Composite folding display protective film assembly and its application aid.

Abstract

The present invention provides a protective film assembly for a composite foldable display, which has the advantages of a high application success rate, ease of operation, and wide range of applications, and an application assistance device therefor. [Solution] The protective film assembly comprises a flexible glass protective film, an adhesive layer, an adhesive layer release film 103, and a temporary protective film 105, and high-precision positioning is achieved by the design of the protruding portion and positioning hole 106. The application assist device comprises a base, a slide rail mechanism, a fixing member, and a rolling mechanism, and the application work is completed by moving the roller along the guide rail with an operating handle. This solves the technical problems of conventional foldable mobile terminals 2, such as misalignment of application position, residual air bubbles, and complicated operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for attaching a protective film to a foldable display, and particularly to a protective film assembly for a composite foldable display and an auxiliary device for attaching the same.

Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of flexible display technology, electronic devices equipped with a foldable display surface are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique folding characteristics. On the other hand, the structure of such a foldable display surface poses new technical challenges regarding display surface protection. Conventional rigid protective films cannot follow the repeated bending operations required by foldable display surfaces, and it is difficult to ensure sufficient surface hardness and scratch resistance with general flexible protective films.

[0003] Commercially available ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG) protective films, such as the products disclosed in Patent Document 1, have solved the problem of achieving both flexibility and hardness to a certain extent, but many problems still remain in the actual attachment process. Specifically, it is difficult to accurately align the UTG film with the display surface, and misalignment of the attachment position is likely to occur, especially in the hinge area of foldable displays. In addition, air bubbles and dust are likely to be mixed in during the attachment process, which has an adverse effect on display quality.

[0004] Conventional attachment auxiliary devices are roughly classified into two types. One is a simple positioning frame, which can provide a basic alignment function but cannot cope with dynamic attachment in foldable displays. The other is a specialized vacuum attachment device, which has high precision but is costly and complex to operate. In particular, it is difficult for conventional devices to achieve accurate positioning and step-by-step attachment of a multi-layer composite UTG protective film assembly including a release film and a protective film.

[0005] In composite protective film assemblies, if the design of the temporary protective film or release film is inappropriate, problems such as lifting of the edges and misalignment are likely to occur during the application process. Therefore, developing an application system specifically for composite foldable display protective film assemblies and achieving coordinated optimization between the protective film and the application device is currently an urgent technological challenge. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Public Gazette No. CN202011266164.0 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The first objective of this application is to reduce operational deviations when applying an ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG) protective film to a foldable display surface, suppress the possibility of air bubbles and fine dust contamination during the application process, and provide a protective film assembly for a composite foldable display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The composite folding display protective film assembly provided in this application is A flexible glass protective film made of ultra-thin flexible glass, which has the property of being foldable, An adhesive layer is provided on one side of the flexible glass protective film for attaching the flexible glass protective film to the surface of a foldable display, A release film for the adhesive layer covers the outside of the adhesive layer, protects the adhesive layer until application, and is peeled off when applied. A temporary protective film is used to cover the side of the flexible glass protective film opposite the adhesive layer, preventing damage to the surface of the flexible glass protective film during transport or operation, and is removed after application. A release pull tab is provided at the edge of the release film to assist the user in peeling off the adhesive release film, It is equipped with.

[0009] In the aforementioned technical means, the composite foldable display protective film assembly achieves comprehensive protection and easy application to foldable displays through an innovative multi-layer structure design. The flexible glass protective film, combined with a dedicated adhesive layer, provides reliable display surface protection while ensuring excellent folding performance. The unique double protection mechanism, consisting of an adhesive release film and a temporary protective film, effectively prevents damage to the protective film surface and adhesive layer during transportation and handling, maintaining its good condition before use. The specially designed release pull tab structure significantly simplifies preparation work before application, making the peeling operation easier and more efficient, thus greatly reducing the user's operational burden. As a result, operational deviations when applying the ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG) protective film to the foldable display surface are suppressed, and the possibility of air bubbles and fine dust contamination during the application process is reduced. Furthermore, the coordinated optimization design of each functional layer not only improves the overall performance of the protective film but also makes it suitable for industrial production. This assembly solves the problems of conventional protective films, such as their susceptibility to damage and difficulty of application, and provides a superior means of protection for foldable display devices, thereby significantly improving user experience and product reliability.

[0010] Preferably, the temporary protective film and the adhesive release film have dimensions larger than the flexible glass protective film in the length and width directions to form protruding portions, and the protruding portion of the adhesive release film is aligned with the protruding portion of the temporary protective film on at least one side.

[0011] In the aforementioned technical means, various technical advantages can be obtained by making the temporary protective film and adhesive release film larger in dimensions than the flexible glass protective film to form an overhang, and by configuring them to be aligned on at least one side. This structural design provides a clear operating boundary and mechanical gripping area in the application process, effectively preventing equipment contamination due to adhesive overflow, and facilitating precise positioning and fixing with the application equipment that can be used. Furthermore, the edge-aligned design not only improves the consistency of the product's appearance but also functions as a visual reference during the application process, significantly improving application accuracy and operability. With such an innovative edge treatment structure, the protective film assembly becomes suitable for industrial production and ensures the structural integrity and reliability of the entire product during use.

[0012] Preferably, positioning holes are provided in the protruding portion.

[0013] In the above-described technical means, by providing positioning holes in the protruding portion, the protective film assembly is positioned quickly and with high precision in cooperation with other structures during the application process. This configuration enables mechanical positioning instead of conventional manual alignment by visual inspection, significantly improving application accuracy and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the placement of positioning holes allows the protective film to form a stable mating relationship with dedicated application tools or other application support structures, ensuring positional stability during the application process, preventing displacement and misalignment, and resulting in a better application effect.

[0014] The second object of this application is to provide an adhesive attachment assist device that reduces lifting and misalignment of edges, which are likely to occur during the application process, through a rational design.

[0015] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an attachment assist device used when attaching the aforementioned flexible glass protective film to the surface of the display part of an electronic device, and the attachment assist device is A base for fixing electronic devices, A slide rail mechanism provided on a base and comprising at least one pair of parallel guide rails, A fixing member provided on a base for fixing a protective film assembly for a composite foldable display, A pressing mechanism comprising an adhesive support and a rotatable roller, wherein the adhesive support moves along parallel guide rails, causing the roller to roll, and the rolling of the roller sequentially presses the composite foldable display protective film assembly onto the display surface, It is equipped with.

[0016] In the aforementioned technical means, the application assist device achieves high-precision and highly efficient application of protective films for foldable displays through an innovative mechanical structure design. The cooperation of the base and slide rail mechanism ensures secure fixing of electronic devices and a stable operating environment, while dedicated fixing members allow for precise positioning of the protective film assembly. Furthermore, the unique compaction mechanism employs a configuration in which an application support movable along guide rails uniformly rolls the rollers, enabling gradual pressure application of the protective film from one end to the other. This effectively prevents the generation of air bubbles and misalignment. This device transforms the application process, which previously relied on the operator's experience, into a standardized operation, significantly reducing the difficulty of operation and dramatically improving application quality and consistency of the finish. The linear motion provided by the slide rail mechanism ensures stability during the application process, while the uniform pressure applied by the compaction mechanism achieves high adhesion between the protective film and the display surface. This enables professional-level application quality for foldable display devices, allowing even general users to easily perform the complex application operation.

[0017] Preferably, the base is provided with weight-reducing holes, and the configuration of these holes allows the base to be easily released during injection molding, and further reduces the amount of raw material used.

[0018] In the above technical means, by providing a hollowing hole in the base, optimization in both the structural surface and the molding method can be achieved. This configuration not only effectively reduces the weight of the entire device, improves portability and operability, but also improves the mold release performance during injection molding through the optimization of material distribution. Furthermore, by appropriately arranging the hollowing holes, while ensuring the structural strength of the base, the amount of raw material used can be significantly reduced, contributing to the reduction of production costs. With such an innovative design accompanied by weight reduction, the product conforms to ergonomic requirements, improves production efficiency and economy, and provides a practical solution suitable for the industrial production of the pasting device.

[0019] Preferably, the slide rail mechanism further includes a set of detachable grooves for attaching and detaching the rolling pressure mechanism.

[0020] In the above technical means, by providing a dedicated detachable groove in the slide rail mechanism, modular and rapid detachment of the rolling pressure mechanism becomes possible. With this configuration, the maintainability of the device and the flexibility during use are significantly improved, and the rolling pressure mechanism can be exchanged or adjusted according to the pasting requirements of protection films with different model numbers. Furthermore, by optimizing the structure of the detachable groove, precise positioning and reliable fixing during installation are achieved, while the removal process is simplified, making cleaning, maintenance, and component replacement easier, and significantly extending the service life of the device. This provides a more convenient and efficient pasting experience for users.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing member is composed of four positioning posts provided on the base, and the four positioning posts are fitted with the composite folding display protection film assembly to fix the composite folding display protection film assembly.

[0022] In the above technical means, a fixing member composed of four positioning posts realizes precise positioning and reliable fixing of the protection film assembly. This configuration ensures accurate alignment between the protection film and the display surface through mechanical position regulation at multiple points, effectively preventing the occurrence of misalignment during the pasting process. The structural design of the positioning posts enables stable mounting of the protection film assembly, facilitates quick attachment and detachment operations, and improves the efficiency and accuracy of the entire pasting process. Such a simple and effective fixing method greatly improves the pasting success rate and operability, bringing a professional-level pasting experience to the user.

[0023] Preferably, the pasting support of the rolling pressure mechanism is provided with an operation handle to enable the user to move and control the pasting support well along parallel guide rails.

[0024] In the above technical means, the present invention greatly improves the operability and stability in the pasting process by providing a dedicated operation handle for the rolling pressure mechanism. With this configuration, the operator can more precisely control the moving speed and pressing force of the roller, enabling the protection film to be pasted uniformly and smoothly on the surface of the display part. Furthermore, the handle configuration conforming to ergonomics not only enhances the comfort during operation but also prevents interference caused by direct contact with the rolling pressure mechanism, making the pasting operation smoother and more natural. As a result, the operation difficulty is greatly reduced, and even ordinary users can easily obtain a professional-level pasting finish.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] In short, the present application has at least one of the following advantageous technical effects.

[0026] The composite protective film assembly for foldable displays and its application assist device according to this invention provide comprehensive protection for foldable display devices through innovative structural design and coordinated optimization. The protective film assembly employs a multi-layer composite structure consisting of a flexible glass protective film, an adhesive layer, a release film, and a temporary protective film, ensuring the safety of the display surface during transportation and use, while significantly improving application accuracy and operability through the design of protruding parts and positioning holes. Furthermore, user-friendly designs such as a release pull tab make the release operation even simpler and more efficient, significantly improving the user experience.

[0027] The innovative design of the application assist device transforms the previously manual application process, which relied heavily on skill, into a standardized operation. The base and slide rail mechanism provide a stable operating platform, and the compaction mechanism works in conjunction with the operating handle to achieve uniform pressure and precise control. Furthermore, the design of positioning posts and attachment grooves allows for accurate positioning and easy replacement of protective film assemblies. The modular design of the entire device ensures consistent application quality and improves the device's applicability and maintainability.

[0028] This technology solves industry challenges in the film application process for foldable displays, such as bubble suppression, precise alignment, and ease of operation, through the coordinated optimization of the protective film assembly and the application device. Through optimized design across all stages, from manufacturing to end-user use, product reliability is improved, the barrier to use is reduced, and even general users can easily achieve a professional-level application finish. This provides a more complete solution for protecting the display surface of foldable display devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1]This is a side view showing a composite foldable display protective film assembly according to the first embodiment, and a foldable mobile terminal to which the protective film is to be applied. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a top view showing a composite foldable display protective film assembly according to the first embodiment, and a foldable mobile terminal to which the protective film is to be applied. [Figure 4] This figure shows the structure of the base of the adhesive support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of part B in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows a foldable portable terminal placed on the base of the adhesive support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows the positional relationship when the composite folding display protective film assembly of Example 1 is placed on the base of the adhesive support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the overall structure of the adhesive support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the overall structure of the adhesive support device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The contents of this application will be explained in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] (First embodiment: Protective film assembly for composite foldable display) As shown in Figure 1, the composite foldable display protective film assembly 1 is used by being attached to the folded display surface of the foldable mobile terminal 2.

[0032] Referring to Figure 2, the protective film assembly for the composite foldable display of this embodiment comprises a layered structure including a flexible glass protective film 101, an adhesive layer 102, an adhesive layer release film 103, and a temporary protective film 105.

[0033] The flexible glass protective film 101 is made of ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG) with a thickness of 50 μm, and its surface is chemically strengthened so that it does not break even when bent to a bending radius of 3 mm. The length and width dimensions of the protective film perfectly match the display area of ​​the target foldable display device. Referring also to Figure 1, the flexible glass protective film 101 shown in Figure 1 matches the size and position of the foldable mobile terminal 2.

[0034] The adhesive layer 102 is constructed using an optically transparent adhesive (OCA), has a thickness of 25 μm, a transmittance of 92% or more, and an elastic modulus of 0.3 MPa, possessing properties suitable for repeated bending of foldable displays. The adhesive layer is uniformly attached to the underside of the flexible glass protective film by a precision coating process.

[0035] The adhesive release film 103 is made of a single-sided release PET film, has a thickness of 100 μm, and its peeling force is controlled to 10 g / 25 mm. Referring to Figure 3, one side edge of the adhesive release film 103 extends to form a peeling pull tab 104, making it easy for the user to grasp and peel it off.

[0036] The temporary protective film 105 is made of highly transparent PET material, has a thickness of 125 μm, and its surface is treated to resist scratches. The temporary protective film is fixed to the upper surface of the flexible glass protective film via a weakly adhesive layer.

[0037] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the flexible glass protective film 101 is the same size as the foldable mobile terminal 2. On the other hand, the adhesive release film 103 and the temporary protective film 105 are formed to be larger than the flexible glass protective film 101 in both the length and width directions, thereby forming an overhang. Positioning holes 106 are provided in the overhang, and specifically, all four positioning holes 106 are provided on the temporary protective film 105. As shown in Figure 3, the two positioning holes 106 in the upper left and upper right are of different sizes, which is to make it easier for the user to identify the orientation of the composite foldable display protective film assembly 1.

[0038] (Second embodiment: Adhesive attachment assist device) Referring to Figures 4 to 8, the adhesive support device 3 of this embodiment comprises a base 300, a slide rail mechanism 310, a fixing member, and another fixing member.

[0039] The base 300 is formed by injection molding of ABS resin, and weight-reducing holes 301 are provided inside. In this embodiment, six weight-reducing holes 301 are provided. Positioning recesses 302 corresponding to the outer shape of the target foldable display device are provided on the upper surface of the base 300.

[0040] The slide rail mechanism 310 is provided on both sides of the base 300 and includes two parallel linear guides 311. The distance between the two linear guides 311 conforms to the width of the protective film assembly 1. The coefficient of friction of the surface of the linear guides 311 is 0.1 or less. A detachable groove 312 is provided on the side of the linear guide 311.

[0041] The fixing member consists of four positioning posts 321, and the positioning positions of the positioning posts 321 correspond precisely to the positioning holes 106 of the protective film assembly 1, with tolerances controlled to within ±0.05 mm. The positioning posts 321 located on the upper left and upper right of the base 300 are of different sizes, but each matches the size of the positioning holes 106 located at the corresponding positions on the protective film assembly 1. As a result, the structure prevents the protective film assembly 1 from properly fitting with the base 300 when it is not positioned according to a predetermined direction.

[0042] The compaction mechanism 330 comprises a support 331 with a slider 332 at its bottom that engages with a linear guide 311, a silicone rubber roller 333 having a Shore A hardness of 50, a diameter of 40 mm, and a width identical to that of the protective film, and an operating handle 334 made of engineering plastic with an anti-slip rubber layer covering its surface.

[0043] (Third embodiment: Another adhesive application aid) Referring to Figure 9 in conjunction with Figure 8, this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the compaction mechanism 330 is not provided with an operating handle 334.

[0044] (Fourth embodiment: Method of application) The application method described herein includes the following steps. The step of housing and fixing the foldable mobile terminal 2 in the positioning recess 302 of the base 300, The step of aligning the positioning hole 106 of the protective film assembly 1 with the corresponding positioning post 321 and attaching it so that the temporary protective film 105 is facing upwards, The steps are to grasp the release tab 104 and slowly peel off the adhesive release film 103, The step of carefully aligning the adhesive layer 102 of the protective film assembly 1 with the display surface of the foldable mobile terminal 2, The step of attaching the compaction mechanism 330 to the starting end of the linear guide 311 so that the silicone rubber roller 333 contacts one end of the temporary protective film 105, The steps are to grasp the operating handle 334 and move the compaction mechanism 330 along the linear guide 311 at a constant speed, After the flexible glass protective film 101 has been completely attached, remove the temporary protective film 105. The step involves removing the terminal from the base 300 and completing the attachment process.

[0045] All of the above are preferred embodiments of the present application and do not limit the scope of protection of the present application. Accordingly, all equivalent modifications made based on the structure, shape, and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Protective film assembly 101 Flexible Glass Protective Film 102 Adhesive layer 103 Adhesive layer release film 104 Pull tab for peeling 105 Temporary protective film 106 Positioning holes 2. Foldable mobile devices 3. Application aid device 300 base 301 Weight reduction holes 302 Positioning recess 310 Slide rail mechanism 311 Linear Guide 312 Detachable groove 321 Positioning Post 330 Compaction mechanism 331 Support 332 Slider 333 Silicone rubber roller 334 Operating handle

Claims

1. A composite foldable display protective film assembly used for protecting the display surface of a foldable electronic device, A flexible glass protective film (101) made of ultra-thin flexible glass and having the property of being foldable, An adhesive layer (102) is provided on one side of the flexible glass protective film (101) for attaching the flexible glass protective film (101) to the surface of a foldable display, A release film (103) covers the outside of the adhesive layer (102), protects the adhesive layer (102) until application, and is peeled off when applied. A release tab (104) is provided at the end of the adhesive release film (103) to assist the user in peeling off the adhesive release film (103), A temporary protective film (105) covers the side of the flexible glass protective film (101) opposite to the adhesive layer (102), prevents damage to the surface of the flexible glass protective film (101) during transport or operation, and is removed after application. A protective film assembly for a composite foldable display, characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The protective film assembly for a composite foldable display according to claim 1, characterized in that the temporary protective film (105) and the adhesive layer release film (103) have dimensions larger than the flexible glass protective film (101) in the length direction and width direction to form an overhang.

3. The protective film assembly for a composite foldable display according to claim 2, characterized in that the protruding portion is provided with a positioning hole (106).

4. An adhesive attachment assist device used when attaching the flexible glass protective film (101) described in any one of claims 1 to 3 to the surface of a display unit of an electronic device, A base (300) for fixing electronic equipment, A slide rail mechanism (310) is provided on the base (300) and includes at least one pair of parallel guide rails, A fixing member provided on the base (300) for fixing the protective film assembly (1), A pressing mechanism (330) comprising an adhesive support (331) and a rotatable roller, wherein the adhesive support (331) moves along parallel guide rails, causing the roller to roll, and the rolling of the roller allows the protective film assembly (1) to be sequentially pressed onto the surface of the display section, An adhesive application assist device characterized by comprising the following features.

5. The adhesive support device according to claim 4, characterized in that the base (300) is provided with weight-reducing holes (301), and the configuration of the weight-reducing holes (301) allows the base (300) to be easily demolded during injection molding, and further reduces the amount of raw material used.

6. The adhesive support device according to claim 4, wherein the slide rail mechanism (310) further comprises a set of attachment / detachment grooves (312) for attaching and detaching the compaction mechanism (330).

7. The adhesive attachment assist device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fixing member consists of four positioning posts (321) provided on the base (300), and the four positioning posts (321) fit with the protective film assembly (1) to fix the protective film assembly (1).

8. The adhesive support device according to claim 4, characterized in that the adhesive support (331) of the compaction mechanism (330) is provided with an operating handle (334) for enabling the user to effectively control the movement of the adhesive support (331) along parallel guide rails.

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