Flexible display module and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

This application provides a flexible display module and its manufacturing method. The flexible display module includes a screen body, an optical adhesive layer, and a metal layer stacked sequentially. Compared with traditional modules containing a BPF structure, it simplifies the back film layer architecture, which is beneficial for simplifying the process, reducing costs, and improving product yield. The screen body includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The non-display area includes a bonding area and an unbonded area. The optical adhesive layer includes a first segment and a second segment located on one side of the first segment. The first segment is aligned with the display area and the unbonded area, and the second segment is aligned with the bonding area. By setting the first segment corresponding to the unbonded area as a light-shielding adhesive layer and the second segment as a light-transmitting adhesive layer, not only can bottom light be blocked to prevent abnormal light in the unbonded area, but it also facilitates capture and positioning during bonding operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to flexible display modules and their manufacturing methods. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible AMOLED displays offer advantages such as foldability, light weight, thinness, and superior performance, providing consumers with a better user experience compared to traditional rigid display products. This has led to a continuous diversification of demand for new types of foldable display products.

[0003] Current flexible display module structures require a back support film (BPF) to be attached to the back to support the display body and increase the rigidity of the module. However, modules containing BPF structures have a large number of film layers, resulting in higher costs and a higher risk of manufacturing defects.

[0004] In summary, existing flexible display modules have a complex film layer architecture, resulting in high costs and susceptibility to manufacturing defects. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a flexible display module and its manufacturing method to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a flexible display module and its manufacturing method, which can solve the problems of existing flexible display modules having a large number of film layer structures, high cost and low yield.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution is as follows:

[0007] A flexible display module, comprising:

[0008] A screen body, the screen body including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including a bound area and a non-bound area;

[0009] An optical adhesive layer is located on the back of the screen.

[0010] A metal layer is located on the surface of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body;

[0011] The optical adhesive layer includes a first segment and a second segment located on one side of the first segment; the first segment is aligned with the display area and the non-bonding area, and the first segment corresponding to the display area is a light-transmitting adhesive layer, while the first segment corresponding to the non-bonding area is a light-shielding adhesive layer.

[0012] The second section is aligned with the binding area, and the second section is a light-transmitting adhesive layer.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the projection of the second segment onto the metal layer at least covers the projection of the bonding area onto the metal layer.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the optical adhesive layer is integral and located on the back of the screen.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, the optical adhesive layer corresponding to the non-bonding area is a light-shielding adhesive layer, and the optical adhesive layer corresponding to the display area and the bonding area is a light-transmitting adhesive layer.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the first segment corresponding to the unbound area includes black colorant.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, the metal layer material includes one or any combination of two or more of stainless steel, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper.

[0018] A method for manufacturing a flexible display module, comprising:

[0019] A screen body is provided, the screen body including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including a bound area and an unbound area;

[0020] An optical adhesive layer is attached to the back of the screen.

[0021] Remove the protective film from the side of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body;

[0022] A process film is attached to the surface of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body;

[0023] After the flexible display module completes the offset bonding and bonding process, the process film is removed, and a metal layer is attached to the surface of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of this application, attaching the optical adhesive layer to the back of the screen body includes the following steps:

[0025] A first segment is attached below the display area and the unbound area, and a second segment is attached below the bound area.

[0026] According to one embodiment of this application, attaching the optical adhesive layer to the back of the screen body includes the following steps:

[0027] An integral optical adhesive layer is formed on the underside of the screen, and the optical adhesive layer located below the non-bonding area is colored.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this application, the process film is any one of polyethylene terephthalate film, polyimide film, and polyethylene naphthalate film.

[0029] Beneficial Effects: This application provides a flexible display module and its manufacturing method. The flexible display module includes a screen body, an optical adhesive layer, and a metal layer stacked sequentially. Compared with traditional modules containing a BPF structure, it simplifies the back film layer architecture, which is beneficial for simplifying the process, reducing costs, and improving product yield. Simultaneously, the screen body includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The non-display area includes a bonding area and a non-bonding area. The optical adhesive layer includes a first segment and a second segment located on one side of the first segment. The first segment is aligned with the display area and the non-bonding area, and the second segment is aligned with the bonding area. By setting the first segment corresponding to the non-bonding area as a light-shielding adhesive layer and the second segment as a light-transmitting adhesive layer, not only can bottom light be blocked to prevent abnormal light in the non-bonding area, but it also facilitates capture and positioning during bonding operations. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible display module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2A-2B This is a schematic diagram of the screen structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible display module according to another embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure during the manufacturing process of a flexible display module according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the process of manufacturing a flexible display module according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] This application provides a flexible display module, such as Figure 1 As shown, the flexible display module is composed of a screen body 10, an optical adhesive layer 12, and a metal layer 13 stacked sequentially. Specifically, the optical adhesive layer 12 is located on the back of the screen body 10, and the metal layer 13 is located on the surface of the optical adhesive layer 12 away from the screen body 10. It should be noted that the screen body 10 includes, but is not limited to, any one of OLED, AMOLED, and QLED, and is not specifically limited here.

[0037] like Figure 2A The diagram shows a schematic representation of the screen 10 in a flexible display module according to an embodiment of this application. The screen 10 includes an active area AA, which displays images and is located at the center of the screen 10, and a non-display area NAA, which is located on the outer periphery of the screen 10 to surround the active area AA. The non-display area NAA includes a binding area 112 and a non-binding area 111. The binding area 112 is located below the active area AA and does not directly contact the active area AA. The edges of the binding area 112 on both sides are located within the edges of the active area AA on both sides.

[0038] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 2B The optical adhesive layer 12 includes a first segment 121 and a second segment 122 located on one side of the first segment 121. The first segment 121 is aligned with the display area AA and the non-bonding area 111, and the second segment 122 is aligned with the bonding area 112. The projection of the second segment 122 on the metal layer 13 at least covers the projection of the bonding area 112 on the metal layer 13. Further, the edge of the first segment 121 facing the bonding area 112 is flush with the edge of the display area AA facing the bonding area 112. The left and right edges of the second segment 122 are flush with the left and right edges of the display area AA. The portion of the first segment 121 corresponding to the non-bonding area 111 forms a light-shielding adhesive layer by adding black masterbatch to the adhesive, thereby blocking bottom light and preventing abnormal light in the non-bonding area 111. The portion of the first segment 121 corresponding to the display area AA remains a light-transmitting adhesive layer, allowing the display area AA to display images normally. The second section 122 is a light-transmitting adhesive layer. This is because the binding operation needs to be transparent and visible during the binding process so that the equipment can easily grasp the mark point for positioning. Therefore, the second section 122 located below the binding area 112 cannot be light-blocked.

[0039] In one embodiment, the projection of the bonding area 112 onto the metal layer 13 completely coincides with the projection of the second segment 122 onto the metal layer 13, meaning the bonding area 112 and the second segment 122 are the same size. At this time, the edge of the first segment 121 facing the bonding area 112 contacts the bonding area 112. The portion of the first segment 121 corresponding to the non-bonding area 111 forms a light-shielding adhesive layer by adding black masterbatch to the colloid, thereby blocking bottom light and preventing abnormal light in the non-bonding area 111. It should be noted that the light-shielding adhesive layer of the first segment 121 blocks the gap between the display area AA and the bonding area 112, thus further preventing light leakage through the gap between the display area AA and the bonding area 112.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the optical adhesive layer 12 located away from the surface of the screen 10 is a single, integral layer. Compared to segmented optical adhesive layers 12, the integral optical adhesive layer 12 simplifies the manufacturing process. However, it should be noted that the integral optical adhesive layer 12 is more difficult to form and has a lower yield than the segmented optical adhesive layer 12. Furthermore, the non-bonding area 111 corresponding to the integral optical adhesive layer 12 is colored to form a light-shielding adhesive layer, thereby blocking bottom light and preventing color difference in the non-bonding area 111. The remaining area of ​​the integral optical adhesive layer remains a light-transmitting adhesive layer to avoid interference with the display area AA of the screen 10, while also facilitating capture and positioning during the bonding process.

[0041] It should be noted that the metal layer 13 described in this application embodiment serves as a support module, and its material may include, but is not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, copper, or any combination of two or more of them. This application does not specifically limit the material of the metal layer 13; any metal material with a certain hardness and strength is acceptable.

[0042] The flexible display module may also include a polarizer and a cover plate that are stacked sequentially on top of the screen 10. The specific structural configuration can refer to existing flexible display modules and is not specifically limited here.

[0043] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a flexible display module.

[0044] The following describes in detail a method for manufacturing a flexible display module according to an embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the manufacturing method includes the following steps:

[0045] Step S11: Provide a screen body 10, the screen body 10 includes a display area AA and a non-display area NAA surrounding the display area AA, the non-display area NAA includes a non-binding area 111 and a binding area 112.

[0046] Step S12: Apply optical adhesive layer 12 to the back of the screen 10: apply a first segment 121 below the display area AA and the non-bonding area 111, and apply a second segment 122 below the bonding area 112.

[0047] Step S13: Remove the first protective film 141 below the first section 121 and the second protective film 142 below the second section 122 respectively.

[0048] Step S14: Attach the process film 15 to the surface of the optical adhesive layer 12 away from the screen body 10.

[0049] Step S15: After the offset bonding and bonding process of the flexible display module is completed, the process film 15 is removed, and the metal layer 13 is attached to the surface of the optical adhesive layer 12 away from the screen body 10.

[0050] It should be noted that the optical adhesive can be either OCA optical adhesive or OCR optical adhesive, and is not limited thereto. This application uses OCA optical adhesive as an example for illustration. Since the bonding and adhesion processes need to be performed under conditions where the flexible display module has a certain degree of rigidity, and the elastic modulus of OCA optical adhesive is relatively low, it is insufficient to provide sufficient rigidity for subsequent bonding and adhesion. Therefore, a removable process film 15 is added to the process, providing support for subsequent bonding and adhesion processes while eliminating the need for the BPF in the existing flexible module architecture, thereby effectively improving product yield and reducing costs. Furthermore, OCA itself has a low elastic modulus and strong resistance to deformation, which can improve creases and effectively enhance folding performance.

[0051] Furthermore, the process film 15 in this embodiment can be any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), without specific limitation. Meanwhile, to ensure its rigidity and strength meet process requirements, the thickness of the process film 15 should be within the range of 70μm to 100μm (e.g., 70μm, 75μm, 80μm, 90μm, 100μm). In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the process film 15 is 100μm.

[0052] The manufacturing method of a flexible display module according to another embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0053] A method for manufacturing a flexible display module, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0054] Step S21: Provide a screen body 10, the screen body 10 includes a display area AA and a non-display area NAA surrounding the display area AA, the non-display area NAA includes a binding area 112 and a non-binding area 111.

[0055] Step S22: Attach an optical adhesive layer 12 to the back of the screen body 10: Form an integral optical adhesive layer 12 on the bottom of the screen body 10, and color the optical adhesive layer 12 located below the non-bonding area 111 to form a light-shielding adhesive layer, while the remaining area remains a light-transmitting adhesive layer.

[0056] Step S23: Remove the protective film 16 beneath the optical adhesive layer 12.

[0057] Step S24: Attach the process film 15 to the surface of the optical adhesive layer 12 away from the screen body 10.

[0058] Step S25: After the offset bonding and bonding process of the flexible display module is completed, the process film 15 is removed, and the metal layer 13 is attached to the surface of the optical adhesive layer 12 away from the screen body 10.

[0059] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0060] This application provides a flexible display module and its manufacturing method. The flexible display module includes a screen body, an optical adhesive layer, and a metal layer stacked sequentially. Compared with traditional modules containing a BPF structure, it simplifies the back film layer architecture, which is beneficial for simplifying the process, reducing costs, and improving product yield. The screen body includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The non-display area includes a bonding area and an unbonded area. The optical adhesive layer includes a first segment and a second segment located on one side of the first segment. The first segment is aligned with the display area and the unbonded area, and the second segment is aligned with the bonding area. By setting the first segment corresponding to the unbonded area as a light-shielding adhesive layer and the second segment as a light-transmitting adhesive layer, not only can bottom light be blocked to prevent abnormal light in the unbonded area, but it also facilitates capture and positioning during bonding operations.

[0061] The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the technical solutions and core ideas of this application; those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A flexible display module, characterized in that, include: A screen body, the screen body including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including a bound area and a non-bound area; An optical adhesive layer is located on the back of the screen body, and the side of the screen body away from the optical adhesive layer is the light-emitting side; A metal layer is located on the surface of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body; The optical adhesive layer includes a first segment and a second segment located on one side of the first segment; The first segment is aligned with the display area and the unbound area, and the first segment corresponding to the display area is a light-transmitting adhesive layer, while the first segment corresponding to the unbound area is a light-shielding adhesive layer. The second section is aligned with the binding area, and the second section is a light-transmitting adhesive layer. 2.The flexible display module of claim 1, wherein, The projection of the second segment onto the metal layer at least covers the projection of the bonding area onto the metal layer. 3.The flexible display module of claim 1, wherein, The optical adhesive layer is a single piece and is located on the back of the screen. 4.The flexible display module of claim 3, wherein, The optical adhesive layer corresponding to the non-bonding area is a light-shielding adhesive layer, and the optical adhesive layer corresponding to the display area and the bonding area is a light-transmitting adhesive layer. 5.The flexible display module of claim 1, wherein, The first segment corresponding to the unbound area includes black colorant. 6.The flexible display module of claim 1, wherein, The metal layer material includes one or any combination of two or more of stainless steel, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper. 7.A method for manufacturing a flexible display module, characterized in that, For preparing the flexible display module as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: A screen body is provided, the screen body including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including a bound area and an unbound area; An optical adhesive layer is attached to the back of the screen. Remove the protective film from the side of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body; A process film is attached to the surface of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body; After the flexible display module completes the offset bonding and bonding process, the process film is removed, and a metal layer is attached to the surface of the optical adhesive layer away from the screen body.

8. The method for manufacturing a flexible display module as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The process of attaching the optical adhesive layer to the back of the screen includes the following steps: A first segment is attached below the display area and the unbound area, and a second segment is attached below the bound area. 9.The method of claim 7, wherein the flexible display module is manufactured by a process comprising: The process of attaching the optical adhesive layer to the back of the screen includes the following steps: ​ An integral optical adhesive layer is formed on the underside of the screen, and the optical adhesive layer located below the non-bonding area is colored. 10.The method of claim 7, wherein the flexible display module is manufactured by a process comprising: The process film is any one of polyethylene terephthalate film, polyimide film, and polyethylene naphthalate film. ​

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