Patent ID: 12207420

100. Support component;1. Support layer;1a, Bending area;1b, Non-bending area;2. Adhesive layer;3. Protection film;4. Reinforcing layer;10. First hollow pattern;11. Bending axis;12, First edge;13, Second edge;14, Gap;101, Support block;102, first hollow part;1021, Opening;1022, First sub-hollow part;1023. Second sub-hollow part;20. Second hollow pattern;20a, sub-hollow pattern;201, Main body part;202, Second hollow part;2021, First arc hollow part;2022, First strip hollow part;203, Third hollow part;2031. Second arc hollow part,2032, Third arc hollow part;2033, Second strip hollow part;200. Flexible display panel.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with drawings in embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work shall fall within a protection scope of the present configured to limit the disclosure. In the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional words used such as “upper” and “lower” generally refer to upper and lower directions of a device in actual use or working state, and specifically refer to drawing directions in the drawings. And “inner” and “outer” refer to an outline of the device.

Please refer toFIG.1toFIG.5,FIG.1is a planar structural schematic diagram of a support layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5is a structural schematic diagram of the support component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides a support component100to support a flexible display panel. The support component100includes a support layer1, and the support layer1includes at least one bending area1a, and non-bending areas1bdisposed at two sides of the bending area1a. The support layer1has a patterned structure in the bending area1a. That is, the support layer1adopts a design combining a solid part and a hollow part to disperse stress received by the support layer1during a bending process, and to improve a ductility.

It should be noted that, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, taking the support layer1having one bending area1aand two non-bending areas1bas an example for explanation. However, it should be understood that, a number of the bending area1acan be 2 or more. Correspondingly, a number of the non-bending areas1bcan be 3 or more.

Specifically, the two non-bending areas1bare symmetrically connected to opposite sides of the bending area1a, and shapes and sizes of the two non-bending areas1bare the same.

Please refer toFIG.2,FIG.2is a first partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of a support layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The patterned structure includes two first edges12perpendicular to a bending axis11of the bending area1a, and the patterned structure includes two first hollow patterns10respectively disposed at a corresponding first edge12. The hollow patterns10comprises a plurality of support blocks101and a plurality of first hollow parts102. The plurality of support blocks101are disposed along a direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, and each first hollow part102is disposed between two adjacent support blocks101. An opening1021is formed at a corresponding first edge12close to each first hollow part102.

Please refer toFIG.3andFIG.11,FIG.3is a structural schematic diagram of a support module in a bending state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.11is a structural schematic diagram of a support module in another bending state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the support layer1is in the bending state, an opening1021shrinks to a closed state.

It should be noted that “When the support layer1is in a bending state, the opening1021shrinks to a closed state.” means that the opening1021just closes or tends to close when the support layer1is in the bending state. Specifically, in one case, as shown inFIG.11, when the opening1021just closes, opposite surfaces of the two adjacent support blocks101just touch. In another case, as shown inFIG.3, when the opening1021tends to close, the opposite surfaces of the two adjacent support blocks101are infinitely close but not abutting. At this time, a width of the first hollow part102at the corresponding first edge12and in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11is small enough, but not zero.

The present disclosure reduces a probability of water vapor and dust intruding into the flexible display module by adopting an above-mentioned design, under a premise of ensuring that the support layer1maintains a good ductility. In addition, for an inward-folding complete machine product, since the flexible display module is in a folded state for a long time, the flexible display module adopting the support layer1provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is easier to prevent dust.

In an embodiment, a width of the first hollow part102in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11gradually decreases along a direction approaching the corresponding first edge12. It should be noted that, the smaller the width of the first hollow part102close to the first edge12is, the lower the probability of water vapor intrusion. By adopting a design in which the width of the first hollow part102in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11gradually decreases, on the one hand, the probability of the water vapor and dust intruding into the flexible display module can be reduced to achieve a purpose of protecting the display module. On the other hand, that the first hollow part102has a transitional zoom design can balance a force of the flexible display module when bending, thereby avoiding an occurrence of fracture failure due to stress concentration.

In an embodiment, the width of the first hollow part102in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11decreases linearly along the direction approaching the corresponding first edge12. It should be understood that the width of the first hollow part102in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11decreases linearly, which is beneficial to further equalize the force on the flexible display module when bending, thereby avoiding the occurrence of the fracture failure due to the stress concentration.

In an embodiment,FIG.4is a structural schematic diagram of a first hollow part and a second hollow part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first hollow part102includes a first sub-hollow part1022and a second sub-hollow part1023disposed in a direction parallel to the bending axis11and connected to each other. The first sub-hollow part1022is away from the corresponding first edge12, and the second sub-hollow part1023is close to the corresponding first edge12. Wherein, in a direction close to the corresponding first edge12, the width of the first sub-hollow part1022in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11gradually decreases, and the width of the second sub-hollow part1023in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11remains unchanged.

It is understood that the first sub-hollow part1022has a retractable structure, and the second sub-hollow part1023has a horizontal structure. Due to an arrangement of the second sub-hollow part1023, the water vapor and dust need to pass through a narrow and long section to enter the first sub-hollow part1022, which increases a difficulty for external water vapor and dust to enter the flexible display module, thereby further reducing the probability of the water vapor and dust intruding into the flexible display module.

In an embodiment, in the direction close to the corresponding first edge12, a width of the first sub-hollow part1022in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11is a first width, and a width of the second sub-hollow part1023in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11is a second width. Wherein, the first width is greater than or equal to the second width. The first width gradually decreases, and the second width remains unchanged.

In an embodiment, the first hollow part102has a symmetrical pattern, and a symmetry axis of the first hollow part102is parallel to the bending axis11. That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a decreasing trend of the width of the first hollow part102in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11remains the same at any position, which is beneficial to further make the first hollow part102keep symmetrical under a force when the support layer1is bent, so that the force of the flexible display module is balanced when the flexible display module is bent, thereby avoiding the occurrence of the fracture failure due to the stress concentration.

In an embodiment, a width Z of the first hollow part102at the corresponding first edge12and in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11is less than or equal to 60 microns, which can avoid interference caused by the opposite surfaces of the two adjacent support blocks101pressing against each other due to the excessively large Z value, thereby avoiding defects such as squeezing and arching.

In an embodiment, the width Z of the first hollow part102at the corresponding first edge12and in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11ranges from 20 microns to 60 microns. On the one hand, it is can avoid a increase of the probability of the water vapor and dust entering the flexible display module under conditions of high temperature and humidity due to a too small Z value. On the other hand, since the edge stress of the flexible display module decreases first and then increases with an increase of the Z value, designing the Z value to this range can reduce the edge stress of the flexible display module.

In an embodiment, the first hollow part102can be formed by a dry etching process, or a laser forming method. The width Z of the first hollow part102at the corresponding first edge12and in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11is 20 microns, which is determined by a limit accuracy that can be achieved by an actual etching process at a current stage, and can meet a processing accuracy of a current stage of a process.

In an embodiment, please continue to refer toFIG.2, the non-bending area1bincludes two second edges13perpendicular to the bending axis11, and a gap14disposed between the first edge12and one second edge13disposed on a same side with the first edge12. It is understood that, on a premise that a force state of the flexible display module is not affected, compared with a flush design between the bending area1aand the non-bending area1bof the support layer1, the gap14is provided between the bending area1aand the non-bending area1bof the support layer1according to the present disclosure to make fingers or installation tools not easily touch the first edge12during subsequent installation, thereby reducing a probability of warping of the first edge12of the support layer1, and beneficial improving an yield rate, and meeting requirements of a whole machine falling.

In an embodiment, in order to not change a force state of an edge position in a width direction of the flexible display module, the width B of the gap14in the direction parallel to the bending axis11is less than or equal to 0.75 mm. While not changing the force state of the flexible display module at the edge position, enough space can be leave to fill the glue layer to protect the first edge12from external force damage.

In an embodiment, please refer toFIG.5andFIG.6.FIG.5is a structural schematic diagram of the support component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.6is a partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of the support module inFIG.5. The gap14is filled with a glue layer2with low moisture permeability and low modulus properties. On the one hand, the glue layer2serves as a buffer and can protect the first edge12from being damaged. On the other hand, the glue layer2made of waterproof gel has a waterproof performance, and can encapsulate and seal the first edge12to achieve a reliable water vapor barrier effect and a good protection effect.

In an embodiment, the glue layer2is made of a material with lower moisture permeability, an oxygen permeability, and a lower elastic modulus.

In an embodiment, an elastic modulus E of the glue layer2is between 0.05 MPa (megapascals) and 0.2 MPa.

In an embodiment, the glue layer2can be a silicone-based grease viscous oil film or a lithium-based grease oil film.

In an embodiment, please continue to refer toFIG.4, in the direction parallel to the bending axis11, a length L2 of the second hollow part202is greater than or equal to a length L1 of the first hollow part102, Moreover, the length L2 of the second hollow part202is less than or equal to 1.2 times the length L1 of the first hollow part102. On the one hand, considering the processing accuracy, the length of the first hollow part102should not be too long to reduce a difficulty of processing a narrow first sub-hollow part1022. On the other hand, under a premise of ensuring that the support layer1has the good ductility at the first edge12, the probability of the water vapor and dust in the external environment intruding into the flexible display module can be reduced. In the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, a maximum width of the first hollow part102is not greater than the width of the second hollow part202, so that the first hollow part102in a retracted state as a whole compared to the second hollow part202.

In an embodiment, in the direction parallel to the bending axis11, the length L1 of the first hollow part102is 2 microns.

In an embodiment, in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, the maximum width of the first hollow part102is not greater than the width of the second hollow part202.

In an embodiment, the width W of the second hollow part202in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11is ranges from 180 μm to 220 μm. On the one hand, a W value is avoided to be designed to be too small, so that the width of the first hollow part102in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11has enough space for reduction. On the other hand, since the edge stress of the flexible display module increases with a increase of the W value, that the W value is designed to this range can reduce the edge stress of the flexible display module.

In an embodiment, the second hollow part202includes a first arc hollow part2021and a first strip hollow part2022that are sequentially disposed in the direction parallel to the bending axis11and communicate with each other. The first strip hollow part2022is provided between the first arc hollow part2021and the first hollow part102. A shape of the first arc hollow part2021is semi-elliptical, and a shape of the first strip hollow part2022is rectangular. Of course, the second hollow part202can also have other shapes, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

It should be noted that a geometric size relationship between the first hollow part102and the second hollow part202, including the width Z of the first hollow part102at the corresponding first edge12and in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, the width B of the gap14in the direction parallel to the bending axis11, and the width W of the second hollow part202in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, will affect a change of an edge force and a shape of the support layer1to a certain extent. Therefore, it is very necessary to determine an appropriate range for geometric dimensions of the first hollow part102and the second hollow part202.

Specifically, the smaller the value of the width Z of the first hollow part102at the corresponding first edge12and in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, the narrower the opening1021. So the probability of the water vapor and dust intruding into the flexible display module under the conditions of high temperature and high humidity is smaller. However, a determination of the Z value range is also related to the value of the width W of the second hollow part202in the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11. If a Z value does not match the W value, the stress of the support layer1in a flattened state and the bending state is completely different. For example, when the support layer1is in the bending state, relative surfaces of the two adjacent support blocks101are pressed against each other, which is prone to interference and extrusion arching, and has a great impact on the edge force of the flexible display module, and even directly leads to the failure of the flexible display module from an edge section under extreme conditions. In addition, a determination of Z value range is also limited by an accuracy of an actual process. For example, limited by a processing accuracy of a current etching process, the smaller the Z value, the lower a process yield, or even unable to process.

Considering an actual stress on an edge of the flexible display module, the applicant carries out combined size optimization through simulation analysis. Taking the stress on the edge of the flexible display module as a reference, the stress on the edge of the flexible display module is simulated by changing the W value and the Z value. When the stress on the edge of the flexible display module is the smallest, optimal W value and Z value are determined.

Please refer toFIG.7,FIG.7is a corresponding relationship diagram of the W value, the Z value, and an edge stress value according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A simulation results show that the larger the W value is, a corresponding edge stress of the flexible display module gradually increases, that is, the smaller the W value is, the more favorable it is to alleviate the edge stress of the flexible display module. The edge stress of the flexible display module decreases first and then increases with the Z value. When the Z value is 40 microns, the edge stress of the flexible display module can reach a better value.

In one embodiment, in combination withFIG.1andFIG.2, in order to more evenly disperse the stress of the support layer1in the bending process, and make the support layer1has a better ductility in the bending area1a, the bending area1aof the support layer1is further provided with a second hollow pattern20, and the second hollow pattern20is disposed in a middle area of the bending area1ain an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the ductility of the flexible display module applying the support component100can be improved as a whole to ensure that a deformation adaptability, and a coordination between the support layer1and functional film layers of the flexible display module are guaranteed, so as to improve a bending performance of the flexible display module, reduce a risk of debonding and fracture between film layers, and improve a bending service life of the flexible display module, and a production yield of the product.

Specifically, please refer toFIG.8,FIG.8is a second partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of the support layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Two ends of the second hollow pattern20are respectively connected with a first hollow pattern10. The second hollow pattern20includes a plurality of sub hollow patterns20arepeatedly disposed, and each sub hollow pattern20aincludes a main body part201and a plurality of second hollow parts202. Wherein, the second hollow part202in the sub hollow pattern20aconnected to the first hollow pattern10is connected to the first hollow part102in a corresponding first hollow pattern10one by one.

Specifically, the second hollow parts202of two adjacent sub hollow patterns20aare connected one by one. For a clear description, take the second hollow part on the left of the sub hollow pattern20ainFIG.8is202aand the second hollow part on the right of the sub hollow pattern20ais202bas an example. A side of the second hollow part202atowards the second hollow part202bis non-closed, and a side of the second hollow part202btowards the second hollow part202ais non-closed. The side of the second hollow part202atowards the second hollow part202bis connected to the side of the second hollow part202btowards the second hollow part202a.

In an embodiment, in order to further improve the ductility of the support layer1, each sub hollow pattern20aalso includes a plurality of third hollow parts203. In the direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, the third hollow parts203and the second hollow parts202in each sub hollow pattern20aare disposed alternately, and each third hollow part203corresponds to two second hollow parts202disposed at intervals.

In an embodiment, please refer toFIG.9,FIG.9is a structural schematic diagram of a third hollow part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The third hollow part203includes a second arc hollow part2031and a third arc hollow part2032respectively disposed at both ends, and a second strip hollow part2033disposed between the second arc hollow part2031and the third arc hollow part2032. A shape and size of the second arc hollow part2031and the third arc hollow part2032are the same as those of the first arc hollow part2021, In a direction perpendicular to the bending axis11, the width of the second strip hollow part2033is equal to a width of the first strip hollow part2022.

In an embodiment, hollow parts of the first hollow pattern10and the second hollow pattern20are filled with the glue layer2with low moisture permeability and low modulus properties.

Specifically, the first hollow part102, the second hollow part202and the third hollow part203are also filled with the adhesive layer2with low moisture permeability and low modulus properties. The glue layer2needs to be leveled after filling.

In an embodiment, the glue layer2can be filled in the second hollow part202and the third hollow part203by coating.

In an embodiment, material of the glue layer2filled in the second hollow part202and the third hollow part203can be the same as that of the glue layer2filled in the gap14.

In an embodiment, please continue to refer toFIG.5andFIG.6. The support component100also includes a protection film3disposed on a side of the support layer1away from the flexible display panel, and the protection film3covers at least a part of the support layer1corresponding to the bending area1a.

In an embodiment, the material of the protection film3can be a material with good wear resistance, oil resistance and corrosion resistance. At a high temperature of 120° C., the protection film3does not shrink and has good elasticity.

In an embodiment, the material of the protection film3can be a thermoplastic polyurethane elastic colloid material, but is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the support component100also includes a reinforcing layer4disposed on a side of the protection film3away from the support layer1. The reinforcing layer4can conduct a secondary sealing treatment on the support layer1by coating the glue layer with low moisture permeability and low modulus properties on the side of the protection film3away from the support layer1, so as to reduce way of water vapor invading the flexible display module, and further reduce the probability of water vapor invading the flexible display module. Specifically, material of the reinforcing layer4can be the same as that of the glue layer2filled in the first hollow part102, the second hollow part202, the third hollow part203and the gap14.

It can be understood that relevant data provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure has been applied to an actual production, and a finite element simulation analysis technology and a cloud diagram for simulating the bending force of the support layer1are adopted. Specifically, an embodiment of the present disclosure changes a structural morphology of an edge position of the bending area1aof the support layer1. The support layer1adopts a design of the patterned structure. Through simulation verification, a maximum stress received by the support layer1is 526.9 MPa. A stress value is within its fatigue strength range, and is far lower than a strength limit value of its selected material strength of 1600 MPa, which shows that adopting this design method will not affect a force state of the flexible display module. In addition, the simulation results can prove that the probability of the water vapor and dust entering the flexible display module through the opening1021under high temperature and high humidity conditions can be effectively reduced, which is beneficial to improve the life of the flexible display module.

Please refer toFIG.10,FIG.10is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the flexible display module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible display module provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flexible display panel200and the support component100in above-mentioned embodiments. Wherein the support component100is located on one side of the flexible display panel200and is configured to support the flexible display panel200.

The beneficial effects are: the support component and the flexible display module provided by the present disclosure. The support component includes the support layer. The support layer has the patterned structure in the bending area. The patterned structure includes two first hollow patterns respectively disposed at the first edge, and the first hollow pattern includes a plurality of support blocks and a plurality of first hollow parts. The plurality of support blocks are disposed along the direction perpendicular to the bending axis. Each first hollow part is disposed between two adjacent support blocks, and each first hollow part forms the opening near the adjacent first edge. When the support layer is in the bending state, the opening shrinks to close, thereby reducing the probability of the water vapor and dust intruding into the flexible display module when the flexible display module is bent, and improving a display life of the flexible display module.

In summary, although the disclosure has been disclosed as above in preferred embodiments, above-mentioned preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, a protection scope of this disclosure is subject to the scope defined by the claims.