression and impact drop.

[0098] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a display module provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the display module includes: a flexible display screen 10 and a support member 200 stacked together. The support member 200 is disposed on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen 10. The flexible display screen 10 includes a first non-bending portion 101, a second non-bending portion 102, and a bending portion 1003. The bending portion 1003 can be connected between the first non-bending portion 101 and the second non-bending portion 102. The support member 200 includes: a first non-bending area 201 corresponding to the first non-bending portion 101, a second non-bending area 202 corresponding to the second non-bending portion 102, and a bending area 2003 corresponding to the first bending portion 1003.

[0099] In some embodiments, the bending region 2003 includes a first region having a groove 2000 on the surface of the flexible display screen facing away from it. For example, the first region of the bending region 2003 can be thinned to form the groove 2000. The thickness of the first region can be reduced by etching, machining, or other methods, or multiple layers of prepreg of different sizes can be stacked together and hot-pressed to form the groove 2000.

[0100] In some embodiments, the extending direction of the groove 2000 is, for example, parallel to the bending line of the display module. The display module can be bent along this bending line, which is parallel to the axis OO.

[0101] This application embodiment does not limit the structure of the groove 2000. The groove 2000 can be a through groove or a blind groove. A through groove refers to a groove 2000 that extends along the axial direction, while a blind groove refers to a groove 2000 that does not extend. When the groove 2000 is a through groove, the groove 2000 includes: a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The first opening and the second opening are respectively disposed at both ends of the support member, and the third opening connects the first opening and the second opening, and the third opening is parallel to the bending axis direction of the support member.

[0102] The support member provided in this application improves the bending performance of electronic devices by providing a groove 2000 in the bending area 2003. Furthermore, compared to providing a through hole in the bending area 2003, the structure is more uniform in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the display module, resulting in greater structural stability under forces perpendicular to the thickness direction. Thus, by providing the groove 2000 in the bending area 2003, creases can be reduced, and resistance to compression and impact drops can be improved.

[0103] The material of the support member is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, referring again to FIG6, the first non-bending region 201 and the second non-bending region 202 include a first composite plate layer.

[0104] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7A, FIG7A is a schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of the present application. The bending region 2003 may be made of a composite plate layer. Alternatively, as shown in FIG12, the bending region 2003 may also be made of other materials.

[0105] The composite board layer can be made of fiber composite material or a composite board layer formed by fiber composite material and other materials. The fiber composite material is made of carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, ceramic fiber, etc., and is formed by winding, molding or pultrusion and other molding processes with the matrix material.

[0106] The support component provided in this application embodiment can be made of fiber composite material. Fiber composite material has high strength and is relatively light in weight compared to metal materials such as stainless steel. It can provide good rigid support for flexible screen while having a high weight reduction benefit, which is conducive to improving the product competitiveness of foldable terminal.

[0107] The composite layer of this application includes a fiber skeleton and a polymer material cured on the fiber skeleton. In the embodiments of this application, the polymer material includes resin and / or rubber. In this application, the specific types of resin and rubber are not particularly limited, as long as they can meet the application requirements of electronic devices and provide sufficient rigid support for the flexible screen in conjunction with the fibers. For example, the polymer material includes, but is not limited to, one or more of epoxy resin, phenolic resin, amino resin, unsaturated polyester, silicone ether resin, polyolefin, polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyphenylene ether, and polysulfone. In order to minimize the overall weight of the flexible screen support structure, a polymer material with relatively small mass can be selected while meeting the mechanical support requirements. The polymer material can be impregnated and cured on the composite layer by solution impregnation or hot-melt method combined with hot-pressing process.

[0108] In this embodiment, the fibers in the composite board layer are continuous fibers, including but not limited to one or more of glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, alumina fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, and poly(p-phenylenebenzodioxazole) fiber. Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber refers to fiber spun from polyethylene with a molecular weight > 1 million. The composite board layer can be woven from a single type of fiber or from a blend of two or more fibers. Blending allows for the integration of the performance advantages of multiple fibers.

[0109] This application does not limit the fiber content in fiber composite materials. For example, the fiber content in fiber composite materials can range from 10% to 80%. The fiber content in fiber composite materials can be adjusted according to specific rigidity support requirements and the mechanical properties of the selected resin or rubber. Generally, the higher the fiber content, the lighter the overall weight of the fiber composite material, which is more beneficial for weight reduction. In some embodiments, considering both rigidity support performance and weight reduction requirements, the fiber content in fiber composite materials is 30% to 70% by mass.

[0110] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7A, the bending region 2003 includes a second composite plate layer. The first composite plate layer includes multiple layers of first fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member, and the second composite plate layer includes multiple layers of second fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member. The number of layers of the first fiber composite layers is greater than the number of layers of the second fiber composite layers in the first region, and the first groove is formed in the first region.

[0111] For example, the number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending region 201 is equal to the number of fiber composite layers in the second non-bending region 202, and the number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending region 201 is greater than the number of fiber composite layers in the bending region 2003. The first non-bending region 201, the second non-bending region 202, and the bending region 2003 are arranged to form the groove 2000.

[0112] In this embodiment, all parts of the support are made of composite plates, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0113] In this embodiment, the composite board layer may include multiple (two or more) fiber composite layers. For example, as shown in FIG7A, the support member includes: a first support layer 21, a second support layer 22, a third support layer 23, a fourth support layer 24, and a fifth support layer 25. Each support layer is a fiber composite layer.

[0114] In some embodiments, taking the first support layer 21 as an example, the first support layer 21 includes: a first portion 2011 located in the first non-bending region, a second portion 2021 located in the second non-bending region, and a third portion 2031 located in the first bending region, wherein the first portion 2011, the second portion 2021, and the third portion 2031 are disposed in the same layer. In some embodiments, the first portion 2011, the second portion 2021, and the third portion 2031 can be integrally formed. In this way, the fiber composite layer near the flexible display screen adopts an integral structure, and the manufacturing process is simpler.

[0115] This application embodiment does not impose strict limitations on the modulus relationship between different parts of the same fiber composite layer. In some embodiments, the moduli of different parts of the same fiber composite layer are the same. For example, the first part 2011, the second part 2021, and the third part 2031 have the same modulus.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first portion 2011 and the second portion 2021 have the same modulus. The modulus of the first portion 2011 is greater than the modulus of the third portion 2031. For example, the fiber materials in the fiber composite layers corresponding to the first portion 2011 and the third portion 2031 can be different, while the matrix material is the same. For instance, the modulus of the fibers in the first portion 2011 can be equal to the modulus of the fibers in the second portion 2021, and the modulus of the fibers in the first portion 2011 can be greater than the modulus of the fibers in the third portion 2031. Thus, different materials can be used in the bending and non-bending areas. A material with a lower modulus can be used in the bending area, making the modulus of the bending portion smaller than that of the non-bending area, resulting in higher elongation at break and better bending performance. Compared with using a material with a high modulus for the entire area, the bending performance is better; compared with using a material with a low modulus for the entire area, the support effect is better, and the large-area light and shadow effect is better. In this way, both the bending performance and support performance of the support can be taken into account.

[0117] This application does not limit the number of layers in the first fiber composite layer, wherein the number of layers in the first fiber composite layer is greater than or equal to 2. That is, there are at least 2 fiber composite layers in the thinned region. The fiber orientations of the 2 fiber composite layers in the thinned region can be different, which is beneficial to form a multi-directional fiber distribution and a fiber network, thereby meeting the mechanical strength requirements of the fiber composite material in different directions and providing better rigid support for the flexible screen.

[0118] The second support layer 22 includes a fourth portion 2012 located in the first non-bending region, a fifth portion 2022 located in the second non-bending region, and a sixth portion 2032 located in the first bending region. The fourth portion 2012, the fifth portion 2022, and the sixth portion 2032 are integrally formed. Thus, the fiber composite layer near the flexible display screen adopts an integral structure, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0119] In some embodiments, the modulus of the fourth portion 2012 can be equal to the modulus of the fifth portion 2022, and the modulus of the fourth portion 2012 can be greater than the modulus of the sixth portion 2032. Thus, the modulus of the fibers in the bending region of the first fiber composite layer is lower than the modulus of the fibers in the first and second non-bending regions, resulting in a lower modulus in the bending region than in the non-bending region, leading to higher elongation at break and better bending performance. This balances the bending and support performance of the support member.

[0120] In some embodiments, the third support layer 23 includes a seventh portion 2013 located in the first non-bending region and an eighth portion 2023 located in the second non-bending region. The seventh portion 2013 and the eighth portion 2023 have the same modulus.

[0121] The fourth support layer 24 includes a ninth portion 2014 located in the first non-bending region and a tenth portion 2024 located in the second non-bending region. The ninth portion 2014 and the tenth portion 2024 have the same modulus.

[0122] The fifth support layer 25 includes a twelfth portion 2015 located in the first non-bending region and a thirteenth portion 2025 located in the second non-bending region. The twelfth portion 2015 and the thirteenth portion 2025 have the same modulus.

[0123] The first non-bending region 201 includes five layers: the first part 2011, the fourth part 2012, the seventh part 2013, the ninth part 2014, and the twelfth part 2015.

[0124] The second non-bending region 202 comprises five layers: the second part 2021, the fifth part 2022, the eighth part 2023, the tenth part 2024, and the thirteenth part 2025.

[0125] The bending zone 2003 includes two layers: a third part 2031 and a sixth part 2032.

[0126] Thus, the first non-bending area 201 and the second non-bending area 202 each include 5 fiber composite layers, and the bending area 2003 includes 2 fiber composite layers. The number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending area 201 and the second non-bending area 202 is greater than the number of fiber composite layers in the bending area 2003. The first non-bending area 201, the second non-bending area 202 and the bending area 2003 are arranged to form the groove 2000.

[0127] This application does not limit the fiber direction and number of layers in the composite layer of each flat plate. In this application embodiment, the fiber weaving method of each composite layer can be unidirectional weaving or multidirectional weaving. That is, the composite layer can be unidirectional fiber fabric or fiber woven fabric. Unidirectional fiber fabric, also known as uniaxial fiber weaving, refers to a textile with a large number of yarns in one direction (usually the warp, but also the weft) and only a small number of yarns, usually fine yarns, in the other direction. As a result, the entire strength of the fabric is concentrated in one direction. Fiber woven fabric, on the other hand, refers to a textile with multiaxial fiber weaving, with a large number of yarns in multiple directions, and the strength of the fabric is distributed in multiple axes. For example, warp and weft biaxial weaving, i.e., 0° / 90° weaving, means that the fiber distribution of the composite layer is biaxial, with the angles of the two axes being 0° and 90°, and the included angle of the fibers in the two axes being 90°. As another example, 45° weaving (i.e., +45° / -45°) means that the fiber distribution of the composite layer is biaxial, with the angles of the two axes being +45° and -45°, and the included angle of the fibers in the two axes being 90°.

[0128] In some embodiments, the fiber orientations of two adjacent fiber composite layers are different. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7A, in order to better enhance the mechanical strength of the fiber composite material and improve the strength of the fiber composite material in all directions, the two composite plate layers can be stacked at different angles (multi-angle).

[0129] For example, the two composite board layers can be multi-layer unidirectional fiber fabrics stacked at different angles, that is, each composite board layer is a unidirectional fiber fabric.

[0130] The stacking direction of the two composite panels can be any angle within the range of 0°-90°. Among them, stacking multiple composite panels at different angles is beneficial to the formation of multi-directional fiber distribution, forming a fiber network, thereby meeting the mechanical strength requirements of fiber composite materials in different directions and providing better rigid support for flexible screens.

[0131] In some embodiments, the fiber directions of the first support layer 21 and the second support layer 22 are perpendicular. For example, the two unidirectional fiber fabrics can be stacked at different angles, with the fiber direction of the first support layer 21 at 90° and the fiber direction of the second support layer 22 at 0°. In this application, the 90° direction is the x-direction in FIG7A.

[0132] This allows the fibers to be continuously distributed in multiple directions, improving the strength of the fiber composite material in all directions and enhancing its overall mechanical properties.

[0133] For example, adjacent unidirectional fiber fabrics can be stacked at different angles, with the fiber orientation of the first support layer 21, the third support layer 23, and the fifth support layer 25 at 90°, and the fiber orientation of the second support layer 22 and the fourth support layer 24 at 0°. In this application, the 90° direction is the x-direction in Figure 7A.

[0134] As shown in Figure 7B, which is a schematic diagram of an intermediate product structure for the fabrication of a support member according to an embodiment of this application, the first, second, and third prepreg layers, the limiting strip 11, the fourth, and fifth prepreg layers can be hot-pressed. These prepreg layers are stacked. The first, second, third, fourth, and fifth prepreg layers can be integral fiber composite layers, such as resin-based carbon fiber composite materials. The third prepreg layer includes a seventh portion 2013 and an eighth portion 2023, with the limiting strip 11 located between these portions. The fiber direction of the third prepreg layer is the same as that of the first prepreg layer. During the material molding process, the first, second, and third prepreg layers, the limiting strip 11, the fourth, and fifth prepreg layers are bonded together through the flow and adhesion of the resin in the resin-based carbon fiber composite material to form a complete support component. The first prepreg layer includes a first part 2011, a second part 2021, and a third part 2031. The second prepreg layer includes a fourth part 2012, a fifth part 2022, and a sixth part 2032. The fourth prepreg layer includes a ninth part 2014, a tenth part 2024, and an eleventh part 2034. The fifth prepreg layer includes a twelfth part 2015, a thirteenth part 2025, and a fourteenth part 2035.

[0135] In some embodiments, the portions of the fourth and fifth prepreg layers corresponding to the limiting strip 11 can also be removed by laser cutting; that is, the eleventh portion 2034 of the fourth prepreg layer and the fourteenth portion 2035 of the fifth prepreg layer are removed. The limiting strip 11 is then removed to obtain the support member.

[0136] The support member includes a first non-bending area 201, a second non-bending area 202, and a bending area 2003. The first non-bending area 201 includes a first portion 2011, a fourth portion 2012, a seventh portion 2013, a ninth portion 2014, and a twelfth portion 2015 stacked together. The second non-bending area 202 includes a second portion 2021, a fifth portion 2022, an eighth portion 2023, a tenth portion 2024, and a thirteenth portion 2025 stacked together. The bending area 2003 includes a third portion 2031 and a sixth portion 2032 stacked together.

[0137] In other embodiments, the first and second prepreg layers can be integral fiber composite layers, and the third prepreg layer includes a seventh portion 2013 and an eighth portion 2023, with the limiting strip located between the seventh portion 2013 and the eighth portion 2023. The fourth prepreg layer includes three portions corresponding to the seventh portion 2013, the eighth portion 2023, and the limiting strip, and the fifth prepreg layer includes three portions corresponding to the seventh portion 2013, the eighth portion 2023, and the limiting strip.

[0138] During the material molding process, the first, second, third, and fourth layers of prepreg, the limiting strip, and the fifth layer of prepreg are bonded together by the flow and adhesion of the resin in the resin-based carbon fiber composite material to form a complete support component.

[0139] In some embodiments, the limiting strip can be removed, and the portions of the fourth and fifth prepreg layers corresponding to the limiting strip can be degassed to obtain the support member without laser cutting.

[0140] The embodiments of this application do not limit the structure of the bending region 2003. The bending region 2003 includes at least a first region, which has a groove 1000 and is a thinning region.

[0141] In some embodiments, the bending region 2003 includes a first region and a second region, the thickness of the second region being the same as the thickness of the first non-bending region 201, that is, the second region is a non-thinning region. The second region is located between the first region and the first non-bending region 201.

[0142] In some embodiments, to improve the bending performance of the bending region 2003, the modulus of the first portion 2011 may be greater than the modulus of the third portion 2031. For example, as shown in FIG8, FIG8 is a schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application. Taking the first support layer 21 as an example, the third portion 2031 of the first support layer 21 includes: a first sub-portion 2031a disposed in a first region, and a second sub-portion 2031c disposed in a second region. In this embodiment, to make the modulus of the first portion 2011 greater than the modulus of the third portion 2031, the modulus of the first portion 2011 may be greater than the modulus of the first sub-portion 2031a, and / or, the modulus of the first portion 2011 may be greater than the modulus of the second sub-portion 2031c.

[0143] In this way, the fiber modulus of the non-thinned area in the bending zone can be adjusted so that the fiber modulus of the non-thinned area in the bending zone is smaller than that of the non-bending area, which can further improve the bending performance of the support.

[0144] In some embodiments, the bending region further includes a third region, the thickness of which is the same as the thickness of the first non-bending region 201, i.e., the third region is a non-thinning region. The third region is located between the first region and the second non-bending region 202. For example, the third portion 2031 of the first support layer 21 further includes a third sub-portion 2031b disposed in the third region. This allows the modulus of the first portion 2011 to be greater than the modulus of the third sub-portion 2031b. In some embodiments, the moduli of the first sub-portion 2031a, the second sub-portion 2031c, and the third sub-portion 2031b are all the same, and the first sub-portion 2031a, the second sub-portion 2031c, and the third sub-portion 2031b can be the same fiber composite layer.

[0145] In other embodiments, taking the third support layer 23 as an example, the fiber modulus of the portions of the third support layer 23 located in the second region 2003 and the first non-bending region 201 can be adjusted so that the fiber modulus of the portion of the third support layer 23 located in the second region 2003 is lower than the fiber modulus of the portion located in the first non-bending region 201.

[0146] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the third support layer 23 includes: a seventh portion 2013 located in the first non-bending region, a fourth sub-portion 2033a located in the second region, a fifth sub-portion 2033b located in the third region, and an eighth portion 2023 located in the second non-bending region. The seventh portion 2013 and the eighth portion 2023 have the same fiber modulus, the fourth sub-portion 2033a and the fifth sub-portion 2033b have the same fiber modulus, and the fiber modulus of the seventh portion 2013 is greater than that of the fourth sub-portion 2033a.

[0147] The support member provided in this application embodiment has a fiber modulus in the bending zone that is lower than that in the non-bending zone. The first region located in the middle of the bending zone is thinned, while the second and third regions located on both sides of the first region of the bending zone are not thinned. This results in the modulus of the second and third regions being greater than that of the first region, and the modulus of the second and third regions being less than that of the non-bending zone. Thus, the second and third regions can serve as modulus transition regions. The modulus gradually decreases from the first non-bending zone, the second region, to the first region, and also gradually decreases from the second non-bending zone, the third region, to the first region, making the modulus change more uniform and improving the bending reliability of the support member.

[0148] This application does not limit the structure of the composite board layer. In some embodiments, the composite board layer includes: stacked fiber composite layers. In some embodiments, the fiber directions of adjacent fiber composite layers are different. For example, the fiber directions of adjacent fiber composite layers are perpendicular.

[0149] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG9, which is a schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application, the composite plate layer further includes a film layer, which is spaced apart from the fiber composite layer. The black support layer in FIG9 is the film layer. The remaining support layers are fiber composite layers.

[0150] The first composite plate layer includes a first film layer, and the second composite plate layer includes a second film layer. The first film layer and the first fiber composite layer are spaced apart, and the second film layer and the second fiber composite layer are spaced apart.

[0151] This application does not limit the material of the membrane layer. For example, the membrane layer may be made of at least one of a polymer material or a metallic material. The membrane layer has a low modulus, which can reduce the rebound force generated when the support layer is bent.

[0152] In some embodiments, the fiber orientations of the fiber composite layers on both sides of the membrane are different. For example, the fiber orientations of the fiber composite layers on both sides of the membrane are perpendicular.

[0153] In some embodiments, the thickness of the membrane layer is less than the thickness of the fiber composite layer. This thinner membrane layer facilitates a slimmer design for the support member.

[0154] For example, the support member includes five support layers: a first support layer 21, a second support layer 22, a third support layer 23, a fourth support layer 24, and a fifth support layer 25. The first support layer 21 is a fiber composite layer, the second support layer 22 is a membrane layer, the third support layer 23 is a fiber composite layer, the fourth support layer 24 is a membrane layer, and the fifth support layer 25 is a fiber composite layer. The fiber directions of the first support layer 21 and the third support layer 23 are perpendicular, and the fiber directions of the third support layer 23 and the fifth support layer 25 are also perpendicular.

[0155] The embodiments of this application do not limit the number of layers of the support member. The above are only examples for illustration. When the support member adopts a composite plate layer, the number of fiber composite layers in the composite plate layer can be adjusted as needed. These are all within the protection scope of this application.

[0156] The manufacturing process of the support component in this embodiment can be referred to the description of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] This application does not limit the shape of the groove 2000. The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the groove 2000 includes: rectangular, trapezoidal, arc-shaped, and stepped. When the groove 2000 is rectangular, the bottom to top of the groove 2000 is a rapid transition. When the groove 2000 is trapezoidal, arc-shaped, or stepped, the bottom to top of the groove 2000 is a gradual transition, resulting in a more uniform modulus change, which is beneficial for improving the bending reliability of the support member.

[0158] In some embodiments, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the groove 2000 is stepped as an example. For example, as shown in FIG10, FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of the present application. The support member includes seven support layers: a first support layer 21, a second support layer 22, a third support layer 23, a fourth support layer 24, a fifth support layer 25, a sixth support layer 26, and a seventh support layer 27.

[0159] The first support layer 21 includes: a first portion 2011 located in the first non-bending area, a second portion 2021 located in the second non-bending area, and a third portion 2031 located in the first bending area, wherein the first portion 2011, the second portion 2021 and the third portion 2031 are integrally formed.

[0160] The second support layer 22 includes: a fourth part 2012 located in the first non-bending area, a fifth part 2022 located in the second non-bending area, and a sixth part 2032 located in the first bending area, wherein the fourth part 2012, the fifth part 2022 and the sixth part 2032 are integrally formed.

[0161] The third support layer 23 includes: a seventh part 2013 located in the first non-bending area and an eighth part 2023 located in the second non-bending area.

[0162] The fourth support layer 24 includes: a ninth portion 2014 located in the first non-bending area and a tenth portion 2024 located in the second non-bending area.

[0163] The fifth support layer 25 includes: a twelfth part 2015 located in the first non-bending area and a thirteenth part 2025 located in the second non-bending area.

[0164] The sixth support layer 26 includes: a sixteenth portion 2016 located in the first non-bending area and a seventeenth portion 2026 located in the second non-bending area.

[0165] The seventh support layer 27 includes: a nineteenth portion 2017 located in the first non-bending region and a twentieth portion 2027 located in the second non-bending region.

[0166] The first support layer 21 and the second support layer 22 are formed by a whole layer of fiber composite layer. The third support layer 23, the fourth support layer 24, the fifth support layer 25, the sixth support layer 26 and the seventh support layer 27 are provided with holes that pass through the bending line in the areas corresponding to the bending area 2003, and grooves 2000 are formed on the surface of the support.

[0167] The third support layer 23, the fourth support layer 24, and the fifth support layer 25 can be arranged in a stepped manner within the groove 2000. The sixth support layer 26 and the seventh support layer 27 can be flush with the fifth support layer 25 within the groove 2000. Alternatively, they can be arranged in a stepped manner, thus forming a stepped groove 2000.

[0168] As shown in Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of an intermediate product structure for another support component provided in this embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth prepreg layers, along with a limiting strip 11, a limiting strip 12, a fifth, and a limiting strip 13, a sixth, and a seventh prepreg layer, can be hot-pressed together. These layers are stacked. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh prepreg layers can be integral fiber composite layers, such as resin-based carbon fiber composite materials. The third prepreg layer includes a seventh portion 2013 and an eighth portion 2023, with the limiting strip 11 located between these portions. The fiber direction of the third prepreg layer is the same as that of the first prepreg layer. The fourth prepreg layer includes a ninth section 2014 and a tenth section 2024, with the retaining strip 12 located between the ninth section 2014 and the tenth section 2024. The fourth prepreg layer has the same fiber orientation as the first prepreg layer. The fifth prepreg layer includes a twelfth section 2015 and a thirteenth section 2025, with the retaining strip 13 located between the twelfth section 2015 and the thirteenth section 2025. The fifth prepreg layer has the same fiber orientation as the first prepreg layer. The widths of the retaining strips 11, 12, and 13 increase sequentially, resulting in a stepped arrangement of the seventh section 2013, the ninth section 2014, and the twelfth section 2015, as well as a stepped arrangement of the eighth section 2023, the tenth section 2024, and the thirteenth section 2025.

[0169] During the material molding process, the first, second, third, and fourth prepreg layers, along with the limiting strip 11, 12, 13, 13, 14, and 15 layers, are bonded together by the flow and adhesion of the resin in the resin-based carbon fiber composite material to form a complete support component. The first prepreg layer includes parts 2011, 2021, and 2031. The second prepreg layer includes parts 2012, 2022, and 2032. The sixth prepreg layer includes parts 2016, 2026, and 2036. The seventh prepreg layer includes parts 2017, 2027, and 2037.

[0170] In some embodiments, the portions of the fourth and fifth prepreg layers corresponding to the limiting strip can also be removed by laser cutting; that is, the eighteenth portion 2036 of the fourth prepreg layer and the twenty-first portion 2037 of the fifth prepreg layer are removed. The limiting strip is then removed to obtain the support member.

[0171] The support member includes a first non-bending area 201, a second non-bending area 202, and a bending area 2003. The first non-bending area 201 includes a first portion 2011, a fourth portion 2012, a seventh portion 2013, a ninth portion 2014, a twelfth portion 2015, a sixteenth portion 2016, and a nineteenth portion 2017, all stacked together. The second non-bending area 202 includes a second portion 2021, a fifth portion 2022, an eighth portion 2023, a tenth portion 2024, a thirteenth portion 2025, a seventeenth portion 2026, and a twentieth portion 2027, all stacked together. The bending area 2003 includes a third portion 2031 and a sixth portion 2032, all stacked together.

[0172] This application does not limit the size of the support member. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the first region is ≤80µm. Reducing the thickness of the bending region 2003 improves its bending performance. This application does not limit the width of the first groove 2000. For example, the width of the first groove 2000 can be equal to the width of the rotating shaft. This allows a portion of the rotating shaft to be placed within the groove 2000, reducing the overall thickness and achieving a thinner and lighter electronic device. In other embodiments of this application, the width of the first groove 2000 can be greater than the width of the rotating shaft, or it can be less than the width of the rotating shaft.

[0173] This reduces appearance issues, creases, and reliability problems caused by extrusion and impact.

[0174] The bending region 2003 can also be made of a different material than the first non-bending region 201. For example, as shown in Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of another support structure provided in an embodiment of this application, the first non-bending region 201 and the second non-bending region 202 are made of composite plates, and the bending region 2003 is made of metal.

[0175] In the fabrication of this support component, a first, second, and third piece of material can be hot-pressed together. The first piece can be a fiber composite layer, such as a resin-based carbon fiber composite material. The second piece and the first piece are both composite plate layers. The third piece can be a metallic material, such as a titanium alloy. During the molding process, the first, second, and third pieces are bonded together by the flow and adhesive properties of the resin in the resin-based carbon fiber composite material, forming a complete support component. Specifically, the first non-bending area 201 is formed from the first piece of material, the second non-bending area 202 is formed from the second piece of material, and the bending area 2003 is formed from the third piece of material.

[0176] In some examples of this embodiment, the first region of the bending area 2003 can also be thinned to form spliced ​​support layers of unequal thickness. This thinning of the first region can be achieved through an etching process.

[0177] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG13, FIG13 is a schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of the present application. The support member further includes a connecting layer 204, which includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The first surface of the connecting layer 204 is connected to the flexible display screen, and the first non-bending area 201, the second non-bending area, and the bending area 2003 are connected to the second surface of the connecting layer 204. That is, the support layer composed of the first non-bending area 201, the second non-bending area 202, and the bending area 2003 is stacked with the connecting layer 204.

[0178] In the fabrication of this support component, the first, second, third, and fourth blocks can be hot-pressed together. The first block can be a fiber composite layer, such as a resin-based carbon fiber composite material. The second block and the first block both use composite plate layers. The third block can be a metallic material, such as stainless steel, copper alloy, titanium alloy, or aluminum alloy. The fourth block can be a fiber composite layer or a polymer material, where the fiber composite layer can be a resin-based carbon fiber composite material, and the polymer material can be resin. During the molding process, the first, second, third, and fourth blocks are bonded together through the flow and adhesive properties of the resin, forming a complete support component. The first non-bending area 201 is formed from the first block, the second non-bending area 202 is formed from the second block, and the bending area 2003 is formed from the third block.

[0179] In some examples of this embodiment, the first region of the bending area 2003 can also be thinned to form spliced ​​support layers of unequal thickness.

[0180] In some embodiments, to further improve the bending performance of the bending region, as shown in FIG14, FIG14 is a schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application. The bending region 2003 is also provided with a through hole 1000.

[0181] The location of the through hole 1000 is not limited in this embodiment. In some embodiments, the through hole 1000 may be provided only in a first region. The first region may also be provided with a groove 2000, and the through hole 1000 may be provided at the bottom of the groove 2000.

[0182] In some other embodiments, the bending region 2003 further includes a second region, the thickness of which is, for example, equal to the thickness of the first non-bending region 201, and a through hole 1000 may also be provided in the second region.

[0183] The support provided in this application embodiment can further improve the bending performance of the bending region 2003 by providing through holes in the bending region 2003.

[0184] In some embodiments of this application, the support member can also be used for a teardrop-shaped screen as shown in FIG. 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a structural schematic diagram of another support member provided in an embodiment of this application. The support member 200 includes: a first non-bending area 201, a second bending area 204, a first connecting area 206, a first bending area 203, a second connecting area 207, a third bending area 205, and a second non-bending area 202 connected in sequence.

[0185] The groove 2000 includes a first groove 2000a, a second groove 2000b, and a third groove 2000c. The first groove 2000a is disposed in the first bending area 203, the second groove 2000b is disposed in the second bending area 204, and the third groove 2000c is disposed in the third bending area 205. Thus, this support can be used for teardrop-shaped screens, which can weaken the film printing on the teardrop-shaped screen and adjust the teardrop shape.

[0186] The structure and material of the first connecting area 206 and the second connecting area 207 can be referred to the description of the first non-bending area 201 and the second non-bending area 202 in the above embodiments. The structure of the first groove 2000a, the second groove 2000b, and the third groove 2000c can be referred to the description of groove 2000 in the above embodiments. The structure of the first bending area 203, the second bending area 204, and the third bending area 205 can be referred to the description of bending area 2003 above. Further details will not be provided here.

[0187] This application also provides an improved electronic device. The electronic device includes a hinge mechanism and the display module described in the above embodiments. The hinge mechanism is disposed on the side of the support member opposite to the flexible display screen, and the hinge mechanism corresponds to the bending area 2003. A protrusion is provided on the hinge, and the protrusion is adapted to the groove 2000.

[0188] This application provides a display module, a support member, and an electronic device. The display module is used in an electronic device and includes: a flexible display screen and a support member stacked together, the support member being disposed on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen; the flexible display screen is U-shaped or teardrop-shaped when bent. The support member includes: a first non-bending area, a second non-bending area, and a bending area; wherein the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area include a first composite plate layer, and the bending area includes: a first region, the surface of the first region opposite to the flexible display screen having a groove. Therefore, by providing a groove in the bending area, the bending performance of the electronic device can be improved, the modulus change is more uniform, and creases in the display module can be reduced, improving resistance to compression and impact drops.

[0189] In some embodiments, the bending region also includes a second composite layer, such that the number of fiber composite layers in the first composite layer is greater than the number of fiber composite layers in the second composite layer in the first region, forming a groove in the first region. Thus, by using composite layers in various parts of the support member, the manufacturing process is simplified.

[0190] In some embodiments, the fiber composite layer is located in the thinned region, i.e., the modulus of the first region is lower than that of the non-bending region, resulting in higher elongation at break and better bending performance. This can improve the bending performance of the support.

[0191] In some embodiments, the bending region further includes a second region, which is a non-thinned region and has no groove. The modulus of the fiber composite layer in the non-thinned region of the bending region can be adjusted so that the modulus of the fiber composite layer in the non-thinned region, i.e., the second region, is less than the modulus of the fiber composite layer in the non-bending region, thereby improving the bending performance of the support.

[0192] In other embodiments, the bending area can be formed of a metal material, and a first region of the bending area can be thinned to form a groove.

[0193] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, include: A display screen and a support member are stacked together, the support member being disposed on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the display screen; the flexible display screen includes a first bent portion, a first non-bent portion, and a second non-bent portion, the first bent portion connecting the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion; The support member includes: a first non-bending area corresponding to the first non-bending portion, a second non-bending area corresponding to the second non-bending portion, and a bending area corresponding to the first bending portion; The first non-bending area and the second non-bending area both include a first composite plate layer, and the bending area includes a first region, the first region having a first groove on the surface away from the flexible display screen.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first groove includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The first opening and the second opening are respectively disposed at both ends of the support member. The third opening connects the first opening and the second opening, and the third opening is parallel to the bending axis direction of the support member.

3. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bending area includes a second composite plate layer, wherein both the first composite plate layer and the second composite plate layer include: multiple layers of first fiber composite layer stacked along the thickness direction of the support member, and the second composite plate layer includes: multiple layers of second fiber composite layer stacked along the thickness direction of the support member, wherein the number of layers of the first fiber composite layer is greater than the number of layers of the second fiber composite layer in the first region, and the first groove is formed in the first region.

4. The display module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first fiber composite layer includes a first portion disposed in the first non-bending region and a second portion disposed in the second non-bending region. The second fiber composite layer includes a third portion disposed in the bending region. The first portion, the second portion and the third portion are disposed in the same layer. The modulus of the first portion is equal to the modulus of the second portion.

5. The display module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third part includes: a first sub-part disposed in the first region, wherein the modulus of the first sub-part is less than the modulus of the first part.

6. The display module according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The fiber directions of two adjacent first fiber composite layers are perpendicular to each other.

7. The display module according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The bending region further includes: a second region, wherein the number of fiber composite layers in the second region is the same as the number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending region; the third part further includes: a second sub-part disposed in the second region, wherein the modulus of the second sub-part is less than the modulus of the first sub-part.

8. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second region is located between the first region and the first non-bending region.

9. The display module according to any one of claims 3-8, characterized in that, The first composite plate layer further includes a first film layer, which is disposed at an interval from the first fiber composite layer.

10. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The material of the first membrane layer includes at least one of polymer materials and metal materials.

11. The display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bending area is made of metal.

12. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The support further includes a connecting layer, a first surface of which is connected to the flexible display screen, the connecting layer including a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface, the first non-bending area, the second non-bending area and the bending area being connected to the second surface of the connecting layer.

13. The display module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The material of the connecting layer includes: fiber composite layer or polymer material.

14. The display module according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The first non-bending area, the second non-bending area, and the bending area are formed by hot pressing.

15. The display module according to any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that, The bending area includes a first bending area, a second bending area, and a third bending area. The support member also includes a first connecting area and a second connecting area. The first non-bending area, the second bending area, the first connecting area, the first bending area, the second connecting area, the third bending area, and the second bending area are connected in sequence. The groove includes a first groove, which is disposed in the first bending area.

16. The display module according to claim 15, characterized in that, The groove further includes a second groove and a third groove, wherein the second groove is disposed in the second bending area and the third groove is disposed in the third bending area.

17. The display module according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that, The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the groove includes: rectangular, trapezoidal, arc-shaped, and stepped.

18. The display module according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The bending area is provided with through holes.

19. A support member, characterized in that, The support member is disposed on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the flexible display screen; the flexible display screen includes a first bent portion, a first non-bent portion, and a second non-bent portion, the first bent portion connecting the first non-bent portion and the second non-bent portion; the support member includes: a first non-bent area corresponding to the first non-bent portion, a second non-bent area corresponding to the second non-bent portion, and a bent area corresponding to the first bent portion; The first non-bending area and the second non-bending area include a first composite plate layer, and the bending area includes a first region, on the surface of the first region facing away from the flexible display screen, a groove is provided.

20. The support member according to claim 19, characterized in that, The bending area includes a second composite plate layer, wherein the first composite plate layer includes: multiple layers of first fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member; the second composite plate layer includes: multiple layers of second fiber composite layers stacked along the thickness direction of the support member, wherein the number of layers of the first fiber composite layer is greater than the number of layers of the second fiber composite layer in the first region, and the first groove is formed in the first region.

21. The support member according to claim 20, characterized in that, The first fiber composite layer includes a first portion disposed in the first non-bending region and a second portion disposed in the second non-bending region. The second fiber composite layer includes a third portion disposed in the bending region. The first portion, the second portion and the third portion are disposed in the same layer. The modulus of the first portion is equal to the modulus of the second portion.

22. The support member according to claim 21, characterized in that, The third part includes: a first sub-part disposed in the first region, wherein the modulus of the first sub-part is less than the modulus of the first part.

23. The support member according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The bending region further includes: a second region, wherein the number of fiber composite layers in the second region is the same as the number of fiber composite layers in the first non-bending region; the third part further includes: a second sub-part disposed in the second region, wherein the modulus of the second sub-part is less than the modulus of the first sub-part.

24. The support member according to claim 19, characterized in that, The bending area is made of metal.

25. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a pivot mechanism and a display module as described in any one of claims 1-18, wherein the pivot mechanism is disposed on the side of the support member away from the flexible display screen, and the pivot mechanism corresponds to the bending area, and the pivot is provided with a protrusion that is adapted to the groove.

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