Display module, manufacturing method for display module, and display device

Abstract

Provided are a display module (100), a manufacturing method for the display module (100), and a display device. The display module (100) comprises a protective layer (1), a stress buffer layer (2), a display panel (3) and a first light-shielding layer (4). The first light-shielding layer (4) is arranged in the stress buffer layer (2) or between the stress buffer layer (2) and the display panel (3), so as to avoid a step difference between the part of the buffer layer (2) corresponding to a flat portion (11) and the part of the buffer layer (2) corresponding to a curved portion (12), so that the risk of the display panel (3) developing wrinkles and bubbles can be reduced.

Description

Display module, method for manufacturing display module, and display device Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display module, a method for manufacturing a display module, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of flexible display technology and the growing demand of users, users' requirements for visual experience are gradually upgraded. Current mobile phones, tablets and other terminal devices are gradually developing towards larger screen ratios, and more and more display devices are beginning to adopt curved display modules. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a four-curved display module, the four rounded corner areas are Gaussian three-dimensional curved surface areas. The display module attached to the Gaussian three-dimensional curved surface area is subjected to forces in three directions, and is prone to wrinkles, bubbles, and other phenomena. In the non-display area within the curved area, a light-shielding layer is usually coated on the inner surface of the cover plate to block the non-display area of ​​the display module and prevent light leakage in the non-display area. During the curved surface bonding process, the display part of the display panel is bonded to the inner surface of the cover plate, and the non-display part of the display panel is all bonded to the inner surface of the light-shielding layer. Due to the step difference between the inner surface of the light-shielding layer and the inner surface of the cover plate, the uneven force on the display panel in the rounded corner area is aggravated, resulting in an increased risk of wrinkles and bubbles in the rounded corner area.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a display module, a method for manufacturing the display module, and a display device to improve this defect.

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a display module and a display device, which can improve the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process and reduce the risk of wrinkles and bubbles in the display module.

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides a display module, comprising:

[0007] The display panel includes a flat area and a curved area arranged at an edge of the flat area;

[0008] a stress buffer layer, disposed on the surface of the light-emitting side of the display panel, wherein the stress buffer layer is aligned with the flat area and a portion of the curved area;

[0009] a protective layer disposed on a surface of the stress buffer layer away from the display panel, the protective layer comprising a planar portion and a curved portion, the planar portion being aligned with the planar region, and the curved portion being aligned with the curved region; and

[0010] The first light shielding layer is arranged in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel. The first light shielding layer is aligned with a portion of the curved surface portion, and an edge of the first light shielding layer is aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer.

[0011] According to the display module provided in the above embodiments of the present application, an embodiment of the present application further provides a method for manufacturing a display module, which is used to manufacture the display module provided in any of the above embodiments. The method for manufacturing the display module includes:

[0012] forming a first light shielding layer in the stress buffer layer or on one side surface of the stress buffer layer, wherein an edge of the first light shielding layer is aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer;

[0013] Providing a protective layer, the protective layer including a planar portion and a curved portion provided at an edge of the planar portion, and laminating a surface of the stress buffer layer on a side not provided with the first light shielding layer to the planar portion and a portion of the curved portion;

[0014] A display panel is attached to the surface of the stress buffer layer away from the protective layer to form a display module; the display panel includes a flat area and a curved area arranged at the edge of the flat area, the flat area is aligned with the flat portion, and the curved area is aligned with the curved portion.

[0015] According to the display module provided in the above embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of the present application further provides a display device, including a display module, wherein the display module includes:

[0016] The display panel includes a flat area and a curved area arranged at an edge of the flat area;

[0017] a stress buffer layer, disposed on the surface of the light-emitting side of the display panel, wherein the stress buffer layer is aligned with the flat area and a portion of the curved area;

[0018] a protective layer disposed on a surface of the stress buffer layer away from the display panel, the protective layer comprising a planar portion and a curved portion, the planar portion being aligned with the planar region, and the curved portion being aligned with the curved region; and

[0019] The first light shielding layer is arranged in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel. The first light shielding layer is aligned with a portion of the curved surface portion, and an edge of the first light shielding layer is aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below only disclose some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] FIG1 is a plan view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of the first display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the line AA′ shown in FIG1 ;

[0023] FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a second display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the line AA′ shown in FIG1 ;

[0024] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view of a third display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the line AA′ shown in FIG1 ;

[0025] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the line AA′ shown in FIG1 ;

[0026] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the line AA′ shown in FIG1 ;

[0027] 7a and 7b are schematic diagrams of the manufacturing process of the display module provided in an embodiment of the present application. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The following descriptions of the various embodiments refer to the accompanying figures to illustrate specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented. Directional terms used in this disclosure, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," and "side," refer only to the directions in the accompanying figures. Therefore, these directional terms are intended to illustrate and facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In the figures, similarly structured elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0029] The present disclosure is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0030] The embodiments of the present application provide a display module, a method for manufacturing a display module, and a display device, which can improve the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process and reduce the risk of wrinkles and bubbles in the display module.

[0031] An embodiment of the present application provides a display module, comprising:

[0032] The display panel includes a flat area and a curved area arranged at an edge of the flat area;

[0033] a stress buffer layer, disposed on the surface of the light-emitting side of the display panel, wherein the stress buffer layer is aligned with the flat area and a portion of the curved area;

[0034] a protective layer disposed on a surface of the stress buffer layer away from the display panel, the protective layer comprising a planar portion and a curved portion, the planar portion being aligned with the planar region, and the curved portion being aligned with the curved region; and

[0035] The first light shielding layer is arranged in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel. The first light shielding layer is aligned with a portion of the curved surface portion, and an edge of the first light shielding layer is aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present application, the curved surface portion includes a first curved surface portion and a second curved surface portion connected to the first curved surface portion, the second curved surface portion is arranged on a side of the first curved surface portion away from the planar portion, and the display module also includes a second shading layer, and the second shading layer is at least arranged on the surface of the second curved surface portion close to the display panel.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present application, one end of the first light-shielding layer close to the second curved portion is connected to one end of the second light-shielding layer close to the first curved portion.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present application, one end of the first light-shielding layer close to the second curved surface portion is overlapped with one end of the second light-shielding layer close to the first curved surface portion.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present application, the second light-shielding layer is further disposed on a side surface of the second curved surface portion away from the first curved surface portion.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the second light-shielding layer is the same as that of the first light-shielding layer, and the second light-shielding layer and the first light-shielding layer are made of the same material.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present application, the curvature radius of the first curved surface portion is greater than the curvature radius of the second curved surface portion.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the first light shielding layer is greater than or equal to 15 micrometers and less than or equal to 20 micrometers.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present application, one end of the display panel close to the second curved surface portion protrudes from one end of the stress buffer layer close to the second curved surface portion, and one end of the display panel close to the second curved surface portion protrudes from one end of the first light shielding layer close to the second curved surface portion.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present application, the display module further includes a third light-shielding layer, and the third light-shielding layer is disposed on a side surface of the stress buffer layer close to the second curved portion.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present application, the stress buffer layer includes:

[0046] a first transparent adhesive layer provided on the inner surface of the planar portion and a portion of the curved portion;

[0047] a substrate layer, disposed between the first transparent adhesive layer and the display panel;

[0048] Wherein, the first light-shielding layer is disposed between the substrate layer and the display panel; or, the first light-shielding layer is disposed between the first transparent adhesive layer and the substrate layer.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present application, the elastic modulus of the substrate layer is greater than or equal to 2 GPa and less than or equal to 6 GPa.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present application, the material of the substrate layer is polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the substrate layer is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present application, the display module further includes:

[0054] a polarizing layer, disposed between the display panel and the stress buffer layer;

[0055] The second transparent adhesive layer is disposed between the polarizing layer and the stress buffer layer, and the first light shielding layer is disposed between the second transparent adhesive layer and the stress buffer layer.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present application, the display module further includes a supporting layer, and the supporting layer is disposed on a surface of the display panel away from the protective layer.

[0057] According to the display module provided in the above embodiments of the present application, an embodiment of the present application further provides a method for manufacturing a display module, which is used to manufacture the display module provided in any of the above embodiments. The method for manufacturing the display module includes:

[0058] forming a first light shielding layer in the stress buffer layer or on one side surface of the stress buffer layer, wherein an edge of the first light shielding layer is aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer;

[0059] Providing a protective layer, the protective layer including a planar portion and a curved portion provided at an edge of the planar portion, and laminating a surface of the stress buffer layer on a side not provided with the first light shielding layer to the planar portion and a portion of the curved portion;

[0060] A display panel is attached to the surface of the stress buffer layer away from the protective layer to form a display module; the display panel includes a flat area and a curved area arranged at the edge of the flat area, the flat area is aligned with the flat portion, and the curved area is aligned with the curved portion.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present application, the curved surface portion includes a first curved surface portion and a second curved surface portion connected to the first curved surface portion, the second curved surface portion being disposed on a side of the first curved surface portion away from the planar portion. The method for manufacturing the display module further includes:

[0062] Before forming the first light-shielding layer, a second light-shielding layer is formed on the concave surface of the second curved portion; or, the second light-shielding layer is formed on the concave surface of the second curved portion and on the side of the second curved portion away from the first curved portion.

[0063] Based on the display module provided in the above embodiments of the present application, an embodiment of the present application further provides a display device, comprising the display module provided in any one of the above embodiments.

[0064] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application: The embodiments of the present application provide a display module, a method for manufacturing a display module, and a display device, wherein the display module includes a protective layer, a stress buffer layer, a display panel, and a first shading layer. By adding a stress buffer layer between the protective layer and the display panel, the stress buffer layer can be used to absorb the stress generated during the curved surface bonding process, thereby improving the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process. On this basis, by arranging the first shading layer in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel, and aligning the edge of the first shading layer with the edge of the stress buffer layer, the stress buffer layer can be bonded to the inner surface of the protective layer in its entirety, thereby avoiding the step difference between the portion of the buffer layer corresponding to the flat portion and the portion corresponding to the curved portion. Therefore, the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process can be further improved, thereby reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles on the display panel.

[0065] The embodiments of the present application provide a display module that can improve the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process and reduce the risk of wrinkles and bubbles in the display module.

[0066] FIG1 is a schematic plan view of a display module according to an embodiment of the present application. Display module 100 includes a display panel 3, which includes a flat area A1 and a curved area A2 disposed at the edge of flat area A1. Curved area A2 surrounds flat area A1. The portion of display panel 3 in flat area A1 is flat, with a flat outer surface. The portion of display panel 3 in curved area A2 is curved, with a curved outer surface. The portion of display panel 3 in curved area A2 is curved in a direction opposite to the light emitting direction of display panel 3.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, the front of the display panel 3 is shaped like a rounded rectangle when viewed from above as shown in FIG1 . The display panel 3 is a four-curved structure, and the curved area A2 fully surrounds the flat area A1. The upper, lower, left, and right side areas of the flat area A1 and the rounded corner areas connecting and transitioning between the four side areas are all curved structures.

[0068] In other embodiments, the shape of the front surface of the display panel 3 in the top view shown in FIG1 is not limited to the rounded rectangle in the above embodiment, and may also be a circle, an ellipse, or other polygons. The curved area A2 may also surround a portion of the planar area A1. For example, the curved area A2 may be provided only on the left and right sides and the top of the planar area A1, and no curved area A2 may be provided on the bottom side of the planar area A1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the AA′ direction shown in FIG. 1 . The display module 100 includes a protective layer 1 , a stress buffer layer 2 and a display panel 3 .

[0070] The display panel 3 is a flexible display panel, which can be, but is not limited to, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a micro light emitting diode (Micro LED) display panel. The film layer structure of the display panel 3 can refer to the structure of an existing flexible display panel and is not limited here.

[0071] The stress buffer layer 2 is disposed on the light-emitting side of the display panel 3 , aligned with the flat area A1 and a portion of the curved area A2 . The protective layer 1 is disposed on the surface of the stress buffer layer 2 away from the display panel 3 .

[0072] The protective layer 1 includes a planar portion 11 and a curved portion 12. The curved portion 12 is disposed at the edge of the planar portion 11. The planar portion 11 is aligned with the planar area A1 of the display panel 3, while the curved portion 12 is aligned with the curved area A2 of the display panel 3. The curvature of the curved portion 12 coincides with the curvature of the curved area A2 of the display panel 3, thereby aligning the shape of the display panel 3 with the shape of the protective layer 1. The outer surface of the protective layer 1 can be considered the outer surface of the display module 100. The inner surface of the protective layer 1 is disposed opposite the outer surface and is closer to the display panel than the outer surface.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, the curved portion 12 is disposed around the planar portion 11 and forms a fully surrounding structure for the planar portion 11. The curvature of the curved portion 12 can refer to the curvature of the protective layer in the existing curved display module and is not limited here.

[0074] In one embodiment, the material of the protective layer 1 is glass, that is, the protective layer 1 is a glass cover plate. In other embodiments, the material of the protective layer 1 is not limited to glass, and can also be other hard transparent protective materials.

[0075] The stress buffer layer 2 is disposed on the light-emitting surface of the display panel 3. A portion of the stress buffer layer 2 is disposed on the surface of the flat surface area A1 of the display panel 3, while another portion is disposed on the surface of the curved surface area A2. The shape of the stress buffer layer 2 matches that of the protective layer 1. The portion of the stress buffer layer 2 that overlaps with the flat surface area A1 has a flat surface, while the portion of the stress buffer layer 2 that overlaps with the curved surface area A2 is curved in a direction opposite to the light-emitting direction of the display panel 3. By adding the stress buffer layer 2 between the protective layer 1 and the display panel 3, the stress buffer layer 2 can be used to absorb stress generated during the curved surface bonding process, improving the uneven force applied to the display panel 3 during the bonding process, thereby reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles during the bonding process.

[0076] In some embodiments, the stress buffer layer 2 includes a first transparent adhesive layer 21 and a substrate layer 22. The first transparent adhesive layer 21 is arranged on the inner surfaces of the planar portion 11 and the curved portion 12. The substrate layer 22 is arranged between the first transparent adhesive layer 21 and the display panel 3. The material of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 can be but is not limited to optical adhesive. The first transparent adhesive layer 21 is used to attach the substrate layer 22 to the surface of the protective layer 1 close to the display panel 3. The first light-shielding layer 4 is arranged between the substrate layer 22 and the display panel 3.

[0077] Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the base material layer 22 is greater than or equal to 2 GPa and less than or equal to 6 GPa.

[0078] In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the substrate layer 22 is 2 GPa. In other embodiments, the elastic modulus of the substrate layer 22 may also be 3 GPa, 4 GPa, 5 GPa, or 6 GPa.

[0079] Furthermore, the material of the base material layer 22 is polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.

[0080] In one embodiment, the material of the substrate layer 22 is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0081] In one embodiment, the material of the substrate layer 22 is polyimide, which can be yellow polyimide or transparent polyimide.

[0082] Furthermore, the thickness of the base material layer 22 is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

[0083] In one embodiment, the thickness of the substrate layer 22 is 50 microns. In other embodiments, the thickness of the substrate layer 22 may also be 60 microns, 80 microns, 90 microns, or 100 microns, etc., and only needs to be between 50 microns and 100 microns.

[0084] Further, the thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers.

[0085] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 is 50 micrometers. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 may also be 80 micrometers, 120 micrometers, 150 micrometers, 180 micrometers, or 200 micrometers.

[0086] The display module 100 further includes a first light shielding layer 4 . The first light shielding layer 4 is disposed in the stress buffer layer 2 or between the stress buffer layer 2 and the display panel 3 . The first light shielding layer 4 is aligned with a portion of the curved surface portion 12 .

[0087] Specifically, the curved surface portion 12 includes a first curved surface portion 121 and a second curved surface portion 122. The second curved surface portion 122 is connected to the first curved surface portion 121 and is disposed on a side of the first curved surface portion 121 that is away from the planar portion 11. The end of the first curved surface portion 121 that is away from the second curved surface portion 122 is connected to the planar portion 11. The planar portion 11, the first curved surface portion 121, and the second curved surface portion 122 form an integral structure. The curvature of the second curved surface portion 122 is greater than that of the first curved surface portion 121.

[0088] The first curved surface portion 121 includes a first curved surface sub-portion 1211 and a second curved surface sub-portion 1212 . The second curved surface sub-portion 1212 is located between the first curved surface sub-portion 1211 and the second curved surface sub-portion 1212 . The first curved surface sub-portion 1211 is connected to the planar portion 11 and the second curved surface sub-portion 1212 , respectively.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , the first light-shielding layer 4 is disposed between the substrate layer 22 and the display panel 3 , and the first light-shielding layer 4 is aligned with the second curved sub-portion 1212 , so that the area corresponding to the second curved sub-portion 1212 is opaque, and the area corresponding to the first curved sub-portion 1211 is transmissive, that is, the portion of the display module 100 corresponding to the first curved sub-portion 1211 and the flat portion 11 has the function of displaying a screen image, and the portion of the display module 100 corresponding to the second curved sub-portion 1212 and the second curved portion 122 does not have the function of displaying a screen image.

[0090] In the present application, by setting the first light-shielding layer 4 between the stress buffer layer 2 and the display panel 3, the stress buffer layer 2 can be entirely bonded to the inner surface of the protective layer 1 while ensuring that the curved area A2 of the display module does not leak light. This can avoid the presence of step differences between different parts of the stress buffer layer 2, thereby further improving the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process, thereby further reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles on the display panel.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first light-shielding layer 4 is aligned with the first curved portion 121 , that is, the first light-shielding layer 4 covers the inner surface of the first curved portion 121 . Under this structure, the portion of the display module 100 corresponding to the flat portion 11 has the function of displaying a screen image, and the portion of the display module 100 corresponding to the curved portion 12 does not have the function of displaying a screen image.

[0092] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second display module provided by an embodiment of the present application along the AA′ direction shown in FIG. 1 . The structure thereof is substantially the same as that of the display module shown in FIG. 2 , except that the first light shielding layer 4 is disposed in the stress buffer layer 2 .

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, the first light-shielding layer 4 is arranged between the substrate layer 22 and the first transparent adhesive layer 21. Under this structure, the first transparent adhesive layer 21 can be entirely adhered to the inner surface of the protective layer 1. This can also avoid the presence of step differences between different parts of the stress buffer layer 2, thereby further improving the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process, thereby further reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles on the display panel.

[0094] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the third display module provided in an embodiment of the present application along the AA' direction shown in Figure 1. Its structure is roughly the same as that of the display module shown in Figure 2, with the difference that: the display module 100 also includes a second shading layer 5, and the second shading layer 5 is at least arranged on the inner surface of the second curved portion 122.

[0095] As shown in FIG4 , a second light-shielding layer 5 is provided on the surface of the second curved portion 122 close to the display panel 3. The second light-shielding layer 5 is used to shield the second curved portion 122, preventing light emitted by the display panel 3 from emitting from the second curved portion 122. Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG3 , the embodiment of the present application further increases the light-shielding area of ​​the curved portion 12 by adding a second light-shielding layer 5 on the inner surface of the second curved portion 122 to shield the second curved portion 122.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in FIG4 , the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4 are designed in sections, the second light-shielding layer 5 is directly arranged on the surface of the second curved portion 122 of the protective layer 1 close to the display panel 3, and the first light-shielding layer 4 is arranged between the stress buffer layer 2 and the display panel 3. While ensuring that the curved area A2 of the display module does not leak light, the stress buffer layer 2 can be entirely bonded to the inner surface of the protective layer 1, avoiding the generation of a step difference between the portion of the stress buffer layer corresponding to the flat portion and the portion corresponding to the curved portion. Therefore, the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process can be further improved, thereby further reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles on the display panel.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second light shielding layer 5 is further disposed on a side surface of the second curved portion 122 away from the first curved portion 121 .

[0098] As shown in FIG4 , the second light-shielding layer 5 is continuously arranged on the inner surface of the second curved portion 122 close to the display panel 3 and on the side surface of the second curved portion 122 away from the first curved portion 121 , thereby avoiding the problem of light leakage from the side of the protective layer 1 at a large viewing angle.

[0099] In some embodiments, an end of the first light-shielding layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122 is butted against an end of the second light-shielding layer 5 close to the first curved portion 121 .

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, the stress buffer layer 2 and the second light-shielding layer 5 are both disposed on the inner surface of the protective layer 1. No other film layer is disposed between the stress buffer layer 2 and the protective layer 1. The side surface of the stress buffer layer 2 near the second curved portion 122 is aligned and bonded to the side surface of the second light-shielding layer 5 near the first curved portion 121. The end of the first light-shielding layer 4 near the second curved portion 122 is butted against the end of the second light-shielding layer 5 near the first curved portion 121. Because the thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 is greater than that of the second light-shielding layer 5, the side surfaces of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 are aligned and bonded to the side surfaces of the second light-shielding layer 5, while the side surfaces of the substrate layer 22 are staggered from the side surfaces of the second light-shielding layer 5. In this structure, there is no gap between the stress buffer layer 2 and the second light-shielding layer 5. The orthographic projections of the first and second light-shielding layers 4 and 5 on the protective layer 1 seamlessly connect, preventing light from leaking between the first and second light-shielding layers 4 and 5.

[0101] Furthermore, one end of the first light shielding layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122 is flush with one end of the stress buffer layer 2 close to the second curved portion 122 .

[0102] As shown in Figure 4, one end of the first light-shielding layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122 is flush with one end of the stress buffer layer 2 close to the second curved portion 122, and the side of the first light-shielding layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122 and the side of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 in the stress buffer layer 2 and the substrate layer 22 close to the second curved portion 122 are located on the same inclined plane, and the side of the first light-shielding layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122 is aligned with the side of the second light-shielding layer 5 close to the first curved portion 121 in the extension direction of the inclined plane, so as to ensure that the projections of the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4 on the inner surface of the protective layer 1 cover the inner surface of the protective layer 1, thereby preventing light from being emitted from between the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4.

[0103] As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth display module provided in an embodiment of the present application along the A-A' direction shown in Figure 1. Its structure is roughly the same as the structure of the third display module shown in Figure 4, with the difference that: one end of the first shading layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122 is overlapped with the end of the second shading layer 5 close to the first curved portion 121.

[0104] It should be noted that during the actual assembly process, there is a certain error in the lamination of the stress buffer layer 2 and the protective layer 1. To ensure that there is no light leakage gap between the stress buffer layer 2 and the second light shielding layer 5, the embodiment shown in FIG3 places the end of the stress buffer layer 2 near the second curved portion 122 on the surface of the second light shielding layer 5 away from the second curved portion 122, so that the end of the first light shielding layer 4 near the second curved portion 122 overlaps with the end of the second light shielding layer 5 near the first curved portion 121, thereby avoiding the formation of a light leakage gap between the first light shielding layer 4 and the second light shielding layer 5. Compared to the prior art where a large area of ​​light shielding layer is present between the display panel and the protective layer, the embodiment shown in FIG3 only has a small overlap area between the first and second curved portions 121 and 122. This prevents the formation of a light leakage gap between the first and second light shielding layers 4 and 5 without affecting the uneven force applied to the display panel during the curved surface lamination process.

[0105] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second light-shielding layer 5 is the same as that of the first light-shielding layer 4, and the material of the second light-shielding layer 5 is the same as that of the first light-shielding layer 4. This ensures that the transmittance of the second light-shielding layer 5 is consistent with that of the first light-shielding layer 4, avoiding the difference in transmittance between the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4, which leads to obvious visual effects.

[0106] Furthermore, the thickness of the first light shielding layer 4 is greater than or equal to 15 micrometers and less than or equal to 20 micrometers.

[0107] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4 are both 15 microns.

[0108] In some other embodiments, the thickness of the first light-shielding layer 4 is not limited to 15 microns, but can also be 16 microns, 17 microns, 18 microns, 19 microns or 20 microns, etc. It only needs to be between 15 microns and 20 microns to avoid the situation where the thickness of the first light-shielding layer 4 is too large, resulting in a large step difference between the stress buffer layer 2 and the display panel 3 and uneven force. The second light-shielding layer 5 has the same thickness as the first light-shielding layer 4.

[0109] In one embodiment, the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4 are both made of black ink. In practical applications, the materials of the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4 are not limited to black ink, but can also be other black opaque materials, which is not limited here.

[0110] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, one end of the display panel 3 close to the second curved portion 122 protrudes from one end of the stress buffer layer 2 close to the second curved portion 122, and one end of the display panel 3 close to the second curved portion 122 protrudes from one end of the first light shielding layer 4 close to the second curved portion 122.

[0111] As shown in Figure 6, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the fifth display module provided in an embodiment of the present application along the A-A' direction shown in Figure 1. Its structure is roughly the same as the structure of the third display module shown in Figure 4, with the difference that: the display module 100 also includes a third shading layer 6, and the third shading layer 6 is arranged on the side of the stress buffer layer 2 close to the second curved portion 122.

[0112] Specifically, the third light-shielding layer 6 covers the side surfaces of the substrate layer 22 and the first transparent adhesive layer 21 close to the second curved portion 122, so that the third light-shielding layer 6 can be used to block the area between the second light-shielding layer 5 and the first light-shielding layer 4, thereby avoiding the problem of light leakage at the junction of the first curved portion 121 and the second curved portion 122 under wide viewing angles.

[0113] In one embodiment, the thickness of the third light-shielding layer 6 is the same as that of the first light-shielding layer 4 , and the material of the third light-shielding layer 6 is the same as that of the first light-shielding layer 4 , thereby ensuring that the transmittance of the third light-shielding layer 6 is consistent with the transmittance of the first light-shielding layer 4 .

[0114] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the display module 100 also includes a polarizing layer 7 and a second transparent adhesive layer 8. The polarizing layer 7 is arranged between the display panel 3 and the stress buffer layer 2, and the second transparent adhesive layer 8 is arranged between the polarizing layer 7 and the stress buffer layer 2. The material of the second transparent adhesive layer 8 can be but is not limited to optical glue, and the first light-shielding layer 4 is arranged between the second transparent adhesive layer 8 and the stress buffer layer 2.

[0115] In some embodiments, the display module 100 further includes a supporting layer 9 . The supporting layer 9 is disposed on a surface of the display panel 3 away from the protective layer 1 . The shape of the supporting layer 9 is adapted to the shape of the display panel 3 .

[0116] In one embodiment, the support layer 9 is a composite support layer, which includes but is not limited to a back plate 91, an adhesive layer 92, a buffer layer 93, a support substrate 94 and a heat dissipation layer 95. The material of the buffer layer 93 may be but is not limited to foam, the material of the support substrate 94 may be but is not limited to polyimide, and the material of the heat dissipation layer 95 may be metal.

[0117] The embodiments of the present application also provide a method for manufacturing a display module, which is used to manufacture the display module provided in any of the above embodiments. Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, which are schematic diagrams of the manufacturing process of the display module provided in the embodiments of the present application, taking the third display module shown in Figure 4 as an example, the assembly process of the display module is as follows:

[0118] Step S1: forming a first light shielding layer 4 in the stress buffer layer 2 or on one side surface of the stress buffer layer 2, with an edge of the first light shielding layer 4 aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer 2;

[0119] Step S2: Providing a protective layer 1, the protective layer 1 including a planar portion 11 and a curved portion 12 disposed at an edge of the planar portion 11, laminating a surface of the stress buffer layer 2 on a side not provided with the first light shielding layer 4 to the planar portion 11 and a portion of the curved portion 12;

[0120] Step S3: The display panel 3 is laminated on the surface of the stress buffer layer 2 away from the protective layer 1 to form a display module; the display panel 3 includes a flat area A1 and a curved area A2 arranged at the edge of the flat area A1, the flat area A1 is aligned with the flat portion 11, and the curved area A2 is aligned with the curved portion 12.

[0121] As shown in Figure 7a, in step S1, a first light-shielding layer 4 is formed on one side of the stress buffer layer 2. Specifically, the stress buffer layer 2 includes a first transparent adhesive layer 21 and a substrate layer 22. The first light-shielding layer 4 is formed on the surface of the substrate layer 22 that is distal from the first transparent adhesive layer 21. In step S2, the surface of the first transparent adhesive layer 21 distal from the substrate layer 22 is laminated to the surface of the protective layer 1. After the lamination is completed, the shape of the stress buffer layer 2 matches the shape of the protective layer 1.

[0122] In some other embodiments, the first light shielding layer 4 may also be formed in the stress buffer layer 2 , that is, the first light shielding layer 4 is formed between the base material layer 22 and the first transparent adhesive layer 21 .

[0123] In one embodiment, the curved portion 12 includes a first curved portion 121 and a second curved portion 122 connected to the first curved portion 121 , wherein the second curved portion 122 is disposed on a side of the first curved portion 121 away from the planar portion 11 . The method for manufacturing the display module further includes:

[0124] Before forming the first shading layer 4, a second shading layer 5 is formed on the surface of the concave side of the second curved portion 122; or, a second shading layer 5 is formed on the surface of the concave side of the second curved portion 122 and on the side of the second curved portion 122 away from the first curved portion 121.

[0125] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7a, the second curved portion 122 is curved, one side surface of the second curved portion 122 is convex outward, and the other side surface is concave inward, and the second shading layer 5 is formed on the surface of the concave side of the second curved portion 122 and on the side surface of the second curved portion 122 away from one end of the first curved portion 121.

[0126] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7a , step S4 forms the second light shielding layer 5 only on the surface of the first curved portion 121 close to the display panel 3. The second light shielding layer 5 is used to shield the second curved portion 122 to prevent light emitted by the display panel 3 from emitting from the second curved portion 122.

[0127] By designing the second shading layer 5 and the first shading layer 4 in sections, the second shading layer 5 is directly arranged on the surface of the second curved portion 122 of the protective layer 1 close to the display panel 3, and the first shading layer 4 is arranged between the stress buffer layer 2 and the display panel 3. While ensuring that the curved area A2 of the display module does not leak light, the stress buffer layer 2 can be entirely bonded to the inner surface of the protective layer 1, avoiding the generation of a step difference between the portion of the stress buffer layer 2 corresponding to the flat portion 11 and the portion corresponding to the curved portion 12. Therefore, the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process can be further improved, thereby further reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles on the display panel.

[0128] In one embodiment, a second shading layer 5 is formed not only on the surface of the first curved portion 121 close to the display panel 3, but also on the side of the second curved portion 122 away from the first curved portion 121. This can avoid the problem of light leakage from the side of the protective layer 1 at a wide viewing angle.

[0129] Based on the display module provided in the above embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application also provide a display device, which includes a display module provided in any of the above embodiments, and the display device is not limited to display devices such as smart phones, smart watches, desktop computers, laptops, and televisions.

[0130] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application: The embodiments of the present application provide a display module, a method for manufacturing a display module, and a display device, wherein the display module includes a protective layer, a stress buffer layer, a display panel, and a first shading layer. By adding a stress buffer layer between the protective layer and the display panel, the stress buffer layer can be used to absorb the stress generated during the curved surface bonding process, thereby improving the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process. On this basis, by setting the first shading layer in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel, the stress buffer layer can be fully bonded to the inner surface of the protective layer, thereby avoiding the step difference between the portion of the buffer layer corresponding to the flat portion and the portion corresponding to the curved portion. Therefore, the uneven force on the display panel during the curved surface bonding process can be further improved, thereby reducing the risk of wrinkles and bubbles on the display panel.

[0131] In summary, although the present application is disclosed above with preferred embodiments, the above preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application is based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display module, comprising: A display panel, including a planar region and a curved surface region disposed at an edge of the planar region; A stress buffer layer disposed on a surface of the light-emitting side of the display panel, the stress buffer layer being disposed opposite to the planar region and a part of the curved surface region; A protective layer disposed on a surface of the stress buffer layer away from the display panel, the protective layer including a planar portion and a curved surface portion, the planar portion being disposed opposite to the planar region, and the curved surface portion being disposed opposite to the curved surface region; And A first light-shielding layer disposed in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel, the first light-shielding layer being disposed opposite to a part of the curved surface portion, and an edge of the first light-shielding layer being aligned with an edge of the stress buffer layer.

2. The display module according to claim 1, wherein, The curved surface portion includes a first curved surface portion and a second curved surface portion connected to the first curved surface portion, the second curved surface portion being disposed on a side of the first curved surface portion away from the planar portion, and the display module further includes a second light-shielding layer, the second light-shielding layer being disposed at least on a surface of the second curved surface portion close to the display panel.

3. The display module according to claim 2, wherein, One end of the first light-shielding layer close to the second curved surface portion is butted against one end of the second light-shielding layer close to the first curved surface portion.

4. The display module according to claim 2, wherein One end of the first light-shielding layer close to the second curved surface portion and one end of the second light-shielding layer close to the first curved surface portion are overlapped.

5. The display module according to claim 2, wherein, The second light-shielding layer is further disposed on a side surface of the second curved surface portion away from the first curved surface portion.

6. The display module according to claim 2, wherein, The thickness of the second light-shielding layer is the same as the thickness of the first light-shielding layer, and the second light-shielding layer is made of the same material as the first light-shielding layer.

7. The display module according to claim 2, wherein, The radius of curvature of the first curved surface portion is greater than the radius of curvature of the second curved surface portion.

8. The display module according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 15 micrometers and less than or equal to 20 micrometers.

9. The display module according to claim 2, wherein, One end of the display panel close to the second curved surface portion protrudes from one end of the stress buffer layer close to the second curved surface portion, and one end of the display panel close to the second curved surface portion protrudes from one end of the first light-shielding layer close to the second curved surface portion.

10. The display module according to claim 2, wherein, The display module further includes a third light-shielding layer, the third light-shielding layer being disposed on a side surface of the stress buffer layer close to the second curved surface portion.

11. The display module according to claim 1, wherein, The stress buffer layer includes: A first transparent adhesive layer disposed on an inner surface of the planar portion and a part of the curved surface portion; A substrate layer disposed between the first transparent adhesive layer and the display panel; Wherein, the first light-shielding layer is disposed between the substrate layer and the display panel; or, the first light-shielding layer is disposed between the first transparent adhesive layer and the substrate layer.

12. The display module according to claim 11, wherein, The elastic modulus of the substrate layer is greater than or equal to 2 GPa and less than or equal to 6 GPa.

13. The display module according to claim 11, wherein, The material of the substrate layer is polyethylene terephthalate or polyimide.

14. The display module according to claim 11, wherein, The thickness of the substrate layer is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

15. The display module according to claim 11, wherein, The thickness of the first transparent adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers.

16. The display module according to claim 1, wherein, The display module further includes: A polarizing layer disposed between the display panel and the stress buffer layer; A second transparent adhesive layer is disposed between the polarizing layer and the stress buffer layer, and the first light-shielding layer is disposed between the second transparent adhesive layer and the stress buffer layer.

17. The display module according to claim 1, wherein, The display module further includes a support layer, and the support layer is disposed on the surface of the display panel away from the protective layer.

18. A method for manufacturing a display module, the method for manufacturing the display module including: Forming a first light-shielding layer in the stress buffer layer or on one side surface of the stress buffer layer, and the edge of the first light-shielding layer is aligned with the edge of the stress buffer layer; Providing a protective layer, the protective layer including a flat portion and a curved portion disposed at the edge of the flat portion, and attaching the side surface of the stress buffer layer without the first light-shielding layer to the surface of the flat portion and a part of the curved portion; Attaching the display panel to the surface of the stress buffer layer away from the protective layer to form a display module; the display panel includes a flat area and a curved area disposed at the edge of the flat area, the flat area is disposed in alignment with the flat portion, and the curved area is disposed in alignment with the curved portion.

19. The manufacturing method of the display module according to claim 18, wherein, The curved portion includes a first curved portion and a second curved portion connected to the first curved portion, the second curved portion is disposed on a side of the first curved portion away from the flat portion, and the method for manufacturing the display module further includes: before forming the first light-shielding layer, forming a second light-shielding layer on the concave side surface of the second curved portion; or forming the second light-shielding layer on the concave side surface of the second curved portion and on the side surface of the second curved portion away from the first curved portion.

20. A display device, including a display module, the display module including: A display panel, including a flat area and a curved area disposed at the edge of the flat area; A stress buffer layer, disposed on the light-emitting side surface of the display panel, and the stress buffer layer is disposed in alignment with the flat area and a part of the curved area; A protective layer, disposed on the surface of the stress buffer layer away from the display panel, the protective layer including a flat portion and a curved portion, the flat portion is disposed in alignment with the flat area, and the curved portion is disposed in alignment with the curved area; And A first light-shielding layer, disposed in the stress buffer layer or between the stress buffer layer and the display panel, the first light-shielding layer is disposed in alignment with a part of the curved portion, and the edge of the first light-shielding layer is aligned with the edge of the stress buffer layer.

Images