Display module, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The application provides a display module, a preparation method thereof and a display device. The display module comprises a display panel, the display panel comprising a first extension part, a bending part and a second extension part connected in sequence, the first extension part and the second extension part being oppositely arranged; a first support structure located at one side of the first extension part close to the second extension part, the first support structure comprising a first part and a second part connected to each other, the first part being located at one side of the second part away from the bending part, and the second part extending at least partially to one side of the bending part close to the first extension part; and a first flexible layer located at the bending part in cooperation with the first support structure. In the case of reducing the bending radius of the bending part, the phenomenon of dead folding of the display panel screen body is hardly likely to occur, and the inorganic layer and metal trace inside the display panel are hardly likely to be broken, the yield of the display module is higher, and the display module with a narrow frame is beneficial to be obtained.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the display field, with the development and design of flexible materials, the market demand for diversified forms of display terminal products is increasing. Foldable (e.g., inward folding, outward folding), rollable, wearable, and narrow-bezel smart display terminals are receiving widespread attention. Currently, narrowing the bezel of display modules mainly targets the bottom bezel. To achieve narrower bezels, reducing the bending radius of the flexible display panel is the most direct and effective method. However, due to limitations in related technologies, the current bezel narrowing technology for display modules still needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a display module, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a display module, including:

[0005] The display panel includes a first extension, a bent portion and a second extension connected in sequence, with the first extension and the second extension disposed opposite to each other.

[0006] A first support structure is located on the side of the first extension near the second extension. The first support structure includes a first part and a second part that are connected to each other. The first part is located on the side of the second part away from the bend, and the second part extends at least partially to the side of the bend near the first extension.

[0007] The first flexible layer is located at the bend in conjunction with the first supporting structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer is lower than that of the first supporting structure; along the thickness direction of the first supporting structure, the first flexible layer is located between the second part and the bent part of the first supporting structure.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer is greater than or equal to 10 MPa and less than or equal to 200 MPa;

[0010] Preferably, the material of the first flexible layer includes at least one of silicone, polyimide, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second part is less than or equal to the thickness of the first part;

[0012] Preferably, the thickness of the second part gradually decreases in the direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part;

[0013] Preferably, the thickness of the first flexible layer gradually increases in the direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second part of the first support structure includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, with at least a portion of the first surface in direct contact with the first flexible layer;

[0015] Preferably, the second surface includes a curved surface;

[0016] Preferably, the connecting surface between the first part and the second part is set to correspond to the bending start point or bending start point of the bent part;

[0017] Preferably, in the second part extending to the side of the bend near the first extension, the ratio of the thickness of the second part at any position to the bending stress on the first surface is a constant.

[0018] In one embodiment, it further includes: a second support structure located on the side of the second extension near the first extension, the second support structure including a third part and a fourth part connected to each other, the third part being located on the side of the fourth part away from the bend, and the fourth part extending at least partially to the side of the bend near the second extension;

[0019] The thickness of the fourth part is less than or equal to the thickness of the third part;

[0020] Preferably, the thickness of the fourth part gradually decreases in the direction parallel to the third part pointing to the fourth part;

[0021] Preferably, the first support structure and the second support structure are spaced apart;

[0022] Preferably, the fourth part of the second support structure includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite to each other, and at least a portion of the third surface is in direct contact with the bent portion;

[0023] Preferably, the fourth surface includes a curved surface;

[0024] Preferably, the connecting surface between the third and fourth parts is set to correspond to the end point or the beginning point of the bend in the bent part;

[0025] Preferably, in the fourth part extending to the side of the bend near the second extension, the ratio of the thickness of the fourth part at any position to the bending stress on the third surface is a constant.

[0026] In one embodiment, it further includes: a second flexible layer, which cooperates with the second support structure at the bend;

[0027] Preferably, the elastic modulus of the second flexible layer is lower than that of the fourth part; along the thickness direction of the second flexible layer, the second flexible layer is located between the fourth part and the bending part;

[0028] Preferably, the elastic modulus of the second flexible layer is greater than or equal to 10 MPa and less than or equal to 200 MPa;

[0029] Preferably, the thickness of the second flexible layer gradually increases in the direction parallel to the third part pointing to the fourth part;

[0030] Preferably, the material of the second flexible layer includes at least one of silicone, polyimide, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer.

[0031] In one embodiment, it further includes: a shim structure located between the first support structure and the second extension;

[0032] Preferably, it further includes: a first adhesive layer located between the first support structure and the raised structure;

[0033] Preferably, it further includes: a second adhesive layer located on the side of the bend away from the raised structure;

[0034] Preferably, the second adhesive layer extends to a portion of the surface of the first support structure that is opposite to the second support structure, and / or, the second adhesive layer extends to a portion of the surface of the second support structure that is opposite to the first support structure;

[0035] Preferably, the bending radius of the bent portion is 0.1mm to 0.2mm.

[0036] A second aspect of this application provides a method for assembling a display module, comprising:

[0037] A first flexible layer is provided on a first support structure, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer being lower than the elastic modulus of the first support structure, and the first support structure includes a first part and a second part that are connected to each other.

[0038] A display panel is fixed to one side of the first support structure. With the cooperation of the second part of the first support structure and the first flexible layer, the display panel is bent to obtain a first extension, a bent part and a second extension connected in sequence; the first flexible layer is located between the second part and the bent part.

[0039] In one embodiment, the step of providing a first flexible layer on a first support structure includes: providing a first flexible layer on the side of the first support structure away from the raised structure;

[0040] Preferably, after the step of providing the first flexible layer on the side of the first support structure away from the raised structure, the method further includes:

[0041] A second support structure is fixed on the side of the raised structure that is away from the first support structure; the second support structure includes a third part and a fourth part that are connected to each other, and the thickness of the fourth part is less than or equal to the thickness of the third part;

[0042] Preferably, before the step of fixing the display panel to one side of the first support structure, the method further includes:

[0043] A second flexible layer is fixed on the side of the fourth part that is away from the first support structure;

[0044] Preferably, after bending the display panel, the method further includes applying adhesive to the side of the bent portion that is away from the raised structure.

[0045] A third aspect of this application provides a display device, including the aforementioned display module, or a display module assembled by the aforementioned assembly method.

[0046] According to the display module provided in the embodiments of this application, the first flexible layer can buffer the compressive stress from the display panel, and the first flexible layer will hardly generate excessive end-side compressive stress on the display panel. When the bending radius of the bending part is reduced, the phenomenon of dead bending of the display panel screen will hardly occur, and the situation of breakage of the inorganic layer and metal traces inside the display panel will hardly occur. The yield of the display module is high, which is conducive to obtaining a display module with narrow bezel. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display module in one embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display module in related technologies.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display module structure in another embodiment of this application.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing process of a display module in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0056] 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 some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented even without certain specific details. In some instances, methods and means well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0058] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0060] The first aspect of this application provides a display module, as shown in the reference... Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the display module shown includes: a display panel 100, a first support structure 200, and a first flexible layer 400.

[0061] The display panel 100 includes a first extension 110, a bending portion 120 and a second extension 130 connected in sequence, with the first extension 110 and the second extension 130 arranged opposite to each other.

[0062] Optionally, the first support structure 200 is located on the side of the first extension 110 near the second extension 130. The first support structure 200 includes a first part 210 and a second part 220 connected to each other. The first part 210 is located on the side of the second part 220 away from the bend 120, and the second part 220 extends at least partially to the side of the bend 120 near the first extension 110.

[0063] Optionally, the first flexible layer 400 and the first support structure 200 are located at the bending portion 120. The first flexible layer 400 can buffer the compressive stress from the display panel 100, and the first flexible layer 400 will hardly generate excessive end-side compressive stress on the display panel 100. When the bending radius of the bending portion 120 is reduced, the phenomenon of dead bending of the display panel body will hardly occur, and the breakage of the inorganic layer and metal traces inside the display panel will hardly occur. The yield of the display module is high, which is conducive to obtaining a display module with narrow bezel.

[0064] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer 400 is lower than that of the second part 220. Along the thickness direction of the first flexible layer 400, the first flexible layer 400 is located between the second part 220 and the bending part 120. Therefore, the first flexible layer 400 is more flexible and deforms more easily than the second part 220, which is more conducive to alleviating the compressive stress from the display panel 100. With a further reduction in the bending radius of the display panel 100, it is less likely to cause a dead bend in the display panel 100, and there is no breakage of the inorganic layers and metal traces inside the display panel, further improving the yield of the display module.

[0065] For example, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer 400 is greater than or equal to 10 MPa and less than or equal to 200 MPa, such as 10 MPa, 20 MPa, 40 MPa, 60 MPa, 80 MPa, 100 MPa, 120 MPa, 140 MPa, 160 MPa, 180 MPa, or 200 MPa. A suitable elastic modulus of the first flexible layer 400 is more conducive to alleviating the compressive stress from the display panel 100.

[0066] In one embodiment, the material of the first flexible layer 400 includes at least one selected from silicone, polyimide, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPES), and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPEA). Therefore, the first flexible layer 400 has a relatively low elastic modulus.

[0067] Optionally, the thickness of the second part 220 is less than or equal to the thickness of the first part 210. For example, in a direction parallel to the first part 210 pointing to the second part 220, the thickness of the second part 220 gradually decreases; or, in a direction parallel to the first part 210 pointing to the second part 220, the thickness of the second part 220 decreases in a fluctuating manner; or, the second part 220 is divided into multiple sub-parts, some of which have a thickness less than the thickness of the first part 210, and some of which have a thickness equal to the thickness of the first part 210.

[0068] Optionally, the thickness distribution of the first flexible layer 400 and the second part 220 can be adjusted according to the bending stress distribution of the first flexible layer 400 to avoid excessive compressive stress, thereby achieving a better narrow bezel effect.

[0069] In one embodiment, in a direction parallel to the first part 210 pointing towards the second part 220, the thickness of the second part 220 gradually decreases, while the thickness of the first flexible layer 400 gradually increases. Therefore, the end of the first flexible layer 400 furthest from the first part 210 is thicker, resulting in less end-side compressive stress on the display panel 100. Furthermore, the gradually decreasing thickness of the second part 220 allows it to deform with the bending of the bending portion, making it less prone to dead bending of the display panel 100 and preventing breakage of the inorganic layers and metal traces inside the display panel. This further improves the yield rate of the display module and facilitates further reduction of the bending radius of the display panel 100.

[0070] In related technologies, refer to Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the display module shown shows that the support structure 200 has a uniform thickness. At the bending start point A of the bending part 120, due to the influence of bending process tolerance, the end of the support structure 200 near the bending part 120 is very likely to enter the bending area. Since the support structure 200 is relatively thick, the support structure 200 that enters the bending area will hardly deform with the bending part 120, which will increase the stress on the local bending part 120 and cause a dead bend at that position. This will lead to the breakage of the inorganic layer and internal metal traces inside the display panel 100, resulting in display failure. In this embodiment, a first flexible layer 400 is provided between the second part 220 and the bending part 120. The second part 220 extends to the bending area. The first flexible layer 400 deforms as the bending part 120 bends. While ensuring the supporting function, the first flexible layer 400 does not generate excessive end-side compressive stress. When the bending radius of the bending part 120 is reduced, there is almost no phenomenon of dead bending of the display panel body, which makes the yield of the display module high and has a narrow bezel.

[0071] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 1 The second part 220 of the first flexible layer 400 includes a first surface 221 and a second surface 222 disposed opposite to each other, with at least a portion of the first surface 221 in direct contact with the first flexible layer 400. Therefore, the second part 220 and the first flexible layer 400 work together to provide better support for the bent portion 120, and the second part 220 can deform as the bent portion 120 bends, preventing any dead bends from forming in the bent portion 120.

[0072] For example, the second surface 222 includes a curved surface, which facilitates the adjustment of the thickness distribution of the second part 220 according to the bending stress distribution of the second part 220, so as to avoid excessive compressive stress and facilitate further reduction of the bezel of the display module.

[0073] In one embodiment, the connecting surface S1 between the first part 210 and the second part 220 corresponds to the bending start point A or bending end point B of the bent part 120. It should be noted that the corresponding connection surface S1 between the first part 210 and the second part 220 means that the bending start point A or bending end point B of the bent part 120 is located on the connecting surface S1 between the first part 210 and the second part 220. Therefore, the second part 220 and the first flexible layer 400 work together to provide excellent support for the bent part 120, and the second part 220 can deform at the bending start point A or bending end point B, which helps to reduce the bending radius of the display panel 100.

[0074] For example, the bending radius of the bending portion 120 is 0.1mm to 0.2mm, such as 0.1mm, 0.12mm, 0.14mm, 0.16mm, 0.18mm, or 0.2mm. Therefore, the smaller bending radius of the bending portion 120 results in a narrower bezel for the display module, which helps to increase the display area and improve the display effect.

[0075] In the display module of this application, the thickness distribution of the second part 220 can be adjusted according to the bending stress distribution experienced by the second part 220. In one embodiment, in the second part 220 extending to the side of the bending part 120 near the first extension part 110, the ratio of the thickness of the second part 220 at any position to the bending stress experienced by the first surface 221 is a constant value, that is, the thickness of the second part 220 at any position is proportional to the bending stress experienced by the first surface 221. It can be understood that, at any position, the ratio of the thickness of the second part 220 to the bending stress experienced by the first surface 221 can be a stress value coefficient under the conditions of unit thickness and unit deformation of the second part 220, and this stress value coefficient is a constant value.

[0076] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3The schematic diagram of the display module shown includes a second support structure 300 located on the side of the second extension 130 near the first extension 110. The second support structure 300 includes a third part 310 and a fourth part 320 connected to each other. The third part 310 is located on the side of the fourth part 320 away from the bending part 120, and the fourth part 320 extends at least partially to the side of the bending part 120 near the second extension 120. The thickness of the fourth part 320 is less than or equal to the thickness of the third part 310. The fourth part 320 can deform with the bending of the bending part 120. While ensuring its supporting function, the fourth part 320 does not generate excessive end-side compressive stress. With a reduced bending radius of the bending part 120, there is almost no risk of the display panel screen bending, and almost no risk of breakage of the inorganic layer and metal traces inside the display panel. This results in a high yield rate for the display module and facilitates the production of display modules with narrow bezels.

[0077] For example, the thickness of the fourth part 320 being less than or equal to the thickness of the third part 310 may include, but is not limited to, the following: for example, the thickness of the second part 220 gradually decreases in the direction parallel to the first part 210 pointing to the second part 220; for another example, the thickness of the second part 220 decreases in a fluctuating manner in the direction parallel to the first part 210 pointing to the second part 220; for yet another example, the second part 220 is divided into multiple sub-parts, some of which have a thickness less than the thickness of the first part 210, and some of which have a thickness equal to the thickness of the first part 210.

[0078] Optionally, the thickness distribution of the fourth part 320 can be adjusted according to the bending stress distribution experienced by the fourth part 320 to avoid excessive compressive stress and facilitate further reduction of the display module's bezel. For example, the thickness of the fourth part 320 gradually decreases in the direction parallel to the third part 310 and pointing towards the fourth part 320.

[0079] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3 The fourth part 320 of the second support structure 300 includes a third surface 321 and a fourth surface 322 disposed opposite to each other, with at least a portion of the third surface 321 in direct contact with the bent part 120. Therefore, the fourth part 320 provides better support for the bent part 120, and the fourth part 320 can deform as the bent part 120 bends, preventing any dead bends from occurring in the bent part 120.

[0080] For example, the fourth surface 322 includes a curved surface, which facilitates the adjustment of the thickness distribution of the fourth part 320 according to the bending stress distribution of the fourth part 320, so as to avoid excessive compressive stress and facilitate further reduction of the bezel of the display module.

[0081] In one embodiment, the connecting surface S2 between the third part 310 and the fourth part 320 is correspondingly set to the bending end point B or bending start point A of the bent part 120. It should be noted that the corresponding setting of the connecting surface S2 between the third part 310 and the fourth part 320 to the bending end point B or bending start point A of the bent part 120 means that the bending end point B or bending start point A of the bent part 120 is located on the connecting surface S2 between the third part 310 and the fourth part 320. Therefore, the fourth part 320 provides excellent support for the bent part 120, and the fourth part 320 can deform at the bending end point B or bending start point A, which helps to reduce the bending radius of the display panel 100.

[0082] For example, the connecting surface S1 of the first part 210 and the second part 220 is set to correspond to the bending end point B of the bending part 120, and the connecting surface S2 of the third part 310 and the fourth part 320 is set to correspond to the bending start point A of the bending part 120.

[0083] For example, the connecting surface S1 of the first part 210 and the second part 220 is set to correspond to the bending start point A of the bending part 120, and the connecting surface S2 of the third part 310 and the fourth part 320 is set to correspond to the bending end point B of the bending part 120.

[0084] In the display module of this application, the thickness distribution of the fourth part 320 can be adjusted according to the bending stress distribution experienced by the fourth part 320. In one embodiment, in the fourth part 320 extending to the side of the bending part 120 near the second extension part 130, the ratio of the thickness of the fourth part 320 at any position to the bending stress experienced by the third surface 321 is a constant value, that is, the thickness of the fourth part 320 at any position is proportional to the bending stress experienced by the third surface 321. It can be understood that the ratio of the thickness of the fourth part 320 to the bending stress experienced by the third surface 321 at any position can be a stress value coefficient under the conditions of unit thickness and unit deformation of the fourth part 320, and this stress value coefficient is a constant value.

[0085] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the display module shown includes a second flexible layer 500, which cooperates with the second support structure 300 at the bending portion 120. Therefore, the second flexible layer 500 can further buffer the compressive stress from the display panel 100, and the second flexible layer 500 will hardly generate excessive end-side compressive stress on the display panel 100. With a reduced bending radius of the bending portion 120, there is almost no risk of the display panel screen bending, and almost no breakage of the inorganic layers and metal traces inside the display panel. This results in a high yield rate for the display module and facilitates the production of display modules with narrow bezels.

[0086] For example, the third surface 321 of the fourth part 320 may be in direct contact with the second flexible layer 500.

[0087] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the second flexible layer 500 is lower than that of the fourth part 320. Along the thickness direction of the second flexible layer 500, the second flexible layer 500 is located between the fourth part 320 and the bending part 120. Therefore, the second flexible layer 500 is more flexible and deforms more easily than the fourth part 320, which is more conducive to alleviating the compressive stress from the display panel 100, further reducing the bending radius of the display panel 100, and further improving the yield of the display module. For example, the elastic modulus of the second flexible layer 500 is greater than or equal to 10 MPa and less than or equal to 200 MPa, such as 10 MPa, 20 MPa, 40 MPa, 60 MPa, 80 MPa, 100 MPa, 120 MPa, 140 MPa, 160 MPa, 180 MPa, or 200 MPa. The suitable elastic modulus of the second flexible layer 500 is more conducive to alleviating the compressive stress from the display panel 100.

[0088] In one embodiment, in the direction parallel to the third part 310 and pointing towards the fourth part 320, the thickness of the fourth part 320 gradually decreases, while the thickness of the second flexible layer 500 gradually increases. Therefore, the fourth part 320 is more flexible, and the end of the second flexible layer 500 furthest from the third part 310 is thicker, resulting in less end-side compressive stress on the display panel 100. This reduces the likelihood of the display panel 100 experiencing a sharp bend, and also prevents breakage of the inorganic layers and metal traces inside the display panel, further improving the yield rate of the display module and facilitating a further reduction in the bending radius of the display panel 100.

[0089] Understandably, the thickness distribution of the second flexible layer 500 and the fourth part 320 can be adjusted according to the bending stress distribution of the second flexible layer 500 to avoid excessive compressive stress, thereby achieving a better narrow bezel effect.

[0090] In one embodiment, the material of the second flexible layer 500 includes at least one selected from silicone polyimide, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPES), and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPEA). Therefore, the second flexible layer 500 has a relatively low elastic modulus.

[0091] For example, the first support structure 200 and the second support structure 300 are spaced apart.

[0092] For example, the material of the first support structure 200 includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the material of the second support structure 300 includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0093] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the display module shown includes a raised structure 600 located between the first support structure 200 and the second extension 130. Therefore, the raised structure 600 provides support for the first support structure 200 and the display panel 100, thereby improving the stability of the display module.

[0094] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the display module shown shows that the raised structure 600 is located between the first support structure 200 and the second support structure 300.

[0095] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The display module also includes a first adhesive layer 700, located between the first support structure 200 and the raised structure 600. This facilitates the stable bonding of the first support structure 200 and the raised structure 600, improving the stability of the display module.

[0096] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The display module also includes a second adhesive layer 800, located on the side of the bent portion 120 opposite to the raised structure 600. This facilitates bonding the display panel 100 to the subsequent film layer structure, improving the stability of the display module.

[0097] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The second adhesive layer 800 extends to a portion of the surface of the first support structure 200 that is opposite to the second support structure 300; the second adhesive layer 800 extends to a portion of the surface of the second support structure 300 that is opposite to the first support structure 200.

[0098] For example, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The bent portion 120, a portion of the first extension 110, and a portion of the second extension 130 are located in the non-display area NA, while the remaining portion of the first extension 110 and the remaining portion of the second extension 130 are located in the display area AA.

[0099] It is understood that the display panel 100 in this embodiment is a flexible display panel.

[0100] A second aspect of this application provides a method for assembling a display module, referring to... Figure 9 The assembly method flowchart shows that the module assembly method includes the following steps.

[0101] S100: A first flexible layer is provided on the first support structure, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer is lower than the elastic modulus of the first support structure, and the first support structure includes a first part and a second part that are connected to each other.

[0102] For example, in a direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part, the thickness of the second part gradually decreases.

[0103] It should be noted that the first support structure and the first flexible layer are consistent with the previous description, and will not be repeated here.

[0104] For example, the first flexible layer can be provided on the first support structure in ways including but not limited to providing the first flexible layer on the first support structure, coating the first flexible material layer, and obtaining the first flexible layer after curing; or using an adhesive to fix the first flexible layer on the second part.

[0105] It should be noted that the first flexible layer is consistent with the previous description, and will not be elaborated on further here.

[0106] In one embodiment, the step of providing a first flexible layer on a first support structure includes: providing a first flexible layer on the side of the first support structure away from the raised structure.

[0107] Optionally, after the step of setting the first flexible layer on the side of the first support structure away from the raised structure, the method further includes: fixing a second support structure on the side of the raised structure away from the first support structure; the second support structure includes a third part and a fourth part connected to each other, wherein the thickness of the fourth part is less than or equal to the thickness of the third part.

[0108] Optionally, before fixing the display panel to one side of the first support structure, the method further includes fixing a second flexible layer to the side of the fourth part away from the first support structure.

[0109] For example, the method of fixing the second flexible layer on the side of the fourth part away from the first support structure includes, but is not limited to, coating the side of the fourth part away from the first support structure with a second flexible material layer and curing it to obtain the second flexible layer; or using an adhesive to fix the second flexible layer on the side of the fourth part away from the first support structure.

[0110] For example, in the direction parallel to the third part pointing to the fourth part, the thickness of the fourth part gradually decreases.

[0111] It should be noted that the second flexible layer is consistent with the previous description, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0112] S200: Fix the display panel to one side of the first support structure. With the cooperation of the second part of the first support structure and the first flexible layer, the display panel is bent to obtain a first extension, a bent part and a second extension connected in sequence. The first flexible layer is located between the second part and the bent part.

[0113] It should be noted that the second part extends at least partially to the side of the bend that is close to the first extension, the fourth part extends at least partially to the side of the bend that is close to the second extension, the first flexible layer is located between the second part and the bend, and the second flexible layer is located between the fourth part and the bend.

[0114] In one embodiment, after bending the display panel, the method further includes applying adhesive to the side of the bent portion away from the raised structure.

[0115] A third aspect of this application provides a display device, including the aforementioned display module, or a display module assembled by the aforementioned assembly method.

[0116] It should be noted that, in addition to the display module as described above, the display device may also include other structures that conventional display devices should have, such as power supply and casing, which will not be elaborated on further here.

[0117] It is understood that the display device in the embodiments of this application can be used for narrow bezel display, and the display effect is excellent.

[0118] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0119] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, include: The display panel includes a first extension, a bent portion and a second extension connected in sequence, wherein the first extension and the second extension are disposed opposite to each other. A first support structure is located on the side of the first extension near the second extension. The first support structure includes a first part and a second part that are connected to each other. The first part is located on the side of the second part away from the bending part, and the second part extends at least partially to the side of the bending part near the first extension. The connection surface between the first part and the second part is provided corresponding to the bending start point or bending end point of the bending part. In a direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part, the thickness of the second part gradually decreases. A first flexible layer is located at the bending portion in cooperation with a first support structure. Along the thickness direction of the first support structure, the first flexible layer is located between the second part of the first support structure and the bending portion. The thickness of the first flexible layer gradually increases in a direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the first flexible layer is lower than that of the first support structure.

3. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the first flexible layer is greater than or equal to 10 MPa and less than or equal to 200 MPa.

4. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first flexible layer includes at least one of silicone, polyimide, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer.

5. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the second part is less than or equal to the thickness of the first part.

6. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second part of the first support structure includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, with at least a portion of the first surface in direct contact with the first flexible layer.

7. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second surface includes a curved surface.

8. The display module according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the second part extending to the side of the bending portion near the first extension portion, the ratio of the thickness of the second part at any position to the bending stress on the first surface is a constant.

9. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second support structure is located on the side of the second extension near the first extension. The second support structure includes a third part and a fourth part connected to each other. The third part is located on the side of the fourth part away from the bend, and the fourth part extends at least partially to the side of the bend near the second extension. The thickness of the fourth part is less than or equal to the thickness of the third part.

10. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the direction parallel to the third part and pointing towards the fourth part, the thickness of the fourth part gradually decreases.

11. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first support structure and the second support structure are spaced apart.

12. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fourth part of the second support structure includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite to each other, with at least a portion of the third surface in direct contact with the bent portion.

13. The display module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fourth surface includes a curved surface.

14. The display module according to claim 12, characterized in that, In the fourth part extending to the side of the bent portion near the second extension portion, the ratio of the thickness of the fourth part at any position to the bending stress on the third surface is a constant.

15. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connection surface between the third part and the fourth part is set to correspond to the bending end point or bending start point of the bending part.

16. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The second flexible layer is located at the bending portion in cooperation with the second support structure.

17. The display module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the second flexible layer is lower than that of the fourth part; along the thickness direction of the second flexible layer, the second flexible layer is located between the fourth part and the bent part.

18. The display module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the second flexible layer is greater than or equal to 10 MPa and less than or equal to 200 MPa.

19. The display module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The thickness of the second flexible layer gradually increases in the direction parallel to the third part and pointing towards the fourth part.

20. The display module according to claim 16, characterized in that, The material of the second flexible layer includes at least one of silicone, polyimide, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer.

21. The display module according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: The raised structure is located between the first support structure and the second extension.

22. The display module according to claim 21, characterized in that, Also includes: The first adhesive layer is located between the first support structure and the raised structure.

23. The display module according to claim 21, characterized in that, Also includes: The second adhesive layer is located on the side of the bent portion away from the raised structure.

24. The display module according to claim 23, characterized in that, The second adhesive layer extends to a portion of the surface of the first support structure opposite to the second support structure, and / or the second adhesive layer extends to a portion of the surface of the second support structure opposite to the first support structure.

25. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending radius of the bent portion is 0.1mm~0.2mm.

26. A method for assembling a display module, characterized in that, include: A first flexible layer is provided on a first support structure, the elastic modulus of the first flexible layer being lower than the elastic modulus of the first support structure, and the first support structure comprising a first part and a second part connected to each other. A display panel is fixed to one side of the first support structure. With the cooperation of the second part of the first support structure and the first flexible layer, the display panel is bent to obtain a first extension, a bent part, and a second extension connected in sequence. The first flexible layer is located between the second part and the bent part. The connection surface between the first part and the second part is correspondingly set to the bending start point or bending end point of the bent part. In the direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part, the thickness of the second part gradually decreases. Along the thickness direction of the first support structure, the first flexible layer is located between the second part of the first support structure and the bent part. In the direction parallel to the first part pointing to the second part, the thickness of the first flexible layer gradually increases.

27. The assembly method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The step of setting the first flexible layer on the first support structure includes setting the first flexible layer on the side of the first support structure away from the raised structure.

28. The assembly method according to claim 27, characterized in that, After the step of setting the first flexible layer on the side of the first support structure away from the raised structure, the method further includes: A second support structure is fixed on the side of the raised structure away from the first support structure; the second support structure includes a third part and a fourth part that are connected to each other, and the thickness of the fourth part is less than or equal to the thickness of the third part.

29. The assembly method according to claim 28, characterized in that, Before the step of fixing the display panel to one side of the first support structure, the method further includes: A second flexible layer is fixed on the side of the fourth part that is away from the first support structure.

30. The assembly method according to claim 27, characterized in that, After bending the display panel, the method further includes applying adhesive to the side of the bent portion away from the raised structure.

31. A display device, characterized in that, It includes the display module according to any one of claims 1 to 25, or the display module assembled by the assembly method according to any one of claims 26 to 30.

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