WO2021204114A1

WO2021204114A1 - Flexible display panel, display module and mobile terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2021204114A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/085673
Authority: WO
Inventors: 安亚斌; 贺海明; 李霄; 石储荣; 梁朝荣
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2020-04-10
Filing date: 2021-04-06
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: CN113517410A

Abstract

Provided is a flexible display panel, comprising a substrate, and a retaining dam and a packaging layer, which are located on the same side of the substrate, wherein the retaining dam is located in a non-display region of the flexible display panel and is arranged surrounding a display region of the flexible display panel; the surface of the retaining dam away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of first grooves; in the extension direction of the retaining dam, the plurality of first grooves are arranged at intervals from one another; the packaging layer covers the substrate and the retaining dam; and the plurality of first grooves are filled with part of the packaging layer. In the process of bending of the flexible display panel shown in the present application, the problem of display failure caused by staggered layers between layer structures of the flexible display panel does not occur, and the flexible display panel can display in a normal manner all the time. Further provided are a display module comprising the flexible display panel, and a mobile terminal.

Description

Flexible display panel, display module and mobile terminal

This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office, the application number is 202010281037.1, and the application name is "flexible display panel, display module and mobile terminal" on April 10, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference In this application.

Technical field

This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a flexible display panel, a display module and a mobile terminal.

Background technique

At present, flexible display panels are widely used in the field of display technology due to their advantages of low power consumption, thinness, resistance to breakage, and flexibility. However, during the bending process of the flexible display panel, due to the different radii of the layers in the flexible display panel, the layer structure of the flexible display panel is likely to be mislayered and cause display failure.

Summary of the invention

The present application provides a flexible display panel, a display module and a mobile terminal, which are used to solve the problem of display failure caused by layer structures of the flexible display panel during the bending process of the flexible display panel, and ensure the flexible display panel The normal display.

The flexible display panel shown in the present application includes a substrate and a dam and an encapsulation layer on the same side of the substrate. The dam is located in the non-display area of the flexible display panel and is arranged around the display area of the flexible display panel. The surface of the dam facing away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of first grooves, and the plurality of first grooves are arranged at intervals along the extending direction of the dam. The encapsulation layer covers the substrate and the dam, and part of the encapsulation layer fills a plurality of first grooves. Wherein, the non-display area of the flexible display panel is arranged around the display area of the flexible display panel.

Among them, the extension direction of the dam is the circumferential direction of the display area. That is, the dam extends in the circumferential direction of the display area. In order to block the external moisture and oxygen outside the dam, prevent external moisture or oxygen from crossing the dam into the display area of the flexible display panel, and protect the flexible display panel.

In the flexible display panel shown in the present application, a nested structure is formed between the encapsulation layer and the dam, which increases the contact area between the encapsulation layer and the dam, and enhances the bonding force between the encapsulation layer and the dam. In the process of folding or bending, the packaging layer and the dam will not slide relative to each other, which reduces the risk of peeling of the packaging layer and avoids the problem of display failure caused by layering between the various layer structures in the flexible display panel. The normal display of the flexible display panel is improved.

In addition, the nesting structure between the encapsulation layer and the dam also increases the tortuosity of the diffusion path of moisture or oxygen, that is, increases the diffusion path of moisture or oxygen into the flexible display panel, and improves the packaging effect of the flexible display panel. It is beneficial to extend the service life of the flexible display panel.

In one embodiment, the surface of the dam facing away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of second grooves. In the extension direction, a plurality of second grooves are arranged at intervals with each other, and a part of the encapsulation layer fills the plurality of second grooves to form a nested structure between the encapsulation layer and the dam to enhance the bonding force between the encapsulation layer and the dam.

Along the extension direction perpendicular to the dam, the plurality of second grooves and the plurality of first grooves are arranged in a staggered manner, so that the geometric centerline of the dam is not parallel to the extension direction of the dam, so as to fold or fold the flexible display panel. During the bending process, the stress on the dam is buffered, reducing the stress accumulation of the dam itself, preventing stress from accumulating along the extension direction of the dam, ensuring the structural strength of the dam, and preventing the dam from breaking due to stress accumulation and causing flexibility. The layer structure of the display panel is staggered to ensure the effective display of the flexible display panel.

The dislocation arrangement of the plurality of second grooves and the plurality of first grooves means that the center of the first groove is located between the centers of two adjacent second grooves. That is, the center of the second groove is located between the centers of two adjacent first grooves.

In one embodiment, the second groove has the same structure as the first groove. That is, the shape and size of the second groove and the first groove are the same.

In one embodiment, the dam includes an inner surface facing the display area of the flexible display panel and an outer surface arranged opposite to the inner surface. Both the inner surface and the outer surface are partially recessed to form a plurality of buffer spaces arranged at intervals. The buffer space is located between the two first grooves, and the buffer space on the outer surface is located between the two second grooves.

In the process of folding or bending the flexible display panel, the buffer space on the inner and outer surfaces can further buffer the stress borne by the dam, reduce the stress accumulation of the dam itself, prevent the accumulation of stress along the extension direction of the dam, and ensure the retention The structural strength of the dam avoids the problem of staggered layers during the folding or bending of the flexible display panel, and ensures the effective display of the flexible display panel.

In one embodiment, both the inner surface and the outer surface include a plurality of arc-shaped surfaces connected end to end, so that the outer contour of the dam is wavy or corrugated. Wherein, every two adjacent arc-shaped surfaces in the inner surface and the outer surface are surrounded to form a buffer space. That is, the buffer space is surrounded by a smooth arc surface to ensure that the buffer space can buffer the stress borne by the dam and reduce the stress accumulation of the dam itself.

In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove are in the shape of a truncated cone, the arc-shaped surface of the inner surface is arranged around the first groove, and the arc-shaped surface of the outer surface is arranged around the second groove to ensure that the dam is blocked. The stability of the overall structure.

In one embodiment, along the extension direction of the dam, the distance between two adjacent curved surfaces of the inner surface and the outer surface is between 15 μm and 150 μm. That is, the wavy or corrugated outer contour of the dam has a small curvature, and the overall appearance of the dam is linear.

In one embodiment, the flexible display panel further includes an organic material layer and a light-emitting layer. The organic material layer and the dam are located on the same side of the substrate and are spaced apart from the dam. The surface of the organic material layer away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of pixel grooves, and the plurality of pixel grooves are arranged at intervals on the display of the flexible display panel. In the area, each pixel groove includes groove sidewalls inclined relatively to the substrate. The light-emitting layer is located in a plurality of pixel grooves, the encapsulation layer covers the organic material layer and the light-emitting layer, and a part of the encapsulation layer fills the plurality of pixel grooves.

Along the direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the first groove is less than or equal to the width of the groove sidewall of the pixel groove. When the flexible display panel shown in this embodiment is folded or bent outwards, the packaging layer cannot slide along the sidewall of the pixel groove and slide out of the pixel groove, which reduces the probability of peeling of the packaging layer and avoids The layer structure of the flexible display panel has a staggered layer problem, which ensures the normal display of the flexible display panel.

In one embodiment, in a direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the first groove is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers.

In one embodiment, the flexible display panel further includes a display driving layer, and the display driving layer is located between the organic material layer and the substrate. Wherein, the portion of the display driving layer located in the display area is provided with a thin film transistor array, and the portion located in the non-display area is provided with a circuit electrically connected to the thin film transistor array.

In one embodiment, the surface of the organic material layer away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of wave-eliminating grooves, and the plurality of wave-eliminating grooves are arranged at intervals in the non-display area, and are located between the plurality of pixel grooves and the barrier. In order to limit the flow range of the organic layer in the encapsulation layer in the non-display area, limit the organic layer of the encapsulation layer to the side of the dam facing the display area to prevent the organic layer of the encapsulation layer from overflowing to the edge of the flexible display panel over the dam. Ensure the packaging reliability of the packaging layer and improve the packaging effect of the flexible display panel.

Among them, part of the encapsulation layer is filled with multiple wave-eliminating grooves to form a nested structure between the encapsulation layer and the organic material layer, increase the contact area between the encapsulation layer and the organic material layer, and enhance the gap between the encapsulation layer and the organic material layer. Binding force. When the flexible display panel is folded or bent, it can effectively prevent relative sliding between the encapsulation layer and the organic material layer, reduce the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer, and avoid the layer structure of the flexible display panel. The problem that leads to display failure increases the service life of the flexible display panel.

In one embodiment, the flexible display panel is rectangular, and the dam is in a rectangular ring shape. The flexible display panel further includes four auxiliary dams. The four auxiliary dams and the dam are located on the same side of the base plate and are located away from the display. On one side of the area, the four auxiliary dams are respectively located at the four corners of the non-display area, and have the same shape as the four corners of the dam.

Among them, that the shapes of the four auxiliary dams and the four corners of the dam are the same means that the basic constitutions of the corners of the auxiliary dam and the dam are the same, and the dimensions of the corners of the auxiliary dam and the dam can be the same. There can also be differences. In other words, the structure of the auxiliary dam may be the same as that of any of the above-mentioned dams.

It should be noted that when the rectangular flexible display panel is folded or rolled, the four corners of the flexible display panel have the largest deformation. The auxiliary dams located at the corners can reduce the deformation of the flexible display panel at the corners and avoid Relative sliding occurs between the layer structures of the flexible display panel and the glass ensures the normal display of the flexible display panel.

The display module shown in the present application includes any one of the above-mentioned flexible display panels and a flexible cover plate, and the flexible cover plate is installed on the display surface of the flexible display panel. The display surface is the surface of the display panel that is far from the substrate.

In the display module shown in this application, a nested structure is formed between the packaging layer of the flexible display panel and the dam, which increases the contact area between the packaging layer and the dam, and enhances the bonding force between the encapsulation layer and the dam. When the display module is folded or bent, the encapsulation layer and the dam will not slide relative to each other, which reduces the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer and avoids the occurrence of staggered layers between the various layer structures in the flexible display panel, which may cause display failure The problem guarantees the normal display of the display module.

The mobile terminal shown in the present application includes a housing and the above-mentioned display module, and the display module is installed in the housing.

In the mobile terminal shown in the present application, a nested structure is formed between the packaging layer of the flexible display panel and the dam, which increases the contact area between the packaging layer and the dam, and enhances the bonding force between the packaging layer and the dam. When the display module is folded or bent, the encapsulation layer and the dam will not slide relative to each other, which reduces the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer and avoids the occurrence of staggered layers between the various layer structures in the flexible display panel, which may lead to display failure. Problem, to ensure the normal display of the mobile terminal.

Description of the drawings

In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the background art, the following will describe the drawings that need to be used in the embodiments of the present application or the background art.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the mobile terminal shown in Fig. 1 in another state;

3 is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of a display module in the mobile terminal shown in FIG. 1;

4 is a schematic diagram of the front structure of a flexible display panel in the display module shown in FIG. 3;

5 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 4 taken along the direction I-I;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of area A of the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 4 in an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of area A of the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 4 in another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged structure of the area A of the flexible display panel shown in FIG. 4 in a third embodiment.

Detailed ways

The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a mobile terminal 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

The mobile terminal 100 includes, but is not limited to, electronic devices with display functions such as mobile phones, tablet computers, personal computers, multimedia players, e-book readers, notebook computers, in-vehicle devices, or wearable devices. FIG. 1 takes the mobile terminal 100 as a mobile phone as an example for specific description. For ease of description, the width direction of the mobile terminal 100 is defined as the X-axis direction, the length direction of the mobile terminal 100 is the Y-axis direction, the thickness direction of the mobile terminal 100 is the Z-axis direction, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis are defined. The directions are perpendicular to each other.

Please also refer to FIG. 2, which is a schematic structural diagram of the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 in another state.

In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 100 is a foldable mobile phone. In other words, the mobile terminal 100 is a mobile phone that can be switched between a folded state and an expanded state. The mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is in an unfolded state, and the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 2 is in a folded state. In the present application, the description is given by taking an example in which the mobile terminal 100 can be folded or unfolded along the X-axis direction.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 100 is an electronic device that can be folded once as an example for description. Of course, the mobile terminal 100 may also be an electronic device that can be folded multiple times (two or more times). At this time, the mobile terminal 100 may have multiple parts, and every two parts may be relatively close until the mobile terminal 100 is in a folded state, and every two parts may also be relatively far away until the mobile terminal 100 is in an unfolded state. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the mobile terminal 100 may also be an electronic device that can be curled.

The mobile terminal 100 includes a housing 10 and a display module 20, and the display module 20 is installed on the housing 10. The housing 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a connecting mechanism (not labeled) connected between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism is a rotating shaft mechanism extending along the X-axis direction. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are rotatably connected by a connecting mechanism. That is, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected to each other by a connecting mechanism, and can be relatively rotated along the X-axis direction. Specifically, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be relatively rotated to be relatively close, so that the housing 10 is in a folded state, as shown in FIG. 2. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can also be relatively rotated to move away from each other, so that the housing 10 is in an unfolded state, as shown in FIG. 1. In other words, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be relatively rotated, so that the housing 10 can be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state.

It should be understood that in other embodiments, the connecting mechanism may also be a sliding mechanism, a composite mechanism of rotation and sliding, or a detachable fastening mechanism, which is not specifically limited in this application.

In this embodiment, the display module 20 is a foldable display module. The display module 20 includes a first part 201, a second part 202, and a third part 203 connected between the first part 201 and the second part 202. The first part 201, the second part 202, and the third part 203 are located on the same side of the housing 10, and the first part 201, the third part 203, and the second part 202 are sequentially arranged along the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the first part 201 is mounted on the first housing 11, the second part 202 is mounted on the second housing 12, and the third part 203 is located between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Wherein, the third part 203 can be bent along the X-axis direction.

When the mobile terminal 100 is in the unfolded state, the display module 20 is in the unfolded state, and the angle between the first part 201, the second part 202 and the third part 203 is 180 degrees (it can also be approximately 180 degrees, that is, a slight deviation is allowed). At this time, the mobile terminal 100 has a continuous large-area display area, which can realize large-screen display and improve the user experience. When the mobile terminal 100 is in the folded state, the display module 20 is in the folded state, the first part 201 overlaps the second part 202, and the third part 203 is bent. At this time, the exposed area of the display module 20 is less, which reduces the probability of the display module 20 being damaged.

It should be noted that when the mobile terminal 100 shown in this embodiment is in the folded state shown in FIG. 2, the display module 20 is in an inwardly folded state. At this time, the display module 20 is located in the first housing 11 and the second housing.体12 between. In other embodiments, when the mobile terminal 100 is in the folded state, the display module 20 may also be in the folded state. At this time, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are located in the first part 201 and the second part 202. between.

Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a schematic diagram of an exploded structure of the display module 20 in the mobile terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The display module 20 includes a flexible display panel 21 and a flexible cover 22. The flexible display panel 21 includes a display surface 211, and the display surface 211 is used to display information such as text, images, or videos. The flexible cover 22 is installed on the display surface 211 of the flexible display panel 21 to protect the flexible display panel 21. Wherein, the flexible cover 22 can be made of transparent materials such as glass to avoid affecting the display of the flexible display panel 21. In addition, the flexible display panel 21 may also integrate a touch sensing function or a fingerprint image collection function. It should be understood that the flexible display panel 21 is not limited to the foldable flexible display panel shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may also be a curlable flexible display panel or other flexible display panels that can be bent.

Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5. 4 is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the flexible display panel 21 in the display module 20 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the flexible display panel 21 shown in FIG. 4 taken along the I-I direction. Among them, "cut along the I-I direction" refers to cut along the plane where the I-I line is located. It should be noted that FIG. 5 only shows part of the layer structure of the flexible display panel 21 shown in the embodiment of the present application, and the rest of the unshown layer structure is roughly the same as the layer structure of the traditional flexible display panel, and does not form a flexible display panel. The panel 21 is limited in actual application scenarios.

The flexible display panel 21 is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Among them, the flexible display panel 21 is a foldable display panel. The flexible display panel 21 includes a display area 204 and a non-display area 205 surrounding the display area 204. In this embodiment, the flexible display panel 21 is rectangular. It should be understood that the flexible display panel 21 is not limited to the rounded rectangle shown in FIG. 4, and may also be a right-angled rectangle or other shapes similar to a rectangle. In other embodiments, the flexible display panel 21 may also have a circular shape or other special shapes, which is not specifically limited in this application.

The flexible display panel 21 includes a substrate 1, a display driving layer 2, an organic material layer 3, a light-emitting function layer 4, a dam 5, an auxiliary dam 6 and an encapsulation layer 7. Specifically, the display driving layer 2, the organic material layer 3, the light emitting layer 4, the dam 5, the auxiliary dam 6 and the encapsulation layer 7 are located on the same side of the substrate 1. The encapsulation layer 7 covers the substrate 1, the display driving layer 2, the organic material Layer 3, light-emitting functional layer 4, dam 5 and auxiliary dam 6. Wherein, the encapsulation layer 7 is a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer, and the thin film encapsulation layer includes at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer located between the two inorganic layers.

The substrate 1 may also be called a backplane (BP). Among them, the substrate is a flexible substrate made of a flexible insulating material, so as to meet the requirements of the bending resistance of the flexible display panel 21. In this embodiment, the substrate 1 is a laminated structure made of polyimide (PI) and SiOx. In other embodiments, the substrate 1 may also be made of polyimide (PC), polyethersulfone resin (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (polyethylene glycol terephthalate, PET), and polyethylene naphthalate. It is made of polymer materials such as polyethylene naphthalate two formal acid glycol ester (PEN), polyarylate (PAR) or fiber reinforced polymer (FRP).

The substrate 1 carries the display driving layer 2. Specifically, the display driving layer 2 is laminated on the surface of the substrate 1. Among them, a thin film transistor (TFT) array is provided in the portion of the display driving layer 2 located in the display area 204, and a circuit electrically connected to the thin film transistor array is provided in the portion located in the non-display area 205 to receive the outside world. The signal drives the thin film transistor array to realize the image display of the flexible display panel 21.

The organic material layer 3 is located on the side of the display driving layer 2 away from the substrate 1. In other words, the display driving layer 2 is located between the organic material layer 2 and the substrate 1. The organic material layer 3 can be made of organic materials such as polyimide, polyamide, benzocyclobutene (BCB), acrylic resin, or phenolic resin. In this embodiment, the surface of the organic material layer 3 away from the substrate 1 is partially recessed to form a plurality of pixel grooves 301 and a plurality of wave-eliminating grooves 302. That is, the top surface of the organic material layer 3 is partially recessed to form a plurality of pixel grooves 301 and a plurality of wave-eliminating grooves 302. That is, the openings of the plurality of pixel grooves 301 and the plurality of wave elimination grooves 302 are located on the top surface of the organic material layer 3, and the plurality of pixel grooves 301 and the plurality of wave elimination grooves 302 are all from the top of the organic material layer 3. Extend facing the bottom surface.

It should be understood that the terms "top" or "bottom" used in the description of the flexible display panel 21 in the embodiments of the present application are mainly based on the display orientation of the flexible display panel 21 in FIG. 5, and do not constitute an explanation. The orientation of the flexible display panel 21 in the actual application scene is limited.

Specifically, a plurality of pixel grooves 301 are arranged in the display area 204 at intervals. Among them, a plurality of pixel grooves 301 are arranged in an array in the display area 204. Each pixel groove 301 includes a groove side wall 303 inclined relatively to the substrate 1. In a direction parallel to the substrate 1 (the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 5), the width d of the groove sidewall 303 of the pixel groove 301 is 2.5 μm. That is, the projection width d of the groove sidewall 303 of the pixel groove 301 on the substrate 1 is 2.5 μm.

Part of the light-emitting function layer 4 is located on the surface of the organic material layer 3, and part of the light-emitting function layer 4 is located on the plurality of pixel grooves 301. The light-emitting functional layer 4 includes an anode layer 41, a light-emitting layer 42 and a cathode layer 43. The anode layer 41 is located in a plurality of pixel grooves 301. The anode layer 41 includes a plurality of anodes, and each anode is located in a pixel groove 301 and is electrically connected to the display driving layer 2. The material of the anode layer 41 includes, but is not limited to, conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide, or indium oxide.

The light-emitting layer 42 is located on the surface of the anode layer 41 facing away from the display driving layer 2. Specifically, the light-emitting layer 42 is located in a plurality of pixel grooves 301. The light-emitting layer 42 includes a plurality of light-emitting patterns, and each light-emitting pattern is located on the top surface of the anode in one pixel groove 301. The multiple light-emitting patterns include, but are not limited to, light-emitting patterns of three colors (red, R), green (G), and blue (blue, B). The light-emitting layer 4 may include a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a light-emitting material (emission layer, EL) layer, and an electron transport layer (hole injection layer, HIL) layered in sequence. layer, ETL) and electron injection layer (EIL).

The cathode layer 43 covers the light-emitting layer 42. Specifically, part of the cathode layer 43 is located in the plurality of pixel grooves 301 and covers the groove sidewalls 303 of the plurality of pixel grooves 301. Among them, the cathode layer 43 and the anode layer 41 are insulated from each other by the light-emitting layer 23. When there is a voltage difference between the cathode layer 43 and the anode layer 41, the light-emitting layer 42 can emit light in three colors of red, green and blue to realize the color display of the flexible display panel 21.

Part of the encapsulation layer 7 fills a plurality of pixel grooves 301. Specifically, part of the encapsulation layer 4 is located in the plurality of pixel grooves 301 and covers the cathode layer 43 located in the pixel grooves 301. The existence of the pixel groove 301 increases the contact area between the cathode layer 43 and the organic material layer 3 and the encapsulation layer 7, and enhances the bonding force between the cathode layer 43 and the organic material layer 3 and the encapsulation layer 7, which can be used for flexible display. During the folding process of the panel 21, the relative sliding between the cathode layer 43 and the organic material layer 3 and the encapsulation layer 7 is prevented, which can avoid the problem that the cathode layer 43 and the light-emitting layer 42 cannot be matched due to mislayers and ensure the light-emitting function The normal operation of layer 4 ensures the normal display of the flexible display panel 21.

The plurality of wave-eliminating grooves 302 are located on the side of the plurality of pixel grooves 301 facing the non-display area 205. Specifically, a plurality of wave-cutting grooves 302 are arranged in the non-display area 204 at intervals. Wherein, a plurality of wave-eliminating grooves 302 are located between the plurality of pixel grooves 301 and the barrier 5 to limit the flow range of the organic layer in the encapsulation layer 7 in the non-display area 204, and limit the organic layer of the encapsulation layer 7 to the barrier. The dam 5 faces one side of the display area 204 to prevent the organic layer of the encapsulation layer 7 from overflowing to the edge of the flexible display panel 21 over the dam 5, thereby ensuring the encapsulation reliability of the encapsulation layer 7.

Please also refer to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of an area A of the flexible display panel 21 shown in FIG. 4 in an embodiment.

The plurality of wave-eliminating grooves 302 are arranged to form a plurality of wave-eliminating units arranged at intervals, and each wave-eliminating unit is arranged around the display area 204. Specifically, the multiple wave elimination grooves 302 of each wave elimination unit are arranged at intervals around the display area 204. Wherein, the wave-eliminating grooves 302 of two adjacent wave-eliminating units are arranged in a staggered manner. That is, along the direction from the display area 204 to the non-display area 205, the wave-eliminating groove 302 of the latter wave-eliminating unit blocks the gap between two adjacent wave-eliminating grooves 302 of the previous wave-eliminating unit to extend the package. The flow path of the organic layer of the layer 7 flowing to the edge of the flexible display panel 21 prevents the organic layer of the encapsulation layer 7 from flowing out of the edge of the flexible display panel 21 and improves the encapsulation reliability of the flexible display panel 21.

Part of the encapsulation layer 7 fills a plurality of wave-cutting grooves 302. Specifically, part of the encapsulation layer 7 is located in the plurality of wave-elimination grooves 302, and covers the groove walls (including the groove side walls and the groove bottom wall) of the plurality of wave-elimination grooves 302, forming a gap between the encapsulation layer 7 and the organic material layer 3. The inter-nesting structure increases the contact area between the encapsulation layer 7 and the organic material layer 3 and enhances the bonding force between the encapsulation layer 7 and the organic material layer 3. During the folding process of the flexible display panel 21, relative sliding between the encapsulation layer 7 and the organic material layer 3 can be effectively prevented, the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer 7 is reduced, and the service life of the flexible display panel 21 can be improved.

In addition, the existence of the wave-eliminating groove 302 makes the diffusion path of moisture and oxygen more tortuous, that is, prolongs the diffusion path of moisture and oxygen, which can better block external moisture and oxygen from entering the flexible display panel 21, thereby improving the flexible display. The packaging effect of the panel 21 is beneficial to prolong the service life of the flexible display panel 21.

The dam 5 is located on the side of the display driving layer 2 away from the substrate 1. That is, the dam 5 and the organic material layer 3 are located on the same side of the display driving layer 2 and are spaced apart from the organic material layer 3. Specifically, the dam 5 is located in the non-display area 205 and is arranged around the display area 204. Wherein, the dam 5 is located on the side of the plurality of wave-eliminating grooves 302 away from the plurality of pixel grooves 301. That is, the dam 5 is located on the outer side of the flexible display panel 21 to block external moisture and oxygen from entering the flexible display panel 21, protect the flexible display panel 21, and prolong the service life of the flexible display panel 21.

In this embodiment, the dam 5 has a rectangular ring shape, which matches the shape of the display area 204. Among them, the width w of the dam 5 is 2 μm. which is. The dam 5 occupies a small space in the non-display area 205, which is beneficial to the narrow frame design of the flexible display panel 21. It should be noted that the number of dams 5 is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 4. The flexible display panel 21 may also include a plurality of dams 5, and the plurality of dams 5 are arranged at intervals along the direction from the display area 204 to the non-display area 205 to jointly block external moisture and oxygen from entering the flexible display panel 21.

The surface of the dam 5 away from the substrate 1 is partially recessed to form a plurality of first grooves 501 and a plurality of second grooves 502. That is, the top surface of the dam 5 is partially recessed to form a plurality of first grooves 501 and a plurality of second grooves 502. At this time, the openings of the plurality of first grooves 501 and the plurality of second grooves 502 are all located on the top surface of the dam 5, and the plurality of first grooves 501 and the plurality of second grooves 502 are self-contained from the dam 5 The top surface extends to the bottom surface.

Along the extension direction of the dam 5 (shown as the X-axis direction in FIG. 6), a plurality of first grooves 501 are spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the plurality of first grooves 501 are arranged at intervals around the display area 204. In this embodiment, the first groove 501 is in the shape of a rounded truncated cone. In other embodiments, the first groove 501 may also have a cylindrical shape, an inverted cone shape, or other special shapes, which is not specifically limited in this application. It should be noted that the dam 5 shown in this embodiment extends along the edge of the display area 204. In other words, the extension direction of the dam 5 is the circumferential direction of the display area 204. Wherein, part of the dam 5 extends along the lateral direction of the display area 204, and part of the dam 5 extends along the longitudinal direction of the display area 204 as shown in FIG. 6.

The plurality of second grooves 502 are located on a side of the plurality of first grooves 501 away from the display area 204. Along the extension direction of the dam 5, a plurality of second grooves 502 are spaced apart from each other. Specifically, the plurality of second grooves 502 are arranged at intervals around the display area 204. The structure of the second groove 502 is the same as the structure of the first groove 501. That is, the shape and size of the second groove 502 are the same as the shape and size of the first groove 501.

In this embodiment, along the extension direction perpendicular to the dam 5 (the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 6), the plurality of second grooves 502 and the plurality of first grooves 501 are arranged in a staggered manner. It should be noted that the second groove 502 and the first groove 501 are arranged in a staggered manner, which means that the center O ₂ of the second groove 502 is located between _{the centers O 1} of the two adjacent first grooves 501. That is, the projection of the center O _{2 of the} second groove 502 on the line connecting the centers of the two adjacent first grooves 501 is located between _{the centers O 1 of the first grooves 501.}

Since the plurality of second grooves 502 and the plurality of first grooves 501 are arranged in a staggered manner, the geometric centerline of the dam 5 is not parallel to the extension direction of the dam 5, and the dam can be lowered during the folding process of the flexible display panel 21. The stress accumulation of 5 itself prevents the stress from accumulating along the extension direction of the dam 5, ensures the structural strength of the dam 5, and prevents the layer structure of the flexible display panel 21 from being mislayered, causing the cathode layer 43 and the light-emitting layer 42 to fail to match and display The problem of failure.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, the surface of the dam 5 facing away from the substrate 1 can also be partially recessed to form other grooves other than the first groove and the second groove, as long as the geometric centerline of the dam 5 and The extension direction of the dam 4 does not need to be parallel, which is not specifically limited in this application.

Part of the encapsulation layer 7 fills a plurality of first grooves 501 and a plurality of second grooves (not shown). Specifically, part of the encapsulation layer 7 is located in the plurality of first grooves 501 and the plurality of second grooves 502, and covers the groove walls of the plurality of first grooves 501 and the plurality of second grooves 502 (including the groove sidewalls and Groove bottom wall) to form a nested structure between the encapsulation layer 7 and the dam 5, which not only increases the contact area between the encapsulation layer 7 and the dam 5, but also enhances the bonding force between the encapsulation layer 7 and the dam 5, and reduces The risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer 7 avoids the problem of display failure caused by the mislayer between the various layer structures in the flexible display panel 21, ensures the normal display of the flexible display panel, and also extends the external moisture and oxygen from the flexible display. The edge of the panel 21 enters the diffusion path inside the flexible display panel 21 to ensure the encapsulation effect of the encapsulation layer 7 and help prolong the service life of the flexible display panel 21.

In addition, in a direction parallel to the substrate 1, the width D of the first groove 501 is less than or equal to the width d of the groove sidewall 303 of the pixel groove 301. In this embodiment, D≤2.5μm. Since the width D of the first groove 501 is less than or equal to the width d of the groove sidewall 303 of the pixel groove 301, when the flexible display panel 21 is folded, the cathode layer 43 and the encapsulation layer 7 cannot follow the pixel groove 301 The side wall 303 of the groove slides, so that the cathode layer 43 and the organic material layer 3 cannot slide relative to each other, which avoids the problem of mismatching between the cathode layer 43 and the light-emitting layer 42 resulting in inability to match, and ensures the flexible display panel 21 The normal display.

Please refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the area A of the flexible display panel 21 shown in FIG. 4 in another embodiment.

The difference between the flexible display panel 21 shown in this embodiment and the flexible display panel 21 shown in the foregoing embodiment is that the dam 5 includes an inner surface 503 facing the display area 204 and an outer surface 504 disposed opposite to the inner surface 503. Both the inner surface 503 and the outer surface 504 are partially recessed to form a plurality of buffer spaces 505 arranged at intervals. Specifically, the buffer space 505 on the inner surface 503 is located between the two first grooves 501, and the buffer space 505 on the outer surface 504 is located between the two second grooves 502. Wherein, the extension direction of the buffer space 505 and the extension direction of the dam 5 are relatively inclined.

During the folding process of the flexible display panel 21, the buffer space 505 can further buffer the stress borne by the dam 5, reduce the stress accumulation of the dam 5 itself, prevent the stress from accumulating along the extension direction of the dam 5, and ensure the stability of the dam 5 The structural strength avoids the problem of layer staggering of the flexible display panel 21, and ensures the effective display of the flexible display panel 21.

Please refer to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the area A of the flexible display panel 21 shown in FIG. 4 in the third embodiment.

The difference between the flexible display panel 21 shown in this embodiment and the flexible display panel 21 shown in another embodiment above is that the outer contour of the dam 5 is wave-shaped or corrugated. In this embodiment, both the inner surface 503 and the outer surface 504 include a plurality of arc-shaped surfaces 506 connected end to end, and every two adjacent arc-shaped surfaces 506 of the inner surface 503 and the outer surface 504 surround a buffer space 505. Specifically, the arc-shaped surface 506 of the inner surface 503 is arranged around the first groove 501, and the arc-shaped surface 506 of the outer surface 504 is arranged around the second groove 502 to ensure the overall structural stability of the dam 5. Wherein, along the extension direction of the dam 5, the distance between two adjacent arc-shaped surfaces 506 of the inner surface 503 and the outer surface 504 is between 15 μm and 150 μm. At this time, the curvature of the outer contour of the dam 5 is relatively small, that is, the overall appearance of the dam 5 is linear.

4 and 5, the auxiliary dam 6 and the dam 5 are located on the same side of the display driving layer 2 and are spaced apart from the dam 5. Among them, there are four auxiliary dams 6. The four auxiliary dams 6 are located on the side of the dam 5 away from the display area 204 and are respectively located at the four corners of the non-display area 205. It should be noted that the material of the dam 5 and the auxiliary dam 6 can be the same as the material of the organic material layer 3 and formed in the same process as the organic material layer 3, so as to reduce the manufacturing cost of the flexible display panel 21.

Specifically, the four auxiliary dams 6 respectively extend along the four corners of the non-display area 205. Among them, the four auxiliary dams 6 and the four corners of the dam 5 have the same shape. It should be understood that the same shape of the corners of the auxiliary dam 6 and the dam 5 means that the basic constitution of the auxiliary dam 6 and the dam 5 are the same, and the size of the corners of the auxiliary dam 6 and the dam 5 can be The same, there can be differences. In other words, the structure of the auxiliary dam 6 may be any structure of the dam 5 in the above three embodiments.

It should be noted that during the folding process of the flexible display panel 21, the four corners of the rectangular flexible display panel 21 are deformed the most, and the four auxiliary dams 6 located at the corners can reduce the flexible display panel 21 at the corners. The resulting deformation prevents relative sliding and peeling between the layer structures of the flexible display panel 21, and ensures the normal display of the flexible display panel 21.

In this embodiment, the encapsulation layer 7 includes a first inorganic layer 71, an organic layer 72 and a second inorganic layer 73. Specifically, the first inorganic layer 71 covers the substrate 1, the display driving layer 2, the organic material layer 3, the light-emitting layer 4, the dam 5 and the auxiliary dam 6. The organic layer 72 is located on the side of the first inorganic layer 71 away from the substrate 1, and the second inorganic layer 73 covers the first inorganic layer 71 and the organic layer 72. Among them, the material of the first inorganic layer 71 and the second inorganic layer 73 includes, but is not limited to, inorganic materials such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, or aluminum oxide, and the material of the organic material layer 3 includes, but is not limited to, organic materials such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin. Material.

The above are only part of the examples and implementations of this application, and the protection scope of this application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and they should all be covered. Within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

A flexible display panel, which is characterized by comprising a substrate and a dam and an encapsulation layer on the same side of the substrate. The dam is located in a non-display area of the flexible display panel and surrounds the display of the flexible display panel. The surface of the dam away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of first grooves. Along the extension direction of the dam, the plurality of first grooves are arranged at intervals with each other, and the encapsulation layer Covering the substrate and the dam, and part of the encapsulation layer fills a plurality of the first grooves.
The flexible display panel according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the dam away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of second grooves, and the plurality of second grooves are located in the plurality of first grooves. On the side of the groove facing away from the display area of the flexible display panel, a plurality of the second grooves are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the dam, and part of the encapsulation layer is filled with a plurality of the second grooves. Grooves,

Along the extension direction perpendicular to the dam, the plurality of second grooves and the plurality of first grooves are arranged in a staggered manner.
The flexible display panel according to claim 2, wherein the dam comprises an inner surface facing the display area of the flexible display panel and an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface, the inner surface and The outer surface is partially recessed to form a plurality of buffer spaces arranged at intervals, the buffer space on the inner surface is located between the two first grooves, and the buffer space on the outer surface is located between the two second recesses. Between slots.
The flexible display panel according to claim 3, wherein each of the inner surface and the outer surface comprises a plurality of arc-shaped surfaces connected end to end, and every two adjacent surfaces of the inner surface and the outer surface The curved surface is surrounded to form the buffer space.
The flexible display panel according to claim 4, wherein the first groove and the second groove are in a rounded truncated cone shape, and the arc surface of the inner surface is arranged around the first groove, The arc surface of the outer surface is arranged around the second groove.
The flexible display panel according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the extension direction of the dam, the distance between two adjacent curved surfaces of the inner surface and the outer surface is Between 15μm and 150μm.
The flexible display panel according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the flexible display panel further comprises an organic material layer and a light-emitting layer, and the organic material layer and the dam are located on the side of the substrate. The surface of the organic material layer away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of pixel grooves, and the plurality of pixel grooves are arranged at intervals on the flexible display panel. In the display area, each of the pixel grooves includes groove sidewalls inclined relatively to the substrate, the light-emitting layer is located in a plurality of the pixel grooves, and the encapsulation layer covers the organic material layer and the light-emitting Layer, and part of the encapsulation layer fills a plurality of pixel grooves;

In a direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the first groove is less than or equal to the width of the groove sidewall of the pixel groove.
8. The flexible display panel of claim 7, wherein in a direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the first groove is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers.
The flexible display panel according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the surface of the organic material layer away from the substrate is partially recessed to form a plurality of wave-eliminating grooves, and the plurality of wave-eliminating grooves are arranged at intervals from each other In the non-display area and located between the plurality of pixel grooves and the dam, part of the encapsulation layer fills the plurality of wave-eliminating grooves.
The flexible display panel according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the flexible display panel has a rectangular shape, the dam has a rectangular ring shape, and the flexible display panel further comprises four auxiliary dams. , The four auxiliary dams and the dam are located on the same side of the base plate and on the side of the dam facing away from the display area of the flexible display panel, and the four auxiliary dams are respectively located on the flexible display panel. The four corners of the non-display area of the display panel have the same shape as the four corners of the dam.
A display module, comprising the flexible display panel according to any one of claims 1-10 and a flexible cover plate, the flexible cover plate being installed on the display surface of the flexible display panel.
A mobile terminal, comprising a housing and the display module according to claim 11, the display module being installed in the housing.