DISPLAY MODULE AND DISPLAY DEVICE

A display module, including: a protective cover, a flexible display panel, and a metal heat-dissipation layer. The protective cover includes a main body portion in the shape of a circular plate and a bending portion distributed around the main body portion. The bending portion is fixedly connected to an edge of the main body portion. A light-exit side of the flexible display panel is attached to the protective cover. An orthographic projection of an edge portion of the flexible display panel on the protective cover is within the bending portion. The metal heat-dissipation layer is attached to a side, going away from the protective cover, of the flexible display panel. An orthographic projection of an edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer on the protective cover is within the bending portion. The edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer has a plurality of hollowed-out grooves arranged in arrays.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of display technologies, and in particular, relates to a display module and a display device.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, a display module with a flexible display panel and a protective cover is typically employed as a display screen of a display device. The flexible display panel has the advantages of being deformability, bendability, and more flexibility over conventional display panels.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display module and a display device. The technical solutions are as follows.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display module is provided. The display module includes:a protective cover, a flexible display panel, and a metal heat-dissipation layer; whereinthe protective cover includes: a main body portion in the shape of a circular plate and a bending portion distributed around the main body portion, the bending portion being fixedly connected to an edge of the main body portion;a light-exit side of the flexible display panel is attached to the protective cover, and an orthographic projection of an edge portion of the flexible display panel on the protective cover is within the bending portion; andthe metal heat-dissipation layer is attached to a side, going away from the protective cover, of the flexible display panel, an orthographic projection of an edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer on the protective cover is within the bending portion, and the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer has a plurality of hollowed-out grooves arranged in arrays.

In some embodiments, the hollowed-out groove is disposed on a side, going away from a central portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer, of the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer.

In some embodiments, a width of the hollowed-out groove gradually decreases along a direction from the edge portion to the central portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves are in the shape of at least one of a triangle, a trapezoid, or a bow.

In some embodiments, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves are equally spaced around the central portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer.

In some embodiments, an orthographic projection of the hollowed-out groove on the protective cover is outside the main body portion.

In some embodiments, the flexible display panel includes: a first panel portion attached to the main body portion, a second panel portion distributed around the first panel portion, and a third panel portion fixedly connected to a side, going away from the first panel portion, of the second panel portion; wherein

a boundary of an orthographic projection of the first panel portion on the protective cover is overlapped with a boundary of the main body portion, an orthographic projection of the second panel portion on the protective cover is within the bending portion, and the third panel portion is configured to be bonded to a driver component.

In some embodiments, the second panel portion includes: a panel bending portion, the panel bending portion being fixedly connected to the third panel portion; and the bending portion includes: a first sub-bending portion and a second sub-bending portion, wherein an extension direction of a curved surface, proximal to of the flexible display panel, of the first sub-bending portion is a curved direction, and an extension direction of a curved surface, proximal to of the flexible display panel, of the second sub-bending portion is a linear direction;

wherein an orthographic projection of the panel bending portion of the second panel portion on the protective cover is at least within the second sub-bending portion, and an orthographic projection of the other portion of the second panel portion on the protective cover is at least within the first sub-bending portion.

In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the hollowed-out groove on the protective cover is not overlapped with the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion on the protective cover.

In some embodiments, the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer includes: a first edge heat-dissipation portion, wherein an orthographic projection of the first edge heat-dissipation portion on the protective cover is within the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion on the protective cover, and an extension direction of a side, going away from the central portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer, of the first edge heat-dissipation portion is a linear direction.

In some embodiments, the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer further includes: a second edge heat-dissipation portion in addition to the first edge heat-dissipation portion, and the plurality of hollowed-out grooves are disposed on a side, going away from the central portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer, of the second edge heat-dissipation portion.

In some embodiments, the display module further includes: a support layer, the support layer being disposed between the third panel portion and the first panel portion and attached to the third panel portion and the first panel portion;

wherein an orthographic projection of the support layer on the third panel portion is within the third panel portion.

In some embodiments, a side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion, of the support layer is flush with a side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion, of the metal heat-dissipation layer.

In some embodiments, the support layer is acquired by tailoring an auxiliary support film whole-layered adhered to the metal heat-dissipation layer according to a dimension of the third panel portion.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary support film is configured to be adhered to the third panel portion prior to being tailored; and

a side surface of the support layer is flush with a side surface of the third panel portion.

In some embodiments, the bending portion further includes: a transition portion between the first sub-bending portion and the second sub-bending portion, wherein a curve surface, proximal to the flexible display panel, of the transition portion is tangent to the curved surface, proximal to the flexible display panel, of the first sub-bending portion, and tangent to the curved surface, proximal to the flexible display panel, of the second sub-bending portion.

In some embodiments, the protective cover includes a central light-transmitting region and an edge light-shielding region disposed on a periphery of the central light-transmitting region, at least a portion of the edge light-shielding region being within the bending portion; and the display module further includes: a light-absorbing ink layer disposed on a side, proximal to the flexible display panel, of the protective cover, the light-absorbing ink layer being within the edge light-shielding region.

In some embodiments, the display module further includes: at least one first alignment structure fixed on a side, going away from the protective cover, of the light-absorbing ink layer and at least one second alignment structure fixed on a side, proximal to the protective cover, of the flexible display panel, the at least one first alignment structure being in correspondence to the at least one second alignment structure;

wherein the first alignment structure and the corresponding second alignment structure are configured to align the protective cover with the flexible display panel prior to the protective cover being attached to the flexible display panel.

In some embodiments, the first alignment structure is made of an ink material, and the first alignment structure and the light-absorbing ink layer are in different colors.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes:

a power supply component and a display module, wherein the display module is the display module as described above, and the power supply component is configured to supply power to the display module.

Definite embodiments of the present disclosure, which have been illustrated using the above-described accompanying drawings, will be described in further detail hereinafter. These accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present disclosure for those skilled in the art by reference to particular embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, to clearly present the objects, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure.

A light-exit side of the flexible display panel in the display module is oriented toward the protective cover, and the flexible display panel is attached to the protective cover, such that the flexible display panel is protected by the protective cover.

However, after the protective cover is attached to the flexible display panel, the acquired display module has a wide overall bezel, and thus a screen-to-body ratio of the display module is low.

FIG.1is a schematic structural diagram of a display module according to some practices. Referring toFIG.1in some practices, a flexible display panel10in a display module is typically attached to a planar region in a protective cover20. However, in this case, a space utilization of a bending region in the protective cover20is insufficient. As a result, an overall bezel of the display module is wide, which is not conducive to a narrow bezel design of the display module.

FIG.2is a schematic structural diagram of a display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.3is an exploded schematic diagram of the display module illustrated inFIG.2. Referring toFIG.2andFIG.3, The display module000includes a protective cover100, a flexible display panel200, and a metal heat-dissipation layer300.

The protective cover100in the display module000includes a main body portion101in the shape of a circular plate and a bending portion102distributed around the main body portion101, wherein the bending portion102is fixedly connected to an edge of the main body portion101.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view of a display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.4, a light-exit side of the flexible display panel200in the display module000is attached to the protective cover100, and an orthographic projection of an edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100. In some embodiments, the flexible display panel200refers to a bendable display panel. In some embodiments, the flexible display panel200is a display panel that includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

The metal heat-dissipation layer300in the display module000is attached to a side, going away from the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200. An orthographic projection of an edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300has a plurality of hollowed-out grooves301arranged in arrays.

In some embodiments, the protective cover100in the display module000is arranged on the light-exit side of the flexible display panel200. Because the orthographic projection of the edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, the edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200is capable of being extended into the bending portion102of the protective cover100. Therefore, after the flexible display panel200is attached to the protective cover100, the acquired display module000has a narrow overall bezel and a large screen-to-body ratio, and thus the user experience is improved. In the case that the display module000is integrated into the display device, the overall bezel of the display device is caused to be small, which improves a modifying effect of the bezel to the display device. In addition, the metal heat-dissipation layer300is arranged on the side, going away from the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200, and the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is within the bending portion of the protective cover. Therefore, after the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300extends into the bending portion102of the protective cover100, the plurality of hollowed-out groves301arranged in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300effectively reduce a probability of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300generating an undesirable phenomenon of wrinkles, such that an overall flatness of the flexible display panel200attached to the metal heat-dissipation layer300is good.

In summary, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display module, including: the protective cover, the flexible display panel, and the metal heat-dissipation layer. The protective cover in the display module is arranged on the light-exit side of the flexible display panel. Because the orthographic projection of the edge portion of the flexible display panel on the protective cover is within the bending portion of the protective cover, the edge portion of the flexible display panel is capable of being extended into the bending portion of the protective cover. In this way, after the flexible display panel is attached to the protective cover, the overall bezel of the acquired display module is narrow and the large screen-to-body ratio is large, which improves the user experience. After the display module is integrated into the display device, the overall bezel of the display device is caused to be small, such that an effect of modifying the display device is improved. In addition, the metal heat-dissipation layer is arranged on the side, going away from the protective cover, of the flexible display panel, and the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer is within the bending portion of the protective cover. Therefore, after the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer extends into the bending portion of the protective cover, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves arranged in the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer effectively reduce the probability of the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer generating the undesirable phenomenon of wrinkles, such that the overall flatness of the flexible display panel that is attached to the metal heat-dissipation layer is ensured to be good.

FIG.5is a distribution schematic diagram of a hollowed-out groove in a metal heat-dissipation layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.5, the hollowed-out groove301in the metal heat-dissipation layer300is disposed on a side, going away from a central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301are all disposed on the side, going away from the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In this case, by arranging the hollowed-out groove301on the side, going away from the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, the hollowed-out groove301has an opening k1disposed on a side surface of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In this way, the probability of the undesirable phenomenon of wrinkles occurring on the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300extending into the bending portion102of the protective cover100is further reduced by the means of the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301.

FIG.6is a distribution schematic diagram of another hollowed-out groove in a metal heat-dissipation layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, referring toFIG.6, a width w of each of the hollowed-out groves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is gradually reduced along a direction from the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300to the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In this case, by the plurality of hollowed-out groves301, in one aspect, the probability of the undesirable phenomenon of a large degree of wrinkles occurring on a peripheral portion of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is ensured to be low, and in another aspect, the other portion of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300other than the peripheral portion, in the case of having a small degree of wrinkles, is ensured to have a large effective support area and a large heat-dissipation area to the flexible display panel200, and in still another aspect, it is convenient for the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300to be attached to the edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.5andFIG.6, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are in the shape of at least one of a triangle, a trapezoid, or a bow. In some embodiments, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are all in the shape of a triangle; or, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are all in the shape of a trapezoid; or, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are all in the shape of a bow; or, a portion of the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are in the shape of a triangle, and another portion of the hollowed-out grooves301are in the shape of a trapezoid; or, a portion of the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are in the shape of a triangle, and another portion of the hollowed-out grooves301are in the shape of a bow; or, a portion of the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are in the shape of a trapezoid, and another portion of the hollowed-out grooves301are in the shape of a bow; or, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are in the shapes of a triangle, a trapezoid, and a bow, which is not limited herein.

It should be noted that the number of hollowed-out grooves301of different shapes in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are the same or different, which is not limited herein. It should be also noted that in other possible embodiments, the hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are in other shapes, such as a square, which is not limited herein. In the present disclosure, in the case that the hollowed-out groove301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is in the shape of a triangle, the triangle is an isosceles triangle. In the case that the hollowed-out groove301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is in the shape of a trapezoid, the trapezoid is an isosceles trapezoid.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.5andFIG.6, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300are equally spaced around the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In this case, by arranging the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301to be equally spaced around the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, the force applied to the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is ensured to be uniform when attached to the edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200, such that a securing process between the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300and the edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200is ensured to be good. In addition, by the plurality of equally spaced hollowed-out grooves301, the flatness of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300at various positions is ensured to be uniform, such that the flatness of the edge portion A1of the flexible display panel200is uniform. In this way, the display module000to have a good appearance after the flexible display panel200is attached to the metal heat-dissipation layer300. It should be noted that in other possible embodiments, distances between adjacent two hollowed-out grooves301in the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301are different; or, the distances between adjacent two hollowed-out grooves301in a portion of the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301are different, and the distances between adjacent two hollowed-out grooves301in the other portion of the plurality of hollowed-out grooves301are the same, which is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.2,FIG.5, andFIG.6, an orthographic projection of the hollowed-out groove301of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300on the protective cover100is outside the main body portion101of the protective cover100. In this case, by arranging the orthographic projection of the hollowed-out groove301of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300on the protective cover100to be outside the main body portion101of the protective cover100, the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is not provided with the hollowed-out grooves301. In this way, after the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is attached to the flexible display panel200, the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300supports and protects the flexible display panel200well, and the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300has a good heat-dissipation effect on the flexible display panel200. In the present disclosure, a boundary of an orthographic projection of the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300on the protective cover100is overlapped with a boundary of the main body portion101of the protective cover100.

FIG.7is a schematic structural diagram of another display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.8is an exploded schematic diagram of the display module illustrated inFIG.7.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view of the display module illustrated inFIG.7. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.7,FIG.8, andFIG.9, the flexible display panel200in the display module000includes a first panel portion201attached to the main body portion101of the protective cover100, a second panel portion202distributed around the first panel portion201, and a third panel portion203fixedly connected to a side, going away from the first panel portion201, of the second panel portion202. A boundary of an orthographic projection of the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is overlapped with the boundary of the main body portion101of the flexible display panel200. An orthographic projection of the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100. The third panel portion203is configured to be bonded to a driver component (not illustrated in the figures). In this case, the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200is attached to the main body portion101of the protective cover100, and the orthographic projection of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and thus it is possible to extend the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200into the bending portion102of the protective cover100. As a result, after the flexible display panel200is attached to the protective cover100, the acquired display module000has a narrow overall bezel and a large screen-to-body ratio, such that the user experience is improved.

In addition, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is overlapped with the boundary of the main body portion101of the protective cover100. In this way, by arranging the boundary of the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200to be overlapped with the boundary of the main body portion101of the protective cover100, to be attached to the main body portion101, and to be in the shape of a circle, the connection between the flexible display panel200and the main body portion101of the protective cover100is stable, such that an assembly yield of the display module000is good. It should be noted that, in other possible embodiments, the main body portion101of the protective cover100is a plate structure in the shape of a square, and the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200attached to the main body portion101is in the shape of a square or a circle, which is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, by pad bending the flexible display panel200, the third panel portion203of the flexible display panel200is made to be bonded to the driver component, such that the bezel of the display module000narrows, and thus a narrow bezel design of the display module is achieved. In the present disclosure, the third panel portion203of the flexible display panel200is disposed at a backside of the first panel portion201and arranged parallel to the first panel portion201. After the display module000is integrated into the display device, the third panel portion203is configured to be bonded to the driver component, such that the driver component drives the flexible display panel200in the display module000to display images. In some embodiments, the driver component includes a driver integrated circuit (Driver IC) and a circuit board (not illustrated in the figures).

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.7,FIG.8, andFIG.9, both the bending portion102of the protective cover100and the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200are annular. In this case, by arranging the bending portion102of the protective cover100in an annular shape, the annular bending portion102is matched with the main body portion101which is in the shape of a circular plate. In addition, by arranging the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200in an annular shape, the annular second panel portion202is matched with the annular bending portion102of the protective cover100. In this way, in the case that the orthographic projection of the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, the appearance after the second panel portion202is attached to the bending portion102is good, such that the user experience is improved.

FIG.10is a partially schematic structural diagram of a display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.10, at least a portion of the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200is attached to the bending portion102of the protective cover100. In this case, by arranging the at least portion of the second panel portion202of the second panel portion202to be attached to the bending portion102of the protective cover100, the connection between the flexible display panel200and the protective cover100is further made to be more stable. In some embodiments, a portion of the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200is attached to the bending portion102of the protective cover100. Alternatively, all of the second panel portion202is attached to the bending portion101of the protective cover100. In the present disclosure, the display module000further includes an optical clear adhesive (OCA) layer400between the protective cover100and the flexible display panel200, and a polarizer500. The OCA layer400is configured to attach the flexible display panel200to the protective cover100. One side of the OCA layer400is adhered to the protective cover100, and the other side is adhered to the polarizer500. A side, going away from the OCA layer400, of the polarizer500is in contact with the flexible display panel200. An orthographic projection of the OCA layer400on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and an orthographic projection of the polarizer500on the protective cover100is also within the bending portion102of the protective cover100. The polarizer500reduces an exit amount that external light entering the flexible display panel200exits from the light-exit surface of the flexible display panel200after being reflected by an internal structure of the flexible display panel200.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.7andFIG.8, the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200includes a panel bending portion2021, which is fixedly connected to the third panel portion203of the flexible display panel200. The bending portion102of the protective cover100includes a first sub-bending portion1021and a second sub-bending portion1022. An extension direction of a curved surface a1, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the first sub-bending portion1021is curved, and an extension direction of a curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022is linear. An orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is at least within the second sub-bending portion1022, and an orthographic projection of the other portion of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is at least within the first sub-bending portion1021. In this case, by arranging the extension direction of the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022of the protective cover100to be linear, in the case that the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is within the second sub-bending portion1022, the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202is not be subjected to full-curvature compression. That is, the undesirable phenomenon of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202generating compression wrinkles is effectively reduced, and thus the appearance form of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202is ensured to be good. In the present disclosure, it is possible to arrange an entirety of the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100to be within the second sub-bending portion1022of the protective cover100. In this way, the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202is further ensured not to be subjected to the undesirable phenomenon of full-curvature compression.

FIG.11is a top view of the display module illustrated inFIG.7. In the present disclosure, referring toFIG.7,FIG.8, andFIG.11, in the case that the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is all within the second sub-bending portion1022, a part of the orthographic projection of the other portion of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is within the first sub-bending portion1021, and another part is within the second sub-bending portion1022. In this way, in the case that a part of the orthographic projection of the other portion of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is within the second sub-bending portion1022, a probability of generating air bubbles during the adhering process of the OCA layer300is effectively reduced by adhering this part of the second panel portion202to the second sub-bending portion1022by the OCA layer300. In some embodiments, the curved surface a1, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the first sub-bending portion1021is a circular curved surface, and the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022is also a circular curved surface.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.11, a side, going away from the main body portion101, of the first sub-bending portion1021of the protective cover100is a first table surface a3, and a side, going away from the main body portion101, of the second sub-bending portion1022is a second table surface a4. This first table surface a3and the second table surface a4are coplanar, and a width of the first table surface a3is smaller than that of the second table surface a4. In this case, by arranging the first table surface a3, going away from the main body portion101, of the first sub-bending portion1022of the protective plate100and the second table surface a4, going away from the main body portion101, of the second sub-bending portion1022to be coplanar and the width of the first table surface a3to be smaller than the width of the second table surface a4, the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022is a cylindrical surface. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.11, the width of the second table surface a4, going away from the main body portion101, of the second sub-bending portion1022is gradually reduced along a direction from a center of the second table surface a4to both ends thereof.

FIG.12is a schematic structural diagram of yet another display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.13is an exploded schematic diagram of the display module illustrated inFIG.12. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.2,FIG.12, andFIG.13, the orthographic projection of the hollowed-out groove301in the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300on the protective cover100is not overlapped with the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100. In this case, by arranging the orthographic projection of the hollowed-out groove301on the protective cover100to be not overlapped with the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100, there is no need to arrange the hollowing groove301within a region, attached to the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. Because an orthographic projection of the region, attached to the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is within the second sub-bending portion1022, this region is not subjected to full-curvature compression, such that the probability of wrinkles occurring to the region, attached to the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is low. In addition, because the region, attached to the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202, of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is not provided with the hollowed-out groove301, this portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer300is ensured to have a large contact area with the flexible display panel200, which has a great effect of supporting and protecting the flexible display panel200.

FIG.14is a schematic structural diagram of the metal heat-dissipation layer illustrated inFIG.12. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.12andFIG.14, the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300in the display module000includes a first edge heat-dissipation portion B11. An orthographic projection of the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11on the protective cover100is within the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021on the protective cover100, and an extension direction of a side, going away from the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11is a linear direction. In this case, by arranging the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11to be attached to the panel bending portion2021, it is possible to provide good heat-dissipation for the panel bending portion2021. In addition, the extension direction of the side, going away from the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11is arranged to be linear, which is matched with a curved direction of the curved surface of the second sub-bending portion1022, such that the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11is prevented from affecting the form of the panel bending portion2021after being subjected to compression deformation.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.14, the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300further includes a second edge heat-dissipation portion B12in addition to the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11. The plurality of hollowed-out grooves301in the metal heat-dissipation layer300are disposed on a side, going away from the central portion B2of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the second edge heat-dissipation portion B12of the edge portion B1of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In this case, because the orthographic projection of the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11on the protective cover100is within the orthographic projection of the panel bending portion2021on the protective cover100, the probability of full-curvature compression deformation occurring in the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11is low, such that the hollowed-out groove301are not arranged in the region where the first edge heat-dissipation portion B11is disposed, which ensures the support strength and heat-dissipation effect of this region.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.9andFIG.10, the display module000further includes an adhesive layer600and a cushioning foam layer700that are stacked between the metal heat-dissipation layer300and the first panel portion201. The adhesive layer600is between the cushioning foam layer700and the first panel portion201, and the metal heat-dissipation layer300is disposed on a side, going away from the adhesive layer600, of the cushioning foam layer700. In this way, a super clean foam (SCF) formed by the adhesive layer600, the cushioning foam layer700, and the metal heat-dissipation layer300supports and protects the flexible display panel200well. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer600is a grid adhesive layer, and the metal heat mesh layer300is copper foil or other metals, which is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.9, the display module000further includes a support layer800. The support layer800is disposed between the third panel portion203and the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200and attached to the third panel portion203and the first panel portion201. An orthographic projection of the support layer800on the third panel portion203is within the third panel portion203. In this case, by providing the support layer800between the first panel portion201and the third panel portion203of the flexible display panel200, wherein the support layer800is attached to the first panel portion201and the third panel portion203, the first panel portion201and the third panel portion203are ensured to be well supported, such that the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202is ensured to have a good form.FIG.15is a schematic structural diagram of a support layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.15, the support layer800includes two layers of adhesive layer801and a buffer layer802between the two layers of adhesive layer801. A side, going away from the buffer layer802, of one of the two layers of adhesive layer801is attached to the metal heat-dissipation layer300, and a side, going away from the metal heat-dissipation layer300, of the other of the two layers of adhesive layer801is attached to a backside of the third panel portion203. In some embodiments, the cushioning layer802is a film layer structure made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.9andFIG.10, a side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202, of the support layer800in the display module000is flush with a side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the metal heat-dissipation layer300. In this case, by arranging the side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the support layer800to be flush with the side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, the third panel portion203is well supported, such that the support effect on the panel bending portion2021is good, and thus a probability of undesirable phenomena such as collapse occurring to the panel bending portion2021is low. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the metal heat-dissipation layer300, a side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the adhesive layer600, and a side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the cushioning foam layer700are capable of being flush. In this way, the side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the support layer800and the side surface, proximal to the panel bending portion2021, of the adhesive layer600are flush.

In some embodiments, the support layer800in the display module000is acquired by tailoring an auxiliary support film whole-layered adhered to the metal heat-dissipation layer300according to a dimension of the third panel portion203of the flexible display panel200. In some embodiments, first, the auxiliary support film is whole-layered attached to the SCF; then, the support layer800is acquired by tailoring the auxiliary support film based on the dimension of the third panel portion203; thereafter, the SCF and the support layer800are attached integrally to the backside of the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200; and, finally, a backside of the third panel portion203is attached with the support layer800. Finally, the backside of the third panel portion203is attached to the support layer800. In this way, attaching the whole layer of the auxiliary support layer to the SCF is convenient, which simplifies the process of attaching and is conducive to improving the production capacity. Alternatively, the auxiliary support film is whole-layered attached to the SCF first; then, the SCF and the auxiliary support film are integrally attached to the backside of the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200; thereafter, the backside of the third panel portion203is attached to the auxiliary support film; and finally, the support layer800is acquired by tailoring the auxiliary support film based on the dimension of the third panel portion203. That is, the auxiliary support film is attached to the third panel portion203of the flexible display panel200before being tailored. A side surface of the support layer800acquired after tailoring the auxiliary support film is flush with a side surface of the third panel portion203. In this way, a contact area between the support layer800and the third panel portion203is large, such that the support effect on the third panel portion203is good. In addition, by attaching the support layer800to the SCF as described above, a thickness of the cushioning layer802in the support layer800is appropriately reduced, such that a small elastic force is generated after the support layer800enters the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and thus an attaching yield of the support layer800, the flexible display panel200, and the SCF is ensured to be high.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.7andFIG.8, the bending portion102of the protective cover100further includes a transition portion1023between the first sub-bending portion1021and the second sub-bending portion1022. A curved surface a5, proximal to of the flexible display panel200, of the transition portion1023is tangent to the curved surface a1, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the first sub-bending portion1021of the bending portion102, and tangent to the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022of the bending portion102. In this case, by providing the transition portion1023between the first sub-bending portion1021and the second sub-bending portion1022of the protective cover100and arranging the curved surface a5, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the transition portion1023to be tangent to the curved surface a1, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the first sub-bending portion1021and to be tangent to the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022, in the actual manufacturing process, a junction between the curved surface a1, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the first sub-bending portion1021and the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022is prevented from generating a stress concentration point, which facilitates the processing of the protective cover100. In the case that the orthographic projection of the other portion of the second panel portion202on the protective cover100is within the transition portion1023, the attaching stability performance of the second panel portion202with the first sub-bending portion1021, the transition portion1023, and the second sub-bending portion1022is ensured to be good.

In the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.8andFIG.11, a surface, going away from the main body portion101of the protective cover100, of the transition portion1023of the bending portion102is a third table surface a6. The third table surface a6is co-planar with the first table surface a3, going away from the main body portion101, of the first sub-bending portion1021, and the second table surface a4, going away from the main body portion101, of the second sub-bending portion1022. That is, the third table surface a6is used to compose an annular plane. The annular plane is parallel to a surface a7, proximal to the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200, of the main body portion101of the protective cover100. In some embodiments, a width of the third table surface a6, going away from the main body portion101, of the transition portion1023of the bending portion102is gradually increased along an annular direction from the first sub-bending portion1021near the second sub-bending portion1022.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.13, a side, facing the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202, of the second sub-bending portion1022of the protective cover100has an avoiding hole b1. In this case, by providing the avoiding hole b1on the side, facing the panel bending portion2021in the second panel portion202, of the second sub-bending portion1022of the protective cover100, in the case that the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202is likely to touch the second sub-bending portion1022of the protective cover100, an end of the panel bending portion2021is capable of entering into the avoiding hole b1, such that the panel bending portion2021is prevented from being directly contacting with the curved surface a2, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the second sub-bending portion1022, and thus an undesirable phenomenon of breakage occurring to the flexible display panel200is avoided. In some embodiments, the avoiding hole b1is a through hole or a blind hole, which is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.9andFIG.10, a width of the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. That is, in the display module000of the present disclosure, a width of the portion, extending into the bending portion102of the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200ranges from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. Within this width range, the flexible display panel200is subjected to a small force, such that the assembly yield of the flexible display panel200and the protective cover100is ensured to be high.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.12andFIG.13, the protective cover100in the display module000has a central light-transmitting region c1and an edge light-shielding region c2disposed on a periphery of the central light-transmitting region c1. At least a portion of the edge light-shielding region c2is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100. The display module000further includes: a light-absorbing ink layer900disposed on a side, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the protective cover100, and the light-absorbing ink layer900is within the edge light-shielding region c2of the protective cover100. In this case, by providing the light-absorbing ink layer900on the side, proximal to the flexible display panel200, of the protective cover100and arranging the light-absorbing ink layer900to be within the edge light-shielding region c2of the protective cover100, the bezel of the display module000is modified well by the light-absorbing ink layer900, and because the light-absorbing ink layer900shields the reflected light, the display effect of the display module000is improved. In some embodiments, the light-absorbing ink layer900is a black ink layer or an ink layer of other colors, which is not limited herein.

FIG.16is an exploded schematic diagram of a display module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.6, the display module000further includes at least one first alignment structure C1fixed on a side, going away from the protective cover100, of the light-absorbing ink layer900and at least one second alignment structure D1fixed on a side, proximal to the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200. This at least one first alignment structure C1and the at least one second alignment structure D1are in one-to-one correspondence. The first alignment structure C1and the corresponding second alignment structure D1are configured to align the protective cover100with the flexible display panel200before the protective cover100and the flexible display panel200in the display module000are attached. In this case, by providing the first alignment structure C1on the side, going away from the protective cover100, of the light-absorbing ink layer900and the second alignment structure D1on the side, proximal to the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200, a relative attaching position of the flexible display panel200and the protective cover100is ensured to be accurate by calibrating relative positions of the first alignment structure C1and the second alignment structure D1. In actual practice, the relative position information of the first alignment structure C1and the second alignment structure D1is collected by a camera device, and then the relative positions of the flexible display panel200and the protective cover100are adjusted based on the position information, such that the flexible display panel200and the protective cover100are ensured to be well attached. In some embodiments, the number of first alignment structures C1is one, and the number of second alignment structures D1is also one; or the number of first alignment structures C1is plural, and the number of second alignment structures is also plural. The plurality of first alignment structures C1are equally spaced apart along the edge portion of the protective cover100, and the plurality of second alignment structures D1are equally spaced apart along the edge portion of the flexible display panel. In some embodiments, the number of first alignment structures C1is four, and the number of second alignment structures D1is also four, which are not limited herein.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.16, the first alignment structure C1secured to the side, going away from the protective cover100, of the light-absorbing ink layer900includes at least one first alignment strip C11, and the second alignment structure D1secured to the side, proximal to the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200includes at least one second alignment strip D11. The at least one first alignment strip C11is in correspondence to the at least one second alignment strip D11. The first alignment strip C11and the corresponding second alignment strip D11are configured to align the protective cover100with the flexible display panel200during the process that the protective cover100and the flexible display panel200are attached. In some embodiments, the number of first alignment strips C11is one, and the number of second alignment strips D11is one; or the number of first alignment strips C11is two, the number of second alignment strips D11is two, lengthwise directions of the two first alignment strips C11are perpendicular, and lengthwise directions of the two second alignment strips D11are perpendicular; or the number of first alignment strips C11is three, and the number of second alignment strips D11is also three, wherein two of the three first alignment strips C11are parallel, the other first alignment strip C11is between the two first alignment strips C11and a lengthwise direction thereof is perpendicular to lengthwise directions of the two first alignment strips C11, and two of the three second alignment strips D11are parallel, and the other second alignment strip D11is between the two second alignment strips D11, and a lengthwise direction thereof is perpendicular to lengthwise directions of the two second alignment strips D11. It should be noted that the shape and the number of first alignment strips C11in the first alignment structure C1, and the shape and the number of second alignment strips D11in the second alignment structure D1are not limited herein.

In some embodiments, the first alignment structure C1fixed on the side, going away from the protective cover100, of the light-absorbing ink layer900is made of an ink material, and the first alignment structure C1and the light-absorbing ink layer900are in different colors, which facilitates the identification of the first alignment structure arranged on the light-absorbing ink layer900. In some embodiments, the color of the light-absorbing ink layer900is black, and the first alignment structure C1is made of a white ink material. It should be noted that in other possible embodiments, the light-absorbing ink layer900and the first alignment structure C1are in other colors, as long as the colors of the two are different, which is not limited herein. The second alignment structure D1fixed on the side, proximal to the protective cover100, of the flexible display panel200is made of polyimide (PI) or metal stamping, which is not limited herein.

In a first embodiment, referring toFIG.13andFIG.17which is a cross-sectional view of a display module, a portion of an orthographic projection of the non-display region d2of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and the other portion is within the main body portion101of the protective cover100.

In a second embodiment, referring toFIG.18which is a cross-sectional view of another display module, all of the orthographic projection of the non-display region d2of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover10, and all of the orthographic projection of the display region d1of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the main body portion101of the protective cover100.

In a third embodiment, referring toFIG.19which is a cross-sectional view of yet another display module, all of the orthographic projection of the non-display region d2of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and a portion of the orthographic projection of the display region d1of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100. In this case, by providing a portion of the orthographic projection of the display region d1of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100to be within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, the bending portion102of the protective cover100is also capable of displaying images.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.19, in the case that all of the orthographic projection of the non-display region d2of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, and a portion of the display region d1of the flexible display panel200on the protective cover100is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100, a width of the portion of the orthographic projection of display region d1of the flexible display panel200that is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. In this case, by arranging the width of the portion of the orthographic projection of display region d1of the flexible display panel200that is within the bending portion102of the protective cover100to range from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, this portion of the flexible display panel200is subjected to a small force within this range of width, such that the display effect of the display region d1within this width range is ensured to be good.

FIG.20is an assembling schematic diagram of a protective cover plat and a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.20, the protective cover100of the display module000has a first assembly surface e1and a second assembly surface e2perpendicular to the first assembly surface e1. The first assembly surface e1of the protective cover100is a surface, going away from the main body portion101, of the bending portion102of the protective cover100. In a direction of a display surface of the flexible display panel200, the second assembly surface of the protective cover100e2is disposed on a side, going away from the flexible display panel200, of the protective cover100. Both the first assembly surface e1and the second assembly surface e2of the protective cover100are used to be assembled with a housing (not illustrated in the figures). In some embodiments, both the first assembly surface e1and the second assembly surface e2are annular planar surfaces. In this way, after the display module000is integrated into the display device, the protective cover100is assembled with the housing in the display device by the first assembly surface e1and the second mating surface e2, such that an assembly area of the protective cover100and the housing is increased, and thus an assembly precision and an assembly stability of the display module000and the housing in the display device are good. In some embodiments, the first assembly surface e1of the protective cover100is parallel to the surface a7, proximal to the first panel portion201of the flexible display panel200, of the main body portion101of the protective cover100.

The attaching process of the protective cover100and the flexible display panel200in the display module000is described hereinafter. In the case that the protective cover100is formed by injection molding, hot bending, and machining processing, to allow the protective cover100to be well attached to the flexible display panel200, the flexible display panel200is supported by a support base800.FIG.21is a front view of a support base for supporting a flexible display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.22is a side view of the support base illustrated inFIG.21.FIG.23is a top view of the support base illustrated inFIG.21. Referring toFIG.21,FIG.22, andFIG.23, the support base E1includes a support base body E11and a cylindrical profiling portion E12connected to the support base body E11. The flexible display panel200is placed on a side, going away from the support base body E11, of the profiling portion E12. In some embodiments, the protective cover100is placed on the light-exit side of the flexible display panel200, and a downward force perpendicular to the protective cover100is applied to the protective cover100; the flexible display panel200undergoes a profiling deformation, which matches the shape of the protective cover100, within the protective cover100, such that the second panel portion202of the flexible display panel200extends into the bending portion102of the protective cover100. In addition, to ensure that the panel bending portion2021of the second panel portion202extends smoothly toward the bending portion102within the protective cover100during the attaching process, and to avoid generating a large compressive stress during the extension process, it is necessary to provide an avoiding region E12aat a side surface of the profiling portion E12. Further, to prevent an edge of the profiling portion E12from generating a large compressive stress on the backside of the flexible display panel200, an edge of a side, going away from the support base body E11, of the profiling portion E12is arranged with a fillet h1. In some embodiments, the profiling portion E12of the support base E1is a cylindrical structure made of a rubber material.

In summary, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display module, including: the protective cover, the flexible display panel, and the metal heat-dissipation layer. The protective cover in the display module is arranged on the light-exit side of the flexible display panel. Because the orthographic projection of the edge portion of the flexible display panel on the protective cover is within the bending portion of the protective cover, the edge portion of the flexible display panel is capable of being extended into the bending portion of the protective cover. In this way, after the flexible display panel is attached to the protective cover, the overall bezel of the acquired display module is narrow and the large screen-to-body ratio is large, which improves the user experience. After the display module is integrated into the display device, the overall bezel of the display device is caused to be small, such that an effect of modifying the display device is improved. In addition, the metal heat-dissipation layer is arranged on the side, going away from the protective cover, of the flexible display panel, and the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer is within the bending portion of the protective cover. Therefore, after the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer extends into the bending portion of the protective cover, the plurality of hollowed-out grooves arranged in the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer effectively reduce the probability of the edge portion of the metal heat-dissipation layer generating the undesirable phenomenon of wrinkles, such that the overall flatness of the flexible display panel that is attached to the metal heat-dissipation layer is ensured to be good.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a display device. The display device is a smartphone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, and any other product with a display function or a device body in a wearable device. In some embodiments, in the case that the display device is a device body in a wearable device, the display device is a watch or a bracelet. The display device includes a power supply component (not illustrated in the accompanying drawings) and a display module000, wherein the display module000is any of the display modules illustrated in the above embodiments. The power supply component is connected to the display module000and configured to supply power to the display module000, such that the display module000is capable of displaying images.

FIG.24is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to some embodiments of the present base. In some embodiments, referring toFIG.24, in the case that a protective cover in the display module has a first assembly surface e1and a second assembly surface e2, the display device further includes a housing001, which has an annular mounting groove001a. The mounting groove001ain the housing001has a bottom surface f1connecting to the first assembly surface e1of the protective cover100and a side surface f2connecting to the second assembly e2of the protective cover100. Thus, after the display module000is integrated into the display device, the protective cover100and the housing001are assembled by the first assembly surface e1and the second assembly surface e2of the protective cover100and the bottom surface f1and the side surface f2of the housing001in the display device, such that an assembly area of the protective cover100and the housing001is increased, and thus an assembly precision and an assembly stability of the display module000and the housing001of the display device are ensured.

It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clearer illustration. It should be understood that where an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on another element, or intervening layers therebetween may be present. In addition, it should be understood that where an element or layer is referred to as being “under” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly under the other element, or there may be more than one intervening layer or element. In addition, it may be further understood that in the case that a layer or element is referred to as being “between” two layers or two elements, the layer may be the only layer between the two layers or two elements, or more than one intervening layer or element may further be present. Like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout.

In the present disclosure, the terms “first” and “second” are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. The term “a plurality of” refers to two or more, unless expressly defined otherwise.

Described above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.