Display module, manufacturing method therefor, and display apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of display. Provided are a display module, a manufacturing method therefor, and a display apparatus. The display module of the present disclosure comprises a display substrate, a polarizer layer provided on a light-emitting side of the display substrate, and a first protective layer. The display substrate has a display region, a peripheral region surrounding the display region, a binding region located on the side of the peripheral region away from the display region, and a bending region which is in bending connection between the peripheral region and the binding region. The peripheral region comprises a first transition region close to the bending region; the polarizer layer extends from the display region to the first transition region, and the first protective layer extends from the bending region to the first transition region and the binding region. The polarizer layer and the first protective layer abut against each other in the first transition region, and the polarizer layer and the first protective layer form a smooth-transition structure.

Description

Display module and its manufacturing method, display device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of display technology, specifically relating to a display module and its manufacturing method, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the market demands for OLED displays are constantly increasing. Among them, narrow-bezel display products have a higher screen-to-body ratio and can provide users with a better visual experience.

[0003] In related technologies, OLED display modules can bend part of their peripheral structure to the back of the display module, thereby reducing the bezel size. Before bending, the bending area needs to be exposed, developed, and etched (EBB) using a mask to remove inorganic layers with poor bending performance in this area, ensuring a good bending effect during the display bending process. Therefore, in narrow bezel product designs, where the structural data within the peripheral area needs to be compressed, reducing the size of the bending area to the etch boundary (EBB boundary) is particularly important. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a display module and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device.

[0005] In a first aspect, the technical solution adopted to solve the technical problem of this disclosure is a display module, including a display substrate, a polarizer layer disposed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate, and a first protective layer;

[0006] The display substrate has a display area, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a bonding area located on the side of the peripheral area away from the display area, and a bending area that bends and connects the peripheral area and the bonding area; the peripheral area includes a first transition area near the bending area;

[0007] The polarizer layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the first protective layer extends from the bending area to the first transition area and the bonding area; the polarizer layer and the first protective layer abut against each other in the first transition area, and the two form a smooth transition structure.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first protective layer facing away from the display substrate and the second surface of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate are connected to form a smooth surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first protective layer includes a defining area, a leveling area, and a ramping area; the leveling area extends from the bending area to the first transition area and the binding area, the defining area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the first transition area, and the ramping area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the binding area;

[0010] The first surface located in the defined area is flush with the second surface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the display module further includes a second protective layer disposed on the side of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate, and a cover plate disposed on the side of the second protective layer facing away from the polarizer layer;

[0012] The second protective layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the second protective layer protrudes from the polarizer layer in the first transition area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second protective layer includes a first portion and a second portion located in the first transition region and connected to each other, wherein the second portion does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the polarizer layer on the display substrate;

[0014] The first protective layer includes a third portion located in the first transition region; the third portion is located between the second portion and the display substrate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the display module further includes a back film layer disposed on the backlight side of the display substrate; the back film layer has a groove located in the bending region; the groove penetrates the back film layer in the thickness direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the closest distance from the first edge of the polarizing film layer near the bending region to the bending region is between 250 μm and 200 μm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the polarizer is configured such that, before the formation of the smooth transition structure, a third protective layer is disposed on the side of the polarizer facing away from the display substrate; the third protective layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the third protective layer protrudes from the polarizer layer in the first transition area; the smooth transition structure is formed by peeling off the third protective layer after the formation of the first protective layer.

[0018] Secondly, this disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a display module, comprising:

[0019] A display substrate is provided; the display substrate has a display area, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a bonding area located on the side of the peripheral area away from the display area, and a bent area connecting the peripheral area and the bonding area; the peripheral area includes a first transition area near the bent area;

[0020] A polarizer layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate; the polarizer layer extends from the display area to the first transition area;

[0021] A third protective layer is formed on the side of the polarizer layer opposite to the display substrate; the third protective layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the third protective layer protrudes from the polarizer layer in the first transition area;

[0022] A first protective layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate on which the third protective layer is formed; the first protective layer extends from the bending region to the first transition region and the bonding region; the polarizer layer and the first protective layer abut against each other in the first transition region, and the two form a smooth transition structure;

[0023] The third protective layer is removed from the display substrate on which the first protective layer is formed to form the display module.

[0024] In some embodiments, the peripheral region further includes other transition regions besides the first transition region; in the other transition regions, the third protective layer is flush with the end face of the polarizer layer.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first protective layer facing away from the display substrate and the second surface of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate are connected to form a smooth surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first protective layer includes a defining area, a leveling area, and a ramping area; the leveling area extends from the bending area to the first transition area and the binding area, the defining area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the first transition area, and the ramping area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the binding area;

[0027] The first surface located in the defined area is flush with the second surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first surface located in the defined area is in contact with the third surface of the third protective layer near the display substrate;

[0029] The third protective layer is coplanar with the second surface on the third surface near the display substrate.

[0030] In some embodiments, the method for manufacturing the display module further includes:

[0031] A back film layer is formed on the backlight side of the display substrate; a groove is provided on the back film layer, the groove being located in the bending area; the groove penetrates the back film layer in the thickness direction.

[0032] The display substrate located in the bending area is bent and fixed;

[0033] A driver chip is bonded to the bonding area of ​​the display substrate.

[0034] In some embodiments, removing the third protective layer from a display substrate on which the first protective layer is formed to form the display module includes:

[0035] The third protective layer is removed from the display substrate to which the driver chip is bonded, and the polarizer layer is exposed.

[0036] A second protective layer is formed on the side of the polarizer layer opposite to the display substrate;

[0037] A cover plate is formed on the side of the second protective layer that is away from the display substrate.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a display device, which includes a display module as described in any one of the first aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the middle section of the display module before bending in the related technology;

[0040] Figure 2 shows the effect of cracks appearing on the signal lines of the display substrate located in the bending area after the relevant structure in Figure 1 is bent.

[0041] Figures 3a to 3d are structural diagrams of the intermediate section of the manufacturing process of the display module provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the region division of the display substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5a is a planar schematic diagram of a third protective layer and a polarizer layer stacked according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5b is a planar schematic diagram of another stacked third protective layer and polarizer layer provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the smooth transition between the first protective layer and the polarizer layer to form a smooth surface according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the etched display substrate after a portion of the film layer in the bending region provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of attaching a back film layer to the backlight side of a display substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of forming a support layer on a display substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figures 10a to 10c are process flow diagrams of attaching cover plates according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the display module after bending according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the display module before bending according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. The components of the embodiments of this disclosure described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure, but merely represents selected embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0054] In this disclosure, "multiple or several" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0055] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the intermediate section of a display module before bending in the related art. As shown in Figure 1, the intermediate section structure of the display module before bending includes a display substrate 1, a polarizer layer 2 and a first protective film 01 disposed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate 1, and a polarizer protective film 02 disposed on the side of the polarizer layer 2 away from the display substrate 1. The display substrate 1 has a display area, a peripheral area BB surrounding the display area AA, a bonding area DD located on the side of the peripheral area BB away from the display area AA, and a bending area CC that bends and connects the peripheral area BB and the bonding area DD; the peripheral area BB includes a first transition area BB1 near the bending area CC; the polarizer layer 2 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the first protective film 01 extends from the bending area CC to the first transition area BB1 and the bonding area DD. In related technologies, the ends Q of the polarizer layer 2 and the polarizer protective film 02 are flush. This results in the first protective film 01 being stretched by the cross-sectional tension of the polarizer layer 2 during the product manufacturing process. This causes material buildup in the first protective film 01 near the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition zone BB1, creating a siphon effect. This leads to significant thickness differences in the first protective film 01 at different locations, resulting in greater stress on the display substrate 1 in the bending zone CC during the bending process. The signal lines 03 are prone to cracking, as shown in Figure 2, which illustrates the effect of cracks in the signal lines 03 of the display substrate 1 in the bending zone CC after bending the structure in Figure 1. Simultaneously, due to the narrow bezel design, the initial B value is low. It should be noted that the B value is crucial to the bending stress; a higher B value results in lower bending stress, and vice versa. The initial B value is low, which further results in the first protective film 01 being thicker near the polarizer layer 2. This causes the display substrate 1 in the bending area CC to be subjected to greater stress during the bending process, making the signal lines 03 more prone to cracking.

[0056] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display module. During the manufacturing process, by utilizing the elongated design of the third protective layer, the first protective layer is confined below the horizontal plane (the extension surface of the second surface) of the polarizer layer away from the display substrate, and forms a smooth transition structure with the polarizer layer. This reduces the thickness difference at different positions of the first protective layer, improves the overall uniformity of the first protective layer, thereby reducing the influence of the siphon effect and further reducing the defects caused by cracks in the bending process.

[0057] Figures 3a and 3d are structural diagrams of the intermediate section of the manufacturing process of the display module provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. The manufacturing method of the display module includes steps S11 to S15.

[0058] S11. A display substrate 1 is provided.

[0059] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the region division of the display substrate 1 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the display substrate 1 has a display area AA, a peripheral area BB surrounding the display area AA, a bonding area DD located on the side of the peripheral area BB away from the display area AA, and a bending area CC that is bent and connected between the peripheral area BB and the bonding area DD; the peripheral area BB includes a first transition area BB1 near the bending area CC.

[0060] S12. As shown in Figure 3a, a polarizer layer 2 is formed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate 1.

[0061] Among them, the polarizer layer 2 (POL) at least covers the display area AA and is mainly used to control the polarization direction of light. It can selectively allow light in a certain direction to pass through or block it. For example, the polarizer layer 2 can allow light emitted from the display area AA of the display substrate 1 with the same vibration direction as the transmission axis of the polarizer layer 2 to pass through, and absorb light with the vibration direction perpendicular to the transmission axis of the polarizer layer 2.

[0062] Optionally, the polarizer layer 2 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1.

[0063] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4, the display area AA has multiple sides, with the bending area CC located on one side of the display area AA. The peripheral area BB surrounds each side of the display area AA; the peripheral area BB includes multiple sides, with the side closest to the bending area CC belonging to the first transition area BB1. For example, the display area AA has four sides: a left and right side opposite each other in the first direction X, and an upper and lower side opposite each other in the second direction Y. The first transition area BB1 belongs to the sub-region of the peripheral area BB located below the display area AA.

[0064] S13. As shown in Figure 3b, a third protective layer 3 is formed on the side of the polarizer layer 2 that is away from the display substrate 1.

[0065] The third protective layer 3 covers the polarizer layer 2. The third protective layer 3 is an intermediate structure in the fabrication process, primarily used to protect the polarizer layer 2 and prevent damage during subsequent processes. These subsequent processes include, but are not limited to, the formation of the first protective layer 4, bonding processes, and cutting processes.

[0066] The third protective layer 3 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the third protective layer 3 protrudes from the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition area BB1.

[0067] Alternatively, the material of the third protective layer 3 can be an adhesive, such as a metal conductive lacquer (MCL).

[0068] S14. As shown in FIG3c, a first protective layer 4 is formed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate 1 on which the third protective layer 3 is formed.

[0069] In this structure, the first protective layer 4 extends from the bending region CC to the first transition region BB1 and the bonding region DD; the polarizer layer 2 and the first protective layer 4 abut against each other in the first transition region BB1, forming a smooth transition structure P. The "smooth transition structure P" can be understood as the first surface S1 of the first protective layer 4 facing away from the display substrate 1 and the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2 facing away from the display substrate 1 forming a smooth surface. This smooth transition structure P can be defined by an elongated design of the third protective layer 3, which is removed before the final display module is formed.

[0070] Since the third protective layer 3 protrudes from the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition region BB1, when the first protective layer 4 is formed, the material of the first protective layer 4 flowing to the first transition region BB1 can be confined between the third protective layer 3 and the display substrate 1. Therefore, while the polarizer layer 2 and the first protective layer 4 abut against each other in the first transition region BB1, they form a smooth transition structure P, thereby reducing the thickness difference of the first protective layer 4 at different positions, improving the overall uniformity of the first protective layer 4, thereby reducing the influence of the siphon effect, and further reducing the defects caused by cracks in the bending process.

[0071] S15. As shown in FIG3d, the third protective layer 3 is removed from the display substrate 1 on which the first protective layer 4 is formed to form a display module.

[0072] The third protective layer 3 is retained until the process of attaching the cover plate 9. That is, before the process of attaching the cover plate 9, the third protective layer 3 on the display substrate 1 is removed in order to attach the cover plate 9 and form the display module.

[0073] This embodiment of the invention improves the pattern of the original third protective layer 3 and lengthens its design, thus confining the first protective layer 4 below the extension surface of the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2. This results in a smooth transition of the first protective layer 4, reducing thickness differences at different locations and improving the overall uniformity of the first protective layer 4. This reduces the influence of the siphon effect and consequently reduces crack defects caused by bending processes. Compared to other solutions for improving crack defects, this invention offers a lower cost for improving the pattern of the original third protective layer 3.

[0074] In some embodiments, FIG5a is a planar schematic diagram of a third protective layer and a polarizing film layer stacked according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that, in order to facilitate the illustration of the positional relationship between the third protective layer 3 and the polarizing film layer 2, the film layer containing the third protective layer 3 is rendered with a semi-transparent drawing process. However, this does not mean that the actual structure of the third protective layer 3 is a transparent film layer, i.e., the material of the third protective layer 3 is not limited. As shown in FIG5a, the peripheral region BB also includes other transition regions besides the first transition region BB1. In other transition regions, since they are not directly opposite the bending region CC, i.e., there is no bending effect, there is no siphon effect, so an alignment design can be adopted. Specifically, for the formation of the third protective layer 3 in S13, a pattern with the third protective layer 3 is formed on the side of the polarizing film layer 2 away from the display substrate 1 through a single patterning process using a mask. As shown in FIG5a, in the first transition region BB1, the third protective layer 3 protrudes from the polarizing film layer 2; in other transition regions, the third protective layer 3 is flush with the end face of the polarizing film layer 2.

[0075] Optionally, the peripheral region BB also includes a second transition region BB2 disposed opposite to the first transition region BB1 in the first direction Y, and a third transition region BB3 and a fourth transition region BB4 disposed adjacent to the first transition region BB1 and opposite to it in the first direction X. In the first transition region BB1, the third protective layer 3 protrudes from the polarizer layer 2; in the second transition region BB2, the third transition region BB3 and the fourth transition region BB4, the third protective layer 3 is flush with the end face of the polarizer layer 2.

[0076] Alternatively, Figure 5b is a planar schematic diagram of another stacked third protective layer and polarizer layer provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the boundaries of both polarizer layer 2 and third protective layer 3 extend beyond the outer perimeter BB to the cutting area EE. Subsequently, polarizer layer 2 and third protective layer 3 located in the cutting area EE can be removed by a cutting process.

[0077] In some embodiments, FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a smooth transition between the first protective layer and the polarizer layer to form a smooth surface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6, the first surface S1 of the first protective layer 4 facing away from the display substrate 1 and the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2 facing away from the display substrate 1 are connected to form a smooth surface. Optionally, the first protective layer 4 includes a defining region FF1, a leveling region FF2 and a ramping region FF3; the leveling region FF2 extends from the bending region CC to the first transition region BB1 and the bonding region DD; the defining region FF1 is connected to the side where the leveling region FF2 extends to the first transition region BB1; and the ramping region FF3 is connected to the side where the leveling region FF2 extends to the bonding region DD; the first surface S1 located in the defining region FF1 is flush with the second surface S2.

[0078] Optionally, the first surface S1 located in the defined area FF1 contacts the third surface S3 of the third protective layer 3 near the display substrate 1; the third surface S3 of the third protective layer 3 near the display substrate 1 is coplanar with the second surface S2. Here, the first protective layer 4 completely fills the gap between the third protective layer 3 and the polarizer layer 2, thereby reducing the thickness difference at different locations of the first protective layer 4, improving the overall uniformity of the first protective layer 4, thereby reducing the influence of the siphon effect, and further reducing the crack defects caused by the bending process.

[0079] In some embodiments, FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the etching of a portion of the film layer in the bending region CC of the display substrate 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7, before the display substrate 1 is bent, the bending region CC can be exposed, developed, and etched by a mask to remove the inorganic layer with poor bending performance in the bending region CC of the display substrate 1. At this time, a groove 5 is formed in the bending region CC of the display substrate 1 to ensure that a good bending effect can be obtained during the bending process of the display substrate 1. The groove 5 penetrates a portion of the display substrate 1 in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction Z).

[0080] In some embodiments, FIG8 is a schematic diagram of attaching a back film layer to the backlight side of a display substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8, before the display substrate 1 is bent, the process further includes forming a back film layer 6 on the backlight side of the display substrate 1. This step may be performed after the formation of the first protective layer 4; or it may be performed before the formation of the polarizer layer 2 and after the formation of the groove 5.

[0081] Specifically, a back film material can first be formed on the backlight side of the display substrate 1; a pattern including the back film layer 6 is formed through a single patterning process. As shown in Figure 8, a groove 60 is provided on the back film layer 6, and the groove 60 is located in the bending region CC; the groove 60 penetrates the back film layer 6 in the thickness direction.

[0082] Optionally, as shown in FIG8, the back film layer 6 includes a first back film 61 and a second back film 62 located on both sides of the slot 60. The first back film 61 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the second back film 62 is located at least in the bonding area DD. As shown in FIG3d, the display substrate 1 includes a bent portion 11 located in the bending area CC; in the bent state, the bent portion 11 bends about the bending axis O.

[0083] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3d, in the bent state, the first edge of the first back film 61 near the bending area CC is aligned with the second edge of the second back film 62 near the bending area CC, and the first edge, the second edge and the bending axis O are located on the same vertical reference plane L1.

[0084] In some embodiments, the step of forming the support layer 7 after forming the back film layer 6 specifically includes: as shown in FIG9, forming the support layer 7 on the side of the first back film 61 facing away from the display substrate 1. The material of the support layer 7 can be a metal or other material that can provide support, and this embodiment of the application is not limited in this regard. The metal can be stainless steel or a shape memory alloy, etc. The support layer 7 can support the display substrate 1, thereby improving the support of the display module and protecting the display substrate 1.

[0085] Optionally, the support layer 7 includes a composite film layer. The composite film layer may include an adhesive layer, a buffer layer, and a heat dissipation layer sequentially stacked in a direction away from the display substrate 1. The composite film layer can buffer the stress acting on the display substrate 1 and dissipate the heat generated by the display substrate 1 during operation, thus providing a certain degree of protection for the display substrate 1.

[0086] In some embodiments, FIG9 is a schematic diagram of forming a support layer on a display substrate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9, after the first protective layer 4, the back film layer 6, and the support layer 7 are formed on the display substrate 1, the method further includes: bending and fixing the display substrate 1 located in the bending region CC. Specifically, the bending portion 11 is bent around the bending axis, and the bent display substrate 1 is fixed by the support layer 7 between the first back film 61 and the second back film 62. Then, a driver chip is bonded to the bonding region DD of the display substrate 1. Here, the driver chip includes, but is not limited to, integrated circuit (IC) boards and flexible printed circuit (FPC) boards.

[0087] In some embodiments, the step of forming a display module in S15 includes, after forming the back film layer 6, bending the display substrate 1, and bonding the driver chip, attaching a cover glass 9 (CG). Figures 10a to 10c are process flow diagrams of attaching the cover glass provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, specifically including S21 to S23.

[0088] S21. As shown in Figure 10a, the third protective layer 3 is removed from the display substrate 1 to which the driver chip is bonded, and the polarizer layer 2 is exposed.

[0089] S22. As shown in Figure 10b, a second protective layer 8 is formed on the side of the polarizer layer 2 that is away from the display substrate 1.

[0090] Optionally, the second protective layer 8 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the second protective layer 8 protrudes from the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition area BB1.

[0091] The material for the second protective layer 8 can be optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0092] S23. As shown in Figure 10c, a cover plate 9 is formed on the side of the second protective layer 8 that is away from the display substrate 1.

[0093] The cover plate 9 can be used to protect the display substrate 1. By fixing the cover plate 9 with optical adhesive, the installation of the cover plate 9 can be simple and secure. Moreover, the optical adhesive has good optical transmittance and its refractive index is similar to that of glass, so it has little impact on the display effect.

[0094] Optionally, the second protective layer 8 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the second protective layer 8 protrudes from the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition area BB1. Although the display substrate 1 has completed the bending action at this time, the first protective layer 4 located in the first transition area BB1 can still be limited by the protruding second protective layer 8, thereby reducing the impact of the stress during the bending holding stage on the display substrate 1.

[0095] Optionally, as shown in FIG10c, the second protective layer 8 includes a first portion 81 and a second portion 82 located in the first transition region BB1 and connected to each other, wherein the second portion 82 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the polarizer layer 2 on the display substrate 1; the first protective layer 4 includes a third portion 41 located in the first transition region BB1; the third portion 41 is located between the second portion 82 and the display substrate 1.

[0096] In addition, this disclosure also provides a display module, as shown in FIG4, the display module includes a display substrate 1. The display substrate 1 has a display area AA, a peripheral area BB surrounding the display area AA, a bonding area DD located on the side of the peripheral area BB away from the display area AA, and a bending area CC that bends and connects the peripheral area BB and the bonding area DD; the peripheral area BB includes a first transition area BB1 near the bending area CC.

[0097] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the display module provided in this embodiment after bending. As shown in Figure 11, the display module further includes a polarizer layer 2 and a first protective layer 4 disposed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate 1. The polarizer layer 2 at least covers the display area AA; optionally, the polarizer layer 2 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1. The first protective layer 4 extends from the bending area CC to the first transition area BB1 and the bonding area DD. The first surface S1 of the first protective layer 4 facing away from the display substrate 1 does not exceed the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2 facing away from the display substrate 1.

[0098] Optionally, the polarizer layer 2 and the first protective layer 4 abut against each other in the first transition region BB1, forming a smooth transition structure P. The "smooth transition structure P" can be understood as the first surface S1 of the first protective layer 4 facing away from the display substrate 1 and the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2 facing away from the display substrate 1 forming a smooth surface. Optionally, the polarizer layer 2 is configured such that, before forming the smooth transition structure P, a third protective layer 3 is provided on its side facing away from the display substrate 1, as shown in Figure 3b above. The third protective layer 3 extends from the display region AA to the first transition region BB1, and protrudes from the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition region BB1. As shown in Figure 3c, the smooth transition structure P is formed by peeling off the third protective layer 3 after the first protective layer 4 is formed. That is, the smooth transition structure P can be defined by an elongated design of the third protective layer 3 in the middle section, and the third protective layer 3 has been removed before the final display module is formed.

[0099] The polarizer layer 2 is mainly used to control the polarization direction of light, selectively allowing or blocking light from a certain direction. The first protective layer 4 is mainly used to protect the display substrate 1 located in the bending region CC, preventing bending damage.

[0100] Optionally, the display area AA has multiple sides, with the bending area CC located on one side of the display area AA. A peripheral area BB surrounds each side of the display area AA; the peripheral area BB includes multiple sides, with the side closest to the bending area CC belonging to the first transition area BB1. For example, the display area AA has four sides, namely an upper and lower side opposite to each other in the first direction X, and a left and right side opposite to each other in the first direction Y. The first transition area BB1 belongs to the sub-region of the peripheral area BB located on the lower side of the display area AA.

[0101] In some embodiments, FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the display module before bending provided in the present disclosure. As shown in FIG12, the first surface S1 of the first protective layer 4 facing away from the display substrate 1 and the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2 facing away from the display substrate 1 are connected to form a smooth surface.

[0102] Optionally, the first protective layer 4 includes a defining area FF1, a leveling area FF2, and a ramping area FF3. The leveling area FF2 is located in the bending area CC and extends to the first transition area BB1 and the bonding area DD. The defining area FF1 is connected to the side of the leveling area FF2 extending to the first transition area BB1, and the ramping area FF3 is connected to the side of the leveling area FF2 extending to the bonding area DD. The first surface S1 located in the defining area FF1 is flush with the second surface S2.

[0103] Optionally, the dimension of the first surface S1 located in the defined region FF1 in the first direction X is a first distance H1; the closest distance from the first edge of the polarizer layer 2 located in the first transition region BB1 to the bending region CC is a second distance H2. The first distance H1 is less than or equal to the second distance H2.

[0104] Optionally, the first distance H1 is between 170 μm and 110 μm. Optionally, the second distance H2 is between 250 μm and 200 μm.

[0105] It should be noted that this disclosure achieves a narrow bezel by reducing the closest distance from the first edge of the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition region BB1 to the bending region CC. Because the B value is reduced, the stress generated by bending increases. Furthermore, this disclosure uses an elongated design of the third protective layer 3 to confine the first protective layer 4 below the second surface S2 of the polarizer layer 2 away from the display substrate 1, forming a smooth transition structure P with the polarizer layer 2. This reduces the thickness difference at different locations of the first protective layer 4, improves the overall uniformity of the first protective layer 4, thereby reducing the influence of the siphon effect and further reducing defects caused by cracks during the bending process.

[0106] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11, the display module further includes a second protective layer 8 disposed on the side of the polarizer layer 2 facing away from the display substrate 1, and a cover plate 9 disposed on the side of the second protective layer 8 facing away from the polarizer layer 2.

[0107] The second protective layer 8 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the second protective layer 8 protrudes from the polarizer layer 2 in the first transition area BB1; the cover plate 9 covers the entire structure below it, including the second protective layer 8, the polarizer layer 2 and the entire display substrate 1.

[0108] For example, the material of the second protective layer 8 can be optically clear adhesive (OCA). The cover plate 9 can be used to protect the display substrate 1. Fixing the cover plate 9 with optical adhesive makes the installation of the cover plate 9 simple and secure. Moreover, optical adhesive has good optical transmittance and its refractive index is similar to that of glass, so it has little impact on the display effect.

[0109] Optionally, the second protective layer 8 includes a first portion 81 and a second portion 82 located in the first transition region BB1 and interconnected therewith, wherein the second portion 82 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the polarizer layer 2 on the display substrate 1.

[0110] Optionally, the size of the second part 82 in the first direction X is between 90 μm and 150 μm.

[0111] In this embodiment, the first protective layer 4 located in the first transition region BB1 is further defined by the protruding second protective layer 8, which can reduce the impact of stress on the display substrate 1 during the bending and holding stage.

[0112] Optionally, the first transition region BB1 includes a first sub-region BB11 and a second sub-region BB12 disposed between the first sub-region BB11 and the bending region CC; both the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 are located in the first sub-region BB11. The first protective layer 4 located in the first sub-region BB11 and the first protective layer 4 located in the bending region CC smoothly transition through the first protective layer 4 located in the second sub-region BB12. Optionally, the dimension of the second sub-region BB12 in the first direction X is smaller than the dimension of the first sub-region BB11 in the first direction X.

[0113] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11, the display module further includes a back film layer 6 disposed on the backlight side of the display substrate 1; the back film is provided with a groove 60 located in the bending region CC. The groove 60 penetrates the back film in the thickness direction.

[0114] The back film layer 6 includes a first back film 61 and a second back film 62; the first back film 61 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1, and the second back film 62 is located at least in the bonding area DD. The display substrate 1 includes a bent portion 11 located in the bending area CC; in the bent state, the bent portion 11 is bent about the bending axis; the orthographic projections of the first back film 61 and the second back film 62 on the display substrate 1 do not overlap with the bent portion 11.

[0115] Optionally, in the bent state, the first edge of the first back film 61 near the bending area CC is aligned with the second edge of the second back film 62 near the bending area CC, and the first edge, the second edge and the bending axis O are located on the same vertical reference plane L1.

[0116] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11, the display module further includes a support layer 7 disposed between the first back film 61 and the second back film 62. The material of the support layer 7 can be a metal or other material that can provide support, and this embodiment of the application is not limited thereto. The metal material can be stainless steel or a shape memory alloy, etc. The support layer 7 can support the display substrate 1, thereby improving the support of the display module and protecting the display substrate 1.

[0117] Optionally, the support layer 7 includes a composite film layer. The composite film layer may include an adhesive layer, a buffer layer, and a heat dissipation layer sequentially stacked in a direction away from the display substrate 1. The composite film layer can buffer the stress acting on the display substrate 1 and dissipate the heat generated by the display substrate 1 during operation, thus providing a certain degree of protection for the display substrate 1.

[0118] Optionally, the support layer 7 is recessed within the first edge of the first back film 61 near the bending region CC or the second edge of the second back film 62 near the bending region CC.

[0119] In addition, this disclosure also provides a display device, which includes the display module of any of the above embodiments. This display device can be, for example, any product with display functionality such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, television, monitor, laptop computer, digital photo frame, or in-vehicle device. Other essential components of this display device are those that should be understood by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here, nor should they be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0120] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display module, comprising a display substrate, a polarizer layer disposed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate, and a first protective layer; The display substrate has a display area, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a bonding area located on the side of the peripheral area away from the display area, and a bending area that bends and connects the peripheral area and the bonding area; the peripheral area includes a first transition area near the bending area; The polarizer layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the first protective layer extends from the bending area to the first transition area and the bonding area; the polarizer layer and the first protective layer abut against each other in the first transition area, and the two form a smooth transition structure.

2. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The first surface of the first protective layer facing away from the display substrate and the second surface of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate are connected to form a smooth surface.

3. The display module of claim 2, wherein, The first protective layer includes a defining area, a leveling area, and a ramping area; the leveling area extends from the bending area to the first transition area and the binding area, the defining area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the first transition area, and the ramping area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the binding area; The first surface located in the defined area is flush with the second surface.

4. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The display module further includes a second protective layer disposed on the side of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate, and a cover plate disposed on the side of the second protective layer facing away from the polarizer layer. The second protective layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the second protective layer protrudes from the polarizer layer in the first transition area.

5. The display module of claim 4, wherein, The second protective layer includes a first portion and a second portion located in the first transition region and interconnected therewith, wherein the second portion does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the polarizer layer onto the display substrate; The first protective layer includes a third portion located in the first transition region; the third portion is located between the second portion and the display substrate.

6. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The display module further includes a back film layer disposed on the backlight side of the display substrate; a groove is provided on the back film layer, the groove being located in the bending area; the groove penetrates the back film layer in the thickness direction.

7. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The closest distance from the first edge of the polarizing film layer near the bending region to the bending region is between 250 μm and 200 μm.

8. The display module of claim 1, wherein, The polarizer layer is configured such that, before the formation of the smooth transition structure, a third protective layer is provided on the side of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate; the third protective layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the third protective layer protrudes from the polarizer layer in the first transition area; the smooth transition structure is formed by peeling off the third protective layer after the formation of the first protective layer.

9. A method of manufacturing a display module, wherein, include: Provide a display substrate; The display substrate has a display area, a peripheral area surrounding the display area, a bonding area located on the side of the peripheral area away from the display area, and a bending area that bends and connects the peripheral area and the bonding area; the peripheral area includes a first transition area near the bending area; A polarizer layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate; the polarizer layer extends from the display area to the first transition area; A third protective layer is formed on the side of the polarizer layer opposite to the display substrate; the third protective layer extends from the display area to the first transition area, and the third protective layer protrudes from the polarizer layer in the first transition area; A first protective layer is formed on the light-emitting side of the display substrate on which the third protective layer is formed; the first protective layer extends from the bending region to the first transition region and the bonding region; the polarizer layer and the first protective layer abut against each other in the first transition region, and the two form a smooth transition structure; The third protective layer is removed from the display substrate on which the first protective layer is formed to form the display module.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the display module is prepared by the steps of: The peripheral area also includes other transition areas besides the first transition area; in the other transition areas, the third protective layer is flush with the end face of the polarizer layer.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the display module is prepared by the steps of: The first surface of the first protective layer facing away from the display substrate and the second surface of the polarizer layer facing away from the display substrate are connected to form a smooth surface.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first protective layer includes a defining area, a leveling area, and a ramping area; the leveling area extends from the bending area to the first transition area and the binding area, the defining area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the first transition area, and the ramping area is connected to one side of the leveling area extending to the binding area; The first surface located in the defined area is flush with the second surface.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the display module is prepared by the steps of: The first surface located in the defined area is in contact with the third surface of the third protective layer near the display substrate; The third protective layer is coplanar with the second surface on the third surface near the display substrate.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the display module is prepared by the steps of: Also includes: A back film layer is formed on the backlight side of the display substrate; a groove is provided on the back film layer, and the groove is located in the bending area; The groove penetrates the back film layer in the thickness direction of the back film layer; The display substrate located in the bending area is bent and fixed; A driver chip is bonded to the bonding area of ​​the display substrate.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the display module is prepared by the steps of: Removing the third protective layer from a display substrate on which the first protective layer is formed to form the display module includes: The third protective layer is removed from the display substrate to which the driver chip is bonded, and the polarizer layer is exposed. A second protective layer is formed on the side of the polarizer layer opposite to the display substrate; A cover plate is formed on the side of the second protective layer that is away from the display substrate.

16. A display device comprising a display module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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