Flexible display device, fabrication method and electronic device thereof

A flexible display device, a flexible display device fabrication method and an electronic device are provided. The flexible display device comprises a flexible display panel having a first surface for displaying images; a flexible insulating layer disposed on the first surface of the flexible display panel and divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks; and a touch control unit disposed on the flexible insulating layer and comprising a first touch control electrode layer in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer. The first touch control electrode layer includes a plurality of first touch control electrodes. Any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first touch control electrodes. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks overlaps with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. CN201710342803.9, filed on May 16, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to the organic electroluminescent technology and, more particularly, relates to a flexible display device, a flexible display device fabrication method and an electronic device thereof.

BACKGROUND

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), also known as organic electroluminescent displays, are emerging as the next generation of flat display technology, because of their various advantages such as self-luminous, wide viewing angle, fast response, high luminous efficiency, wide color gamut, low operation voltage, and flexibility, etc. In an existing OLED display device, a touch control panel and an OLED display panel are often integrated to achieve an integration of the touch control function and the display function.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an existing OLED display device. As shown inFIG. 1, the OLED display device includes a touch control panel10and an OLED display panel20. The OLED display panel20has a first side where images are displayed and an opposite side, and the touch control panel10is disposed on the first side of the OLED display panel20. The OLED display panel20at least includes an array substrate21, a light-emitting function layer22, a cathode23for an OLED light-emitting device, and a thin film encapsulation layer24. Touch control electrodes in the touch control panel10are in direct contact with the thin film encapsulation layer24. However, a large parasitic capacitance is often formed between the cathode23and the touch control electrodes, resulting in a large load between the cathode23and the touch control electrodes.

The disclosed flexible display device, fabrication method and electronic device thereof are directed to solve one or more problems set forth above and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a flexible display device. The flexible display device comprises a flexible display panel having a first surface for displaying images; a flexible insulating layer disposed on the first surface of the flexible display panel and divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks, wherein the flexible insulating layer has a first surface facing the flexible display panel and an opposite second surface far away from the flexible display panel; and a touch control unit disposed on the second surface of the flexible insulating layer. The touch control unit comprises a first touch control electrode layer in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer, and the first touch control electrode layer includes a plurality of first touch control electrodes. Any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first touch control electrodes. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks overlaps with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a flexible display panel fabrication method. The flexible display panel fabrication method, comprising: providing a flexible display panel having a first surface for displaying images; forming a flexible insulating layer on the first surface of the flexible display panel, and dividing the flexible insulating layer into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks; and forming a touch control unit on the opposite second surface of the flexible insulating layer. The touch control unit comprises a first touch control electrode layer in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer. The first touch control electrode layer includes a plurality of first touch control electrodes, and any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first touch control electrodes. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks overlaps with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device comprising a flexible display device. The flexible display device comprises a flexible display panel having a first surface for displaying images; a flexible insulating layer disposed on the first surface of the flexible display panel and divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks, wherein the flexible insulating layer has a first surface facing the flexible display panel and an opposite second surface far away from the flexible display panel; and a touch control unit disposed on the second surface of the flexible insulating layer. The touch control unit comprises a first touch control electrode layer in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer, and the first touch control electrode layer includes a plurality of first touch control electrodes. Any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first touch control electrodes. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks overlaps with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments consistent with the disclosure will be described with reference to drawings. In the drawings, the shape and size may be exaggerated, distorted, or simplified for clarity. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Further, in the present disclosure, the disclosed embodiments and the features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined under conditions without conflicts. It is apparent that the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the disclosed embodiments, persons of ordinary skill in the art may derive other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides an improved flexible display device, which may be able to reduce the load of the flexible display device without degrading the bending performance of the flexible display device.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a schematic top view of an exemplary flexible display device consistent with disclosed embodiments.FIGS. 2B-2Cillustrate AA′-sectional views of an exemplary flexible display device inFIG. 2Aconsistent with disclosed embodiments.

As shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, the flexible display device may comprise a flexible display panel110having a first surface for displaying images, a flexible insulating layer120disposed on the first surface of the flexible display panel110, and a touch control unit comprising a first touch control electrode layer131in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer120. The flexible insulating layer120may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121. The flexible insulating layer120may have a first surface facing the flexible display panel110and an opposite second surface far away from the flexible display panel110. The touch control unit may be disposed on the second surface of the flexible insulating layer120.

The touch control electrode layer131may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132, and any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may correspond to at least one first touch control electrode132. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may overlap with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132.

That is, when being projected onto the flexible display panel110, the orthogonal projection of the gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may overlap with the orthogonal projection of the gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 2B-2C, when being projected onto the flexible display panel110, the orthogonal projection of the gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may fully cover the orthogonal projection of the gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132.

The flexible display panel110may comprise at least one display electrode layer (not drawn inFIGS. 2A-2C). The touch control unit may comprise the first touch control electrode layer131, which may overlap with the display electrode layer in a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110. That is, when being projected onto the flexible display panel110, the orthogonal projections of the display electrode layer and first touch control electrode layer131may overlap with each other. Thus, a parasitic capacitance may be generated between the display electrode layer and the first touch control electrode layer131, which may result a substantially large load of the flexible display device.

To reduce the load of the flexible display device, the flexible insulating layer120may be disposed between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit. On one hand, the flexible insulating layer120may not affect either the display function of the flexible display panel110or the touch control function of the touch control unit. On the other hand, the flexible insulating layer120may increase the distance between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit and, accordingly, reducing the load of the flexible display device.

The flexible display panel110may include any appropriate type of flexible display panels capable of displaying videos and/or images, such as plasma display panels, field emission display panels, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels, light-emitting diode (LED) display panels, liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, quantum dots (QDs) display panels, electrophoretic display panels, etc.

In one embodiment, the flexible display panel110may be a top emission type OLED display panel. An exemplary structure is shown inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, the flexible display panel110may comprise a flexible substrate111, a thin-film-transistor (TFT)113array disposed on the flexible substrate111, a plurality of light-emitting units114electrically connected to the TFT113array, and a thin film encapsulation layer115configured to encapsulate the plurality of light-emitting units114.

The TFT array may comprise a plurality of TFTs113. The flexible substrate111may be formed of any appropriate flexible insulating materials, such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyether sulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyarylate, and glass fiber-reinforced materials, etc. The flexible substrate111may be transparent, translucent or opaque. The flexible substrate111may be provided with a buffer layer112which covers the entire upper surface of the flexible substrate111. The buffer layer112may be configured to block oxygen and moisture, and prevent moisture or impurities from diffusing through the flexible substrate111. The buffer layer112may also provide a flat surface on the upper surface of the flexible substrate111, facilitating the subsequent fabrication process.

The TFTs113may be disposed on the buffer layer112, and the light-emitting units114may be disposed on the TFTs113. The thin film encapsulation layer115may be disposed on the light-emitting units114, and cover the light-emitting units114for preventing the light-emitting units114and other films from external moisture and oxygen. The thin film encapsulation layer115may comprise stacked organic layers and inorganic layers. The thin film encapsulation layer115may have a first surface facing the flexible substrate111and an opposite second surface far away from the flexible substrate111. The flexible insulating layer120may be disposed on the second surface of the thin film encapsulation layer115.

The light-emitting unit114may at least comprise a first electrode114a, a light-emitting function layer114b, and a second electrode114c. The light emitted from the light-emitting function layer114bmay be transmitted through the second electrode114c. The second surface of the thin film encapsulation layer115may be the first surface of the flexible display panel110, in which the second surface of the thin film encapsulation layer115may be arranged far away from the flexible substrate111, and the first surface of the flexible display panel110may be for displaying images.

The parasitic capacitance may be formed between the second electrode114cof the flexible display panel110and the first touch control electrode layer131. However, the flexible insulating layer120, which is disposed between the first surface of the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit, may increase the distance between the second electrode114cof the flexible display panel110and the first touch control electrode layer131. Thus, the parasitic capacitance formed between the second electrode114cand the first touch control electrode layer131may be reduced, and the load of the flexible display device may be reduced, accordingly.

In another embodiment, the flexible display panel may be an OLED display panel of a bottom emission type, or a double emission type, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the flexible insulating layer120may have a thickness of approximately 4 μm to 20 μm. The flexible insulating layer120may be made of an organic material, such as polymethylmethacrylate. When the thickness of the flexible insulating layer120is substantially small, the load of the flexible display device may not be obviously reduced. When the thickness of the flexible insulating layer120is substantially large, the display effect and the bending capability of the flexible display device may be affected.

Further, organic materials may be able to form a substantially thick flexible insulation layer, while inorganic materials may not be able to form a substantially thick flexible insulation layer. Thus, the flexible insulation layer made of organic materials may be able to significantly reduce the parasitic capacitance. Even an inorganic insulation layer has a same thickness as the flexible insulation layer made of organic materials, the stress of the inorganic insulation layer may be much larger than the stress of the flexible insulation layer made of organic materials. Thus, even the inorganic insulation layer has the same thickness as the flexible insulation layer made of organic materials, the bending capability of the flexible insulation layer made of organic materials may be significantly superior to the bending capability of the inorganic insulating layer.

In summary, through disposing the flexible insulating member121formed of an organic material beneath the first touch control electrode132, the bending capability of the flexible display device may be increased, and the bending stress of the flexible display device may be effectively alleviated. It should be noted that, the thickness and material of the flexible insulating layer in the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In practical applications, the thickness and material of the flexible insulating layer may be determined according to various application scenarios, as long as the function of the flexible display device is not affected. In certain embodiments, the material of the flexible insulating layer may include acrylic.

In one embodiment, the touch control unit may be a capacitive touch control unit. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on mutual capacitance, which may include a first touch control electrode layer131. The first touch control electrode layer131may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132each of which is a block electrode.

The plurality of first touch control electrodes132may be arranged in a plurality of rows of touch driving electrodes133and a plurality of columns of touch sensing electrodes134. At the touch detection stage, the touch detection circuit (not drawn inFIGS. 2A-2C) may apply a touch driving signal to the touch driving electrodes133, and then acquire a touch sensing signal from the touch sensing electrodes134. The touch detection circuit may determine the touch position according to the touch driving signal and the touch sensing signal.

In another embodiment, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on self-capacitance or based on both mutual capacitance and self-capacitance, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

As discussed above, through disposing the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device, the load of the flexible display device may be reduced. However, the thickness of the flexible display device may be increased, which may increase the internal stress of the flexible insulating layer120when the flexible display device is bent and lead to cracks in the flexible insulating layer120. Meanwhile, when bending the flexible display device, the stress between the flexible insulating layer120and the flexible display panel110, as well as the stress between the flexible insulating layer120and the touch control unit may be increased. As a result, various layers in the flexible display device may be more likely to fall off.

To prevent the bending performance of the flexible display device from being affected, the flexible insulating layer120may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121, any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may correspond to one first touch control electrode132, and in a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110, the gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may overlap with the gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132. Thus, on one hand, when bending the flexible display device, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks121may be substantially small, and the flexible insulating layer120may be less likely to crack. Meanwhile, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the flexible display panel110, as well as the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the first touch control electrodes132may be substantially small, such that the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off.

On the other hand, because any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may correspond to one first touch control electrode132, the bending direction of the flexible display device may not be confined by the flexible insulating layer, and the flexible display device may be bent in any direction. For example, the flexible display device may be laterally bent or longitudinally bent, or may be bent in a diagonal direction.

FIG. 2Dillustrates an enlarged top view of an S1 region in an exemplary flexible display device inFIG. 2Aconsistent with disclosed embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 2D, the first touch control electrode132may be a metal mesh, i.e., a metal grid with a plurality of openings. Accordingly, each flexible insulating block121may include a plurality of grooves122extending through the flexible insulating block121, in a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110, the groove122may fall within the opening of the metal grid. That is, when being projected onto the first touch control electrode132, the orthogonal projection of the groove122may fall within the opening of the metal grid.

On one hand, metals have the advantages of substantially high conductivity and bending capability, and as compared to ITO, metals have a lower cost and is less likely to be broken. On the other hand, the flexible insulation layer and the metal mesh may be fabricated by exposing through a mask or by printing, and the fabrication process may be substantially simple. Thus, the first touch control electrode of metal mesh may have various advantages, such as high transparency, low resistance, and low cost, etc. When the flexible display device is bent, the stress inside the flexible insulating block121may be substantially small, and the stress between the flexible insulating block121and the other layers may also be substantially small. Thus, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, the cracks in the flexible insulating layer120may be suppressed, and the overall bending performance of the flexible display device may be improved.

It should be noted that, the shape of the openings in the metal grid and the shape of the grooves122in the flexible insulating block121shown inFIG. 2Dare for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In practical applications, the shape of the openings in the metal grid and the shape of the grooves122in the flexible insulating block121may be determined according to various application scenarios. The shape of the openings in the metal grid may be the same as or different from the shape of the grooves122in flexible the insulating block121.

Referring toFIG. 2AandFIG. 2C, the plurality of first touch control electrodes132may be arranged in a plurality of rows of touch driving electrodes133and a plurality of columns of touch sensing electrodes134. In particular, the first touch control electrode configured as the touch driving electrode133is denoted as133a, the connecting line of two adjacent first touch control electrodes133ain the touch driving electrode133is denoted as133b, the first touch control electrode configured as the touch sensing electrode134is denoted as134a, and the connecting line of two adjacent first touch control electrodes134ain the touch sensing electrodes134is denoted as134b.

Because each flexible insulating block121corresponds to a first touch control electrode132, the connecting line133bin the touch driving electrode133may be connected to two adjacent first touch control electrodes133avia the surface of the flexible display panel110. As shown inFIG. 2C, the connecting line133bmay extend to the bottom surface of the flexible insulating block121, and the first touch control electrode133amay extend along the edge of the flexible insulating block121to be connected to the connecting line133b. Thus, the connecting line133bmay be less likely to be broken when being bent, thereby reducing the risk of the electrical disconnections of two adjacent first touch control electrodes.

FIGS. 4A-4Billustrate schematic top views of exemplary flexible display devices consistent with disclosed embodiments. The similarities betweenFIGS. 4A-4BandFIG. 2Aare not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

As shown inFIG. 4A, any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may correspond to a plurality of first touch control electrodes132. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110, the gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may overlap with the gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132. In particular, through dividing the flexible insulating layer120into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121, the stress inside the flexible insulating block121may be reduced and, meanwhile, the stress between the flexible insulating block121and the other films may also be reduced. Thus, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, the cracks in the flexible insulating layer120may be suppressed, and the overall bending performance of the flexible display device may be improved.

It should be noted that, the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device shown inFIG. 4Amay be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121arranged in an array, such that the flexible insulating layer may not confine the bending direction of the flexible display device. That is, the flexible display device may be bent in any direction. For example, the flexible display device may be bent in the X-direction or in the Y-direction, or in other directions.

As shown inFIG. 4B, the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121. The plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction. In particular, the first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4Bthe first direction and the second direction may be the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively. The bending direction of the flexible display device may be the Y-direction. Thus, when bending the flexible display device, the stress inside the flexible insulating stripes121may be substantially small and, meanwhile, the stress between the flexible insulating stripes121and the other layers may also be substantially small. Thus, not only the stress inside the flexible insulating layer120may be reduced, but also the stress between the flexible insulating layer120and the other layers may be reduced. Accordingly, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, the cracks in the flexible insulating layer120may be suppressed, and the overall bending performance of the flexible display device may be improved.

It should be noted that, the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device shown inFIG. 4Bmay be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating stripes121extending in the X-direction and arranged the Y-second direction, such that the bending direction of the flexible display device may be fixed in one direction, i.e., the Y-direction. On the other hand, increasing the thickness of the flexible insulating layer120may allow the flexible display device to be bent in the fixed Y-direction, but not allow the flexible display device to be easily bent in the X direction.

That is, through dividing the flexible insulation layer120in different ways, the flexible display device may have different bending properties.

In the disclosed embodiments, through disposing the flexible insulating layer between the first surface of the flexible display panel and the touch control unit, the distance between the flexible display panel and the touch control unit may be increased, the parasitic capacitance formed between the flexible display panel and the touch control unit may be reduced and, accordingly, the load of the flexible display device may be reduced.

Further, the flexible insulating layer may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks, and any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks may correspond to at least one first touch control electrode. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, the gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks may overlap with the gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes. Thus, when bending the flexible display device, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks and the flexible display panel, as well as, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks and the first touch control electrodes may be substantially small.

Accordingly, the various layers in the flexible display panel may be less likely to fall off, and the cracks in the flexible insulating layer may also be suppressed. That is, the flexible display device may be able to reduce the load of the flexible display device without degrading the bending performance of the flexible display device.

The present disclosure also provides exemplary flexible display devices in which the structure of the flexible insulating layer and touch control unit are different from the structure of the flexible insulating layer and touch control unit shownFIGS. 2A-4B. The similarities of the flexible display devices are not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

FIGS. 5A-5Eillustrate schematic top views of exemplary flexible display devices consistent with disclosed embodiments. The similarities betweenFIGS. 5A-5EandFIGS. 2A-4Bare not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

As shown inFIG. 5A, the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121. The plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

The plurality of first touch control electrodes132may be arranged in an array, in which the row direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to at least one row of the first touch control electrodes132(i.e., one first touch control electrode row). In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5A, the first direction and the second direction may be the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively. The bending direction of the flexible display device may be the Y-direction.

Further, the bending direction of the flexible display device may be bent in a fixed direction, i.e., the Y-direction. Through increasing the thickness of the flexible insulating layer120, the flexible display device may be not easily bent in the X-direction.

As shown inFIG. 5B, the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121. The plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

The plurality of first touch control electrodes132may be arranged in an array, in which the column direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to at least one column of the first touch control electrodes132(i.e., one first touch control electrode column). In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5B, the first direction and the second direction may be the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively. The bending direction of the flexible display device may be the X-direction.

Further, the bending direction of the flexible display device may be in a fixed direction, i.e., the X-direction. Through increasing the thickness of the flexible insulating layer120, the flexible display device may be not easily bent in the Y-direction.

As shown inFIG. 5C, the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be arranged in an array, in which the row direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

As shown inFIG. 5D, the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be arranged in an array, in which the column direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

As shown inFIG. 5E, the flexible insulating layer120in the flexible display device may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121. Each flexible insulating block121may correspond to a different number of first touch control electrodes132. The plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may include a plurality of columns of flexible insulating blocks121(i.e., a plurality of flexible insulating block columns), in which the column direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

According toFIGS. 5A-5E, the extending direction of the flexible insulating block121may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device, and the arrangement direction of the flexible insulating block121may be parallel to the bending direction of the flexible display device.

It should be noted that, the accompany drawings merely show the bending direction of the flexible display device, which indicates the bending properties of the flexible display device. The parameters related to the bending properties of the flexible display device may also include a bending axis, which is perpendicular to the bending direction.

FIGS. 6A-6Billustrate schematic views of the bending axis and bending direction of an exemplary flexible display device inFIG. 5A. In particular,FIG. 6Aillustrates a schematic top view of the bending state of the flexible display device inFIG. 5A, andFIG. 6Billustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the bending state of the flexible display device inFIG. 5A.

As shown inFIGS. 6A-6B, the flexible display device may have a bending axis and a bending direction, and the bending axis may be perpendicular to the bending direction. The flexible insulating blocks121may be extended in a direction parallel to the bending axis, but arranged in a direction parallel to the bending direction.

In one embodiment, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on mutual capacitance. The touch control unit may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132arranged in an array. The plurality of first touch control electrodes132may be arranged in a plurality of rows of touch driving electrodes and a plurality of columns of touch sensing electrodes. At the touch detection stage, the touch detection circuit (not drawn) may apply a touch driving signal to the touch driving electrodes, and then acquire a touch sensing signal from the touch sensing electrodes. The touch detection circuit may determine the touch position according to the touch driving signal and the touch sensing signal.

When bending the flexible display device, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks121may be substantially small and, meanwhile, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the first touch control electrodes132may also be substantially small. Thus, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, and the cracks in the flexible insulating layer120may be suppressed.

In another embodiment, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on self-capacitance or based on both mutual capacitance and self-capacitance, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also provides exemplary flexible display devices in which the structure of the flexible insulating layer and touch control unit are different from the structure of the flexible insulating layer and touch control unit shownFIGS. 2A-5E. The similarities of the flexible display devices are not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

FIGS. 7A-7Dillustrate schematic top views of exemplary flexible display devices consistent with disclosed embodiments. The similarities betweenFIGS. 7A-7DandFIGS. 2A-5Eare not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

As shown inFIGS. 7A-7D, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on mutual capacitance. The touch control unit may include a first touch control electrode layer131and a second touch control electrode layer135stacked together. The first touch control electrode layer131and the second touch control electrode layer135may be electrically insulated from each other. The first touch control electrode layer131may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction. The second touch control electrode layer135may include a plurality of second touch control electrodes136extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction. The first direction may intersect the second direction, i.e., the first touch control electrode132may intersect or cross the second touch control electrode136. The first touch control electrode132may be made of ITO. The second touch control electrode136may be made of ITO.

FIG. 7Billustrates a BB′-sectional view of an exemplary flexible display device inFIG. 7Aconsistent with disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 7A-7B, in the flexible display device, a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to one first touch control electrode132. That is, the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be one-to-one corresponding to the plurality of first touch control electrodes132.

As shown inFIG. 7C, in the flexible display device, a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to more than one first touch control electrodes132.

As shown inFIG. 7D, in the flexible display device, a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to at least two first touch control electrodes132. Each flexible insulating block121may correspond to a different number of first touch control electrodes132.

In the display panels shown inFIGS. 7A-7D, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on mutual capacitance. In particular, the touch control unit may include the first touch control electrode layer131and the second touch control electrode layer135. The first touch control electrodes132in the first touch control electrode layer131may be configured as the touch driving electrodes, and the second touch control electrodes136in the second touch control electrode layer135may be configured as the touch sensing electrodes.

At the touch detection stage, the touch detection circuit (not drawn) may apply a touch driving signal to the touch driving electrodes, and then acquire a touch sensing signal from the touch sensing electrodes. The touch detection circuit may determine the touch position according to the touch driving signal and the touch sensing signal.

In addition, when bending the flexible display device, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks121may be substantially small and, meanwhile, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the first touch control electrodes132may also be substantially small. Thus, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, and the cracks in the flexible insulating layer120may be suppressed.

In another embodiment, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on self-capacitance or based on both mutual capacitance and self-capacitance, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

The present disclosure also provides exemplary flexible display devices in which the structure of the flexible insulating layer and touch control unit are different from the structure of the flexible insulating layer and touch control unit shownFIGS. 2A-7D. The similarities of the flexible display devices are not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

FIGS. 8A-8Cillustrate schematic top views of exemplary flexible display devices consistent with disclosed embodiments. The similarities betweenFIGS. 8A-8CandFIGS. 2A-7Dare not repeated here, while certain difference may be explained.

As shown inFIGS. 8A-8C, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on self-capacitance. The touch control unit may include a first touch control electrode layer131, which may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132arranged in an array. In one embodiment, the first touch control electrode132may be made of ITO.

As shown inFIG. 8A, in the flexible display device, a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be flexible insulating stripes121extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction, and the first direction may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. The plurality of first touch control electrodes132may be arranged in an array, and the row direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to at least one row of first touch control electrodes132. That is, one flexible insulating block121may correspond to at least one first touch control electrode row.

As shown inFIG. 8B, in the flexible display device, a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be arranged in an array, and the row direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to one first touch control electrode132.

As shown inFIG. 8C, in the flexible display device, a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may be arranged in an array, and the row direction of the array may be perpendicular to the bending direction of the flexible display device. One flexible insulating block121may correspond to more than one first touch control electrodes132.

In the display panels shown inFIGS. 8A-8C, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on self-capacitance. In particular, the touch control unit may comprise the first touch control electrode layer131, which may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132. At the touch detection stage, the touch detection circuit (not drawn) may apply a touch driving signal to some first touch control electrodes132, and then acquire a touch sensing signal from some other first touch control electrodes132. The touch detection circuit may determine the touch position according to the touch driving signal and the touch sensing signal.

In addition, when bending the flexible display device, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks121may be substantially small and, meanwhile, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the first touch control electrodes132may also be substantially small. Thus, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, and the cracks in the flexible insulating layer120may be suppressed.

In another embodiment, the touch control unit may be a touch control unit based on mutual capacitance or based on both mutual capacitance and self-capacitance, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

FIG. 9illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary flexible display device consistent with disclosed embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 9, the flexible display device may comprise a flexible display panel including a plurality of pixel regions. The pixel regions may be any appropriate unit of display for displaying images or an image element. For example, the pixel region may be a pixel or a subpixel of an image. Each pixel region may comprise a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region. The flexible insulating block121may be disposed in the non-light-emitting region, and the touch control electrode132in the touch control unit may be disposed on the flexible insulating block121. The connecting lines between the first touch control electrodes132may also be connected through the non-light-emitting region.

Through disposing the flexible insulating block121in the non-light-emitting region of the pixel region, the light transmittance of the flexible display panel may not be degraded. In one embodiment, the first touch control electrode132may be made of ITO. In another embodiment, the first touch control electrode132may be a metal mesh.

The present disclosure also provided a flexible display device fabrication method.FIG. 10illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary flexible display device fabrication method consistent with disclosed embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 10, at the beginning, a flexible display panel having a first surface for displaying images is provided (S210). The corresponding structure is shown inFIG. 2B.

As shown inFIG. 2B, a flexible display panel110may be provided, which may include a first surface (i.e., a top surface of the flexible display panel110inFIG. 2B) for displaying images.

Returning toFIG. 10, after the flexible display panel is provided, a flexible insulating layer is formed on the first surface of the flexible display panel, and the flexible insulating layer is divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks (S220). The corresponding structure is shown inFIG. 2B.

As shown inFIG. 2B, a flexible insulating layer120may be formed on the first surface of the flexible display panel110, and the flexible insulating layer120may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121. The flexible insulating layer120may have a first surface facing the flexible display panel110and an opposite second surface far away from the flexible display panel110.

Returning toFIG. 10, after the flexible insulating layer is formed on the first surface of the flexible display panel110, a touch control unit is formed on the opposite second surface of the flexible insulating layer (S230). The touch control unit comprises a first touch control electrode layer in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer. The touch control electrode layer includes a plurality of first touch control electrodes, and any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks corresponds to at least one first touch control electrode. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks may overlap with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes. The corresponding structure is shown inFIG. 2B.

As shown inFIG. 2B, a touch control unit comprising a first touch control electrode layer131, which is in direct contact with the flexible insulating layer120, may be formed on the opposite second surface of the flexible insulating layer120. The touch control electrode layer131may include a plurality of first touch control electrodes132, and any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may correspond to at least one first touch control electrode132. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may overlap with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132.

Further, the flexible display panel110may comprise at least one display electrode layer (not drawn inFIG. 2B). The touch control unit may comprise the first touch control electrode layer131, which may overlap with the display electrode layer in a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110. That is, when being projected to the flexible display panel110, the orthogonal projections of the display electrode layer and first touch control electrode layer131may overlap with each other. Thus, a parasitic capacitance may be generated between the display electrode layer and the first touch control electrode layer131. The parasitic capacitance formed between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit may result a substantially large load of the flexible display device.

To reduce the load of the flexible display device, the flexible insulating layer120may be disposed between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit. On one hand, the flexible insulating layer120may not affect either the display function of the flexible display panel110or the touch control function of the touch control unit. On the other hand, the flexible insulating layer120may increase the distance between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance between the flexible display panel110and the touch control unit and, accordingly, reducing the load of the flexible display device.

Further, to prevent the bending properties of the flexible display device from being affected, the flexible insulating layer120may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks121, any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks121may correspond to at least one first touch control electrode132. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel110, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks121may overlap with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes132.

Thus, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks121may be substantially small, and the flexible insulating layer120may be less likely to crack. Meanwhile, when bending the flexible display device, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the flexible display panel110, as well as the stress between the flexible insulating blocks121and the first touch control electrodes132may also be substantially small, such that the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, and the bending performance of the flexible display device may be improved.

The present disclosure also provides an electronic device comprising any one of the disclosed flexible display devices.FIG. 11illustrates an exemplary electronic device consistent with disclosed embodiments.

As shown inFIG. 11, the electronic device1100may comprise a flexible display device1101, which may be any one of the disclosed flexible display devices. The electronic device1100may be a flexible electronic device. The electronic device1100may be a smart phone, a tablet, and a wearable electronic device, etc., which is not limited by the present disclosure.

In the disclosed embodiments, the flexible insulating layer may be disposed between the first surface of the flexible display panel and the touch control unit. The flexible insulating layer may increase the distance between the flexible display panel and the touch control unit, thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance between the flexible display panel and the touch control unit and, accordingly, reducing the load of the flexible display device.

Further, the flexible insulating layer may be divided into a plurality of flexible insulating blocks, any one of the plurality of flexible insulating blocks may correspond to at least one first touch control electrode. In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, a gap between any two adjacent flexible insulating blocks may overlap with a gap between two adjacent first touch control electrodes.

When bending the flexible display device, the internal stress of the flexible insulating blocks, the stress between the flexible insulating blocks and the flexible display panel, as well as the stress between the flexible insulating blocks and the first touch control electrodes may be substantially small. Thus, the various layers in the flexible display device may be less likely to fall off, the cracks in the flexible insulating layer may be suppressed, and the overall bending performance of the flexible display device may be improved.

The flexible display device may be able to reduce the load of the flexible display device without degrading the bending performance of the flexible display device.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein and that various other obvious changes, rearrangements, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, while the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the above described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above described embodiments, but may be embodied in other equivalent forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.