Display module and display device

Abstract

This application provides a display module and display device, including a cover plate assembly, a display panel, and a protective layer. The cover plate assembly includes a cover plate, a first transparent adhesive layer, and an ultra-thin flexible glass stacked sequentially. The first transparent adhesive layer and the ultra-thin flexible glass are recessed relative to the cover plate. A second transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the ultra-thin flexible glass away from the cover plate and is also recessed relative to the cover plate. The display panel is bonded to the cover plate assembly through the second transparent adhesive layer. The display panel includes a display area, a fan-out area, a bending area, and a bonding area connected sequentially. The bending area includes a front flat section, a bent section, and a rear flat section. The front flat section is connected to the fan-out area. The protective layer covers the outside of the bending area. The first transparent adhesive layer, the ultra-thin flexible glass, and the second transparent adhesive layer all extend to the area corresponding to the front flat section, and the second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the protective layer. Alternatively, a pad is provided between the protective layer located outside the front flat section and the cover plate to support the cover plate.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of display technology, display modules are increasingly trending towards thinner, lighter, higher screen-to-body ratio, and more flexible designs. As an extension of OLED in the display field, foldable products are driving terminal manufacturers to pursue the ultimate in overall design, with increasingly stringent requirements for narrow bezels on foldable screens.

[0003] During the assembly of the device, terminal manufacturers use decorative strips to press the screen and the main unit together, sealing the gap between the display module and the main unit. Because foldable screens are relatively soft, the cover plate above the bending area has weaker support. When installing the decorative strip, this area is easily pressed down by the strip. Some decorative strips also have irregularly shaped clips to meet the requirements of the main unit. After assembly, this can easily cause bending cracks in the display screen, resulting in display defects such as abnormal display, no display, and vertical lines.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a display module that can solve the above problems in order to improve the support strength of the cover plate in the bending area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a display module and display device to improve the support strength of the cover plate edge, thereby solving problems such as poor display due to insufficient support strength in the bending area. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0006] This application provides a display module, comprising: a cover plate assembly, including a cover plate, a first transparent adhesive layer, and an ultra-thin flexible glass stacked sequentially, wherein the cover plate and the ultra-thin flexible glass are bonded together by the first transparent adhesive layer, and the first transparent adhesive layer and the ultra-thin flexible glass are recessed relative to the cover plate; a second transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the ultra-thin flexible glass away from the cover plate, and is also recessed relative to the cover plate; and a display panel is bonded to the cover plate assembly by the second transparent adhesive layer, the display panel including a display area, a fan-out area, and a display panel connected sequentially. The display area includes a bending area and a bonding area. The bonding area is located on the back side of the display area. The bending area includes a front flat section, a curved section, and a rear flat section. The front flat section is connected to the fan-out area. A protective layer covers the outside of the bending area. The first transparent adhesive layer, the ultra-thin flexible glass, and the second transparent adhesive layer all extend to the area corresponding to the front flat section. The second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the protective layer to support the cover plate. Alternatively, a pad is provided between the protective layer located outside the front flat section and the cover plate to support the cover plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first end of the protective layer is the end close to the cover plate assembly. When the first transparent adhesive layer, the ultra-thin flexible glass, and the second transparent adhesive layer all extend into the range corresponding to the front flat section, the first end of the protective layer is located within the range corresponding to the front flat section and is spaced from the boundary between the front flat section and the fan-out area.

[0008] In some embodiments, the edges of the first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer both extend beyond the edge of the ultrathin flexible glass.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first end has a thinning region, the upper surface of which is a slope that gradually slopes toward the display panel, and the thinning region overlaps with the orthographic projection of the ultrathin flexible glass along the thickness direction of the display panel, and the bottom surface of the second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the top surface of the thinning region; or, the first end of the protective layer does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the ultrathin flexible glass along the thickness direction, and the side surface of the second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the side surface of the protective layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the cover plate is provided with a light-shielding layer surrounding the edge of the cover plate. The light-shielding layer forms a hollow area around the cover plate, and the hollow area defines the viewing window of the display module. The orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer along the thickness direction covers the fan-out area and the front flat section. The light-shielding layer is divided into a first area and a second area. The second area is located on the side closer to the center of the display panel. The light-shielding layer of the first area and the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass along the thickness direction do not overlap. The thickness of the light-shielding layer of the first area is greater than the thickness of the light-shielding layer of the second area.

[0011] In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer in the first region overlaps with the first transparent adhesive layer, and the first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer overlap at one end extending beyond the ultrathin flexible glass.

[0012] In some embodiments, one end of the first transparent adhesive layer near the bending area extends beyond the second transparent adhesive layer, and the side of the first transparent adhesive layer facing the protective layer overlaps with the top surface of the protective layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the end of the light-shielding layer in the first region that contacts the first transparent adhesive layer is provided in an inverted stepped shape, and along the thickness direction, the projected area of ​​the light-shielding layer on the side closer to the cover plate is greater than the projected area of ​​the light-shielding layer on the side farther from the cover plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the protective layer is a UV-curable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first transparent adhesive layer is recessed inward relative to the cover plate by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the second transparent adhesive layer is recessed inward relative to the cover plate by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, and the ultra-thin flexible glass is at a distance greater than or equal to 0.1 mm from the bending point of the display panel.

[0016] In some embodiments, when a pad is provided between the protective layer located outside the front flat section and the cover plate, the ultra-thin flexible glass, the first transparent adhesive layer, and the second transparent adhesive layer are not in contact with the pad; the first end of the protective layer is the end near the cover plate assembly, the protective layer is a polyester substrate layer with adhesive on one side, the first end extends to be flush with the edge of the display panel, and the second transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the polyester substrate layer facing the ultra-thin flexible glass; or, the protective layer is a polyester substrate layer with adhesive on both sides, the first end extends to be flush with the edge of the display panel, and the second transparent adhesive layer is the adhesive coating on the side of the polyester substrate layer facing the ultra-thin glass.

[0017] In some embodiments, one end of the first transparent adhesive layer near the bending region extends beyond the ultrathin flexible glass, and one end of the second transparent adhesive layer near the bending region is flush with the ultrathin flexible glass.

[0018] A second aspect of this application provides a display device, the display device comprising: the display module described above; a decorative strip disposed on the outer side of the cover plate, covering the edge of the cover plate around its perimeter, wherein at one end corresponding to the bending area, the decorative strip covers the bending area, and the edge of the decorative strip extends beyond the edge of the cover plate, for connecting with the middle frame to press the display module and the body together.

[0019] Beneficial effects of the embodiments in this application:

[0020] The display module and display device provided in this application extend the first and second transparent adhesive layers, and simultaneously extend the ultra-thin flexible glass, all three extending to the area corresponding to the front flat section. This forms a stable support at the bottom of the cover plate, increasing the support area and narrowing the unsupported portion of the cover plate edge. Furthermore, the first transparent adhesive layer extends to the area corresponding to the front flat section and adheres to the cover plate. By increasing the thickness of the cover plate at the edge, its support strength is also increased. This makes it less prone to bending at the cover plate edge, improving the support strength and reducing the risk of stress concentration in the bending area during subsequent assembly. This reduces display defects such as abnormal display, no display, and vertical lines. Alternatively, a pad can be placed between the protective layer on the outer side of the front flat section and the cover plate for support, increasing the support strength of the cover plate edge and reducing stress concentration in the bending area, thereby solving the problem of display defects caused by insufficient support strength.

[0021] Of course, implementing any product or method of this application does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the display module provided in the embodiments of this application in the first embodiment;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the display module provided in the embodiments of this application in a second embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the display module provided in the embodiments of this application in a third embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B in the middle;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the display module provided in the embodiments of this application in the fourth embodiment;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6An enlarged schematic diagram of section C;

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the display module provided in the embodiments of this application in the fifth embodiment;

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 8 An enlarged schematic diagram of section D in the middle;

[0032] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the display module provided in the embodiments of this application in the sixth embodiment;

[0033] Figure 11 for Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of section E in the middle.

[0034] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows: cover plate assembly 1; cover plate 11; light-shielding layer 111; first area 1111; second area 1112; first transparent adhesive layer 12; ultra-thin flexible glass 13; second transparent adhesive layer 2; display panel 3; display area 31; fan-out area 32; bending area 33; front flat section 331; bending point 3331; bending section 332; rear flat section 333; binding area 34; protective layer 4; first end 41; thinning area 411; second end 42; pad 5; decorative strip 6; thickness direction H. 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 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 based on this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] To achieve the above objectives, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, this application proposes a display module comprising: a cover plate assembly 1, including a cover plate 11, a first transparent adhesive layer 12, and an ultra-thin flexible glass 13 stacked sequentially, the cover plate 11 and the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 being bonded together by the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 being recessed relative to the cover plate 11; a second transparent adhesive layer 2, disposed on the side of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 away from the cover plate 11, and recessed relative to the cover plate 11; and a display panel 3, bonded to the cover plate assembly 1 by the second transparent adhesive layer 2, the display panel 3 including a display area 31, a fan-out area 32, and a bending area 3 connected sequentially. 3 and a bonding area 34, the bonding area 34 being located on the back side of the display area 31; the bending area 33 including a front flat section 331, a bent section 332, and a rear flat section 333, the front flat section 331 being connected to the fan-out area 32; a protective layer 4 covering the outside of the bending area 33; the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 all extending to the area corresponding to the front flat section 331, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 overlapping with the protective layer 4 to support the cover plate 11; alternatively, a pad 5 is provided between the protective layer 4 located outside the front flat section 331 and the cover plate 11 to support the cover plate 11. The protective layer 4 covers the outside of the bending area 33, protecting the wiring in the bending area 33. Figure 1 As shown, by extending the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2, and simultaneously extending the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, all three extend to the area corresponding to the front flat section 331, forming a stable support at the bottom of the cover plate 11, thereby increasing the support area of ​​the cover plate 11 and narrowing the unsupported portion of the cover plate 11 edge. Furthermore, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 extends to the area corresponding to the front flat section 331 and adheres to the cover plate 11. By increasing the thickness of the cover plate 11 at the edge, its support strength is also increased. This makes it less prone to bending at the edge of the cover plate 11, improving the support strength at the edge of the cover plate 11. During subsequent assembly, the cover plate 11 is less likely to be bent, reducing the risk of stress concentration in the bending area 33, thereby reducing problems such as abnormal display, no display, and vertical lines on the display panel 3. Alternatively, as... Figure 3 As shown, a pad 5 can be provided between the protective layer 4 located on the outside of the front flat section 331 and the cover plate 11 for support, thereby increasing the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11, reducing stress concentration in the bending area 33, and thus solving the problem of poor display caused by insufficient support strength.

[0037] It should be noted that the front display area 31 between the dashed lines L1 and L2 is the front flat section 331, the back non-display area 31 between L1 and L2 is the rear flat section 333, the part to the left of the dashed line L1 is the curved section 332, the area between the dashed lines L2 and L3 is the fan-out area 32, and the part to the right of the dashed line L3 is the display area 31.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 are all recessed relative to the cover plate 11. This leaves a portion of the space between the bending area 33 and the cover plate 11 unfilled, providing adequate stress relief space for the bending area 33 and preventing localized stress concentration. It also provides sufficient space for the flowability of the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2. The recessed nature of both the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 relative to the cover plate 11 also prevents adhesive overflow.

[0039] It should be noted that the outer side of the bending area 33 refers to the side of the display panel 3 exposed after bending, the side of the fan-out area 32 close to the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 refers to the side where the light-emitting surface of the display panel 3 is located, and the side of the bonding area 34 away from the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 refers to the side of the display panel 3 that is on the same side as the light-emitting surface after bending.

[0040] For example, when the pad 5 supports the cover plate 11, the pad 5 usually does not completely fill the gap, so as to reserve space for stress release and avoid local stress concentration after the display panel 3 is bent.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the cover plate 11 may be PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), making the display module foldable.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 is the end closest to the cover plate assembly 1. When the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 all extend into the area corresponding to the front flat section 331, the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 is located within the area corresponding to the front flat section 331 and is spaced apart from the junction of the front flat section 331 and the fan-out area 32. The protective layer 4 covers the curved section 332 and a portion of the front flat section 331 near the curved section 332, that is, the extension length of the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 does not exceed the junction of the front flat section 331 and the fan-out area 32. The protective layer 4 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 overlap within the front flat section 331, which can reduce the amount of protective layer 4 used.

[0043] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the extension length of the second end 42 of the protective layer 4 exceeds the extension length of the first end 41. The coverage area of ​​the protective layer 4 on the rear flat section 333 is greater than the coverage area of ​​the front flat section 331, and may even cover the entire rear flat section 333. The protective layer 4 has the function of buffering stress and isolating moisture, thereby protecting the wiring in the bending area 33.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, the edges of the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 both extend beyond the edge of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13. This extended first transparent adhesive layer 12 and second transparent adhesive layer 2, by wrapping the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 in a sandwich structure, enhances the supporting strength and better protects the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 from breakage due to manufacturing processes, bending pin misalignment, or other external impacts. It also reduces functional problems caused by appearance issues such as impacts and chipping. The orthogonal projection of the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 onto the display panel 3 lies within the fan-out area 32, reducing the amount of protective layer 4 used and lowering costs. Furthermore, by extending the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2, the inward extension length of the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 can be effectively shortened, further reducing the amount of protective layer 4 used and lowering costs.

[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 onto the display panel 3 is at a certain distance from the inner boundary of the fan-out area 32, for example, the distance may be greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 may form an incomplete wrapping of the ultrathin flexible glass 13, in which case the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 do not contact each other at the end beyond the ultrathin flexible glass 13.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 can completely enclose the ultrathin flexible glass 13, in which case the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 are in contact at one end beyond the ultrathin flexible glass 13.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 may be OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive).

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 has a thinning region 411. The upper surface of the thinning region 411 is a slope that gradually slopes towards the display panel 3. The thinning region 411 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 along the thickness direction H of the display panel 3. The bottom surface of the second transparent adhesive layer 2 overlaps with the top surface of the thinning region 411; or, as shown... Figure 6 , Figure 7As shown, the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 along the thickness direction H, and the side of the second transparent adhesive layer 2 overlaps with the side of the protective layer 4. The upper surface of the thinning area 411 is inclined, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 overlaps with the top surface of the thinning area 411, which is beneficial for reducing the thickness of the display module and for dispersing pressure. Some of the pressure is released through the protective layer 4, which plays a buffering role. At the same time, the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 along the thickness direction H overlaps with the orthographic projection of the protective layer 4 along the thickness direction H, which can enhance the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11. Alternatively, the protective layer 4 may not have a thinning area 411. The side of the protective layer 4 overlaps with the side of the second transparent adhesive layer 2. The second transparent adhesive layer 2 prevents the protective layer 4 from expanding further inward. The orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 and the protective layer 4 along the thickness direction H does not overlap. The whole formed by the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 supports the cover plate 11 in the fan-out area 32, improving the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11 and reducing the risk of stress concentration in the bending area 33. This reduces problems such as abnormal display, no display, and vertical lines in the display panel 3.

[0050] Understandably, the top surface of the protective layer 4 overlaps with the bottom surface of the second transparent adhesive layer 2, and the two have an overlapping area. This not only reduces the amount of protective layer 4 that can be applied, but also better controls the slope of the adhesive used for application.

[0051] Furthermore, the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 is located within the bending point 3331 of the bending area 33, so that the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 is subjected to minimal bending stress when the display panel 3 is bent, thereby reducing the risk of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 breaking.

[0052] It should be noted that the thinning area 411 of the protective layer 4 is formed automatically by the protective layer 4 climbing up under the action of flow during the pressing process when the top surface of the protective layer 4 overlaps with the bottom surface of the second transparent adhesive layer 2. In this embodiment, the protective layer 4 is usually formed before the second transparent adhesive layer 2 and then bonded to the second transparent adhesive layer 2.

[0053] When the first end 41 of the protective layer 4 overlaps with the second transparent adhesive layer 2 on its side, the climbing function of the protective layer 4 is limited, and it does not have a thinning area 411. In this embodiment, the protective layer 4 is usually formed after the second transparent adhesive layer 2, that is, the second transparent adhesive layer 2 is first attached to the upper surface of the display panel 3, and then the protective layer 4 is attached. The two overlap on their sides, and the side of the second transparent adhesive layer 2 along the thickness direction H prevents the protective layer 4 from expanding outward, so it does not have a thinning area 411 formed by climbing.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, the inner surface of the cover plate 11 is provided with a light-shielding layer 111 surrounding the edge of the cover plate 11. The light-shielding layer 111 forms a hollow area around the edge, which defines the viewing window of the display module. The orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer 111 along the thickness direction H covers the fan-out area 32 and the front flat section 331. The light-shielding layer 111 is divided into a first region 1111 and a second region 1112. The second region 1112 is located on the side closer to the center of the display panel 3. The light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 and the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 along the thickness direction H do not overlap. The thickness of the light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 is greater than the thickness of the light-shielding layer 111 of the second region 1112. The thickened light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 increases the thickness of the cover plate 11 at the edge, thereby improving the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the light-shielding layer 111 is typically a light-shielding ink or a light-shielding coating.

[0056] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 overlaps with the first transparent adhesive layer 12, and the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 overlap at the end extending beyond the ultra-thin flexible glass 13. The light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 is thickened so that the second transparent adhesive layer 2 and the first transparent adhesive layer 12 can overlap at the end extending beyond the ultra-thin flexible glass 13. The first transparent adhesive layer 12 overlaps with the protective layer 4, forming a stable support for the cover plate 11 and further improving the support strength of the cover plate 11 region.

[0057] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 extends beyond the second transparent adhesive layer 2 at one end near the bending area 33, and the side of the first transparent adhesive layer 12 facing the protective layer 4 overlaps with the top surface of the protective layer 4. The first transparent adhesive layer 12 extends a longer length and overlaps with the light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 and the protective layer 4 on both sides, respectively, further increasing the support area for the cover plate 11, thereby further improving the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11.

[0058] It should be noted that the first transparent adhesive layer 12 has a certain degree of fluidity during the bonding process. Therefore, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 will wrap around the side and bottom of the light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 and form a support.

[0059] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, the end of the light-shielding layer 111 in the first region 1111 that contacts the first transparent adhesive layer 12 is arranged in an inverted step shape. Along the thickness direction H, the projected area of ​​the light-shielding layer 111 on the side closer to the cover plate 11 is larger than the projected area of ​​the light-shielding layer 111 on the side farther from the cover plate 11. By setting the end face of the light-shielding layer 111 in the first region 1111 to an inverted step shape, when the cover plate 11 is attached, the climbing height of the first transparent adhesive layer 12 is reduced, and the resistance to overcoming obstacles is reduced. Therefore, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 can flow and fill better, reducing the risk of air bubble formation.

[0060] For example, the light-shielding layer 111 of the first region 1111 may have two steps, three steps, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments of this application, the protective layer 4 is a UV-curable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive, also known as an MCL (MicroCoating Layer). In this embodiment, when the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 extend into the gap, the protective layer 4 uses a UV-curable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive. During the bonding process between the cover plate 11 and the display panel 3, the fluidity of the UV-curable adhesive or the thermosetting adhesive, as well as the fluidity of the optically transparent adhesive layer, allows for a tight bond and the formation of a uniformly thick adhesive layer, reducing the thickness of the display module.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 is recessed inward relative to the cover plate 11 by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the second transparent adhesive layer 2 is recessed inward relative to the cover plate 11 by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, and the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 is at a distance greater than or equal to 0.1 mm from the bending point 3331 of the display panel 3. Recessing the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 inward relative to the cover plate 11 reduces the difficulty of bonding. Recessing the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 inward relative to the bending point 3331 reduces the risk of misalignment during bending and also reduces stress concentration.

[0063] In some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the inward distance of the first transparent adhesive layer 12 relative to the cover plate 11 can be 0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.3mm, etc., the inward distance of the second transparent adhesive layer 2 relative to the cover plate 11 can be 0.2mm, 0.25mm, 0.3mm, etc., and the distance of the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 from the bending point 3331 can be 0.1mm, 0.15mm, 0.2mm, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3As shown, when a pad 5 is provided between the protective layer 4 located outside the front flat section 331 and the cover plate 11, the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, the first transparent adhesive layer 12, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 are not in contact with the pad 5. The first end 41 of the protective layer 4 is the end close to the cover plate assembly 1. The protective layer 4 is a polyester substrate layer with adhesive on one side, and the first end 41 extends to be flush with the edge of the display panel 3. The second transparent adhesive layer 2 is disposed on the side of the polyester substrate layer facing the ultra-thin flexible glass 13. Alternatively, the protective layer 4 is a polyester substrate layer with adhesive on both sides, and the first end 41 extends to be flush with the edge of the display panel 3. The second transparent adhesive layer 2 is an adhesive layer on the side of the polyester substrate layer facing the ultra-thin glass. The orthographic projection of the pad 5 is located within the orthographic projection range of the fan-out area 32, supporting the edge of the cover plate 11, improving the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11, reducing stress concentration in the bending area 33, and thus solving the problem of poor display caused by insufficient support strength. There is a gap between the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the second transparent adhesive layer 2 and the pad 5. This gap can provide stress relief space for the bending area 33 of the display panel 3, and can also provide sufficient space for the flow of the first transparent adhesive layer 12 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2, so as to avoid local stress concentration.

[0065] Understandably, when the protective layer 4 is a polyester substrate layer, the polyester substrate layer can be applied to the entire light-emitting surface of the display panel 3. The polyester substrate layer can be coated with adhesive on one side or both sides. Single-sided coating means coating the side facing the display panel 3 with adhesive, while the second transparent adhesive layer 2 is applied to the side facing away from the display panel 3. Double-sided coating means the polyester substrate layer replaces the MCL adhesive and OCA adhesive (second transparent adhesive layer 2) in the above embodiments.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, the polyester substrate layer is typically PET, but it can also be PEN (Polyethylene naphthaalate), etc.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, the outer edge of the pad 5 is flush with the cover plate 11, and the inner edge of the pad 5 is located within the boundary line of the front flat section 331.

[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the outer edge of the pad 5 is flush with the cover plate 11, and the inner edge of the pad 5 is flush with the boundary line of the front flat section 331.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, the first transparent adhesive layer 12 extends beyond the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 at one end near the bending area 33, and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 is flush with the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 at one end near the bending area 33. In this embodiment, the second transparent adhesive layer 2 is an adhesive backing or OCA adhesive, used to bond with the ultra-thin flexible glass 13. The second transparent adhesive layer 2 is typically OCA adhesive, and its end extending beyond the ultra-thin flexible glass 13, together with PET, can protect the ultra-thin flexible glass 13 from impacts, chipping, and other cosmetic defects.

[0070] A second aspect of this application provides a display device, which includes the display module described above; see reference Figure 10 A decorative strip 6 is located on the outer side of the cover plate 11, covering the circumference of the edge of the cover plate 11. At one end corresponding to the bending area 33, the decorative strip 6 covers the bending area 33, and the edge of the decorative strip 6 extends beyond the edge of the cover plate 11 for connection with the middle frame, thus pressing the display module together with the body. Since the cover plate 11 of the display module and the protective layer 4 can be supported by the pad 5, or by the first transparent adhesive layer 12, the protective layer 4 and the second transparent adhesive layer 2 extending into the fan-out area 32, the support strength of the edge of the cover plate 11 is improved. During the subsequent assembly of the decorative strip 6, even if the decorative strip 6 is pressed, the cover plate 11 is not easily bent, reducing the risk of stress concentration in the bending area 33, thereby reducing problems such as abnormal display, no display, vertical lines and other display defects in the display panel 3.

[0071] The decorative strip 6 connects to the middle frame, pressing the display module and the body together to complete the assembly of the entire unit. The decorative strip 6 serves both an aesthetic purpose and a sealing function.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the decorative strip 6 can be divided into two parts by the folding axis, each part being approximately U-shaped. Dividing the decorative strip 6 into two parts can avoid the folding axis area and facilitate the installation of the decorative strip 6.

[0073] The display device can be a foldable phone, a foldable display screen, or a foldable tablet (PAD), etc.

[0074] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0075] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0076] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display module, characterized in that, include: A cover plate assembly includes a cover plate, a first transparent adhesive layer, and an ultrathin flexible glass stacked sequentially, wherein the cover plate and the ultrathin flexible glass are bonded together by the first transparent adhesive layer, and the first transparent adhesive layer and the ultrathin flexible glass are recessed relative to the cover plate. The second transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the ultra-thin flexible glass away from the cover plate and is recessed relative to the cover plate; The display panel is bonded to the cover plate assembly via the second transparent adhesive layer. The display panel includes a display area, a fan-out area, a bending area, and a bonding area connected in sequence. The bonding area is located on the back side of the display area. The bending area includes a front flat section, a curved section, and a rear flat section. The front flat section is connected to the fan-out area. A protective layer is applied to the outside of the bending area; The first transparent adhesive layer, the ultra-thin flexible glass, and the second transparent adhesive layer all extend into the area corresponding to the front flat section, and the second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the protective layer to support the cover plate. Alternatively, a pad is provided between the protective layer and the cover plate located outside the front flat section to support the cover plate.

2. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the protective layer is the end close to the cover plate assembly. When the first transparent adhesive layer, the ultra-thin flexible glass, and the second transparent adhesive layer all extend into the range corresponding to the front flat section, the first end of the protective layer is located within the range corresponding to the front flat section and is spaced from the boundary between the front flat section and the fan-out area.

3. The display module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The edges of both the first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer extend beyond the edge of the ultra-thin flexible glass.

4. The display module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first end has a thinning area, the upper surface of which is a slope that gradually slopes toward the display panel. The thinning area overlaps with the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass along the thickness direction of the display panel. The bottom surface of the second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the top surface of the thinning area. Alternatively, the first end of the protective layer does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the ultrathin flexible glass along the thickness direction, and the side of the second transparent adhesive layer overlaps with the side of the protective layer.

5. The display module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner surface of the cover plate is provided with a light-shielding layer surrounding the edge of the cover plate. The light-shielding layer forms a hollow area around the cover plate. The hollow area defines the viewing window of the display module. The orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer along the thickness direction covers the fan-out area and the front flat section. The light-shielding layer is divided into a first area and a second area. The second area is located on the side closer to the center of the display panel. The light-shielding layer of the first area and the orthographic projection of the ultra-thin flexible glass along the thickness direction do not overlap. The thickness of the light-shielding layer of the first area is greater than the thickness of the light-shielding layer of the second area.

6. The display module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light-shielding layer in the first region overlaps with the first transparent adhesive layer, and the first transparent adhesive layer and the second transparent adhesive layer overlap at one end of the ultra-thin flexible glass.

7. The display module according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The end of the first transparent adhesive layer near the bending area extends beyond the second transparent adhesive layer, and the side of the first transparent adhesive layer facing the protective layer overlaps with the top surface of the protective layer.

8. The display module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the light-shielding layer in the first region that contacts the first transparent adhesive layer is set in an inverted step shape. Along the thickness direction, the projected area of ​​the light-shielding layer on the side closer to the cover plate is larger than the projected area of ​​the light-shielding layer on the side farther away from the cover plate.

9. The display module according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The protective layer is a UV-curable adhesive or a thermosetting adhesive.

10. The display module according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The first transparent adhesive layer is recessed inward relative to the cover plate by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the second transparent adhesive layer is recessed inward relative to the cover plate by a distance greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, and the ultra-thin flexible glass is at a distance greater than or equal to 0.1 mm from the bending point of the display panel.

11. The display module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a pad is provided between the protective layer located on the outer side of the front flat section and the cover plate, the ultra-thin flexible glass, the first transparent adhesive layer, and the second transparent adhesive layer are not in contact with the pad; The first end of the protective layer is near the cover plate assembly. The protective layer is a polyester substrate layer with adhesive on one side, and the first end extends to be flush with the edge of the display panel. The second transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the side of the polyester substrate layer facing the ultra-thin flexible glass. Alternatively, the protective layer is a polyester substrate layer with adhesive on both sides, the first end extends to be flush with the edge of the display panel, and the second transparent adhesive layer is the adhesive coating on the side of the polyester substrate layer facing the ultra-thin glass.

12. The display module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first transparent adhesive layer extends beyond the ultra-thin flexible glass at one end near the bending area, while the second transparent adhesive layer is flush with the ultra-thin flexible glass at one end near the bending area.

13. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: The display module according to any one of claims 1-12; A decorative strip is provided on the outside of the cover plate, covering the edge of the cover plate. At one end corresponding to the bending area, the decorative strip covers the bending area, and the edge of the decorative strip extends beyond the edge of the cover plate, for connecting with the middle frame and pressing the display module and the body together.

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