Display device and protection module thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of display. Provided are a display device and a protection module thereof. The protection module comprises a flexible covering layer, and a cover plate layer and a protective layer which are arranged in a stacked manner, and also comprises a first adhesive layer located between the cover plate layer and the protective layer, wherein the flexible covering layer covers at least a peripheral side face of the cover plate layer, a peripheral side face of the first adhesive layer and a peripheral side face of the protective layer. The protection module can achieve a dustproof effect.

Description

Display device and its protection module

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410832549.0, filed on June 25, 2024, entitled “Display Device and Protection Module Thereof,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and more specifically, to display devices and their protection modules. Background Technology

[0004] There is a gap between the protective module of the display device and the mounting frame of the display device, which exposes some of the adhesive layers in the protective module. If dust gets in, the cover layer is prone to peeling off.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a display device and its protection module that can achieve a dustproof effect.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a protective module is provided, including a flexible covering layer, a stacked cover layer and a protective layer, and including a first adhesive layer located between the cover layer and the protective layer;

[0008] The flexible covering layer covers at least the peripheral side surface of the cover plate layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer.

[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible covering layer is a light-absorbing material.

[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible coating layer has a shear modulus of not more than 50 MPa, a viscosity of not less than 5 Pa·s, and a shrinkage rate of not more than 5% at a specified temperature.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer has a first central region and a first edge region surrounding the first central region;

[0012] In the first edge region, the protective layer has a light-shielding layer on the side near the cover plate layer.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cover plate layer has a second central region and a second edge region surrounding the second central region;

[0014] The flexible covering layer includes a first sub-flexible covering layer and a second sub-flexible covering layer connected together, wherein the second sub-flexible covering layer covers the second edge region of the cover layer on the side opposite to the protective layer;

[0015] The first flexible covering layer covers the peripheral side surface of the first flexible covering layer, the peripheral side surface of the cover layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer has a first central region and a first edge region surrounding the first central region;

[0017] In the first edge region, the protective layer has a light-shielding layer on the side near the cover plate layer;

[0018] The orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible covering layer on the protective layer is located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer on the protective layer.

[0019] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the orthographic projection of the cover layer on the first adhesive layer is located within the orthographic projection of the protective layer on the first adhesive layer, and the orthographic projection of the cover layer on the first adhesive layer is smaller than the orthographic projection of the protective layer on the first adhesive layer.

[0020] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first sub-flexible covering layer includes a first sub-circumferential covering layer and a second sub-circumferential covering layer;

[0021] The second sub-circular covering layer covers the peripheral side of the cover plate layer and the peripheral side of the second sub-flexible covering layer, and the second sub-circular covering layer is bonded to the side of the first adhesive layer near the cover plate layer;

[0022] The first sub-surrounding covering layer covers the peripheral side surface of the second sub-surrounding covering layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer.

[0023] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible coating layer is made of a black polyester material.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising:

[0025] Mounting frame, the mounting frame having a base plate and an annular side plate disposed on the base plate;

[0026] The display panel is disposed on the base plate and located within the area surrounded by the annular side plate;

[0027] The aforementioned protection module is located within the area surrounded by the annular side plate, and the protection module is located on the surface of the display panel away from the base plate.

[0028] In one embodiment of this disclosure, if the cover layer of the protective module has a second central area and a second edge area surrounding the second central area; the flexible covering layer includes a first sub-flexible covering layer and a second sub-flexible covering layer, the first sub-flexible covering layer covering the peripheral side surface of the cover layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer; the second sub-flexible covering layer covering the second edge area of ​​the cover layer on the side opposite to the protective layer;

[0029] The flexible covering layer is bonded to the mounting frame.

[0030] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a second adhesive layer is provided between the display panel and the cover layer of the protective module;

[0031] The second adhesive layer includes a first sub-adhesive layer and a second sub-adhesive layer stacked sequentially;

[0032] The first sub-adhesive layer at least covers the surface of the cover layer that is not covered by the second sub-flexible overlay layer; the material of the first sub-adhesive layer is polypropylene;

[0033] The second sub-adhesive layer bonds the first sub-adhesive layer to the display panel.

[0034] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first sub-adhesive layer covers a portion of the second sub-flexible overlay layer.

[0035] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a second adhesive layer is provided between the display panel and the cover layer of the protective module;

[0036] The second adhesive layer is an optical adhesive, and the second adhesive layer at least covers the surface of the cover layer that is not covered by the second sub-flexible overlay layer.

[0037] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second adhesive layer covers at least a portion of the second sub-flexible overlay layer.

[0038] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a support layer is provided between the display panel and the base plate;

[0039] The orthographic projection of the display panel on the base plate is located within the orthographic projection of the support layer on the base plate;

[0040] The orthographic projection of the support layer on the base plate is located within the orthographic projection of the cover layer of the protective module on the base plate.

[0041] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the base plate includes a first sub-base plate and a second sub-base plate, and the first sub-base plate and the second sub-base plate are hinged together.

[0042] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cover plate has a bending area and planar areas located on both sides of the bending area;

[0043] In the bending area, the cover plate has a thinning area; the second adhesive layer fills the thinning area.

[0044] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the difference between the thickness of the cover plate in the planar region and the thickness of the cover plate in the thinning region is not less than 40 μm.

[0045] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the orthographic projection of the display panel on the base plate is located within the orthographic projection of the cover plate layer on the base plate, and the orthographic projection of the display panel on the base plate is smaller than the orthographic projection of the cover plate layer on the base plate.

[0046] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display device in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the preparation process of the protection module in one embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore detailed descriptions of them will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0061] Although relative terms such as "up" and "down" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of an icon to another, these terms are used only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that if the device of the icon is flipped upside down, the component described as "up" will become the component described as "down." When a structure is "up" of another structure, it may mean that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" mounted on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" mounted on the other structure through another structure.

[0062] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” and “the” are used to indicate the existence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as markers and are not a limitation on the number of objects.

[0063] In related technologies, when implementing a stripless design for folding devices, it is necessary to expand the relevant film layers in the display module. Furthermore, eliminating the strip creates a gap between the mounting frame of the display device and the protective module of the display module, resulting in exposed edges of the adhesive layer of the protective module, leading to poor dustproof performance. If dust enters, the cover layer is prone to peeling.

[0064] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure optimizes the structure of the protective module PM within the display module. A flexible covering layer FCL is provided on the peripheral surfaces of structures such as the cover plate layer, protective layer, and adhesive layer to cover the cover plate layer CL and adhesive layer. This achieves dustproof functionality (preventing dust from entering the bonding surfaces between the adhesive layer and the cover plate layer, and between the adhesive layer and the protective layer), reducing the probability of the cover plate layer CL detaching. Simultaneously, the flexible covering layer FCL protects the edges of structures such as the cover plate layer CL, reducing the probability of damage caused by drops or other accidents. Specifically, this disclosure provides a protective module PM, including a flexible covering layer FCL, stacked cover plate layers CL and PL, and a first adhesive layer OCA1 located between the cover plate layer CL and the protective layer PL. The flexible covering layer FCL covers at least the peripheral surfaces of the cover plate layer CL, the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the protective layer PL.

[0065] The display device disclosed herein has the aforementioned protection module PM, and therefore has the same function and effect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] In one embodiment of this disclosure, a display device is provided, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, comprising a mounting frame PF and a display module. The mounting frame PF has a base plate PFD and an annular side plate PFH. The base plate PFD includes a first sub-base plate PFDA and a second sub-base plate PFDB, which are connected by a hinge, thus enabling the display device to fold. The annular side plate PFH is disposed on one side surface of the base plate PFD (the annular side plate PFH has a structure adapted to the base plate PFD), thereby forming a mounting cavity between the base plate PFD and the annular side plate PFH, within which the display module is located.

[0067] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the display module may include a support layer BKT, a third adhesive layer OCA3, a display panel PNL, a second adhesive layer OCA2, and a protective module PM, which are sequentially stacked on a base plate PFD. In this example, the support layer BKT is connected to the base plate PFD by black frame adhesive.

[0068] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the material of the third adhesive layer OCA3 can be fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP).

[0069] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the display panel PNL can be an OLED display panel PNL. In this example, referring to FIG1, the display panel PNL may include a driving backplane DBP and a pixel layer PIXL stacked sequentially. The driving backplane DBP may include a substrate SBT and a driving layer DRL stacked together, and the pixel layer PIXL is disposed on the side of the driving layer DRL facing away from the substrate SBT. In this example, the pixel layer PIXL contains light-emitting elements (LDs) for display, and the driving layer DRL contains pixel driving circuits (PDCs) for driving each light-emitting element (LD).

[0070] Optionally, the substrate SBT can be made of a flexible material, which facilitates the folding function of the whole machine.

[0071] Optionally, referring to Figure 2, in the driving layer DRL, any pixel driving circuit may include a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor. Further, the thin-film transistor may be selected from top-gate, bottom-gate, or dual-gate thin-film transistors; the material of the active layer of the thin-film transistor may be amorphous silicon semiconductor material, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon semiconductor material, metal oxide semiconductor material, organic semiconductor material, carbon nanotube semiconductor material, or other types of semiconductor material; the thin-film transistor may be an N-type or P-type thin-film transistor.

[0072] It is understood that any two transistors in a pixel driving circuit can be of the same or different types. Exemplarily, in some embodiments, some transistors in a pixel driving circuit can be N-type transistors and some transistors can be P-type transistors. Further exemplarily, in other embodiments, in a pixel driving circuit, the active layer material of some transistors can be low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) semiconductor material, and the active layer material of some transistors can be metal-oxide-semiconductor (MODS) semiconductor material. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the thin-film transistor is a LPS transistor. In other embodiments of this disclosure, some thin-film transistors are LPS transistors, and some thin-film transistors are MODS transistors.

[0073] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG2, the driving layer DRL may include a semiconductor layer SCL, a gate insulating layer GI, a gate layer GT, an interlayer dielectric layer ILD, a source / drain metal layer SD, and a planarization layer PLN, etc., stacked between the substrate SBT and the pixel layer PIXL. Each thin-film transistor and storage capacitor can be formed from the semiconductor layer SCL, gate insulating layer GI, gate layer GT, interlayer dielectric layer ILD, source / drain metal layer SD, etc. The positional relationship of each layer can be determined according to the thin-film transistor's layer structure. Further, the semiconductor layer SCL can be used to form the channel region of the transistor, and the first and second electrodes located on both sides of the channel region. If necessary, it can also be conductive to form partial traces or conductive structures. The gate layer GT can be used to form one or more gate layer traces such as scan traces, reset control traces, and light emission control traces. It can also be used to form the gate of the transistor, and can also be used to form part or all of the electrode plates of the storage capacitor. The source / drain metal layer SD can be used to form data traces, driving power supply voltage traces, and other source / drain metal layer traces. It can also be used to form part of the electrode plates of the storage capacitor. Of course, in other embodiments of this disclosure, the driving layer DRL may also include other film layers as needed, such as a light-shielding layer, an inorganic buffer layer BUF, etc., located between the semiconductor layer SCL and the substrate SBT. As needed, any one of the above-mentioned semiconductor layer SCL, gate layer GT, source / drain metal layer SD, etc., may be multiple layers. For example, the driving layer DRL may include two different semiconductor layers SCL, or two or three source / drain metal layers SD, or two or three gate layers GT. Correspondingly, the insulating film layers in the driving layer DRL (such as gate insulating layer GI, interlayer dielectric layer ILD, planarization layer PLN, etc.) may be increased or decreased adaptively, or new insulating film layers may be added as needed.

[0074] As an example, referring to Figure 2, the driving layer DRL may include an inorganic buffer layer BUF, a semiconductor layer SCL, a gate insulating layer GI, a gate layer GT, an interlayer dielectric layer ILD, a source / drain metal layer SD, and a planarization layer PLN, sequentially stacked on the surface of the substrate SBT. The resulting thin-film transistor is a top-gate type. In other examples, the driving layer may include an inorganic buffer layer, a gate layer, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, a source / drain metal layer, and a planarization layer, sequentially stacked on the surface of the substrate. The resulting thin-film transistor is a bottom-gate type. In other examples, the driving layer may also include a dual-gate type, etc.

[0075] It is understood that the above examples of the driving backplane DBP are merely one possible embodiment of the driving backplane DBP in this disclosure. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the driving backplane DBP may also have other structures, such as a passive driving glass substrate, a silicon-based driving substrate, etc.

[0076] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG2, the light-emitting element LD in the pixel layer PIXL is a thin-film light-emitting element, which may include two electrodes stacked together and a light-emitting functional layer EFL sandwiched between the two electrodes. For example, referring to FIG2, the pixel layer PIXL may include a pixel electrode layer PEL, a light-emitting functional layer EFL, and a common electrode layer COML stacked sequentially on the side of the planarization layer PLN facing away from the substrate SBT. The pixel electrode layer PEL has multiple pixel electrodes; the portion of the light-emitting functional layer EFL connected to the pixel electrodes serves as a light-emitting functional unit of the light-emitting element LD; and the common electrode layer COML serves as a common electrode electrically connected to the light-emitting functional units of each light-emitting element LD.

[0077] In this example, referring to Figure 2, the pixel layer PIXL may further include a pixel definition layer PDL located between the pixel electrode layer PEL and the light-emitting functional layer EFL. The pixel definition layer PDL has multiple through-holes corresponding to the multiple pixel electrodes, with each pixel opening exposing at least a portion of the corresponding pixel electrode. For example, the pixel definition layer PDL covers the edge of the pixel electrode and exposes at least a portion of the internal region of the pixel electrode, so that the pixel definition layer PDL can effectively define the actual effective region of the pixel electrode (the region directly connected to the light-emitting functional unit), thereby defining the light-emitting region and area of ​​the light-emitting element LD. The light-emitting functional layer EFL at least covers the pixel electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer PDL. The common electrode layer COML may cover the light-emitting functional layer EFL. The pixel electrodes and the common electrode layer COML provide charge carriers such as electrons and holes to the light-emitting functional layer EFL, causing the light-emitting functional layer EFL to emit light. The portion of the light-emitting functional layer EFL located between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode layer COML can serve as a light-emitting functional unit. The pixel electrodes, the common electrode layer COML, and the light-emitting functional unit form the light-emitting element LD. In this design, one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode layer COML serves as the anode of the light-emitting element LD, and the other serves as the cathode of the light-emitting element LD.

[0078] In one example, the pixel electrode can serve as the anode of the light-emitting element LD, and the common electrode layer COML can serve as the cathode of the light-emitting element LD.

[0079] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the types of light-emitting elements (LDs) and the materials and films of the light-emitting functional units are different.

[0080] In this example, the light-emitting functional layer EL may include an organic light-emitting layer, and may include one or more of the following: a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. Furthermore, the organic light-emitting layer may include a host material and a guest material, wherein the guest material may be a fluorescent dopant or a phosphorescent dopant, and particularly may be a thermally activated delayed fluorescence material.

[0081] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the surface of the pixel layer PIXL away from the substrate SBT, and it can include alternately stacked inorganic encapsulation layers and organic encapsulation layers. The inorganic encapsulation layer can effectively block external moisture and oxygen, preventing water and oxygen from invading the pixel layer PIXL and causing material aging in the pixel layer PIXL. Optionally, the edge of the inorganic encapsulation layer can be located in the peripheral area. The organic encapsulation layer is located between two adjacent inorganic encapsulation layers to achieve planarization and reduce stress between the inorganic encapsulation layers. The edge of the organic encapsulation layer can be located between the edge of the display area and the edge of the inorganic encapsulation layer. For example, referring to Figure 2, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer CVD1, an organic encapsulation layer IJP, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2, which are sequentially stacked on the side of the pixel layer PIXL (common electrode layer COML) away from the substrate SBT. Of course, in other embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel PNL may not have a thin-film encapsulation layer, but other methods may be used to encapsulate and protect the pixel layer.

[0082] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 1 and 2, the display panel PNL may further include a touch buffer layer TSL. The touch buffer layer TSL may be disposed on the surface of the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE away from the driving backplane DBP, so that the display panel PNL has touch functionality. Exemplarily, the touch buffer layer TSL includes a touch buffer layer TBUF, a first touch metal layer TMA, a touch dielectric layer TLD, and a second touch metal layer TMB, sequentially stacked on the side of the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE away from the substrate SBT. At least a portion of the first touch metal layer TMA and the second touch metal layer TMB overlap each other to form a touch capacitor.

[0083] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the display panel PNL can also be other types of display panel PNL, such as QLED display panel PNL, QD-OLED display panel PNL or other types of display panel PNL.

[0084] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the second adhesive layer OCA2 is disposed on the surface of the display panel PNL away from the support layer BKT.

[0085] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the orthographic projection of the display panel PNL onto the base plate PFD is located within the orthographic projection of the support layer BKT onto the base plate PFD. For example, the orthographic projection of the display panel PNL onto the base plate PFD may be smaller than the orthographic projection of the support layer BKT onto the base plate PFD. In another example, the orthographic projection of the display panel PNL onto the base plate PFD may be equal to the orthographic projection of the support layer BKT onto the base plate PFD. In this way, the support layer BKT can both support and protect the display panel PNL.

[0086] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 3-12, the protective module PM has a cover layer CL, a first adhesive layer OCA1, a protective layer PL, and a flexible covering layer FCL. The cover layer CL, the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the protective layer PL are sequentially stacked on the surface of the second adhesive layer OCA2 away from the display panel PNL. The flexible covering layer FCL covers at least the peripheral side surfaces of the cover layer CL, the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the protective layer PL. The flexible covering layer FCL in this disclosure, by covering the peripheral side surfaces of the first adhesive layer OCA1, as well as the peripheral side surfaces of the cover layer CL and the protective layer PL on both sides, can prevent dust, moisture, etc., from entering the first adhesive layer OCA1, reduce the probability of the cover layer CL detaching, improve the stability and mechanical performance of the entire device, and provide edge protection for the cover layer CL, thereby enhancing the display device's drop resistance and ensuring bending performance, without affecting the light emission effect of the display device.

[0087] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cover layer CL can be made of flexible glass. In one example, the side of the cover layer CL near the display panel PNL may not require adhesive layer filling. It is understood that the cover layer CL can be made of unequal thickness flexible glass (UFG), and the display device has a bending area and planar areas on both sides of the bending area. The thickness of the cover layer CL in the bending area is less than the thickness of the cover layer CL in the planar areas. Using a UFG cover layer CL increases the thickness of the cover layer CL in the planar areas, thereby increasing the strength of the protective module PM edge. Specifically, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the cover layer CL can achieve strong support and bendability, and it needs to be thinned in the bending area. The cover layer CL has a thinning area within the bending area. In one example, the thickness of the cover layer CL can be greater than 100 μm, and the thickness of the thinning area can be less than 60 μm, that is, the thickness difference between the planar area and the thinning area of ​​the cover layer CL is not less than 40 μm. Here, thickness refers to the height along the direction perpendicular to the base plate PFD.

[0088] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the surface of the cover plate layer CL near the display panel PNL is bonded to the display panel PNL via a second adhesive layer OCA2. It is understood that the second adhesive layer OCA2 fills the thinned area. This reduces stress in the bending area, improves the flexibility of the display module, reduces the breakage rate of the cover plate layer CL edge, and increases the lifespan of the display device.

[0089] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible overlay layer (FCL) is made of a light-absorbing material. In one example, the material of the flexible overlay layer (FCL) can be a black polyester material. This polyester material has a non-sticky surface, which reduces the possibility of dust adhering to the edges of the flexible overlay layer (FCL), and the black design achieves a visually unified black effect, preventing light leakage through the gap between the display module and the mounting frame (PF), while also facilitating a narrow bezel design.

[0090] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the flexible coating layer (FCL) has a shear modulus of not more than 50 MPa, a viscosity of not less than 5 Pa·s, and a shrinkage rate of not more than 5% at a specified temperature. In one example, the flexible coating layer (FCL) has a shear modulus of not more than 50 MPa, a viscosity of not less than 5 Pa·s, and a shrinkage rate of not more than 5% at 23°C to 29°C. For instance, the flexible coating layer (FCL) has a shear modulus of not more than 50 MPa, a viscosity of not less than 5 Pa·s, and a shrinkage rate of not more than 5% at 26°C.

[0091] In one embodiment of this disclosure, when implementing a folding device without pressure strips, the protective module PM of the display module needs to be expanded outwards. Specifically, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the orthographic projection of the display panel PNL on the base plate PFD is located within the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL on the base plate PFD, and the orthographic projection of the display panel PNL on the base plate PFD is smaller than the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL on the base plate PFD. In one example, the orthographic projection of the display panel PNL on the base plate PFD is located within the orthographic projection of the support layer BKT on the base plate PFD, and the orthographic projection of the support layer BKT on the base plate PFD is located within the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL of the protective module PM on the base plate PFD. For example, the orthographic projection of the support layer BKT on the base plate PFD can be smaller than the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL on the base plate PFD. In this way, the outward expansion of the cover layer CL increases the edge strength of the display module, strengthening the edge protection of the display panel PNL. Simultaneously, the added flexible covering layer FCL improves the buffering effect on the outer side of the protective module PM, reducing the likelihood of edge damage to the protective module PM in the expanded state, and eliminating the need for a pressure strip on the display device, further achieving a narrow bezel effect. In this disclosure, by reducing the size of the support layer BKT and expanding the size of the cover layer CL, a foldable, pressure-strip-free design can be achieved without increasing the overall size of the display device; at the same time, it does not affect the support effect on the display panel PNL.

[0092] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the flexible cover layer FCL may have a first sub-flexible cover layer FCLA, wherein the first sub-flexible cover layer FCLA covers the peripheral side surface of the cover layer CL, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer PL. Thus, by covering the peripheral side surface of the cover layer CL, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer PL with the first sub-flexible cover layer FCLA, the bonding surface of the first adhesive layer OCA1 can be protected, preventing dust from entering and reducing the probability of the cover layer CL detaching.

[0093] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to FIG4, the flexible overlay layer FCL may further have a second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB. The cover layer CL has a second central region and a second edge region surrounding the second central region. The second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB covers the second edge region of the cover layer CL near the side of the display panel PNL. The second adhesive layer OCA2 at least covers the second central region of the cover layer CL near the side of the display panel PNL. In this example, at least one of the first sub-flexible overlay layer FCL and the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB can be connected to the mounting frame PF via black frame adhesive (not shown in the figure). Thus, when the cover layer CL is folded, only the flexible overlay layer FCL contacts the mounting frame PF, reducing the slippage rate during the folding process of the display device. The orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB onto the base plate PFD does not coincide with the orthographic projection of the display area of ​​the display panel PNL onto the base plate PFD. Therefore, the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB will not interfere with the normal display of the display panel PNL and can also prevent light leakage. In this disclosure, the surface of the cover layer CL near the display panel PNL is bonded with two adhesive layers: one adhesive layer is used to bond the display panel PNL, and the other adhesive layer is used to bond the mounting frame PF. This can reduce slippage during folding and improve the stability of the display device.

[0094] In one embodiment of this disclosure, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible covering layer FCLB on the base plate PFD partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second adhesive layer OCA2 on the base plate PFD. This ensures good adhesion and dustproof performance.

[0095] In this example, the cover plate layer CL is connected to the display panel PNL only through the second adhesive layer OCA2, and the second adhesive layer OCA2 fills the thinning area. In one example, the second adhesive layer OCA2 is an optical adhesive. Using optical adhesive to fill the thinning area of ​​the cover plate layer CL has better flexibility, which can improve the bending shape of the display device and reduce the thickness of the display device.

[0096] In another example, the second adhesive layer OCA2 may have a first sub-adhesive layer OCA2A and a second sub-adhesive layer OCA2B. The first sub-adhesive layer OCA2A may be made of polypropylene. This first sub-adhesive layer OCA2A covers the area of ​​the cover layer CL near the display panel PNL that is not covered by the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB. The orthographic projection of the first sub-adhesive layer OCA2A onto the substrate PFD may partially coincide with the orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB onto the substrate PFD. The second sub-adhesive layer OCA2B bonds the first sub-adhesive layer OCA2A and the display panel PNL. The second sub-adhesive layer OCA2B may be an optical adhesive.

[0097] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first adhesive layer OCA1 is disposed on the surface of the cover layer CL away from the display panel PNL. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first adhesive layer OCA1 can be an optical adhesive.

[0098] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer PL is located on the surface of the first adhesive layer OCA1 on the side away from the cover layer CL, and is used to protect the entire display module.

[0099] In this example, the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL onto the base plate PFD lies within the orthographic projection of the protective layer PL onto the base plate PFD, and the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL onto the base plate PFD is smaller than the orthographic projection of the protective layer PL onto the base plate PFD. This prevents display problems caused by bonding tolerances and achieves comprehensive protection of both the cover layer CL and the display panel PNL by the protective layer PL. In one example, the protective layer PL can be flush with and extend outwards from the cover layer CL by at least 0.2 mm, meaning the horizontal distance between the edge of the protective layer PL and the edge of the cover layer CL is at least 0.2 mm. It is understood that the width of the first adhesive layer OCA1 along the first direction DH is greater than the width of the cover layer CL along the first direction DH. In this example, the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL onto the base plate PFD is within the orthographic projection of the protective layer PL onto the base plate PFD, and the orthographic projection of the cover layer CL onto the base plate PFD is smaller than the orthographic projection of the protective layer onto the base plate PFD. In this example, the first sub-flexible covering layer FCLAA includes a first sub-circular covering layer FCLA1 and a second sub-circular covering layer FCLA2. The second sub-circular covering layer FCLA2 covers the peripheral side of the cover layer CL, and the second sub-flexible covering layer FCLA2 is bonded to the first adhesive layer OCA1 on the side near the cover layer CL, providing support and protection for the first adhesive layer OCA1. The first sub-circular covering layer FCLA1 covers the peripheral side of the second sub-circular covering layer FCLA2, the peripheral side of the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the peripheral side of the protective layer PL.

[0100] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer PL can be a hardened polyester film.

[0101] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective layer PL may have a light-shielding layer SLL. Specifically, the protective layer PL may have a first central region and a first edge region surrounding the first central region; in the first edge region, the protective layer PL has a light-shielding layer SLL on the side near the cover layer CL. For example, the light-shielding layer SLL may be an ink layer. In this example, the orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB onto the protective layer PL is within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer SLL onto the protective layer PL. In other words, the orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB onto the protective layer PL may be smaller than the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer SLL onto the protective layer PL. The orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible overlay layer FCLB onto the protective layer PL may also be equal to the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer SLL onto the protective layer PL. In other examples, the protective layer PL may not have a light-shielding layer SLL, in which case the display module is a polarizer-less display module (a display module without a polarizer).

[0102] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the surface of the protective layer PL facing away from the display panel PNL is on the same horizontal plane as the surface of the mounting frame PF, which can improve the aesthetics of the display device while protecting it.

[0103] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the refractive index of the cover layer CL and the refractive index of the first adhesive layer OCA1 are selected according to the desired light emission effect.

[0104] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the method for manufacturing a display device includes the following steps:

[0105] S01. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, after bonding the protective layer PL and the first adhesive layer OCA1, the cover layer CL is bonded to the side of the first adhesive layer OCA1 away from the protective layer PL. Then, the first release film RFX is covered on the surface of the protective layer PL.

[0106] S02. Referring to Figure 9, the thinned area of ​​the cover layer CL faces upwards; and black polyester coating is applied to both sides in sequence, and cured simultaneously (curing temperature > 65℃, 30 min or more); the black polyester coating itself fills the gradient between the cover layer CL, the first adhesive layer OCA1, and the protective layer PL using its own fluidity. At this time, there is a sloping area at the edge, and the width of the leveling area on the surface of the cover layer CL does not exceed 0.2 mm on one side, and the thickness does not exceed 0.02 mm (that is, the length of the second sub-flexible covering layer FCLB in the horizontal direction does not exceed 0.2 mm, and the thickness in the vertical direction does not exceed 0.02 mm). After complete curing, the surface of the black polyester coating is non-sticky; the black polyester coating can be a black polyurethane coating.

[0107] S03. In one example, after curing, a second release film RFS is applied, and then the module is integrally cut using a laser. The cutting line is at least 0.05 mm away from the edge of the protective layer PL. After cutting, a flexible covering layer FCL is formed, resulting in a protective module PM with a release film. In another example, referring to Figures 10, 11, and 12, after curing, the module is integrally cut using a laser. The cutting line is at least 0.05 mm away from the edge of the protective layer PL. After cutting, a flexible covering layer FCL is formed. Then, a second release film RFS is applied, and then the module is integrally cut using a laser. The cutting line is at least 0.05 mm away from the edge of the protective layer PL, resulting in a protective module PM with a release film.

[0108] S04. After the protective module PM is completed, proceed to the next process to perform module bonding. The surface of the cover plate layer CL is bonded to the display panel PNL through the second adhesive layer OCA2 to obtain the display module.

[0109] S05. The display module is bonded to the main unit mounting frame PF to form a display device.

[0110] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protection module, wherein, It includes a flexible covering layer, a stacked cover layer and a protective layer, and a first adhesive layer located between the cover layer and the protective layer; The flexible covering layer covers at least the peripheral side surface of the cover plate layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer.

2. The protection module according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible coating layer is a light-absorbing material.

3. The protection module according to claim 2, wherein, The flexible coating layer has a shear modulus of no more than 50 MPa, a viscosity of no less than 5 Pa·s, and a shrinkage rate of no more than 5% at a specified temperature.

4. The protection module according to claim 1, wherein, The protective layer has a first central region and a first edge region surrounding the first central region; In the first edge region, the protective layer has a light-shielding layer on the side near the cover plate layer.

5. The protection module according to claim 1, wherein, The cover plate layer has a second central region and a second edge region surrounding the second central region; The flexible covering layer includes a first sub-flexible covering layer and a second sub-flexible covering layer connected together, wherein the second sub-flexible covering layer covers the second edge region of the cover layer on the side opposite to the protective layer; The first flexible covering layer covers the peripheral side surface of the first flexible covering layer, the peripheral side surface of the cover layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer.

6. The protection module according to claim 5, wherein, The protective layer has a first central region and a first edge region surrounding the first central region; In the first edge region, the protective layer has a light-shielding layer on the side near the cover plate layer; The orthographic projection of the second sub-flexible covering layer on the protective layer is located within the orthographic projection of the light-shielding layer on the protective layer.

7. The protection module according to claim 5, wherein, The orthographic projection of the cover plate layer on the first adhesive layer is within the orthographic projection of the protective layer on the first adhesive layer, and the orthographic projection of the cover plate layer on the first adhesive layer is smaller than the orthographic projection of the protective layer on the first adhesive layer.

8. The protection module according to claim 7, wherein, The first sub-flexible covering layer includes a first sub-circular covering layer and a second sub-circular covering layer; The second sub-circular covering layer covers the peripheral side of the cover plate layer and the peripheral side of the second sub-flexible covering layer, and the second sub-circular covering layer is bonded to the side of the first adhesive layer near the cover plate layer; The first sub-surrounding covering layer covers the peripheral side surface of the second sub-surrounding covering layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer, and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer.

9. The protection module according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The flexible coating layer is made of black polyester material.

10. A display device, wherein, include: Mounting frame, the mounting frame having a base plate and an annular side plate disposed on the base plate; The display panel is disposed on the base plate and located within the area surrounded by the annular side plate; The protection module according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the protection module is located within the area surrounded by the annular side plate, and the protection module is located on the surface of the display panel away from the base plate.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, If the cover layer of the protective module has a second central area and a second edge area surrounding the second central area; the flexible covering layer includes a first sub-flexible covering layer and a second sub-flexible covering layer, the first sub-flexible covering layer covering the peripheral side surface of the cover layer, the peripheral side surface of the first adhesive layer and the peripheral side surface of the protective layer; the second sub-flexible covering layer covering the second edge area of ​​the cover layer on the side opposite to the protective layer; The flexible covering layer is bonded to the mounting frame.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, A second adhesive layer is provided between the display panel and the cover layer of the protective module; The second adhesive layer includes a first sub-adhesive layer and a second sub-adhesive layer stacked sequentially; The first sub-adhesive layer at least covers the surface of the cover layer that is not covered by the second sub-flexible overlay layer; the material of the first sub-adhesive layer is polypropylene; The second sub-adhesive layer bonds the first sub-adhesive layer to the display panel.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The first sub-adhesive layer covers a portion of the second sub-flexible overlay layer.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, A second adhesive layer exists between the display panel and the cover plate layer of the protective module; The second adhesive layer is an optical adhesive, and the second adhesive layer at least covers the surface of the cover layer that is not covered by the second sub-flexible overlay layer.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The second adhesive layer covers at least a portion of the second sub-flexible overlay layer.

16. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, A support layer is provided between the display panel and the base plate; The orthographic projection of the display panel on the base plate is located within the orthographic projection of the support layer on the base plate; The orthographic projection of the support layer on the base plate is located within the orthographic projection of the cover layer of the protective module on the base plate.

17. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The base plate includes a first sub-base plate and a second sub-base plate, which are hinged together.

18. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The cover plate has a bending area and flat areas located on both sides of the bending area; In the bending area, the cover plate has a thinning area; the second adhesive layer fills the thinning area.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein, In the planar region, the difference between the thickness of the cover plate and the thickness of the cover plate in the thinning region is not less than 40 μm.

20. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The orthographic projection of the display panel on the base plate is within the orthographic projection of the cover plate layer on the base plate, and the orthographic projection of the display panel on the base plate is smaller than the orthographic projection of the cover plate layer on the base plate.

Images