Display module, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

Provided are a display module and a preparation method therefor, and a display device, and belong to the technical field of display. The display module comprises a display panel having a bending area and a non-bending area, and a protective cover plate and a support layer located on the light-emitting surface side and the back light surface side of the display panel respectively. The protective cover plate comprises a plurality of layers of release layers and a first hard coating layer located on the side of the plurality of layers of release layers away from the display panel, and further comprises at least one cover layer located between two adjacent layers of release layers and a second hard coating layer located on the side of at least one layer of release layer close to the display panel. In this way, the warping mode of the cover layer and the second hard coating layer can be used to offset the warping mode of the first hard coating layer, so that a relatively flat protective cover plate can be formed, and the display module can not appear a visible obvious arch when reflecting external light, effectively improving the problem of light and shadow disorder of the display module.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, with the development of display technology, a series of foldable display products that can be folded for portability (such as foldable mobile phones) have emerged.

[0003] Currently, foldable display products generally include: a foldable display panel and a support component located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the foldable display panel to support it. The foldable display panel has a bending area and a non-bending area; the support component is mostly made of steel use stainless steel (SUS). The portion of the support component on the bending area side often features a hollow design, and this portion is spaced apart from the foldable display panel, while the portion on the non-bending area side is in contact with the foldable display panel. This design effectively supports the foldable display panel while reducing product weight and ensuring a smooth folding effect.

[0004] However, because the support part located in the bending area is spaced apart from the folding display panel, the folding display product is not flat at this position, which in turn makes the folding display product prone to warping. This causes the folding display panel to show a visible and obvious arch when reflecting external light, resulting in uneven light and shadow. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A display module and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, are provided, which can solve the problem of uneven light and shadow in foldable display modules in related technologies.

[0006] The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] On one hand, a display module is provided, the display module comprising:

[0008] A display panel having a bent area and a non-bent area surrounding the bent area;

[0009] A support layer located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the display panel, the support layer including a first support portion located on the side of the bending area and a second support portion located on the side of the non-bending area; the first support portion has a cutout area and is spaced apart from the display panel; the second support portion is in contact with the display panel;

[0010] A protective cover plate located on the light-emitting side of the display panel, the protective cover plate comprising multiple release layers stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel, at least one cover layer located between two adjacent release layers in the multiple release layers, a first hardened coating layer located on the side of the multiple release layers away from the display panel, and a second hardened coating layer located on the side of the at least one release layer close to the display panel.

[0011] Optionally, the material of the second hardened coating is the same as the material of the first hardened coating.

[0012] Optionally, the thickness of the second hardened coating is less than the thickness of the first hardened coating.

[0013] Optionally, the protective cover includes a second hardened coating located on the side of each release layer near the display panel.

[0014] Optionally, the protective cover includes: a first release layer and a second release layer stacked sequentially along the direction close to the display panel.

[0015] Optionally, the protective cover includes: a first cover layer and a second cover layer stacked sequentially along the direction close to the display panel.

[0016] Optionally, both the first cover layer and the second cover layer are made of transparent flexible materials, and the materials of the first cover layer and the second cover layer are different.

[0017] Optionally, the material of the first cover layer includes: transparent glass; the material of the second cover layer includes: transparent polyimide.

[0018] Optionally, the thickness of the second cover layer is less than the thickness of the first cover layer.

[0019] Optionally, the display panel includes: a flexible substrate and a display screen sequentially stacked in a direction away from the support layer;

[0020] The display module also includes:

[0021] A first adhesive layer located between two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the protective cover, and used to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the protective cover;

[0022] And a second adhesive layer located between two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the support layer, and used to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the support layer;

[0023] The second adhesive layer located between the flexible substrate and the support layer has its orthographic projection on the display panel overlapping with the orthographic projection of the second support portion in the support layer on the display panel, but does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first support portion in the support layer on the display panel. The second adhesive layer is used to bond the flexible substrate and the second support portion in the support layer.

[0024] Optionally, the display module further includes:

[0025] A waterproof protective membrane located between the second support portion and the flexible substrate.

[0026] Optionally, the first adhesive layer includes a transparent optical adhesive; the second adhesive layer includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0027] Optionally, the material of the support layer includes stainless steel; and the orthographic projection of the first support portion on the display panel is a mesh.

[0028] On the other hand, a method for manufacturing a display module is provided, for manufacturing a display module as described in the above aspect; the manufacturing method includes:

[0029] A display panel is provided, the display panel having a bent area and a non-bent area surrounding the bent area;

[0030] A support layer is formed on the side away from the light-emitting surface of the display panel, and the formed support layer includes a first support portion located on the side of the bending area and a second support portion located on the side of the non-bending area; the first support portion has a cutout area and is spaced apart from the display panel; the second support portion is in contact with the display panel;

[0031] A protective cover is formed on one side of the light-emitting surface of the display panel, and the formed protective cover includes multiple release layers stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel, at least one cover layer located between two adjacent release layers in the multiple release layers, a first hardened coating located on the side of the multiple release layers away from the display panel, and a second hardened coating located on the side of the at least one release layer close to the display panel.

[0032] In another aspect, a display device is provided, the display device comprising: a power supply component, and a display module as described in the preceding aspect;

[0033] The power supply component is coupled to the display module and is used to supply power to the display module.

[0034] In summary, the beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can at least include:

[0035] A display module and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, are provided. The display module includes a display panel having a bending area and a non-bending area, and a protective cover plate and a support layer located on the light-emitting side and the backlight side of the display panel, respectively. The protective cover plate includes not only multiple release layers stacked sequentially and a first hardened coating layer located on the side of the release layers away from the display panel, but also at least one cover plate layer located between adjacent release layers and a second hardened coating layer located on the side of the at least one release layer closer to the display panel. Thus, the warping shapes of the cover plate layer and the second hardened coating can counteract the stress with the warping shape of the first hardened coating, resulting in a relatively flat protective cover plate. By forming a flat protective cover plate, the problem of warping in the display module can be mitigated, preventing visible and obvious arching when the display module reflects external light, thereby effectively improving the problem of uneven light and shadow in the display module. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of a display module provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of another display module provided in this embodiment;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of another display module provided in this embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partial film layer of a display module is shown based on the film layer structure illustrated.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of another display module provided in this embodiment;

[0042] Figure 6 Is Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a partial film layer of a display module is shown based on the film layer structure illustrated.

[0043] Figure 7 Is Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a partial film layer of a display module is shown based on the film layer structure illustrated.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a comparison of four corner warping according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the edge warping comparison provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of another display module provided in this embodiment;

[0047] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display module according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the film structure of a display module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a film layer structure diagram of another display module provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the display module described in this embodiment includes: a display panel 01, a support layer 02 located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the display panel 01, and a protective cover 03 located on the side of the light-emitting surface of the display panel 01.

[0051] It should be noted that the light-emitting side of the display panel 01 refers to the side where the image is displayed. Correspondingly, the side away from the light-emitting side of the display panel 01 can also be called the backlight side of the display panel 01.

[0052] Among them, continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the display panel 01 has a bent area A1 and a non-bent area A2 surrounding the bent area A1. Therefore, the display panel 01 can be a foldable display panel, and the display module including the display panel 01 can be a foldable display module. It should be noted that the bent area A1 and the non-bent area A2 are different parts of the same substrate in the display panel 01.

[0053] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, in the display module described in this embodiment, the support layer 02 includes a first support portion 021 located on one side of the bending area A1 and a second support portion 022 located on the other side of the non-bending area A2. Furthermore, the first support portion 021 has a hollow area Q1 (e.g., having multiple through holes) and is spaced apart from the display panel 01 (i.e., not in contact). The second support portion 022 is in contact with the display panel 01. Because the first support portion 021 located on the bending area A1 needs to adopt a hollowed-out pattern design, the area where the bending area A1 is located can also be referred to as the pattern area.

[0054] For a display module including the aforementioned support layer 02, if an unevenness occurs in the film layer, it will cause the display panel 01 to have unevenness within the bending area A1. Figure 1 The upward-curving shape shown means that the display panel 01 protrudes towards the side away from the second support portion 022, and the protrusion of the display panel 01 at both ends of the second support portion 022 near the first support portion 021 is smaller than the protrusion at the center position of the second support portion 022. The center position of the second support portion 022 can refer to the position of the central axis. Figure 1 The upward curve shown will further cause the second support 022 to arch up at both ends near the first support 021, thus forming a noticeable arch when reflecting external light in the dark, showing uneven light and shadow on the display module.

[0055] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the protective cover plate 03 includes at least a multi-layer release layer 031 stacked sequentially in the direction away from the display panel 01, at least one cover plate layer 032 located between two adjacent release layers 031 in the multi-layer release layer 031, and a first hard coating (HC) 033 located on the side of the multi-layer release layer 031 away from the display panel 01, also known as the HC layer.

[0056] In addition, refer to Figure 2 It can also be seen that another display module described in this disclosure embodiment further includes: a second hardened coating 034 located on the side of at least one release layer 031 near the display panel 01. For distinction, the first hardened coating 033 is referred to as the HC1 layer, and the second hardened coating 034 is referred to as the HC2 layer.

[0057] Firstly, based on the multi-layered cover plate 032, the warping shapes of different cover plate layers 032 can be used to counteract the shrinkage of the first hardened coating 033, reducing the warping of the protective cover plate 03. Secondly, by providing a second hardened coating 034, stress can be offset, similarly reducing the warping of the protective cover plate 03. By reducing the warping of the protective cover plate 03, the overall display module can be made flatter, thereby improving the problem of uneven lighting. In other words, Figure 2 Compared to Figure 1 As shown in the display module, the warping of the protective cover 03 is reduced, and the display module is relatively flat.

[0058] In summary, this disclosure provides a display module comprising: a display panel having a bending area and a non-bending area, and a protective cover plate and a support layer respectively located on the light-emitting side and the backlight side of the display panel. The protective cover plate includes not only multiple release layers stacked sequentially and a first hardened coating layer located on the side of the release layers away from the display panel, but also at least one cover plate layer located between adjacent release layers and a second hardened coating layer located on the side of the at least one release layer closer to the display panel. Thus, the warping shapes of the cover plate layer and the second hardened coating can counteract the stress with the warping shape of the first hardened coating, resulting in a relatively flat protective cover plate. By forming a flat protective cover plate, the problem of warping in the display module can be mitigated, preventing visible and obvious arching when the display module reflects external light, thereby effectively improving the problem of uneven light and shadow in the display module.

[0059] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, at least one cover layer 032 in the protective cover plate 03 and each film layer located on the side of the at least one cover layer 032 away from the display panel 01 can be collectively referred to as the first protective cover plate cover1, and each film layer located between the at least one cover layer 032 and the display panel 01 can be collectively referred to as the second protective cover plate cover2. The first protective cover plate cover1 and the second protective cover plate cover2 can be prepared in different manufacturing processes. Of course, this is only an illustrative illustration.

[0060] Optional, see reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the protective cover 03 described in the embodiments of this disclosure may include: a cover layer 032.

[0061] Or, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the partial film layer diagram shown, the protective cover plate 03 described in this embodiment may include two cover plate layers 032: a first cover plate layer 032-1 and a second cover plate layer 032-2, which are stacked sequentially along the direction close to the display panel 01.

[0062] Furthermore, the materials of the first cover layer 032-1 and the second cover layer 032-2 may both include transparent flexible materials, and the materials of the first cover layer 032-1 and the second cover layer 032-2 may be different.

[0063] For example, the material of the first cover layer 032-1 may include: transparent glass. The material of the second cover layer 032-2 may include: transparent polyimide (CPI). Accordingly, the first cover layer 032-1 may also be referred to as an ultra-thin glass (UTG) cover, and the second cover layer 032-2 may also be referred to as a CPI cover. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cover layer 032 in the module shown can be a UTG cover.

[0064] Optional, continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown in the partial film layer diagram, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the second cover layer 032-2 (i.e., the CPI cover layer) can be less than the thickness of the first cover layer 032-1 (i.e., the UTG cover layer). It should be noted that the thickness direction described in this embodiment of the present disclosure can all be perpendicular to the bearing surface of the display panel 01.

[0065] For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the UTG cover plate can be greater than or equal to 30 micrometers (μm), and the thickness of the CPI cover plate can be between 2 μm and 4 μm. See, for example, the reference... Figure 4 The display module shown has a UTG cover plate with a thickness of 30 mm and a CPI cover plate with a thickness of 4 μm.

[0066] Optional, Figure 4 The diagram also shows the warpage of a single UTG cover plate before the CPI cover plate is installed, the amount of CPI cover plate coating on one side of the single UTG cover plate, and the amount of warpage of the cover plate after the double cover plate is treated with a heat curing process.

[0067] It should be noted that, in combination Figure 1 When only the first hardened coating 033 (i.e., HC1 layer) is provided, that is, the second hardened coating 034 (i.e., HC2 layer) is not provided, and only one UTG cover plate is provided, uneven stress will cause the display module to exhibit a warped shape, that is, the display panel 01 will arch towards the side away from the support layer 02. And combined with... Figure 4As can be seen from the process flow, after setting a CPI cover plate on one side of the UTG cover plate, the UTG cover plate can be made to have a negative warp shape (i.e., arched towards the side closer to the display panel 01). This negative warp shape of the UTG can counteract the shrinkage of the first hardened coating 033, reduce the positive warp of the first protective cover plate cover1, thereby improving the unevenness of the film layer and thus improving the problem of uneven light and shadow.

[0068] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The implementation shown can also be understood as performing UTG coating CPI on the first protective cover 1. That is, a CPI cover is placed on one side of the UTG cover to offset the positive warping caused by the shrinkage of the HC1 layer through the negative warping shape of the cover, thus ensuring that the first protective cover 1 is flat.

[0069] The following embodiments are all illustrated using a display module that includes a UTG cover plate as an example:

[0070] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the material of the second hardened coating 034 (i.e., HC2 layer) and the material of the first hardened coating 033 (i.e., HC1 layer) can be the same.

[0071] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the second hardened coating 034 may be less than the thickness of the first hardened coating 033.

[0072] For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the first hardened coating 033 can be 5 to 8 μm, and the thickness of the second hardened coating 034 can be 3 to 4 μm. For example, in an embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the first hardened coating 033 included in the display module can be 8 μm, and the thickness of the second hardened coating 034 can be 3 μm.

[0073] Optionally, in this embodiment, the protective cover 03 may include a second hardened coating 034 located on the side of each release layer 031 closest to the display panel 01. This ensures that the formed protective cover 03 is sufficiently flat, thereby better mitigating the issue of uneven lighting in the display module.

[0074] Optional, see reference Figures 1 to 4 It can also be seen that the protective cover 03 described in the embodiments of this disclosure may include two release layers 031: a first release layer 031-1 and a second release layer 031-2 stacked sequentially along the direction close to the display panel 01.

[0075] For example, the material of release layer 031 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and correspondingly, release layer 031 may also be referred to as PET layer. For distinction, the first release layer 031-1 may be referred to as PET1 layer, and the second release layer 031-2 may be referred to as PET2 layer.

[0076] As an optional implementation, refer to Figure 5 Another display module structure diagram is shown below. Figure 6 The partial membrane layer diagram shown illustrates that:

[0077] The protective cover 03 described in this embodiment may include a second hardened coating 034 located on the side of the first release layer 031-1 closest to the display panel 01. That is, in addition to providing an HC1 layer on the side of the first release layer 031-1 furthest from the display panel 01, an HC2 layer is also provided on the side of the first release layer 031-1 closest to the display panel 01. This implementation can also be understood as a double-sided HC coating on the first protective cover 1. Testing has shown that by double-sided HC coating, the HC1 and HC2 layers can mutually cancel out stress, achieving stress balance and producing a flat first protective cover 1, thus improving the problem of uneven light and shadow.

[0078] For example, Table 1 below shows the pre-baking warpage and post-baking warpage of different locations of the display module in two scenarios: currently, the first hardened coating 033 is only applied on the side of the first release layer 031-1 away from the display panel 01 (i.e., single-sided coating HC), and the double-sided coating HC protected by the embodiments of this disclosure. The units are millimeters (mm). The heating conditions here are heating at 60 degrees Celsius for 70 minutes (min) followed by cooling for 2 hours (h).

[0079] Table 1

[0080]

[0081] Taking a rectangular display module as an example, Table 1 above shows the warpage at four different locations of the display module, including the upper left (i.e., upper left side), upper right (i.e., upper right side), lower left (i.e., lower left side), and lower right (i.e., lower right side). Table 1 also shows tests conducted for four different HC coating thicknesses. The thicknesses of HC1 (i.e., the first hardened coating 033) are 5.76 mm, 5.83 mm, 5.85 mm, and 5.68 mm, respectively, while the thicknesses of the corresponding HC2 (i.e., the second hardened coating 034) are 3.3 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.4 mm, and 3.3 mm, respectively. Furthermore, referring to Table 1, it can be seen that in the related technologies of single-sided HC coating, the warpage after baking is greater than the warpage before baking; however, under the premise of double-sided HC coating in this embodiment, the warpage after baking can be further reduced compared to the warpage before baking. For example, for the upper left position, the warpage before baking is 6 mm, and the warpage after baking is reduced to 0.5 mm. It can be further seen that by adopting the double-sided coating HC method, the present embodiment can produce a relatively flat first protective cover plate cover1, thereby laying a good foundation for improving the problem of uneven light and shadow.

[0082] Optional, Figure 6 In the display module shown, the thickness of the PET1 layer is 65 μm, the thickness of the HC1 layer is between 5 and 6 μm, and the thickness of the HC2 layer is 3 μm.

[0083] As another alternative implementation, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 7 The partial membrane layer diagram shown illustrates that:

[0084] The protective cover 03 described in this embodiment may include a second hardened coating 034 located on the side of the second release layer 031-2 near the display panel 01. That is, in addition to providing an HC1 layer on the side of the first release layer 031-1 away from the display panel 01, an HC2 layer is also provided on the side of the second release layer 031-2 near the display panel 01. It should be noted that... Figure 6 The display module shown does not have an HC2 layer on the side of the first release layer 031-1 near the display panel 01. This implementation can also be understood as setting a hard shrink coating on the second protective cover 2, which allows the second protective cover 2 to warp negatively.

[0085] Combination Figure 7As can be seen from the partial film layer diagram, for the first protective cover 1, which is sequentially stacked with the first release layer 031-1 and the first hardening coating 033 (i.e., PET1 layer + HC1 layer) on a UTG cover plate, it will exhibit a positive warping shape due to uneven stress. However, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting a second protective cover 2 on one side of the UTG cover plate, which includes the second release layer 031-2 and the second hardening coating 034 (i.e., PET2 layer + HC2 layer) sequentially stacked along the direction close to the display panel 01, the negative warping shape of the second protective cover 2 can be used to offset the stress with the positive warping shape of the first protective cover 1, thereby producing a more flat protective cover 03, and thus improving the problem of uneven light and shadow.

[0086] Optionally, taking a rectangular display module as an example, Figure 8 The diagram shows a comparison of warping at the four corners of the display module in two scenarios: when a hard shrinkage coating is applied to the second protective cover 2, and when an HC1 layer is applied only to the side of the first release layer 031-1 away from the display panel 01 (i.e., no hard shrinkage coating is applied to the second protective cover 2). Figure 9 The images show a comparison of the warping of the module's bent edges under these two scenarios.

[0087] refer to Figure 8 It can be seen that in the scenario where no hard shrink coating is applied to the second protective cover 2, the warping at the four corners is approximately between 3mm and 4mm; however, after applying the hard shrink coating to the second protective cover 2, the warping at the four corners can be reduced to about 2mm.

[0088] refer to Figure 9 It can be seen that in the scenario where no hard shrink coating is applied to the second protective cover 2, the warpage at the bending edge is approximately between 0 and 1 mm; however, after applying the hard shrink coating to the second protective cover 2, the warpage at the bending edge can be maintained at approximately 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0089] It should be noted that, currently, in scenarios with uneven lighting, the spacing between the support layer 02 and the display panel 01 is approximately 40μm to 123μm. However, this embodiment, by further improving the uneven lighting problem, can reduce this spacing to less than 80μm. Therefore, it can be further seen that the warping of the display panel can be reduced, ensuring that the film layers of the display module can be relatively flat.

[0090] Optional, see reference Figure 1 and Figure 10The schematic diagram of another display module's film layer structure also shows that the display panel 01 described in this embodiment may include: a flexible substrate 011 and a display screen 012 sequentially stacked along a direction away from the support layer 02. (See reference...) Figure 1 As can be seen, the display screen 012 can include a back film Ufilm ​​and a main screen (PNL) stacked in sequence.

[0091] For example, the material of the flexible substrate 011 may include PI, correspondingly, such as Figure 10 As shown, the flexible substrate 011 can also be called the PI layer.

[0092] Optional, continue to refer to Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 10 It can also be seen that the display module described in the embodiments of this disclosure may further include:

[0093] A first adhesive layer 04 is located between two adjacent film layers in the display panel 01 and the protective cover plate 03, and is used to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel 01 and the protective cover plate 03.

[0094] And a second adhesive layer 05 located between two adjacent film layers in the display panel 01 and the support layer 02, and used to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel 01 and the support layer 02.

[0095] For example, combining Figure 1 and Figure 10 It can be seen that the display module may include: a first adhesive layer 04 located between the display screen 012 and the second release layer 031-2, a first adhesive layer 04 located between the second release layer 031-2 and the cover layer 032, and a first adhesive layer 04 located between the cover layer 032 and the first release layer 031-1. It may also include: a second adhesive layer 05 located between the flexible substrate 011 and the support layer 03, and a second adhesive layer 05 located between the flexible substrate 011 and the display screen 012. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 10 It can also be seen that a third release layer PET3 is provided between the second adhesive layer 05 and the display screen 012. Correspondingly, a second adhesive layer 05 for bonding the third release layer PET3 and the display screen 012 is also included.

[0096] Optionally, in embodiments of this disclosure, combined with Figure 10 The first adhesive layer 04 may include optically clear adhesive (OCA). The second adhesive layer 05 may include pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). This ensures reliable light emission from the light-emitting surface of the display panel 01.

[0097] To distinguish them, the first adhesive layers 04 from the side furthest from the support layer 02 to the side closest to the support layer 02 (i.e., from top to bottom) in the figure are respectively labeled as OCA0, OCA1 and OCA2; and the second adhesive layers 05 from top to bottom are respectively labeled as PSA0, PSA1 and PSA2.

[0098] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 10 It can also be seen that the orthographic projection of the second adhesive layer 05 (i.e., PSA2) located between the flexible substrate 01 and the support layer 02 on the display panel 01 can overlap with the orthographic projection of the second support portion 022 in the support layer 02 on the display panel 01, and can not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first support portion 021 in the support layer 02 on the display panel 01. That is, the second adhesive layer 05 can be used to bond the flexible substrate and the second support portion 022 in the support layer 02. It should be noted that the design of the second adhesive layer 05 being broken at the bending area A1 can also be called the adhesive break design.

[0099] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 1 It can also be seen that the display module described in the embodiments of this disclosure may further include: a waterproof protective film TPU located between the second support portion 022 and the flexible substrate 01.

[0100] TPU can refer to the material of the waterproof protective membrane: thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer. In other words, there is no adhesive material adhering between the TPU and the support layer 03.

[0101] Optionally, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the material of the support layer 02 may include: stainless steel (SUS). And as... Figure 10 As shown, the orthographic projection of the first support portion 021 onto the display panel 01 can be mesh-like.

[0102] Optional, continue Figure 10 As can be seen, in the display module provided in this embodiment, the thickness of the first release layer 031-1 (i.e., PET1 layer) can be approximately 65 μm; the thickness of the second release layer 031-2 (i.e., PET2 layer) can be approximately 50 μm; the thickness of the third release layer PET3 can be approximately 50 μm; the thickness of the transparent optical adhesive OCA can be approximately 50 μm; the thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive PSA can be approximately 20 μm or 13 μm; the thickness of the flexible substrate 011 can be approximately 25 μm; the thickness of the back film Ufilm ​​in the display screen 012 can be approximately 65 μm; and the thickness of the main screen PNL can be approximately 43 μm. Of course, the thicknesses here are only illustrative.

[0103] As can be seen from the above embodiments, in this disclosure embodiment, in order to improve the... Figure 1The uneven lighting caused by the positive warping of the structure shown can be addressed using several solutions: First, apply a double-sided HC coating to the first protective cover (cover1) to neutralize stress and achieve stress balance, resulting in a flatter cover. Second, implement a UTG coating CPI design for the first protective cover (cover1) so that the negative warping of the cover layer can offset the shrinkage of the first hardened coating HC1, thereby reducing the positive warping of the first protective cover (cover1). Third, add a hardened coating HC2 to the second protective cover (cover2) to induce negative warping. This negative warping, combined with the positive warping of the first protective cover (cover1), neutralizes stress, producing a flatter protective cover. These solutions, based on producing a flat protective cover, can effectively improve the uneven lighting problem currently observed in display modules. It should be noted that these solutions can be combined arbitrarily to achieve even better results.

[0104] In summary, this disclosure provides a display module comprising: a display panel having a bending area and a non-bending area, and a protective cover plate and a support layer respectively located on the light-emitting side and the backlight side of the display panel. The protective cover plate includes not only multiple release layers stacked sequentially and a first hardened coating layer located on the side of the release layers away from the display panel, but also at least one cover plate layer located between adjacent release layers and a second hardened coating layer located on the side of the at least one release layer closer to the display panel. Thus, the warping shapes of the cover plate layer and the second hardened coating can counteract the stress with the warping shape of the first hardened coating, resulting in a relatively flat protective cover plate. By forming a flat protective cover plate, the problem of warping in the display module can be mitigated, preventing visible and obvious arching when the display module reflects external light, thereby effectively improving the problem of uneven light and shadow in the display module.

[0105] Figure 11 This disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display module, which can be used to manufacture modules such as... Figures 2 to 7 and Figure 10 Any of the display modules shown. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the preparation method includes:

[0106] Step 1101: Provide a display panel, wherein the provided display panel has a bent area and a non-bent area surrounding the bent area.

[0107] Step 1102: A support layer is formed on the side away from the light-emitting surface of the display panel. The formed support layer includes a first support portion located on the side of the bending area and a second support portion located on the side of the non-bending area. The first support portion has a hollow area and is spaced apart from the display panel, while the second support portion is in contact with the display panel.

[0108] Step 1103: A protective cover is formed on one side of the light-emitting surface of the display panel, and the formed protective cover includes multiple release layers stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel, at least one cover layer located between two adjacent release layers in the multiple release layers, a first hardened coating located on the side of the multiple release layers away from the display panel, and a second hardened coating located on the side of the at least one release layer close to the display panel.

[0109] Optionally, the material of the second hardened coating can be the same as the material of the first hardened coating.

[0110] Optionally, the thickness of the second hardened coating can be less than the thickness of the first hardened coating.

[0111] Optionally, the formed protective cover may include a second hardened coating located on the side of each release layer closest to the display panel.

[0112] Optionally, the formed protective cover may include a first release layer and a second release layer stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel.

[0113] Optionally, the formed protective cover may include: a first cover layer and a second cover layer stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel.

[0114] Optionally, the materials of the first cover layer and the second cover layer can both be transparent flexible materials and are not the same.

[0115] For example, the material of the first cover layer may include: transparent glass; the material of the second cover layer may include: transparent polyimide.

[0116] Optionally, the thickness of the second cover layer can be less than the thickness of the first cover layer.

[0117] Optionally, the formed display panel may include: a flexible substrate and a display screen sequentially stacked in a direction away from the support layer. Furthermore, the fabrication method may further include:

[0118] A first adhesive layer is formed between two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the protective cover to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the protective cover.

[0119] Additionally, a second adhesive layer is formed between two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the support layer to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the support layer.

[0120] Furthermore, the orthographic projection of the second adhesive layer formed between the flexible substrate and the support layer on the display panel can overlap with the orthographic projection of the second support portion in the support layer on the display panel, and can be separate from the orthographic projection of the first support portion in the support layer on the display panel. Accordingly, the formed second adhesive layer can be used to bond the flexible substrate and the second support portion in the support layer.

[0121] Optionally, the preparation method may also include:

[0122] A waterproof protective film is formed between the second support and the flexible substrate.

[0123] Optionally, the first adhesive layer formed may include: a transparent optical adhesive; the second adhesive layer formed may include: a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0124] Optionally, the material of the formed support layer may include stainless steel; and the orthographic projection of the first support portion on the display panel may be mesh-like.

[0125] In summary, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display module. The display module formed by this method includes a display panel with a bending area and a non-bending area, and a protective cover plate and a support layer located on the light-emitting side and the backlight side of the display panel, respectively. The protective cover plate includes not only multiple release layers stacked sequentially and a first hardened coating layer located on the side of the release layers away from the display panel, but also at least one cover plate layer located between adjacent release layers and a second hardened coating layer located on the side of the at least one release layer closer to the display panel. Thus, the warping morphology of the cover plate layer and the second hardened coating can be used to counteract the stress with the warping morphology of the first hardened coating, resulting in a relatively flat protective cover plate. Based on the formation of a flat protective cover plate, the problem of warping in the display module can be improved, preventing visible and obvious arching when the display module reflects external light, thereby effectively improving the problem of uneven light and shadow in the display module.

[0126] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 As shown, the display device includes: a power supply component J1, and as shown in the figure. Figures 2 to 7 , Figure 10 Any of the display modules shown, 00.

[0127] The power supply component J1 is coupled (i.e., electrically connected) to the display module 00 and is used to supply power to the display module 00.

[0128] Optionally, the display device described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be any product or component with display function, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, flexible display device, television set, and monitor.

[0129] It should be noted that the terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for explaining the embodiments of this disclosure only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0130] For example, the terms “first,” “second,” or “third,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components.

[0131] Similarly, words like "one" or "one" do not indicate a quantity limit, but rather that there is at least one.

[0132] The word “includes” or similar terms means that the elements or objects preceding “includes” or “include” cover the elements or objects listed after “includes” or “include” or their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0133] "Up," "down," "left," or "right" are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0134] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, The display module includes: A display panel having a bent area and a non-bent area surrounding the bent area; A support layer located on the side opposite to the light-emitting surface of the display panel, the support layer including a first support portion located on the side of the bending area and a second support portion located on the side of the non-bending area; the first support portion has a cutout area and is spaced apart from the display panel; the second support portion is in contact with the display panel; A protective cover plate located on the light-emitting side of the display panel, the protective cover plate comprising multiple release layers stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel, a multi-layer cover plate layer located between two adjacent release layers in the multi-layer release layers, a first hardened coating layer located on the side of the multi-layer release layers away from the display panel, and a second hardened coating layer located on the side of each release layer close to the display panel. The warping shape of the multilayer cover plate and the warping shape of the second hardened coating are used to counteract the stress of the warping shape of the first hardened coating, thereby reducing the warping of the protective cover plate.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the second hardened coating is the same as the material of the first hardened coating.

3. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the second hardened coating is less than the thickness of the first hardened coating.

4. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The protective cover includes a first release layer and a second release layer stacked sequentially along the direction close to the display panel.

5. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The protective cover includes a first cover layer and a second cover layer stacked sequentially along the direction close to the display panel.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, Both the first cover layer and the second cover layer are made of transparent flexible materials, but the materials of the first cover layer and the second cover layer are different.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The material of the first cover layer includes: transparent glass; the material of the second cover layer includes: transparent polyimide.

8. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the second cover layer is less than the thickness of the first cover layer.

9. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The display panel includes: a flexible substrate and a display screen sequentially stacked along a direction away from the support layer; The display module also includes: A first adhesive layer located between two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the protective cover, and used to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the protective cover; And a second adhesive layer located between two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the support layer, and used to bond the two adjacent film layers in the display panel and the support layer; The second adhesive layer located between the flexible substrate and the support layer has its orthographic projection on the display panel overlapping with the orthographic projection of the second support portion in the support layer on the display panel, but does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first support portion in the support layer on the display panel. The second adhesive layer is used to bond the flexible substrate and the second support portion in the support layer.

10. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The display module also includes: A waterproof protective membrane located between the second support portion and the flexible substrate.

11. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first adhesive layer includes a transparent optical adhesive; the second adhesive layer includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

12. The display module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The material of the support layer includes stainless steel; and the orthographic projection of the first support portion on the display panel is a mesh.

13. A method for manufacturing a display module, characterized in that, A method for preparing a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; the preparation method includes: A display panel is provided, the display panel having a bent area and a non-bent area surrounding the bent area; A support layer is formed on the side away from the light-emitting surface of the display panel, and the formed support layer includes a first support portion located on the side of the bending area and a second support portion located on the side of the non-bending area; the first support portion has a cutout area and is spaced apart from the display panel; the second support portion is in contact with the display panel; A protective cover is formed on one side of the light-emitting surface of the display panel, and the formed protective cover includes multiple release layers stacked sequentially in a direction away from the display panel, at least one cover layer located between two adjacent release layers in the multiple release layers, a first hardened coating located on the side of the multiple release layers away from the display panel, and a second hardened coating located on the side of the at least one release layer close to the display panel.

14. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: a power supply component, and a display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; The power supply component is coupled to the display module and is used to supply power to the display module.

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