Foldable display module, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

A foldable display module, a preparation method thereof and a display device, the preparation method of the foldable display module comprising: attaching a protection structure layer on the backlight side of a display panel, the protection structure layer comprising an adhesive film and a bottom film, the adhesive film being attached to the backlight side of the display panel, and the bottom film being located on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel; using the bottom film as a bearing film to attach a cover plate on the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film; removing the bottom film and attaching a support structure to the adhesive film; and avoiding damage to the display panel during the attachment process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, the field of display technology, specifically to a foldable display module and its manufacturing method, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology is increasingly being used in products such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and televisions. Among them, flexible OLED technology has attracted widespread attention because its advantage lies in its ability to create bendable OLED display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method for manufacturing a foldable display module, including:

[0004] A protective structural layer is attached to the backlight side of the display panel. The protective structural layer includes an adhesive film and a base film. The adhesive film is bonded to the backlight side of the display panel, and the base film is located on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

[0005] The base film is used as a carrier film, and a cover plate is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film.

[0006] Remove the base film and attach a support structure to the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the base film includes an overlapping region and a non-overlapping region located on at least one side of the overlapping region. The overlapping region overlaps with the orthographic projection of the adhesive film on the plane of the foldable display module, and the non-overlapping region does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the adhesive film on the plane of the foldable display module.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical distance between the edge of the non-overlapping region away from the overlapping region and the edge of the overlapping region near the non-overlapping region is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, after attaching the protective structural layer to the backlight side of the display panel, the method further includes:

[0010] The display panel and the adhesive film are cut together.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive film is a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the adhesive film is in direct contact with the backlight side of the display panel.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the base film is used as a carrier film, and before the cover plate is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film, the method further includes:

[0014] A polarizing film is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the method for manufacturing a foldable display module includes:

[0016] A protective structural layer is attached to the backlight side of the display panel. The protective structural layer includes an adhesive film and a base film. The adhesive film is bonded to the backlight side of the display panel, and the base film is located on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

[0017] Part of the adhesive film is removed to form a broken adhesive area, which is located in the folding area of ​​the foldable display module.

[0018] A filler layer is applied to the area where the adhesive is broken.

[0019] The base film is used as a carrier film, and a cover plate is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film.

[0020] Remove the base film and the filler layer, and attach a support structure to the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

[0021] This application provides a foldable display module, which is manufactured by the aforementioned method for manufacturing foldable display modules. The foldable display module includes a bendable region and a first non-bendable region and a second non-bendable region disposed on opposite sides of the bendable region in a second direction. The foldable display module includes a display panel, an adhesive film disposed on the backlight side of the display panel, and a support structure disposed on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel. The adhesive film includes a third region and a first region and a second region disposed on opposite sides of the third region in the second direction. The first region is located in the first non-bendable region, the second region is located in the second non-bendable region, and the third region is located in the bendable region. The third region includes an edge extending along the second direction, and the edge is provided with an inwardly recessed notch. The outline of the inwardly recessed notch is inwardly recessed relative to the edge of the display panel.

[0022] This application provides a foldable display module, which is manufactured by the aforementioned method for manufacturing foldable display modules. The foldable display module includes a first non-bending region, a second non-bending region, and a bendable region disposed between the first non-bending region and the second non-bending region. The foldable display module includes a display panel, an adhesive film disposed on one side of the display panel, and a support structure disposed on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel. The adhesive film includes a first region, a second region, and a disengaged region disposed between the first region and the second region. The first region is located in the first non-bending region, the second region is located in the second non-bending region, and the disengaged region is located in the bending region, thus separating the first region and the second region from each other.

[0023] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module disclosed herein can avoid edge scratches of the display panel during the process of attaching the polarizer and cover plate by using the first and second non-overlapping areas of the base film.

[0024] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module disclosed herein uses the bottom film as the carrier film, eliminating the need to attach the carrier film during the process of bonding the cover plate, thus saving carrier film material and reducing production costs.

[0025] The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a foldable display module. During the process of attaching the cover plate, the display panel is protected by a base film and an adhesive film. Compared with protecting the display panel only by a protective film, the thickness of the base film and the adhesive film is increased, thereby improving the protection of the display panel.

[0026] The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a foldable display module. During the process of attaching the polarizer and cover plate, the base film and adhesive film are always located on the surface of the display panel to protect the display panel and avoid damage to the surface of the display panel, thus preventing the risk of progressive black spots (GDS).

[0027] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module disclosed herein reduces the bonding tolerance between the display panel and the adhesive film by cutting the display panel and the adhesive film together, thereby eliminating the risk of adhesive overflow in the adhesive film.

[0028] The foldable display module of this disclosure reduces the stress in the bending area of ​​the foldable display module by setting an inward notch in the third region of the adhesive film, thus avoiding adhesive overflow after the adhesive film is bonded to the support structure.

[0029] The foldable display module disclosed herein uses the adhesive breakage area of ​​the adhesive film to break the adhesive at the bending area of ​​the foldable display module, which can improve the creases in the bending area, facilitate bending of the bending area, and at the same time improve the bending area detachment.

[0030] The method for preparing a foldable display module according to the present invention eliminates the step difference in the adhesive break area of ​​the adhesive film by using a filler layer, thereby avoiding mold marks during the bonding process.

[0031] This embodiment of the foldable display module uses a single-layer adhesive film, which reduces the thickness of the adhesive film, thereby reducing the thickness and weight of the foldable display module, reducing the risk of bending and falling off in the bending area, improving bending performance, simplifying the structure, and reducing production costs.

[0032] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module in this embodiment reduces the thickness and weight of the foldable display module, improves bending performance, simplifies the structure, and reduces production costs by making the adhesive film directly contact the display panel.

[0033] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the application. Other advantages of this application can be realized and obtained by means of the solutions described in the description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solutions of this application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this application.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a foldable display module in related technologies;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film in a foldable display module in related technologies;

[0037] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a foldable display module, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a foldable display module, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film for a foldable display module, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adhesive film of a foldable display module, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable display module after a protective structural layer has been attached;

[0042] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film and the base film in a foldable display module disclosed herein;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable display module after attaching a polarizer and a cover plate according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film for another foldable display module, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This disclosure presents a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film and the base film in a foldable display module;

[0046] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another foldable display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another foldable display module as an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The manufacturing process of a foldable display module generally includes a backplane section, a frontplane section, and a module section. The backplane section involves processes such as film deposition, exposure, and etching to stack layers of different patterns and materials to form a driving circuit on the substrate. This driving circuit provides the light-emitting devices with lighting signals and a stable power input. The frontplane section uses a high-precision metal mask (FMM) to deposit organic light-emitting materials and cathode materials onto the driving circuit formed in the backplane section, forming the light-emitting devices connected to the driving circuit. An encapsulation layer is then formed on the light-emitting devices for protection. The module section involves attaching polarizers to the encapsulated display panel, then cutting the display substrate into multiple display panels of actual product size. Finally, cover plates and support structures are attached to the cut display panels.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a foldable display module in related technologies. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the related foldable display module includes a display panel 1', a polarizer 2' disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel 1', an optical adhesive layer 3' disposed on the side of the polarizer 2' away from the display panel 1', a cover plate 4' disposed on the side of the optical adhesive layer 3' away from the display panel 1', an adhesive film 6' disposed on the side of the display panel 1' away from the polarizer 2', and a support structure 7' disposed on the side of the adhesive film 6' away from the display panel 1'.

[0050] In the related technology, during the manufacturing process of the foldable display module, in the module segment, when the display panel 1' is attached to the cover plate 4', the protective film (e.g., U-Film) on the surface of the display panel 1' away from the cover plate 4' needs to be removed. Then, the carrier film is attached to the surface of the display panel 1' away from the cover plate 4'. Finally, the display panel 1' is attached to the cover plate 4'.

[0051] The inventors of this application discovered that during the bonding process between the display panel 1' and the cover plate 4', the protective film of the display panel 1' needs to be removed and a carrier film needs to be bonded. The carrier film is thinner than the protective film, for example, its thickness is 0.06mm to 0.068mm. This makes it impossible for the carrier film to effectively protect the display panel 1', resulting in scratches, dents, and progressive black spots (GDS) that affect the quality of the foldable display module. Even in cleanrooms with processes such as production line cleaning, equipment PM, and product plasma cleaning, the presence of foreign objects during the bonding process cannot completely eliminate the aforementioned risks.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film 6' in a foldable display module in related technologies. Figure 2 As shown, in the related technology, the edge of the adhesive film 6' in the foldable display module is roughly flush with the edge of the display panel 1'. Through research by the inventors of this application, it has been found that the presence of the adhesive film 6' in the bending area of ​​the foldable display module leads to high stress in the bending area, making it difficult to bend, and also easily causing the adhesive film 6' in the bending area to overflow.

[0053] This invention provides a method for manufacturing a foldable display module, comprising:

[0054] A protective structural layer is attached to the backlight side of the display panel. The protective structural layer includes an adhesive film and a base film. The adhesive film is bonded to the backlight side of the display panel, and the base film is located on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

[0055] The base film is used as a carrier film, and a cover plate is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film.

[0056] Remove the base film and attach a support structure to the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

[0057] The backlight side of the display panel is the side of the display panel that does not emit light. The backlight side and the light-emitting side of the display panel are opposite sides of the display panel, and the light-emitting side of the display panel is the side of the display panel that emits light.

[0058] The following examples illustrate the solution of this embodiment.

[0059] Figure 3a This is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a foldable display module, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 3a As shown, on a plane parallel to the foldable display module, the foldable display module may include a first non-bending region 101, a second non-bending region 102, and a bendable region 103 disposed between the first non-bending region 101 and the second non-bending region 102. The first non-bending region 101, the bendable region 103, and the second non-bending region 102 are arranged sequentially along a second direction D2. The bendable region 103 is rectangular and can be bent. The bendable region 103 is connected to the first non-bending region 101 and the second non-bending region 102 on opposite sides of the second direction D2, respectively. The first non-bending region 101 and the second non-bending region 102 can be folded by bending the bendable region 103.

[0060] Figure 3b This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a foldable display module, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b It can be Figure 3a A cross-sectional view along the a-a' direction. In an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 3b As shown, on a plane perpendicular to the foldable display module, the foldable display module may include a display panel 1, a polarizer 2 disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel 1, an optical adhesive layer 3 disposed on the side of the polarizer 2 away from the display panel 1, a cover plate 4 disposed on the side of the optical adhesive layer 3 away from the display panel 1, a protective film 5 disposed on the backlight side of the display panel 1, an adhesive film 6 disposed on the side of the protective film 5 away from the display panel 1, and a support structure 7 disposed on the side of the adhesive film 6 away from the display panel 1. The backlight side of the display panel is the side of the display panel that does not emit light, and the light-emitting side of the display panel is the side of the display panel that emits light. The backlight side and the light-emitting side of the display panel are opposite sides of the display panel.

[0061] In this exemplary embodiment, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is used as the light-emitting device in the display panel, but the display panel is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the light-emitting device in the display panel can be a micro light-emitting diode (LED) or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. For example, the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting device in the display panel can include organic materials, inorganic materials, quantum dots, organic materials and quantum dots, inorganic materials and quantum dots, or organic materials, inorganic materials and quantum dots.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 1 may include a driving circuit layer disposed on a substrate, a light-emitting structure layer disposed on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate, and an encapsulation structure layer disposed on the side of the light-emitting structure layer away from the substrate. In some possible implementations, the display substrate may include other film layers, such as a touch structure layer, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate may be a flexible substrate. The driving circuit layer may include a pixel driving circuit, which may include multiple transistors and storage capacitors. The light-emitting structure layer may include multiple light-emitting units, each of which may include at least a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device may include an anode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a cathode. The anode is connected to the pixel driving circuit, the organic light-emitting layer is connected to the anode, and the cathode is connected to the organic light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting layer emits light of a corresponding color under the driving of the anode and cathode. The encapsulation structure layer may include a first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer stacked together. The first and third encapsulation layers may be made of inorganic materials, and the second encapsulation layer may be made of organic materials. The second encapsulation layer is disposed between the first and third encapsulation layers, forming an inorganic / organic / inorganic material stacked structure, which can ensure that external moisture cannot enter the light-emitting structure layer.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light-emitting layer may include a light-emitting layer (EML) and any one or more of the following: a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron blocking layer (EBL), a hole blocking layer (HBL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0065] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of an adhesive film for a foldable display module, as an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, on a plane parallel to the foldable display module, the adhesive film 6 includes a first region 601, a second region 602, and a third region 603 disposed between the first region 601 and the second region 602. The third region 603 is connected to the first region 601 and the second region 602 on opposite sides in the second direction D2, respectively. The first region 601 of the adhesive film 6 is located in the first non-bending region of the foldable display module and is used to bond the display panel 1 of the first non-bending region to the support structure 7; the second region 602 of the adhesive film 6 is located in the second non-bending region of the foldable display module and is used to bond the display panel 1 of the second non-bending region to the support structure 7; the third region 603 of the adhesive film 6 is located in the bending region of the foldable display module and is used to bond the display panel 1 of the bending region to the support structure 7.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the third region 603 of the adhesive film 6 includes an edge extending along the second direction D2, which is located on opposite sides of the third region 603 in the first direction D1. This edge is provided with an inwardly recessed notch 81, the outline of which is recessed relative to the side edges of the display panel 1 in the first direction D1. Both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are parallel to the plane of the foldable display module, and the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 intersect each other; for example, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0067] In some embodiments, the third region of the adhesive film has an inwardly recessed notch on one side edge in the first direction D1, which will not be described in detail here.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the vertical distance between the bottom wall of the recessed notch 81 and the edge of the corresponding display panel 1 in the first direction D1 can be greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm. For example, the vertical distance between the bottom wall of the recessed notch 81 and the edge of the corresponding display panel 1 in the first direction D1 can be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the outline of the recessed notch 81 can be U-shaped. In some embodiments, the outline of the recessed notch can include a regular or irregular shape such as a V-shape or a polygon with an opening; or, the outline of the recessed notch can be arc-shaped.

[0070] The foldable display module of this disclosure reduces the stress in the bending area of ​​the foldable display module by providing an inward notch 81 in the third region 603 of the adhesive film 6, thereby preventing adhesive overflow after the adhesive film 6 is bonded to the support structure 7.

[0071] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adhesive film of a foldable display module, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, on a plane perpendicular to the foldable display module, the adhesive film 6 can be a multi-layer structure. The adhesive film 6 may include a first adhesive layer 61, a second adhesive layer 62, and a third adhesive layer 63 stacked sequentially, with the second adhesive layer 62 located between the first adhesive layer 61 and the third adhesive layer 63. The first adhesive layer 61 is located on the side of the third adhesive layer 63 closer to the display panel 1 and is in direct contact with the protective film 5; the third adhesive layer 63 is located on the side of the first adhesive layer 61 closer to the support structure 7 and is in direct contact with the support structure 7.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, both the first adhesive layer 61 and the third adhesive layer 63 can be pressure-sensitive adhesives. The material of the second adhesive layer 62 can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

[0073] The following reference Figures 6 to 8 An exemplary method for manufacturing a foldable display module is provided.

[0074] The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to embodiments of this disclosure includes:

[0075] (11) Applying a protective structural layer. In an exemplary embodiment, applying a protective structural layer includes: firstly, applying a protective film 5 to the backlight side of the display panel 1, the protective film 5 being used to protect the display panel 1 and prevent damage to the display panel 1 during the application process; subsequently, applying a protective structural layer to the surface of the protective film 5 away from the display panel 1, the protective structural layer including an adhesive film 6 and a base film 7, the adhesive film 6 being bonded to the protective film 5, and the base film 7 being located on the side of the adhesive film 6 away from the display panel 1, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0076] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 7 As shown, the adhesive film 6 located in the bending area of ​​the foldable display module has inward notches 81 on both sides of the opposite sides in the first direction D1. The outline of the inward notches 81 is inward relative to the two sides of the display panel 1 in the first direction D1, and the outline shape of the inward notches 81 is U-shaped.

[0077] In an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the orthographic projection of the adhesive film 6 onto the plane of the foldable display module lies within the orthographic projection of the base film 7 onto the plane of the foldable display module. The base film 7 includes an overlapping region 71, a first non-overlapping region 72, and a second non-overlapping region 73. The first non-overlapping region 72 and the second non-overlapping region 73 are located on opposite sides of the overlapping region 71 in the first direction D1. The overlapping region 71 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the adhesive film 6 onto the plane of the foldable display module, while the first non-overlapping region 72 and the second non-overlapping region 73 do not overlap with the orthographic projection of the adhesive film 6 onto the plane of the foldable display module.

[0078] In some embodiments, the base film may include an overlapping region and a non-overlapping region disposed on one side of the overlapping region; or, the base film may include an overlapping region and a non-overlapping region disposed around the overlapping region.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the edge of the first non-overlapping region 72 on the side away from the overlapping region 71 extends along the second direction D2, the edge of the overlapping region 71 on the side close to the first non-overlapping region 72 extends along the second direction D2, and the vertical distance between the edge of the first non-overlapping region 72 on the side away from the overlapping region 71 and the edge of the overlapping region 71 on the side close to the first non-overlapping region 72 is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the edge of the second non-overlapping region 73 on the side away from the overlapping region 71 extends along the second direction D2, the edge of the overlapping region 71 on the side near the second non-overlapping region 73 extends along the second direction D2, and the vertical distance between the edge of the second non-overlapping region 73 on the side away from the overlapping region 71 and the edge of the overlapping region 71 on the side near the second non-overlapping region 73 is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the edge of the bottom film 7 may be provided with a foolproof notch.

[0082] (12) Attaching the polarizer and cover plate. In an exemplary embodiment, attaching the polarizer and cover plate includes: firstly attaching a polarizer 2 to the surface of the display panel 1 away from the adhesive film 6 on the surface where the aforementioned film layer is formed; then forming an optical adhesive layer 3 on the surface of the polarizer 2 away from the display panel 1; subsequently, cutting the display panel 1 and the adhesive film 6 together to form a predetermined size; finally, using the base film 7 as a carrier film, attaching a cover plate 4 to the surface of the optical adhesive layer 3 away from the display panel 1, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown.

[0083] (13) Attaching a support structure. In an exemplary embodiment, attaching a support structure includes: first removing the base film 7 from the display panel on which the aforementioned film layer is formed, and then attaching the support structure 7 to the surface of the adhesive film 6 on the side away from the display panel 1, such as... Figure 3b As shown.

[0084] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module disclosed herein, through the first non-overlapping region 72 and the second non-overlapping region 73 of the base film 7, can avoid the edge of the display panel 1 from being scratched during the process of attaching the polarizer and the cover plate.

[0085] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module disclosed herein uses the bottom film 7 as the carrier film, eliminating the need to attach the carrier film during the process of attaching the cover plate, thus saving carrier film material and reducing production costs.

[0086] This disclosure describes a method for manufacturing a foldable display module. During the application of the cover plate, a base film 7 and an adhesive film 6 protect the display panel 1. Compared to protecting the display panel 1 solely with a protective film, the thickness of the base film 7 and the adhesive film 6 is increased, thereby improving the protection of the display panel 1. For example, the thickness of the base film 7 is greater than or equal to 0.085 mm and less than or equal to 0.1 mm, the thickness of the adhesive film 6 is greater than or equal to 0.065 mm and less than or equal to 0.1 mm, and the thickness of the protective film is greater than or equal to 0.06 mm and less than or equal to 0.08 mm. The thickness of the base film 7 and the adhesive film 6 is increased by 0.07 mm to 0.14 mm compared to the protective film.

[0087] The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a foldable display module. During the process of attaching the polarizer and cover plate, the base film 7 and the adhesive film 6 are always located on the surface of the display panel, protecting the display panel and preventing damage to the surface of the display panel, thus avoiding the risk of progressive black spots (GDS).

[0088] The method for manufacturing the foldable display module disclosed herein reduces the bonding tolerance between the display panel 1 and the adhesive film 6 by cutting the display panel 1 and the adhesive film 6 together, thereby eliminating the risk of adhesive overflow in the adhesive film 6.

[0089] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the adhesive film for another foldable display module, as an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 As shown, the foldable display module of this exemplary embodiment is basically the same as that of the previous embodiment, except that, on a plane parallel to the foldable display module, the adhesive film 6 of the foldable display module in this embodiment includes a first region 601, a second region 602, and a disengaged adhesive region 82 disposed between the first region 601 and the second region 602. The adhesive film 6 on the disengaged adhesive region 82 is removed. The first region 601 and the second region 602 are located on opposite sides of the disengaged adhesive region 82 in the second direction D2. The disengaged adhesive region 82 separates the first region 601 and the second region 602 from each other and is located in the bending region of the foldable display module.

[0090] The foldable display module disclosed herein improves the creases in the bending area of ​​the foldable display module by breaking the adhesive through the adhesive breakage area of ​​the adhesive film, that is, removing the adhesive film 6 in the bending area, which is conducive to bending the bending area and at the same time improves the bending detachment of the bending area.

[0091] The fabrication method of the foldable display module in this embodiment includes:

[0092] (21) Applying a protective structural layer. In an exemplary embodiment, applying a protective structural layer includes: firstly, applying a protective film 5 to the backlight side of the display panel 1; the protective film 5 is used to protect the display panel 1 and prevent damage to the display panel 1 during the application process; subsequently, providing a protective structural layer, the protective structural layer including an adhesive film 6 and a base film 7, wherein the portion of the adhesive film 6 corresponding to the bending area of ​​the display module is removed to form a glue break area 82; subsequently, filling the glue break area 82 with a filler layer 83; finally, applying the adhesive film 6 of the protective structural layer to the surface of the protective film 5 away from the display panel 1, wherein the base film 7 is located on the side of the adhesive film 6 away from the display panel 1, such as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0093] (22) Attaching a polarizer and a cover plate. In an exemplary embodiment, attaching a polarizer and a cover plate includes: attaching a polarizer 2 to the surface of the display panel 1 away from the adhesive film 6 on the surface of the display panel on which the aforementioned film layer is formed; then forming an optical adhesive layer 3 on the surface of the polarizer 2 away from the display panel 1; then cutting the display panel 1 and the adhesive film 6 together to form a predetermined size; and finally, attaching a cover plate 4 to the surface of the optical adhesive layer 3 away from the display panel 1, using a base film 7 as a carrier film.

[0094] (23) Attaching a support structure. In an exemplary embodiment, attaching a support structure includes: first removing the base film 7 and the filler layer 83 together on the display panel on which the aforementioned film layer is formed; then attaching the support structure 7 to the surface of the adhesive film 6 on the side away from the display panel 1.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the material of the filler layer 83 may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0096] The method for preparing the foldable display module in this embodiment eliminates the step difference in the adhesive break area of ​​the adhesive film 6 by using the filler layer 83, thus avoiding mold marks during the bonding process.

[0097] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another foldable display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 As shown, this exemplary embodiment features a foldable display module and Figure 3b The foldable display modules shown are basically the same, except that, on the plane perpendicular to the foldable display module, the adhesive film 6 of the foldable display module in this embodiment is a single film layer, and the material of the adhesive film 6 is pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0098] In this embodiment, the foldable display module uses a single-layer adhesive film 6, which reduces the thickness of the adhesive film 6, thereby reducing the thickness and weight of the foldable display module, reducing the risk of bending and falling off in the bending area, improving bending performance, simplifying the structure, and reducing production costs.

[0099] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another foldable display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 As shown, this exemplary embodiment features a foldable display module and Figure 3b The foldable display modules shown are basically the same, except that in this embodiment, the protective film is removed from the foldable display module on the plane perpendicular to the foldable display module, and the adhesive film 6 of the foldable display module is in direct contact with the side surface of the display panel 1 away from the cover plate 4.

[0100] In this embodiment, the foldable display module removes the protective film, allowing the adhesive film 6 to directly contact the display panel 1. This reduces the thickness and weight of the foldable display module, improves bending performance, simplifies the structure, and lowers production costs.

[0101] This invention also provides a display device, including any of the foldable display modules described above. This display device includes mobile phones, tablet computers, smart wearable products (such as smartwatches, bracelets, etc.), personal digital assistants (PDAs), in-vehicle computers, etc. This application does not impose any special limitations on the specific form of the above-described foldable display device.

[0102] This application describes several embodiments, but these descriptions are exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the drawings and discussed in the detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are also possible. Unless specifically limited, any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with, or may replace, any feature or element of any other embodiment.

[0103] This application includes and contemplates combinations of features and elements known to those skilled in the art. The embodiments, features, and elements disclosed in this application may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a unique inventive scheme as defined by the claims. Any feature or element of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other inventive schemes to form another unique inventive scheme as defined by the claims. Therefore, it should be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in this application may be implemented individually or in any suitable combination. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except by the limitations imposed by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0104] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented methods and / or processes as a specific sequence of steps. However, the method or process should not be limited to the specific order of steps described herein, to the extent that it does not depend on such a specific order. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other sequences of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as a limitation of the claims. Moreover, the claims concerning the method and / or process should not be limited to the steps performed in the written order, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that these orders can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a foldable display module, characterized in that, include: A protective structural layer is attached to the backlight side of the display panel. The protective structural layer includes an adhesive film and a base film. The adhesive film is bonded to the backlight side of the display panel, and the base film is located on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel. The base film is used as a carrier film, and a cover plate is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film. Remove the base film and attach a support structure to the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel; The base film includes an overlapping area and a non-overlapping area located on at least one side of the overlapping area. The overlapping area overlaps with the orthographic projection of the adhesive film on the plane of the foldable display module, and the non-overlapping area does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the adhesive film on the plane of the foldable display module.

2. The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical distance between the edge of the non-overlapping region away from the overlapping region and the edge of the overlapping region near the non-overlapping region is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

3. The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After attaching the protective structural layer to the backlight side of the display panel, it also includes: The display panel and the adhesive film are cut together.

4. The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adhesive membrane has a multi-layer structure or a single-layer structure.

5. The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adhesive film is in direct contact with the backlight side of the display panel.

6. The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Using the base film as a carrier film, before attaching the cover plate to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film, the method further includes: A polarizing film is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film.

7. The method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: A protective structural layer is attached to the backlight side of the display panel. The protective structural layer includes an adhesive film and a base film. The adhesive film is bonded to the backlight side of the display panel, and the base film is located on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel. Part of the adhesive film is removed to form a broken adhesive area, which is located in the folding area of ​​the foldable display module. A filler layer is applied to the area where the adhesive is broken. The base film is used as a carrier film, and a cover plate is attached to the side of the display panel away from the adhesive film. Remove the base film and the filler layer, and attach a support structure to the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel.

8. A foldable display module, characterized in that, The foldable display module is manufactured by the method for manufacturing a foldable display module according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The foldable display module includes a bendable region and a first non-bendable region and a second non-bendable region disposed on opposite sides of the bendable region in a second direction. The foldable display module includes a display panel, an adhesive film disposed on the backlight side of the display panel, and a support structure disposed on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel. The adhesive film includes a third region and a first region and a second region disposed on opposite sides of the third region in the second direction. The first region is located in the first non-bendable region, the second region is located in the second non-bendable region, and the third region is located in the bendable region. The third region includes an edge extending along the second direction, and the edge is provided with an inwardly recessed notch. The outline of the inwardly recessed notch is inwardly recessed relative to the edge of the display panel.

9. A foldable display module, characterized in that, The foldable display module is manufactured by the method for manufacturing the foldable display module according to claim 7. The foldable display module includes a first non-bending region, a second non-bending region, and a bendable region disposed between the first non-bending region and the second non-bending region. The foldable display module includes a display panel, an adhesive film disposed on one side of the display panel, and a support structure disposed on the side of the adhesive film away from the display panel. The adhesive film includes a first region, a second region, and a disengaged adhesive region disposed between the first region and the second region. The first region is located in the first non-bending region, the second region is located in the second non-bending region, and the disengaged adhesive region is located in the bending region, thereby separating the first region and the second region from each other.

10. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the foldable display module described in claim 8 or 9 above.

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