Protective film module

Abstract

The utility model relates to a protective film module. The protective film module comprises a first film; a second film disposed on the first film; and a thin film layer disposed between the first film and the second film. The first film includes a first hook portion that does not overlap the thin film layer in a plan view, the second film includes a second hook portion that does not overlap the thin film layer in the plan view, and at least a portion of the first hook portion is disposed on the second hook portion.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0095020, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a protective film module. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a protective film module including a plurality of films for protecting thin glass. Background Art

[0004] Various display devices applied to multimedia devices (such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation units, game units, etc.) are being developed. In recent years, a foldable or rollable display device including a flexible display member is being developed to improve portability and user convenience.

[0005] Ultra-thin glass (“UTG”) is applied to foldable or rollable display devices so that the display devices can be folded or rolled. Since UTG is very thin, having a thickness of less than 100 micrometers (μm), UTG not only has flexibility to be smoothly folded but also has scratch-resistant characteristics of a glass material. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] The present disclosure provides a protective film module that prevents foreign substances from entering side portions of thin glass without using an adhesive when distributing or handling the thin glass.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a protective film module for protecting thin glass.

[0008] An embodiment of the present utility model provides a protective film module including: a first film; a second film disposed on the first film; and a thin film layer disposed between the first film and the second film. The first film includes a first hook portion spaced apart from the thin film layer in a plan view, the second film includes a second hook portion spaced apart from the thin film layer in the plan view, and at least a part of the first hook portion is disposed on the second hook portion.

[0009] In the plan view, each of the first film and the second film may have a size larger than that of the thin film layer.

[0010] In the plan view, the first film may have the same size as that of the second film.

[0011] The thin film layer may be directly disposed on the first film, and the second film may be directly disposed on the thin film layer.

[0012] Each of the first film and the second film may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 100 microns and equal to or less than about 200 microns.

[0013] The thin film layer may comprise a glass material.

[0014] Each of the first film and the second film may comprise polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or polymethyl methacrylate.

[0015] The first film may be provided with a plurality of holes defined therethrough, the plurality of holes overlapping the thin film layer in the plan view, and the plurality of holes being spaced apart from each other.

[0016] Each of the plurality of holes may have a diameter equal to or greater than about 3 mm and equal to or less than about 5 mm.

[0017] The distance between two adjacent holes among the plurality of holes may be equal to or greater than about 3 mm and equal to or less than about 5 mm.

[0018] Each of the first film and the second film may have a rectangular shape. The first film may include a first-first film side parallel to a first direction, a first-second film side parallel to the first direction and opposite to the first-first film side, a first-third film side parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first-fourth film side parallel to the second direction and opposite to the first-third film side. The second film may include a second-first film side parallel to the first direction, a second-second film side parallel to the first direction and opposite to the second-first film side, a second-third film side parallel to the second direction, and a second-fourth film side parallel to the second direction and opposite to the second-third film side. The length of the first-first film side in the first direction is greater than the length of the first-third film side in the second direction, and the length of the second-first film side in the first direction is greater than the length of the second-third film side in the second direction.

[0019] The thin film layer may include a first thin film side parallel to the first-first film side, a second thin film side parallel to the first-second film side, a third thin film side parallel to the first-third film side, and a fourth thin film side parallel to the first-fourth film side. The first film may further include a first-first film portion adjacent to the first thin film side, a first-second film portion adjacent to the second thin film side, a first-third film portion adjacent to the third thin film side, a first-fourth film portion adjacent to the fourth thin film side, and a first thin film covering portion overlapping and corresponding to the thin film layer in the plan view. The second film may further include a second-first film portion composed of the second-first film side, a second-second film portion composed of the second-second film side, a second-third film portion composed of the second-third film side, a second-fourth film portion composed of the second-fourth film side, and a second thin film covering portion overlapping and corresponding to the thin film layer in the plan view. And the first hook portion may be provided in at least one of the first-first film portion, the first-second film portion, the first-third film portion, and the first-fourth film portion.

[0020] Each of the first hook portion and the second hook portion may be provided in plural, and the plural first hook portions may be respectively provided in the first-first film portion, the first second film portion, the first-third film portion, and the first-fourth film portion.

[0021] Each of the first hook portion and the second hook portion may be provided in plural, and the plural first hook portions may be provided in the first-first film portion and the first-second film portion, and may not be provided in the first-third film portion and the first-fourth film portion.

[0022] The first-first film portion may include a first-first contact portion that does not overlap with the first hook portion in the plan view. The second-first film portion may include a second-first contact portion that does not overlap with the second hook portion in the plan view. And at least a part of the first-first contact portion may contact the second-first contact portion.

[0023] Each of the first hook portion and the second hook portion may have a rectangular shape. The first hook portion may include a first-first hook side extending in a first direction, a first-second hook side opposite to the first-first hook side and extending in the first direction, a first-third hook side extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first-fourth hook side opposite to the first-third hook side and extending in the second direction. The second hook portion may include a second-first hook side extending in the first direction, a second-second hook side opposite to the second-first hook side and extending in the first direction, a second-third hook side extending in the second direction, and a second-fourth hook side opposite to the second-third hook side and extending in the second direction. The first-first hook side has a length in the first direction that is greater than the length of the first-third hook side in the second direction, and the second-first hook side has a length in the first direction that is greater than the length of the second-third hook side in the second direction.

[0024] Each of the length of the first-first hook side, the length of the first-second hook side in the first direction, the length of the second-first hook side, and the length of the second-second hook side in the first direction is equal to or greater than about 5 millimeters and equal to or less than about 20 millimeters, and each of the length of the first-third hook side, the length of the first-fourth hook side in the second direction, the length of the second-third hook side, and the length of the second-fourth hook side in the second direction is equal to or greater than about 3 millimeters and equal to or less than about 10 millimeters.

[0025] The first film may be provided with a first opening that surrounds the first-first hook side, the first-second hook side, and the first-third hook side, and the first opening is spaced apart from the thin film layer in the plan view. The second film may be provided with a second opening that surrounds the second-first hook side, the second-second hook side, and the second-fourth hook side, and the second opening is spaced apart from the thin film layer in the plan view.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of manufacturing a protective film module. The method includes providing a platform; providing a first film and a second film, forming a first hook portion in the first film and forming a hole through the first film, and forming a second hook portion in the second film; placing the first film on the platform; placing a thin film layer on the first film, the thin film layer not overlapping the first hook portion in a plan view and the thin film layer overlapping the hole in the plan view; placing the second film on the thin film layer; and placing at least a portion of the first hook portion on the second hook portion.

[0027] Each of the first hook portion and the second hook portion may be provided with a plurality of them.

[0028] According to the above, the first film and the second film of the protective film module can reduce the change in the surface energy of the thin film layer by using hook portions instead of adhesives.

[0029] According to the above, in the method of manufacturing a protective film module, pins are used to join the first thin film and the second film, and thus the difficulties in the manufacturing process are effectively improved. Description of the Drawings

[0030] With reference to the following detailed description and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I’ of Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II’ of Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8is a perspective view showing a process of a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a process of a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a process of a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B and Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view showing a process of bonding a first film to a second film in a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer, or portion) is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0043] Like reference numerals always refer to like elements. In the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of elements are exaggerated for effective description of the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the drawings and another element or feature.

[0046] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in this specification are intended to mean that there are the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components present, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0048] In the present disclosure, a direction intersecting the first direction DR1 is referred to as the second direction DR2. A direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is referred to as the third direction DR3.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the expression "in a plan view" may mean a state observed in the third direction DR3 (i.e., the thickness direction of the protective film module).

[0050] Hereinafter, a protective film module PFM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a method of manufacturing the protective film module PFM will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a protective film module PFM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a protective film module PFM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the protective film module PFM may include a first film FM1, a second film FM2, and a thin film layer TG disposed between the first film FM1 and the second film FM2. The first film FM1 may include a first hook portion HK1 that does not overlap the thin film layer TG in a plan view. The second film FM2 may include a second hook portion HK2 that does not overlap the thin film layer TG in a plan view. At least a part of the first hook portion HK1 may be disposed on the second hook portion HK2. Since at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2, the first film FM1 may contact a part of the second film FM2 and may protect the thin film layer TG from foreign substances, and thus may reduce the change in the surface energy (contact angle) of the thin film layer TG. The arrangement relationship between the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 in detail.

[0054] According to this embodiment, each of the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 may have a size larger than the size of the thin film layer TG. That is, when the first hook portion HK1 of the first film FM1 included in the protective film module PFM and the second hook portion HK2 of the second film FM2 are connected to each other, the thin film layer TG may be covered by the first film FM1 and the second film FM2, and thus, the thin film layer TG may not be recognizable to the naked eye. When each of the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 has a size larger than the size of the thin film layer TG, the lower surface of the thin film layer TG may be covered by the first film FM1, and the upper surface of the thin film layer TG may be covered by the second film FM2. Accordingly, foreign substances can be prevented from adhering to the thin film layer TG. Accordingly, defects such as damage to the surface of the thin film layer TG or entry of foreign substances into the thin film layer TG can be prevented during storage and distribution of the thin film layer TG.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the size of the first film FM1 and the size of the second film FM2 may be substantially the same as each other. That is, when the protective film module PFM is observed in a plane (i.e., in a plan view), the first film FM1 may be covered by the second film FM2 and may not be recognizable to the naked eye. In the case where the size of the first film FM1 and the size of the second film FM2 are substantially the same as each other, the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 may be manufactured by the same process. Accordingly, the production difficulty can be reduced and the economic efficiency can be improved.

[0056] The thin film layer TG may be directly disposed on the first film FM1, and the second film FM2 may be directly disposed on the thin film layer TG. In the case where the thin film layer TG is directly disposed on the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 is directly disposed on the thin film layer TG, the lower surface of the thin film layer TG may be covered by the first film FM1, and the upper surface of the thin film layer TG may be covered by the second film FM2. Accordingly, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the thin film layer TG.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 100 micrometers and equal to or less than about 200 micrometers. However, this is merely an example.

[0058] The thin film layer TG may include a glass material. However, it should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0059] The thin film layer TG may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 1 micron and equal to or less than about 200 microns. The thickness of the thin film layer TG may be less than the thickness of the first film FM1 or the second film FM2. The thin film layer TG may be used as a window of a display device. The thin film layer TG may be used as a window of large display devices (such as televisions and monitors), and may also be used as a window of small and medium-sized display devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, car navigation units, game units, etc.). The thin film layer TG may be ultra-thin glass (UTG), which is a material used as a display cover window.

[0060] Each of the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 may include polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or polymethyl methacrylate. However, this is merely an example, and the present disclosure should not be limited to this or be limited thereby.

[0061] The first film FM1 may be provided with a plurality of holes HL defined through the first film FM1. The holes HL overlap the thin film layer TG in a plan view and are spaced from each other. The holes HL may completely penetrate the first film FM1. Each hole HL may have a circular shape. However, this is merely an example. In the case where the holes HL are defined through the first film FM1, overlap the thin film layer TG in a plan view, and the holes HL are spaced from each other in a plan view, the first film FM1 and the thin film layer TG may be stably adhered to each other and may not be separated from each other in subsequent processes. Specifically, a platform ST (refer to Figure 8 ) formed with a plurality of grooves HM (refer to Figure 8 ) may be provided below the first film FM1. At least a part of the air in the holes HL may be removed through the grooves HM (refer to Figure 8 ). Therefore, due to the suction force generated when removing the air, the first film FM1 and the thin film layer TG may be tightly adhered to each other. Since the holes HL are defined through the first film FM1, the adhesion force between the first film FM1 and the thin film layer TG can be maintained without including an adhesive, and the process of applying the adhesive and the process of removing the adhesive can be omitted. As a result, the practicability and convenience can be effectively improved when protecting the thin film layer TG.

[0062] Each hole HL may have a diameter equal to or greater than about 3 mm and equal to or less than about 5 mm. However, this is merely an example.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the spacing distance between two adjacent holes HL in the hole HL may be equal to or greater than about 3 millimeters and equal to or less than about 5 millimeters. The holes HL may be arranged such that the spacing distance between any two adjacent holes HL is substantially constant. In the case where the holes HL are arranged such that the spacing distance between any two adjacent holes HL is substantially constant, the absorption force may be uniformly applied to the thin film layer TG via the holes HL. However, this is merely an example, and the present disclosure should not be limited to this or thereby.

[0064] Each of the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 may have a rectangular shape. The first film FM1 may include a first-first film side FMS1-1 substantially parallel to the first direction DR1, a first-second film side FMS1-2 substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and opposite to the first-first film side FMS1-1, a first-third film side FMS1-3 substantially parallel to the second direction DR2, and a first-fourth film side FMS1-4 substantially parallel to the second direction DR2 and opposite to the first-third film side FMS1-3. The second film FM2 may include a second-first film side FMS2-1 substantially parallel to the first direction DR1, a second-second film side FMS2-2 substantially parallel to the first direction DR1 and opposite to the second-first film side FMS2-1, a second-third film side FMS2-3 substantially parallel to the second direction DR2, and a second-fourth film side FMS2-4 substantially parallel to the second direction DR2 and opposite to the second-third thin film side FMS2-3.

[0065] The length of the first-first film side FMS1-1 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the length of the first-third film side FMS1-3 in the second direction DR2. The length of the first-second film side FMS1-2 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the length of the first-third film side FMS1-3 in the second direction DR2. The length of the first-first film side FMS1-1 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the length of the first-fourth film side FMS1-4 in the second direction DR2. The length of the first-second film side FMS1-2 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the length of the first-fourth film side FMS1-4 in the second direction DR2. The lengths of the first-first film side FMS1-1 and the first-second film side FMS1-2 in the first direction DR1 may be greater than the lengths of the first-third film side FMS1-3 and the first-fourth film side FMS1-4 in the second direction DR2.

[0066] The length of the second - first film side FMS2 - 1 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the length of the second - third film side FMS2 - 3 in the second direction DR2. The length of the second - second film side FMS2 - 2 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the length of the second - third film side FMS2 - 3 in the second direction DR2. The length of the second - first film side FMS2 - 1 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the length of the second - fourth film side FMS2 - 4 in the second direction DR2. The length of the second - second film side FMS2 - 2 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the length of the second - fourth film side FMS2 - 4 in the second direction DR2. The lengths of the second - first film side FMS2 - 1 and the second - second film side FMS2 - 2 in the first direction DR1 can be greater than the lengths of the second - third film side FMS2 - 3 and the second - fourth film side FMS2 - 4 in the second direction DR2.

[0067] The thin - film layer TG can include a first thin - film side TGS1 that is substantially parallel to the first - first film side FMS1 - 1, a second thin - film side TGS2 that is substantially parallel to the first - second film side FMS1 - 2, a third thin - film side TGS3 that is substantially parallel to the first - third film side FMS1 - 3, and a fourth thin - film side TGS4 that is substantially parallel to the first - fourth film side FMS1 - 4. The second thin - film side TGS2 can be opposite to the first thin - film side TGS1, and the fourth thin - film side TGS4 can be opposite to the third thin - film side TGS3.

[0068] The first film FM1 can include a first - first film portion FMA1 - 1 adjacent to the first thin - film side TGS1, a first - second film portion FMA1 - 2 adjacent to the second thin - film side TGS2, a first - third film portion FMA1 - 3 adjacent to the third thin - film side TGS3, a first - fourth film portion FMA1 - 4 adjacent to the fourth thin - film side TGS4, and a first thin - film covering portion FMU1 that overlaps and corresponds to the thin - film layer TG in a plan view. In other words, the boundary of the first thin - film covering portion FMU1 can be aligned with the boundary of the thin - film layer TG in a plan view. The second film FM2 can include a second - first film portion FMA2 - 1 adjacent to the first thin - film side TGS1, a second - second film portion FMA2 - 2 adjacent to the second thin - film side TGS2, a second - third film portion FMA2 - 3 adjacent to the third thin - film side TGS3, a second - fourth film portion FMA2 - 4 adjacent to the fourth thin - film side TGS4, and a second thin - film covering portion FMU2 that overlaps and corresponds to the thin - film layer TG in a plan view. In other words, the boundary of the second thin - film covering portion FMU2 can be aligned with the boundary of the thin - film layer TG in a plan view.

[0069] In the plan view, the first film covering portion FMU1 may not overlap with the first-first film portion FMA1-1, the first-second film portion FMA1-2, the first-third film portion FMA1-3, and the first-fourth film portion FMA1-4. In the plan view, the second film covering portion FMU2 may not overlap with the second-first film portion FMA2-1, the second-second film portion FMA2-2, the second-third film portion FMA2-3, and the second-fourth film portion FMA2-4. The first hook portion HK1 may be provided in one of the first-first film portion FMA1-1, the first-second film portion FMA1-2, the first-third film portion FMA1-3, and the first-fourth film portion FMA1-4. As an example, the first hook portion HK1 may be provided in at least one of the first-first film portion FMA1-1 and the first-second film portion FMA1-2. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to this or be limited thereby.

[0070] Each of the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 may have a rectangular shape. However, this is merely an example. The first hook portion HK1 may include a first-first hook side HKS1-1 extending in a first direction DR1, a first-second hook side HKS1-2 opposite to the first hook side HKS1-1 and extending in the first direction DR1, a first-third hook side HKS1-3 extending in a second direction DR2, and a first-fourth hook side HKS1-4 opposite to the first-third hook side HKS1-3 and extending in the second direction DR2. The first-first hook side HKS1-1 may have a length greater than that of the first-third hook side HKS1-3. The first-second hook side HKS1-2 may have a length greater than that of the first-third hook side HKS1-3. The length of the first-first hook side HKS1-1 may be greater than the length of the first-fourth hook side HKS1-4. The length of the first-second hook side HKS1-2 may be greater than the length of the first-fourth hook side HKS1-4. The second hook portion HK2 may include a second-first hook side HKS2-1 extending in the first direction DR1, a second-second hook side HKS2-2 opposite to the second-first hook side HKS2-1 and extending in the first direction DR1, a second-third hook side HKS2-3 extending in the second direction DR2, and a second-fourth hook side HKS2-4 opposite to the second-third hook side HKS2-3 and extending in the second direction DR2. The second-first hook side HKS2-1 may have a length greater than that of the second-third hook side HKS2-3. The second-second hook side HKS2-2 may have a length greater than that of the second-third hook side HKS2-3. The length of the second-first hook side HKS2-1 may be greater than the length of the second-fourth hook side HKS2-4. The length of the second-second hook side HKS2-2 may be greater than the length of the second-fourth hook side HKS2-4. In the case where the length of the first-first hook side HKS1-1 is greater than the length of the first-third hook side HKS1-3 and the length of the second-first hook side HKS2-1 is greater than the length of the second-third hook side HKS2-3, the area of the second hook portion HK2 that can be placed on the first hook portion HK1 in the total area of the second hook portion HK2 may increase, and thus, the first film FM1 can be more easily adhered to the second film FM2.

[0071] The length of each of the first-first hook side HKS1-1, the first-second hook side HKS1-2, the second-first hook side HKS2-1, and the second-second hook side HKS2-2 may be equal to or greater than about 5 millimeters and equal to or less than about 20 millimeters. The length of each of the first-third hook side HKS1-3, the first-fourth hook side HKS1-4, the second-third hook side HKS2-3, and the second-fourth hook side HKS2-4 may be equal to or greater than about 3 millimeters and equal to or less than about 10 millimeters. However, this is merely an example, and the present disclosure should not be particularly limited.

[0072] The first film FM1 may be provided with a first opening OP1 that surrounds the first-first hook side HKS1-1, the first-second hook side HKS1-2, and the first-third hook side HKS1-3 and does not overlap with the thin film layer TG in a plan view. The second film FM2 may be provided with a second opening OP2 that surrounds the second-first hook side HKS2-1, the second-second hook side HKS2-2, and the second-fourth hook side HKS2-4 and does not overlap with the thin film layer TG in a plan view. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may respectively penetrate completely through the first film FM1 and the second film FM2. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may provide a space that enables the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 to be more easily bent in the third direction DR3 or in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, and the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may make at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 more easily disposed on the second hook portion HK2.

[0073] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I’ of Figure 1 and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II’ of Figure 1

[0074] Refer to Figures 2 to 4 , at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 may be disposed on the second hook portion HK2. At least a part of the first hook portion HK1 may be directly disposed on the second hook portion HK2. The first hook portion HK1 may be bent in the third direction DR3, and the second hook portion HK2 may be bent in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3.

[0075] ​The first-first film portion FMA1-1 may include a first-first contact portion TA1-1 that does not overlap with the first hook portion HK1 in a plan view. The first-first contact portion TA1-1 may correspond to the portion of the first-first film portion FMA1-1 other than the first hook portion HK1. The first-second film portion FMA1-2 may include a first-second contact portion TA1-2 that does not overlap with the first hook portion HK1 in a plan view. The first-second contact portion TA1-2 may correspond to the portion of the first-second film portion FMA1-2 other than the first hook portion HK1.

[0076] The second-first film portion FMA2-1 may include a second-first contact portion TA2-1 that does not overlap with the second hook portion HK2 in a plan view. The second-first contact portion TA2-1 may correspond to the portion of the second-first film portion FMA2-1 other than the second hook portion HK2. The second-second film portion FMA2-2 may include a second-second contact portion TA2-2 that does not overlap with the second hook portion HK2 in a plan view. The second-second contact portion TA2-2 may correspond to the portion of the second-second film portion FMA2-2 other than the second hook portion HK2.

[0077] At least a part of the first-first contact portion TA1-1 may contact the second-first contact portion TA2-1. At least a part of the first-second contact portion TA1-2 may contact the second-second contact portion TA2-2.

[0078] When a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2 while the first hook portion HK1 is disposed in the first-first film portion FMA1-1 and the second hook portion HK2 is disposed in the second-first film portion FMA2-1, the first hook portion HK1 may be affected by a restoring force acting in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, and the second hook portion HK2 may be affected by a restoring force acting in the third direction DR3. Due to the restoring forces acting on the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2, the distance between the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 may be reduced, and at least a part of the first-first contact portion TA1-1 may contact the second-first contact portion TA2-1. Because at least a part of the first-first contact portion TA1-1 contacts the second-first contact portion TA2-1, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the thin film layer TG in the second direction DR2.

[0079] When a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2, while the first hook portion HK1 is disposed in the first-second film portion FMA1-2 and the second hook portion HK2 is disposed in the second-second film portion FMA2-2, the first hook portion HK1 may be affected by a restoring force acting in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3 and the second hook portion HK2 may be affected by a restoring force acting in the third direction DR3. Due to the restoring forces acting on the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2, the distance between the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 can be reduced, and at least a part of the first-second contact portion TA1-2 can contact the second-second contact portion TA2-2. Because at least a part of the first-second contact portion TA1-2 contacts the second-second contact portion TA2-2, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the thin film layer TG in the second direction DR2.

[0080] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At the same time, for ease of explanation, Figure 5 and Figure 6 show the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 of the protective film module, and the thin film layer TG is omitted.

[0081] Reference Figure 5 , each of the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 may be provided with a plurality of. The first-first film portion FMA1-1, the first-second film portion FMA1-2, the first-third film portion FMA1-3, and the first-fourth film portion FMA1-4 may include a plurality of first hook portions HK1. The first-third film portion FMA1-3 may include a first-third contact portion TA1-3 that does not overlap with the first hook portion HK1 in a plan view. The first-third contact portion TA1-3 may correspond to the portion of the first-third film portion FMA1-3 other than the first hook portion HK1. The first-fourth film portion FMA1-4 may include a first-fourth contact portion TA1-4 that does not overlap with the first hook portion HK1 in a plan view. The first-fourth contact portion TA1-4 may correspond to the portion of the first-fourth film portion FMA1-4 other than the first hook portion HK1.

[0082] Each of the second-first film part FMA2-1, the second-second film part FMA2-2, the second-third film part FMA2-3, and the second-fourth film part FMA2-4 may include a plurality of second hook parts HK2. The second-third film part FMA2-3 may include a second-third contact part TA2-3 that does not overlap with the second hook part HK2 in a plan view. The second-third contact part TA2-3 may correspond to the part of the second-third film part FMA2-3 other than the second hook part HK2. The second-fourth film part FMA2-4 may include a second-fourth contact part TA2-4 that does not overlap with the second hook part HK2 in a plan view. The second-fourth contact part TA2-4 may correspond to the part of the second-fourth film part FMA2-4 other than the second hook part HK2.

[0083] The second hook parts HK2 may be arranged to correspond to the first hook parts HK1 respectively. For example, the first-first film part FMA1-1 may include three first hook parts HK1. The first-second film part FMA1-2 may include three first hook parts HK1. The first-third film part FMA1-3 may include two first hook parts HK1. The first-fourth film part FMA1-4 may include two first hook parts HK1. The second-first film part FMA2-1 may include three second hook parts HK2. The second-second film part FMA2-2 may include three second hook parts HK2. The second-third film part FMA2-3 may include two second hook parts HK2. The second-fourth film part FMA2-4 may include two second hook parts HK2. However, this is only an example, and the present disclosure should not be limited to this or restricted thereby.

[0084] As Figure 5 shown, in the case where the protective film module PFM includes a plurality of first hook parts HK1 and a plurality of second hook parts HK2, at least a part of each of the first-first contact part TA1-1, the first-second contact part TA1-2, the first-third contact part TA1-3, and the first-fourth contact part TA1-4 may contact the corresponding contact parts of the second-first contact part TA2-1, the second-second contact part TA2-2, the second-third contact part TA1-3, and the first-fourth contact part TA1-4. In the case where at least a part of the first-first contact part TA1-1, the first-second contact part TA1-2, the first-third contact part TA1-3, and the first-fourth contact part TA1-4 contacts the corresponding contact parts of the second-first contact part TA2-1, the second-second contact part TA2-2, the second-third contact part TA2-3, and the second-fourth contact part TA2-4, foreign substances can be effectively prevented from contacting the thin film layer TG (refer to Figure 2) surface contact. A more detailed example is that when a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2, while the first hook portion HK1 is disposed in the first - third film portions FMA1 - 3 and the second hook portion HK2 is disposed in the second - third film portions FMA2 - 3, the first hook portion HK1 may be affected by a restoring force acting in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, and the second hook portion HK2 may be affected by a restoring force acting in the third direction DR3. Due to the restoring forces acting on the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2, the distance between the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 can be reduced, and at least a part of the first - third contact portion TA1 - 3 can contact the second - third contact portion TA2 - 3. At least a part of the first - third contact portion TA1 - 3 contacting the second - third contact portion TA2 - 3 can prevent foreign substances from entering the thin film layer TG in the first direction DR1.

[0085] When a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2, while the first hook portion HK1 is disposed in the first - fourth film portions FMA1 - 4 and the second hook portion HK2 is disposed in the second - fourth film portions FMA2 - 4, the first hook portion HK1 may be affected by a restoring force acting in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, and the second hook portion HK2 may be affected by a restoring force acting in the third direction DR3. Due to the restoring forces acting on the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2, the distance between the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 can be reduced, and at least a part of the first - fourth contact portion TA1 - 4 can contact the second - fourth contact portion TA2 - 4. Since at least a part of the first - fourth contact portion TA1 - 4 contacts the second - fourth contact portion TA2 - 4, foreign substances can be prevented from entering the thin film layer TG in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1.

[0086] In contrast to Figure 5 the embodiment of Figure 6 shows a structure in which each of the first - third film portions FMA1 - 3 and the first - fourth film portions FMA1 - 4 does not include the first hook portion HK1, and each of the second - third film portions FMA2 - 3 and the second - fourth film portions FMA2 - 4 does not include the second hook portion HK2.

[0087] Referring to Figure 6, each of the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 can be provided in plural. Each of the first-first film portion FMA1-1 and the first-second film portion FMA1-2 can include a plurality of first hook portions HK1. Each of the second-first film portion FMA2-1 and the second-second film portion FMA2-2 can include a plurality of second hook portions HK2. The second hook portions HK2 can be arranged corresponding to the first hook portions HK1, respectively. For example, the first-first film portion FMA1-1 can include three first hook portions HK1. The first-second film portion FMA1-2 can include three first hook portions HK1. The second-first film portion FMA2-1 can include three second hook portions HK2. The second-second film portion FMA2-2 can include three second hook portions HK2.

[0088] As Figure 6 shown, in the case where the protective film module PFM includes a plurality of first hook portions HK1 and a plurality of second hook portions HK2, the effect of preventing foreign substances from contacting the surface of the thin film layer TG (refer to Figure 2 ) can be improved. Compared with the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 's protective film module includes a smaller number of first and second hook portions HK1 and HK2, and thus has an economic advantage in the manufacturing process. In addition, compared with the embodiment shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 's first film FM1 and second film FM2 can be easily attached to or detached from each other.

[0089] A method of manufacturing the protective film module PFM will be described below.

[0090] The protective film module manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present protective film module is the same as the protective film module PFM described above, and thus, the same elements will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the details of the same elements will be omitted.

[0091] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the process of a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the process of a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the process of a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11A ,Figure 11B and Figure 11C is a cross-sectional view showing a process of bonding a first film to a second film in a method of manufacturing a protective film module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Referring Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a method of manufacturing a protective film module PFM may include: providing a platform ST (S110); providing a first film FM1 and a second film FM2, forming a first hook portion HK1 in the first film FM1 and forming a hole HL through the first film, and forming a second hook portion HK2 in the second film FM2 (referring to Figure 10 )(S120); and placing the first film FM1 on the platform ST (S130).

[0096] Providing the first film and the second film, forming the first hook portion in the first film and forming the hole through the first film, and forming the second hook portion in the second film (S120) may include forming the first hook portion HK1 and the hole HL and forming the second hook portion HK2. Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 8 , a first opening OP1 may be formed through a preliminary first film having a plate shape to surround a first-first hook side HKS1-1, a first-second hook side HKS1-2, and a first-third hook side HKS1-3. The hole HL may be formed through the preliminary first film, and the preliminary first film is provided with a first opening OP1 defined through the preliminary first film, and thus, the first film FM1 may be completed. The second film FM2 including the second hook portion HK2 may be formed by forming a second opening OP2 through a preliminary second film having a plate shape, the second opening OP2 surrounding a second-first hook side HKS2-1, a second-second hook side HKS2-2, and a second-fourth hook side HKS2-4. The hole HL may completely penetrate the first film FM1. The first opening OP1 may completely penetrate the first film FM1. The second opening OP2 may completely penetrate the second film FM2. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may provide a space to facilitate bending of each of the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 in a third direction DR3 or in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, and the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 may enable at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 to be easily disposed on the second hook portion HK2. Since the first film FM1 includes the hole HL, the adhesion between the first film FM1 and the thin film layer TG (referring to Figure 2 ) can be maintained without using an adhesive, and the processes of applying the adhesive and removing the adhesive can be omitted. Therefore, the practicability and convenience of the protective thin film layer TG (referring to Figure 2 ) can be effectively improved.

[0097] Referring Figure 8, the platform ST may include grooves HM corresponding to the holes HL respectively. At least a part of the air in the holes HL may be removed through the grooves HM, and thus, the first film FM1 and the thin film layer TG (refer to Figure 9 ) may adhere to each other.

[0098] The first film FM1 may be disposed on the platform ST such that the holes HL correspond to the grooves HM respectively.

[0099] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 9 , a method for manufacturing the protective film module PFM may include: placing the thin film layer TG on the first film FM1 such that the thin film layer TG does not overlap with the first hook portion HK1 in a plan view and overlaps with the holes HL in the plan view (S140).

[0100] The thin film layer TG may be disposed on the first film FM1 such that it overlaps with the first thin film covering portion FMU1 (refer to Figure 2 ) in a plan view.

[0101] Refer to Figure 7 and Figure 10 , a method for manufacturing the protective film module PFM may include placing the second film FM2 on the thin film layer TG (S150).

[0102] The second film FM2 may be disposed on the thin film layer TG such that the second thin film covering portion FMU2 (refer to Figure 2 ) corresponds to the upper surface of the thin film layer TG. In a plan view, the second hook portion HK2 may not overlap with the thin film layer TG.

[0103] Refer to Figure 7 , Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C , a method for manufacturing the protective film module PFM may include placing at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 on the second hook portion HK2 using the pin PN (S160). Placing at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 on the second hook portion HK2 using the pin PN (S160) may include placing the pin PN on the lower surface of the first film FM1, moving the pin PN in the third direction DR3, and moving the pin PN in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3 to remove the pin PN.

[0104] Refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11B, the pin PN can be disposed on the lower surface of the first film FM1. One end of the pin PN can be adjacent to the second opening OP2. Then, the pin PN can move in the third direction DR3 to bend the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2 in the third direction DR3. When one end of the pin PN is disposed adjacent to the second opening OP2, during the movement of the pin PN in the third direction DR3, the degree of bending of the first hook portion HK1 in the third direction DR3 can be greater than the degree of bending of the second hook portion HK2 in the third direction DR3.

[0105] Reference Figure 11C , the manufacturing method of the protective film module can include moving the pin PN in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3 to remove the pin PN. When the pin PN moves in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 can be disposed on the second hook portion HK2. When at least a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2, the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 can be close to each other, and when a part of the first hook portion HK1 is disposed on the second hook portion HK2 as described in the reference Figure 4 , the first hook portion HK1 may be affected by a restoring force acting in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3, and the second hook portion HK2 may be affected by a restoring force acting in a direction opposite to the third direction DR3. Due to the restoring forces acting on the first hook portion HK1 and the second hook portion HK2, the distance between the first film FM1 and the second film FM2 can be reduced, and at least a part of the first film FM1 can be in contact with the second film FM2. The contact of at least a part of the first film FM1 with the second film FM2 can prevent foreign substances from entering the thin film layer TG in the horizontal direction, such as the second direction DR2 (reference Figure 1 ), and coming into contact with the surface of the thin film layer TG (reference Figure 10 ).

[0106] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it can be understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, but those of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described below. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the present utility model should be determined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective film module, characterized in that, The protective film module includes: A first film; A second film disposed on the first film; and A thin film layer disposed between the first film and the second film, wherein the first film includes a first hook portion that is spaced apart from the thin film layer in a plan view, the second film includes a second hook portion that is spaced apart from the thin film layer in the plan view, and at least a part of the first hook portion is disposed on the second hook portion.

2. The protective film module according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the plan view, each of the first film and the second film has a size larger than that of the thin film layer.

3. The protective film module according to claim 1, wherein In the plan view, the first film has the same size as the second film.

4. The protective film module according to claim 1, wherein The thin film layer is directly disposed on the first film, and the second film is directly disposed on the thin film layer.

5. The protective film module according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first film and the second film has a thickness equal to or greater than 100 microns and equal to or less than 200 microns.

6. The protective film module according to claim 1, wherein The first film is provided with a plurality of holes defined to pass through the first film, the plurality of holes overlap with the thin film layer in the plan view, and the plurality of holes are spaced apart from each other.

7. The protective film module according to claim 6, wherein Each of the plurality of holes has a diameter equal to or greater than 3 mm and equal to or less than 5 mm.

8. The protective film module according to claim 6, wherein The distance between two adjacent holes among the plurality of holes is equal to or greater than 3 mm and equal to or less than 5 mm.

9. The protective film module according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first film and the second film has a rectangular shape, the first film includes a first-first film side parallel to a first direction, a first-second film side parallel to the first direction and opposite to the first-first film side, a first-third film side parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a first-fourth film side parallel to the second direction and opposite to the first-third film side, the second film includes a second-first film side parallel to the first direction, a second-second film side parallel to the first direction and opposite to the second-first film side, a second-third film side parallel to the second direction, and a second-fourth film side parallel to the second direction and opposite to the second-third film side, the length of the first-first film side in the first direction is greater than the length of the first-third film side in the second direction, and the length of the second-first film side in the first direction is greater than the length of the second-third film side in the second direction.

10. The protective film module according to claim 9, wherein The thin film layer includes a first thin film side parallel to the first-first film side, a second thin film side parallel to the first-second film side, a third thin film side parallel to the first-third film side, and a fourth thin film side parallel to the first-fourth film side, the first film further includes a first-first film portion adjacent to the first thin film side, a first-second film portion adjacent to the second thin film side, a first-third film portion adjacent to the third thin film side, a first-fourth film portion adjacent to the fourth thin film side, and a first thin film covering portion that overlaps and corresponds to the thin film layer in the plan view, The second film further includes a second-first film portion including the second-first film side, a second-second film portion including the second-second film side, a second-third film portion including the second-third film side, a second-fourth film portion including the second-fourth film side, and a second thin film covering portion overlapping and corresponding to the thin film layer in the plan view, and The first hook portion is provided in at least one of the first-first film portion, the first-second film portion, the first-third film portion, and the first-fourth film portion.

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