Display module, manufacturing method thereof, and display device

Abstract

This invention discloses a display module, its manufacturing method, and a display device. The display module includes a main screen, a bent extension, an auxiliary functional layer, and a light leakage prevention structure. The main screen has a first alignment mark formed at the bezel area, and the bent extension has a second alignment mark formed on it. The auxiliary functional layer includes a light-shielding sub-functional layer with light-shielding properties and an opening formed thereon. The light leakage prevention structure includes a modified light-shielding material formed by modifying a light-transmitting material, positioned corresponding to the opening. The end portion of the bent extension covers one side of the auxiliary functional layer and avoids the opening. Because the light leakage prevention structure is positioned corresponding to the opening, it effectively prevents light from the back side of the main screen from affecting the normal display of the display area, thus enabling the display module to achieve a narrow bezel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display module, its manufacturing method, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the development of display technology, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays are considered the most promising new display devices due to their characteristics such as self-illumination, wide viewing angle, short response time, high luminous efficiency, wide color gamut, low operating voltage, and flexibility.

[0003] One of the development trends for some display devices, especially those using OLED displays such as mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches, is to reduce the bezel width and increase the screen ratio to achieve a large screen-to-body ratio.

[0004] To achieve a narrow bezel, the flexible circuit board connected to the display screen, or the flexible circuit board extending from and connected to the main display screen, is usually folded to the back of the display screen / main display screen.

[0005] The inventors discovered that dot-like display anomalies appear at the lower edge of the display area of ​​some display devices with narrow bezels. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a display module and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, to solve the problem of dot-like display abnormalities appearing at the lower edge of the display area of ​​a narrow-bezel display device.

[0007] A display module, comprising:

[0008] The main screen body has a display area and a border area surrounding the display area, and a first alignment mark is formed on the main screen body corresponding to the border area;

[0009] A bent extension is formed by extending and bending from the edge of the main screen body corresponding to the first alignment mark. The width of the bent extension is smaller than the width at the edge of the main screen body extending from the bent extension. A second alignment mark is formed on the bent extension.

[0010] An auxiliary functional layer is disposed on the side of the main screen opposite to the light-emitting side. The auxiliary functional layer includes at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer with light-shielding properties. An opening corresponding to the first alignment mark is formed on the light-shielding sub-functional layer.

[0011] The light leakage prevention structure includes a modified light-shielding material formed by the modification of a light-transmitting material, the light leakage prevention structure being disposed between the main screen and the auxiliary functional layer and corresponding to the position of the opening; or, the light leakage prevention structure includes a light-shielding material disposed within the opening;

[0012] The end portion of the bent extension covers the side of the auxiliary function layer away from the main screen and avoids the opening. The first alignment mark corresponds to one side of the bent extension in the first direction and is positioned opposite to the second alignment mark.

[0013] In this embodiment of the invention, the display module has a light leakage prevention structure that is positioned at the opening. Therefore, it can work with the light-shielding sub-functional layer to effectively prevent light from the back side of the main screen from affecting the normal display of the display area. This avoids abnormal point display due to light transmission at the edge of the display area, thus making the bezel area narrower and better achieving the goal of a narrow bezel.

[0014] This invention also discloses a display device including the above-described display module.

[0015] This invention also provides a method for manufacturing the above-described display module, comprising:

[0016] The light leakage prevention structure and the auxiliary functional layer, including at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer, are disposed on the back of the main screen. The light leakage prevention structure is disposed between the main screen and the auxiliary functional layer. The auxiliary functional layer includes at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer with light-shielding properties. An opening corresponding to a first alignment mark is formed on the light-shielding sub-functional layer. The light leakage prevention structure includes a light-transmitting material that can be deformed into a deformable light-shielding material and is positioned corresponding to the opening.

[0017] The bending extension is bent to the back of the auxiliary function layer, and the bending extension is aligned with the main screen body by the positions of the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark.

[0018] The light-transmitting material is modified to form a modified light-blocking material. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a display module disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 As disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 The diagram shown is a top view of the module, in which the bent extension is in the unfolded state (consistent with the bent extension before bending).

[0021] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of a light leakage prevention structure in a display module disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a display module disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the invention can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the electrically connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0025] The display module disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a display module; Figure 2 This is a top view of another display module disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bent extension is in the unfolded state (corresponding to the state before bending).

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the display module disclosed in this embodiment of the invention includes: a main screen body 110, a bent extension 120, an auxiliary functional layer 210, and a light leakage prevention structure 260.

[0028] The main screen 110 has a display area 111 and a border area 112 surrounding the display area 111. A first alignment mark 130 is formed on the main screen 110 corresponding to the border area 112.

[0029] The bent extension 120 extends from the edge of the main screen body 110 corresponding to the first alignment mark 130 and is formed by bending. The width of the bent extension 120 (the width direction corresponds to the first direction, direction A) is smaller than the width at the edge of the main screen body 110 from which the bent extension 120 extends. A second alignment mark 150 is formed on the bent extension 120.

[0030] The auxiliary function layer 210 is disposed on the side of the main screen 110 opposite to the light-emitting side. The auxiliary function layer 210 includes at least one light-shielding sub-function layer with light-shielding properties (which may include, for example, a light-shielding sub-function layer with light-shielding properties). Figure 2 The structure includes structures corresponding to 212, 213, and 214. Openings 211 corresponding to the first alignment mark are formed on the light-shielding sub-functional layers 212, 213, and 214.

[0031] The light leakage prevention structure 260 includes a modified light-shielding material formed by the modification of a light-transmitting material. The light leakage prevention structure 260 is disposed between the main screen body 110 and the auxiliary functional layer 210 and corresponds to the position of the opening 211.

[0032] The end portion of the bent extension 120 covers the auxiliary functional layer 210 on the side opposite to the main screen 110 and avoids the opening 211. The first alignment mark 130 corresponds to one side of the bent extension 120 in the first direction (A direction) and is positioned opposite to the second alignment mark 150. Preferably, the first alignment mark 130 corresponds to the outer side of the bent extension 120 in the width direction (first direction, A direction).

[0033] Preferably, the light leakage prevention structure 260 can completely cover the opening 211, or it can partially cover the opening 211 and completely cover the part of the opening 211 corresponding to the display area 111.

[0034] Preferably, the two first alignment marks 130 and the two second alignment marks 150 can be located on a plane that is parallel to one edge of the main screen body 110 and perpendicular to the surface of the main screen body 110.

[0035] Since the light leakage prevention structure 260 is positioned at the opening 211, the above-mentioned display module can work in conjunction with the light-shielding sub-functional layer to effectively prevent light from the back side of the main screen from affecting the normal display of the display area 111. This avoids abnormal point display due to light transmission at the edge of the display area 111, thus making the bezel area 112 narrower and better achieving the goal of a narrow bezel.

[0036] The inventors discovered that the reason why dot-like display anomalies appear at the lower edge of the display area in some narrow-bezel display devices is that: in order to align the bent extension with the main screen, alignment marks 130 and 150 need to be formed in the bezel area 112 and the bent extension 120, and an opening 211 needs to be set on the auxiliary functional layer 210 to expose the alignment mark 130 of the bezel area 112. Due to limitations in manufacturing processes and equipment precision, the size of the opening and alignment marks is limited and cannot be too small. Thus, when the bezel area becomes narrow to a certain extent, and the errors in manufacturing and alignment precision accumulate to a certain extent, the opening area and the display area will overlap. In this case, without the light leakage prevention structure 260 to block it, external light or some light emitted from the display area can be reflected by the hole wall and the bent extension and pass through from near the edge of the display area, thus causing dot-like display anomalies.

[0037] In some embodiments, the light leakage prevention structure 260 includes a first adhesive layer 262 containing a modified light-shielding material 261, and the auxiliary functional layer 210 is fixed to the main screen body 110 through the first adhesive layer 262. The modified light-shielding material covers the opening 211.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer 262 and the auxiliary functional layer 210 are both components of a composite auxiliary functional layer; or, the first adhesive layer 262 and the auxiliary functional layer are configured as a composite auxiliary functional layer.

[0039] In some embodiments, the composite auxiliary functional layer includes a polymer layer 212, a second adhesive layer 213, and a heat dissipation layer 214 arranged on one side of the first adhesive layer 262. In some embodiments, the polymer layer 212 is a foam layer, the second adhesive layer 213 includes a polyimide layer, and the heat dissipation layer 214 includes a copper layer. This structure allows the product to better achieve its display properties while also improving its heat dissipation performance, thereby extending the product's lifespan.

[0040] In some embodiments, the light-shielding material described above includes at least one of electrochromic materials, photochromic materials, and thermochromic materials. For example, the photochromic material may be a UV photochromic polymer.

[0041] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The light-blocking structure 260 is a modified light-shielding material disposed within the opening 211, and this modified light-shielding material is formed by modifying a light-transmitting material. Correspondingly, the first adhesive layer 262 used to bond the auxiliary functional layer 210 and the main screen body 110 may not contain the modified light-shielding material. This allows for lower raw material costs for the product.

[0042] The aforementioned variable light-transmitting material that serves as a light-shielding material can be a UV photochromic polymer, i.e. a polymer containing photochromic groups in its macromolecules. It can change color under UV light excitation. Usually, monomers containing photochromic groups (such as azobenzene, spirobenzopyran, etc.) are first synthesized, and then obtained through polymerization or copolymerization with other monomers.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first alignment mark 130 and the second alignment mark 160 each include two, and the two second alignment marks 160 are respectively disposed on one side edge of the bending extension 130 in the width direction (direction A in the figure). The two first alignment marks 130 are respectively disposed on the outer side of the bending extension 120 in the width direction and close to the edge of the bending extension 120. In this case, since the first alignment mark 130 is close to the bending extension 120, alignment is convenient.

[0044] Preferably, the first alignment mark 130 is located on the back of the main screen 110, while the second alignment mark 160 can be located on either the front or back of the bent extension 120 (both front and back correspond to the unfolded state of the bent extension 120; the front corresponds to the light-emitting side of the main screen 119, and the back corresponds to the backlight side of the main screen 119). When both the second alignment mark 160 and the first alignment mark 130 are located on the back of the bent extension 120, they can be manufactured in the same process (this requires the constituent film layers of the bent extension 120 to be entirely transparent). When the second alignment mark 160 is located on the front, it is easier to see during alignment. Thus, accurate alignment of the second alignment mark 160 and the first alignment mark 130 can be achieved.

[0045] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The border region 112 corresponding to the extended bent portion 120 is in the second direction (the width direction of the border region 112 corresponding to the extended bent portion 120). Figure 1The dimensions (corresponding to S1+S4+S5) in the B direction are less than or equal to 1.0 mm, the dimensions of the first alignment symbol 130 in the second direction S4 are greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, the dimensions of the first alignment symbol 130 in the second direction to the outer edge of the bezel area S5 are greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, and the dimensions of the first alignment symbol 130 in the second direction to the inner side of the opening 211 facing the main screen body 110 are greater than or equal to 0.2 mm. When the corresponding dimensions meet the equipment and manufacturing precision requirements (not too small to be difficult to meet the process requirements), even if the opening partially or completely overlaps with the display area, the light leakage prevention structure 260 will prevent abnormal display points at the edge of the display area due to light transmission through the opening. In other words, the opening is allowed to extend from the bezel area to the display area, thus reducing the design and manufacturing difficulty of the product, ensuring display quality, and achieving a narrow bezel.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments, please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The dimensions of the border area corresponding to the extended bent portion in the second direction (corresponding to S1+S4+S5) are less than or equal to 0.9mm, the dimensions of the first alignment symbol S4 in the second direction are greater than or equal to 0.15mm, the dimensions of the first alignment symbol to the outer edge of the border area in the second direction S5 are greater than or equal to 0.15mm, and the dimensions of the first alignment symbol 130 to the inner side of the opening 211 facing the main screen body 110 in the second direction S2 are greater than or equal to 0.3mm. This reduces the design and manufacturing difficulty of the product, ensures display quality, and achieves a narrower bezel.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the display module may also include a polarizing layer disposed on the light-emitting side of the main screen 110, an optical adhesive layer disposed on the polarizing layer, and a cover plate disposed on the optical adhesive layer.

[0048] This invention also provides a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned display module, comprising:

[0049] A light leakage prevention structure 260 and an auxiliary functional layer 210 including at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer are disposed on the back of the main screen body 110. The light leakage prevention structure 260 is disposed between the main screen body 110 and the auxiliary functional layer 210. The auxiliary functional layer 210 includes at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer (212, 213, 214) with light-shielding properties. An opening 211 corresponding to the first alignment mark is formed on the light-shielding sub-functional layer. The light leakage prevention structure 260 includes a light-transmitting material that can be deformed into a deformable light-shielding material and is positioned corresponding to the opening 211.

[0050] The bending extension 120 is bent to the back of the auxiliary function layer 210, and the bending extension 120 is aligned with the main screen body 110 by the positions of the first alignment mark 130 and the second alignment mark 160.

[0051] Transforming a light-transmitting material to form a modified light-blocking material 261.

[0052] The above method can ensure that the bent extension 120 is accurately aligned with the main screen 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting material is UV-sensitive particles, which are irradiated with UV light through an opening on the back side, causing the light-transmitting material to change and form a modified light-blocking material 261. In this case, the light-blocking structure 260 can be a transparent material layer with added UV-sensitive particles; further, the light-blocking structure 260 can be a mesh adhesive layer with added UV-sensitive particles.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer 262 and the auxiliary functional layer 210 are both components of a composite auxiliary functional layer. Alternatively, the first adhesive layer 262 and the auxiliary functional layer are configured as a composite auxiliary functional layer. Both cases are based on the fact that the overall size of the first adhesive layer 262 and the auxiliary functional layer 210 is the same, and a composite tape can be made first and then pasted onto the back of the main screen body 110, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0055] This invention also provides a display device including the above-described display module.

[0056] The above embodiments of the present invention focus on describing the differences between various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. It is easy to understand that when the structure or materials change, the manufacturing method also needs to be adjusted accordingly. For example, if a thermochromic material is used instead of a photochromic material, the material needs to be heated or cooled as needed to make it change color.

[0057] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, include: The main screen body has a display area and a border area surrounding the display area, and a first alignment mark is formed on the main screen body corresponding to the border area; A bent extension is formed by extending and bending from the edge of the main screen body corresponding to the first alignment mark. The width of the bent extension is smaller than the width at the edge of the main screen body extending from the bent extension. A second alignment mark is formed on the bent extension. An auxiliary functional layer is disposed on the side of the main screen opposite to the light-emitting side. The auxiliary functional layer includes at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer with light-shielding properties. An opening corresponding to the first alignment mark is formed on the light-shielding sub-functional layer. The light leakage prevention structure includes a modified light-shielding material formed by the deformation of a light-transmitting material after the bent extension is aligned with the main screen body through the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark; the light leakage prevention structure is disposed between the main screen body and the auxiliary functional layer and corresponding to the position of the opening, or the light leakage prevention structure is disposed inside the opening; The bent extension covers the side of the auxiliary functional layer away from the main screen and covers the opening. The end portion of the bent extension covers the side of the auxiliary functional layer away from the main screen and avoids the opening. The first alignment mark corresponds to one side of the bent extension in the first direction and is positioned opposite to the second alignment mark.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light leakage prevention structure includes a first adhesive layer containing the modified light-shielding material, and the auxiliary functional layer is fixed to the main screen body through the first adhesive layer; The modified light-blocking material covers the opening.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light-shielding material includes at least one of electrochromic materials, photochromic materials, and thermochromic materials.

4. The display module according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first adhesive layer and the auxiliary functional layer are components of the composite auxiliary functional layer; The composite auxiliary functional layer includes a polymer layer, a second adhesive layer, and a heat dissipation layer arranged on one side of the first adhesive layer; The polymer layer is a foam layer, the second adhesive layer includes a polyimide layer, and the heat dissipation layer includes a copper layer.

5. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark include two, with the two second alignment marks respectively disposed on one side edge near the width direction of the bent extension, and the two first alignment marks respectively disposed on the outside of the width direction of the bent extension and near the edge of the bent extension; The first alignment mark is located on the back of the main screen body, and the second alignment mark is located on the front / back of the bent extension.

6. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the border area corresponding to the bend extension in the second direction is less than or equal to 1.0 mm, the size of the first alignment mark in the second direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, the size of the first alignment mark to the outer edge of the border area in the second direction is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, and the size of the first alignment mark to the edge of the opening facing the inner side of the main screen in the second direction is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The size of the border area corresponding to the bend extension in the second direction is less than or equal to 0.9 mm, the size of the first alignment mark in the second direction is greater than or equal to 0.15 mm, the size of the first alignment mark to the outer edge of the border area in the second direction is greater than or equal to 0.15 mm, and the size of the first alignment mark to the opening facing the inner side of the main screen in the second direction is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

8. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for manufacturing a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: The light leakage prevention structure and the auxiliary functional layer, including at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer, are disposed on the back of the main screen. The light leakage prevention structure is disposed between the main screen and the auxiliary functional layer. The auxiliary functional layer includes at least one light-shielding sub-functional layer with light-shielding properties. An opening corresponding to a first alignment mark is formed on the light-shielding sub-functional layer. The light leakage prevention structure includes a light-transmitting material and corresponds to the position of the opening. The bending extension is bent to the back of the auxiliary function layer, and the bending extension is aligned with the main screen body by the positions of the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark. The bending extension covers the side of the auxiliary function layer away from the main screen body and covers the opening. The light-transmitting material is modified to form a modified light-blocking material.

10. The manufacturing method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The light-transmitting material is a UV-sensitive color-changing particle. UV light is irradiated onto the UV-sensitive color-changing particle through the opening on the back side, causing the light-transmitting material to change and form a modified light-blocking material.

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