WO2024009344A1 - Foldable display and flexible film - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable display (1d) comprises: a flexible display (7); a flexible functional layer (10a) provided on the flexible display (7); a flexible cover (9) provided on the flexible functional layer (10a); and an adhesive layer (8) that is provided between the flexible functional layer (10a) and the flexible cover (9) and bonds the flexible functional layer (10a) and the flexible cover (9). The flexible functional layer (10a) and/or the flexible cover (9) includes a plurality of protrusions (9P, 10aP) provided on a surface (9S, 10aS) that is in contact with the adhesive layer (8). Each of the plurality of protrusions (9P, 10aP) has a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer (8), and is in contact with the adhesive layer (8).

Description

Foldable displays and flexible films

The present disclosure relates to foldable displays and flexible films.

In recent years, in the field of display devices, research and development on foldable displays that can be bent or folded have been actively conducted.

On the other hand, in the field of display devices, active research and development is being conducted on hard coat films that constitute the outermost surface of display devices that are pressed by pens, fingers, etc.

Patent Document 1 describes a film base material, an adhesive member provided on one surface of the film base material, and a hard coat with higher hardness than the film base material provided on the other surface of the film base material. A hard coat film including a member is described. Further, when the hard coat member is slid at a speed of 30 mm/min while applying a load of 500 g on the surface opposite to the film base material with a pencil having a pencil hardness of H3, the surface of the hard coat member is It is stated that the maximum depth of the dents generated in the above is a value in the range of 0 μm or more and 0.30 μm or less.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-70183

However, in the case of the hard coat film described in Patent Document 1, the hard coat member itself, which constitutes the outermost surface of the display device that is pressed by a pen or a finger, is made highly hard.

A hard coat film including a hard coat member with such high hardness and a display device equipped with such a hard coat film have a problem in that satisfactory flexibility cannot be ensured.

In order to improve flexibility in a hard coat film including a hard coat member having high hardness and in a display device equipped with such a hard coat film, it is necessary to use a soft adhesive member or make the adhesive member thinner. It becomes necessary to form. However, if a soft adhesive member is used or the adhesive member is formed thinly, the adhesive member itself becomes easily deformed, so even if the hard coat member is equipped with a highly hardened hard coat member, the hard coat member cannot be easily touched by pens, fingers, etc. There is a problem in that it is not possible to suppress dents that occur in the hard coat member due to the pressure.

One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problem, and can suppress dents that occur in the flexible cover due to pressure on the flexible cover with a pen, finger, etc. while maintaining flexibility. The purpose is to provide a foldable display and a flexible film.

In order to solve the above problems, the foldable display of the present disclosure has the following features:
a flexible display section;
a flexible functional layer provided on the flexible display section;
a flexible cover provided on the flexible functional layer;
an adhesive layer provided between the flexible functional layer and the flexible cover and bonding the flexible functional layer and the flexible cover together;
At least one of the flexible functional layer and the flexible cover includes a plurality of protrusions provided on a surface in contact with the adhesive layer,
Each of the plurality of protrusions has a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer, and is in contact with the adhesive layer.

In order to solve the above problems, the flexible film of the present disclosure has the following features:
a flexible cover;
an adhesive layer provided on one side of the flexible cover,
The flexible cover includes a plurality of protrusions provided on a surface in contact with the adhesive layer,
Each of the plurality of protrusions has a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer, and is in contact with the adhesive layer.

One aspect of the present disclosure can provide a foldable display and a flexible film that can suppress dents caused in the flexible cover by pressing the flexible cover with a pen, finger, etc. while maintaining flexibility.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a foldable display of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flexible display panel including a flexible functional layer included in the foldable display of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the foldable display of the first embodiment in a state where no pressure is applied to the flexible cover by a pen. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the foldable display of Embodiment 1 in a state where pressure is applied to the flexible cover with a pen. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a surface of a flexible cover provided in the foldable display of Embodiment 1, which is in contact with an adhesive layer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flexible cover shown in FIG. 5 in a folded state. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in the foldable display of the first embodiment when pressure is applied to the flexible cover by a pen. 8 is a diagram showing the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in the cross section taken along line A-A' of the foldable display of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in the cross section taken along line B-B' of the foldable display of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in the cross section taken along line C-C' of the foldable display of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another foldable display according to the first embodiment. An example of a method for manufacturing a flexible film including a flexible cover including a first protrusion and an adhesive layer; and a foldable film according to Embodiment 1, including a step of attaching the flexible film to a flexible display panel. It is a figure which shows an example of the manufacturing method of a display. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a surface of another flexible cover that can be included in the foldable display of Embodiment 1, which is in contact with an adhesive layer. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a surface of still another flexible cover that can be included in the foldable display of Embodiment 1, in contact with an adhesive layer. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a foldable display as a comparative example in a state in which pressure is applied to the flexible cover with a pen. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in the foldable display as a comparative example in which pressure is applied to the flexible cover by the pen shown in FIG. 15; 17 is a diagram showing the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in the cross section taken along the line DD' of the foldable display as a comparative example shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the amount of flow of the adhesive layer in a cross section taken along the line E-E' of the foldable display as a comparative example shown in FIG. 16. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a foldable display according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a surface of a flexible functional layer provided in the foldable display of Embodiment 2, which is in contact with an adhesive layer. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another foldable display according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a foldable display according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another foldable display according to Embodiment 3.

The embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as follows based on FIGS. 1 to 23. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in a specific embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a foldable display 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the foldable display 1 includes a flexible display panel 2, an adhesive layer 8, and a flexible cover 9 including a plurality of first protrusions 9P.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flexible display panel 2 including a flexible functional layer 10 included in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible display panel 2 includes a flexible display section 7 and a flexible functional layer 10 provided on the flexible display section 7.

The display area DA of the flexible display panel 2 is equipped with a plurality of pixels, and each pixel includes a red sub-pixel RSP, a green sub-pixel GSP, and a blue sub-pixel BSP, respectively. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which one pixel is composed of a red sub-pixel RSP, a green sub-pixel GSP, and a blue sub-pixel BSP, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one pixel may include sub-pixels of other colors in addition to the red sub-pixel RSP, the green sub-pixel GSP, and the blue sub-pixel BSP.

In the display area DA of the flexible display panel 2, a barrier layer 3, a thin film transistor layer 4 including a transistor TR, a red light emitting element 5R, a green light emitting element 5G, a blue light emitting element 5B, and a bank 23 are disposed on the substrate 12. , a sealing layer 6, and a functional film 39 are provided in this order from the substrate 12 side.

The flexible display section 7 includes a substrate 12, a barrier layer 3, a thin film transistor layer 4 including a transistor TR, a red light emitting element 5R, a green light emitting element 5G, a blue light emitting element 5B, and a bank 23. In this embodiment, a case where the flexible display section 7 includes a light emitting element such as a QLED (quantum dot light emitting diode) or an OLED (organic light emitting diode) will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The flexible display section 7 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device as long as it has flexibility and can display information.

In this embodiment, the flexible functional layer 10 provided on the flexible display section 7 includes the sealing layer 6 and the functional film 39. In this embodiment, as described above, the case where the flexible display section 7 includes a light emitting element such as a QLED or an OLED is given as an example. Therefore, the flexible functional layer 10 is sealed. Although the case where the layer 6 is provided will be described as an example, the flexible functional layer 10 does not need to be provided with the sealing layer 6 without being limited thereto.

The functional film 39 included in the flexible functional layer 10 may include at least one of a film having an optical compensation function such as a polarizing plate, a film having a touch sensor function, and a film having a protection function. . In this embodiment, the functional film 39 includes a film having a touch sensor function, a film having an optical compensation function such as a polarizing plate, and a film having a protection function in this order from the flexible display section 7 side. Although the description will be given as an example of the case in which the information is provided, the present invention is not limited to this. When the flexible functional layer 10 includes the sealing layer 6 having a sealing function, the functional film 39 may not be provided.

The sealing layer 6 included in the flexible functional layer 10 is a light-transmitting film, and includes, for example, an inorganic sealing film 26 covering the second electrode 25, an organic film 27 above the inorganic sealing film 26, It can be composed of an inorganic sealing film 28 which is an upper layer than the organic film 27. The sealing layer 6 prevents foreign substances such as water and oxygen from penetrating into the red light emitting element 5R, the green light emitting element 5G, and the blue light emitting element 5B. The inorganic sealing film 26 and the inorganic sealing film 28 are each inorganic films, and may be composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, or a laminated film thereof formed by a CVD method. Can be done. The organic film 27 is a light-transmitting organic film that has a flattening effect, and can be made of a coatable organic material such as acrylic, for example. The organic film 27 may be formed by, for example, an inkjet method. In this embodiment, the case where the sealing layer 6 is formed of two layers of inorganic films and one layer of organic film provided between the two layers of inorganic films has been described as an example. The stacking order of the inorganic film and one organic film is not limited to this. Further, the sealing layer 6 may be composed of only an inorganic film, only an organic film, one layer of an inorganic film and two layers of an organic film, or two or more layers. It may be composed of an inorganic film and two or more organic films.

The flexible functional layer 10 provided in the flexible display panel 2 of the foldable display 1 has a sealing layer 6 having a sealing function, and at least one of an optical compensation function, a touch sensor function, and a protection function. It is sufficient if at least one of the functional film 39 and the functional film 39 is provided.

In this embodiment, in order to ensure the flexibility of the foldable display 1, a case where a resin substrate such as polyimide is used as the substrate 12 provided in the flexible display section 7 will be described as an example. , but is not limited to this. As long as the flexibility of the substrate 12 can be ensured, for example, a metal substrate containing at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and copper may be used, and for example, a metal substrate containing at least one of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and copper may be used. A resin substrate such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic may also be used. Further, if necessary, the substrate 12 may be provided with a plurality of openings in order to improve the flexibility of the substrate 12.

The barrier layer 3 is a layer that prevents foreign substances such as water and oxygen from entering the transistor TR, the red light emitting element 5R, the green light emitting element 5G, and the blue light emitting element 5B, and is made of, for example, silicon oxide formed by a CVD method. It can be formed of a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, or a laminated film of these films.

The transistor TR portion of the thin film transistor layer 4 including the transistor TR includes a semiconductor film SEM, doped semiconductor films SEM' and SEM'', an inorganic insulating film 16, a gate electrode G, an inorganic insulating film 18, and an inorganic insulating film. 20, a source electrode S, a drain electrode D, and a planarization film 21, and a portion other than the transistor TR portion of the thin film transistor layer 4 including the transistor TR includes an inorganic insulating film 16, an inorganic insulating film 18, and an inorganic insulating film 18. It includes a film 20 and a planarization film 21.

The semiconductor films SEM, SEM', and SEM'' may be made of, for example, low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) or an oxide semiconductor (for example, an In-Ga-Zn-O-based semiconductor). In this embodiment, a case where the transistor TR has a top gate structure will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the transistor TR may have a bottom gate structure.

The gate electrode G, source electrode S, and drain electrode D can be formed of a single-layer film or a laminated film of a metal containing at least one of aluminum, tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, chromium, titanium, and copper, for example.

The inorganic insulating film 16, the inorganic insulating film 18, and the inorganic insulating film 20 can be constituted by, for example, a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, or a stacked film thereof formed by a CVD method.

The planarization film 21 can be made of a coatable organic material such as polyimide or acrylic, for example.

The red light emitting element 5R included in the red subpixel RSP has an anode which is a first electrode 22 above the planarization film 21, a light emitting element layer 24R including a red light emitting layer, and a cathode which is a second electrode 25. The green light emitting element 5G included in the green sub-pixel GSP includes an anode which is a first electrode 22 above the planarization film 21, a light emitting element layer 24G including a green light emitting layer, and a cathode which is a second electrode 25. The blue light emitting element 5B included in the blue subpixel BSP includes an anode which is a first electrode 22 located above the planarization film 21, a light emitting element layer 24B including a blue light emitting layer, and a second electrode 25. including a certain cathode. Note that the insulating bank 23 covering the edge of the anode, which is the first electrode 22, can be formed by, for example, applying an organic material such as polyimide or acrylic and then patterning it by photolithography.

In this embodiment, a case where the red light emitting element 5R, the green light emitting element 5G, and the blue light emitting element 5B have a sequential structure will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the red light emitting element 5R , the green light emitting element 5G and the blue light emitting element 5B may have an inverse product structure. The red light emitting element 5R, which has a stack structure, includes a first electrode 22 that is an anode, and a second electrode 25 that is a cathode and is provided as a layer above the first electrode 22. The light emitting element layer 24R including the red light emitting layer provided between the second electrode 25 and the cathode includes, for example, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a red light emitting layer, It can be constructed by laminating an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer. Among the light emitting element layers 24R including the red light emitting layer, one or more of the hole injection layer, hole transport layer, electron transport layer, and electron injection layer other than the red light emitting layer may be omitted as appropriate. In this embodiment, an example of a case where the light emitting element layer 24R including the red light emitting layer is constructed by laminating a hole transport layer, a red light emitting layer, and an electron transport layer in order from the anode side, which is the first electrode 22, is exemplified. The explanation will be given below, but the invention is not limited thereto. The green light emitting device 5G having a forward product structure and the blue light emitting device 5B having a forward product structure can also have the same configuration as the red light emitting device 5R having a forward product structure described above.

Although not shown, the red light emitting element having an inverse product structure includes a first electrode 22 which is a cathode and a second electrode 25 which is an anode provided as a layer above the first electrode 22. A light emitting element layer including a red light emitting layer provided between a certain first electrode 22 and a second electrode 25 serving as an anode includes, for example, an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer, a red light emitting layer in order from the first electrode 22 side. It can be constructed by laminating layers, a hole transport layer, and a hole injection layer. Among the light emitting device layers including the red light emitting layer, one or more of the electron injection layer, electron transport layer, hole transport layer, and hole injection layer other than the red light emitting layer may be omitted as appropriate. The green light emitting element having an inverse product structure and the blue light emitting element having an inverse product structure can also have the same configuration as the above-described red light emitting element having an inverse product structure.

In this embodiment, the flexible display section 7 includes light emitting elements such as OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes), and the red light emitting element 5R, the green light emitting element 5G, and the blue light emitting element 5B are all Although the description will be made using an example of an OLED having an organic light-emitting layer, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the red light emitting element 5R, the green light emitting element 5G, and the blue light emitting element 5B included in the flexible display section 7 may all be QLEDs having a light emitting layer containing quantum dots. A part of the red light emitting element 5R, the green light emitting element 5G, and the blue light emitting element 5B included in the display section 7 may be an OLED, and the remaining part may be a QLED. Furthermore, as described above, the flexible display section 7 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display device that does not include a light emitting element such as a QLED or an OLED.

The red light emitting element 5R, green light emitting element 5G, and blue light emitting element 5B shown in FIG. 2 may be of a top emission type or a bottom emission type. The red light-emitting element 5R, the green light-emitting element 5G, and the blue light-emitting element 5B have a stacked structure in which the second electrode 25, which is a cathode, is arranged as an upper layer than the first electrode 22, which is an anode, so they are of top emission type. In order to achieve this, the first electrode 22, which is an anode, may be formed of an electrode material that reflects visible light, and the second electrode 25, which is a cathode, may be formed of an electrode material that transmits visible light, and in order to make it a bottom emission type. In this case, the first electrode 22 as an anode may be formed of an electrode material that transmits visible light, and the second electrode 25 as a cathode may be formed of an electrode material that reflects visible light. On the other hand, if the red light emitting element, green light emitting element, and blue light emitting element have an inverse structure in which the second electrode, which is an anode, is arranged as an upper layer than the first electrode, which is a cathode, in order to make it a top emission type, The first electrode, which is the cathode, may be formed of an electrode material that reflects visible light, and the second electrode, which is the anode, may be formed of an electrode material that transmits visible light. A certain first electrode may be formed of an electrode material that transmits visible light, and a second electrode, which is an anode, may be formed of an electrode material that reflects visible light.

The electrode material that reflects visible light is not particularly limited as long as it can reflect visible light and has conductivity, but for example, metal materials such as Al, Mg, Li, Ag, alloys of the above metal materials, or , a laminate of the metal material and a transparent metal oxide (for example, indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, etc.), or a laminate of the alloy and the transparent metal oxide, etc. .

On the other hand, the electrode material that transmits visible light is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit visible light and has conductivity, but examples include transparent metal oxides (e.g., indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, etc.), a thin film made of a metal material such as Al or Ag, or a nanowire made of a metal material such as Al or Ag.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment in a state where the flexible cover 9 is not pressed by the pen 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, the foldable display 1 includes a flexible display panel 2 including a flexible display section 7 and a flexible functional layer 10 provided on the flexible display section 7; A flexible cover 9 provided on the flexible functional layer 10 of the flexible display panel 2, and a flexible functional layer 10 provided between the flexible functional layer 10 and the flexible cover 9. and an adhesive layer 8 for pasting together the flexible cover 9 and the flexible cover 9.

In this embodiment, the foldable display 1 includes a plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on a surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, and each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is attached to the adhesive layer 8. Although the case will be described as an example in which the adhesive layer 8 has a height H that is equal to or less than the thickness of 8 and is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the present invention is not limited thereto. Note that the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 means the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 at the portion where the plurality of first protrusions 9P are not provided. The foldable display includes a plurality of protrusions provided on a surface of at least one of the flexible functional layer 10 and the flexible cover 9 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8 , and each of the plurality of protrusions has a thickness equal to the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 . It suffices if the height is less than or equal to 100 cm and is in contact with the adhesive layer 8.

The flexible film 11 shown in FIG. 3 includes a flexible cover 9 and an adhesive layer 8 provided on one side of the flexible cover 9. It includes a plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the contacting surface 9S, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P has a height H that is equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer 8, and contacts the adhesive layer 8.

As the adhesive layer 8, for example, a commercially available adhesive (adhesive) made of OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optical Clear Resin) that transmits light in a predetermined visible light range can be suitably used. . Although the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 is not particularly limited, it is preferably formed to be, for example, 10 μm or more and 75 μm or less, and more preferably 15 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The elastic modulus characteristics of the adhesive layer 8 are not particularly limited, but the adhesive layer 8 may have a shear storage elastic modulus of 5.0 x 10 ⁴ Pa or more and 1.0 x 10 ⁶ Pa or less at 25°C, for example. A hard adhesive (relatively hard adhesive) whose compressive stress measured at a test speed of 0.5 mm/min and a compressive strain of 40% is 500 KPa or more and 1200 KPa or less may be used, and shear at 25 ° C. The storage modulus is 2.0 x 10 ⁴ Pa or more and 5.0 x 10 ⁴ Pa or less, and the compressive stress measured at a test speed of 0.5 mm/min and a compressive strain of 40% is 80 KPa or more and 300 KPa. The following soft adhesives (relatively soft adhesives) may be used.

In this embodiment, as an example, the adhesive layer 8 is formed using the above-mentioned soft adhesive (relatively soft adhesive) and an adhesive made of OCA, and has a thickness of 25 μm. Although the description will be given below, the invention is not limited thereto.

In the foldable display 1, reflection at the interface formed by the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 and the adhesive layer 8, and reflection at the interface formed by the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the adhesive layer 8. The flexible cover 9, the plurality of first protrusions 9P, and the adhesive layer 8 are made of substantially the same material so that reflection at the interface formed by the flexible cover 9 and the plurality of first protrusions 9P can be suppressed. It is preferable to use a material having a refractive index (Δn). In this embodiment, the flexible cover 9 and the plurality of first protrusions 9P are made of acrylic resin (for example, PMMA resin) having a refractive index (Δn) of about 1.5, so that Although the adhesive layer 8 was formed using an adhesive having a refractive index (Δn) of approximately 1.5, the present invention is not limited thereto.

The flexible cover 9 can be formed using, for example, a film material, and in this embodiment, as described above, an acrylic resin (for example, PMMA resin) is used as the film material. Although the explanation has been given as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, resin such as PET, PI, TAC, PEN, PC, or COP may be used as the film material.

Since the flexible cover 9 constitutes the outermost surface of the foldable display 1 that is pressed by a pen or a finger, flexibility is ensured by forming it using a film material as described above. There is. The thickness of the flexible cover 9 excluding the plurality of first protrusions 9P is preferably 50 μm or more and 100 μm or less when considering durability and sufficient flexibility for use in a foldable display. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the flexible cover 9 is formed with a thickness of 100 μm, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8 may be made of a material different from that of the flexible cover 9 even if it is formed of the same material as the flexible cover 9. It may be formed of. When the plurality of first protrusions 9P are formed of a material different from that of the flexible cover 9, the plurality of first protrusions 9P are formed by, for example, exposing and developing a photosensitive resin or the like. Good too. In this embodiment, as will be described later, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 is formed using a thermal imprint method. , each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible cover 9 are made of the same material.

The height H of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is not particularly limited as long as it is equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer 8, but is formed at a height of 20% or more and 80% or less of the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. It is preferable to form the adhesive layer 8 with a height of 40% or more and 60% or less of the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. In this embodiment, as described above, since the adhesive layer 8 is formed to have a thickness of 25 μm, the height H of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less. It is preferable to form it, and it is more preferable to form it with a thickness of 10 μm or more and 15 μm or less. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the height H of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is 10 μm, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, the aspect ratio between the height H of the first protrusion 9P and the shortest width W of the first protrusion 9P (value of height H/shortest width W) is preferably 1 or less. When the height H of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is formed to be 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, the shortest width W of the first protrusion 9P is preferably 20 μm or more and 30 μm or less. In this embodiment, an example is assumed in which the shortest width W of the first protrusion 9P is formed to be 20 μm with respect to the height H (10 μm) of the first protrusion 9P so that the aspect ratio is 0.5. The explanation will be given below, but the invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment in a state where the flexible cover 9 is pressed by the pen 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive layer 8 has a surface 9S in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible cover 9, a portion in direct contact with the plurality of first protrusions 9P, and the flexible functional layer 10. In such a portion, the adhesive layer 8 loses fluidity and becomes a non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of first protrusions 9P are provided on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 that contacts the adhesive layer 8, and when the plurality of first protrusions 9P are not provided. The non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above can be increased compared to the above.

In addition, in the present embodiment, by providing a plurality of first protrusions 9P on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 that contacts the adhesive layer 8, as shown by the arrow in FIG. , the plurality of first protrusions 9P can prevent the flowing portions of the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-flowing portions of the adhesive layer 8 from flowing.

According to the foldable display 1, it is possible to suppress the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 9 with the pen 50, a finger, etc., so that it is possible to suppress the flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 9 with the pen 50, a finger, etc. It is possible to suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 9 by pressing the flexible cover 9.

According to the flexible film 11, the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 9 with the pen 50, a finger, etc. can be suppressed. It is possible to suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 9 by pressing the flexible cover 9.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment, which is in contact with the adhesive layer 8.

The flexible display section 7 shown in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of scanning signal lines and a plurality of data signal lines (not shown), and each of the plurality of scanning signal lines and the plurality of data signal lines The lines are provided so as to intersect with each other. The scanning signal line is electrically connected to the gate electrode G of the transistor TR provided in the flexible display section 7, and supplies a scanning signal to the gate electrode G of the transistor TR. On the other hand, the data signal line is electrically connected to the source electrode S of the transistor TR provided in the flexible display section 7, and supplies a data signal to the source electrode S of the transistor TR.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the surface 9S in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 of the present embodiment The plurality of data signal lines are provided parallel to a first direction D1, which is the direction in which the signal lines extend, and spaced apart from each other in a second direction D2, which is the direction in which the plurality of data signal lines extend. Although not limited thereto and not shown, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P extends in the first direction D1 in parallel to the second direction D2, which is the direction in which the plurality of data signal lines extend. They may be provided in stripes at a distance.

As described above, when each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is provided in a stripe shape parallel to the first direction D1 and spaced apart in the second direction D2, the plurality of first protrusions 9P are provided. The above-mentioned non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 can be increased compared to the case where the adhesive layer 8 is not flowed, and the flow in the second direction D2 of the flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 other than the above-mentioned non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to realize a foldable display 1 that can suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 9 by pressing the flexible cover 9 with a pen 50, a finger, etc. while maintaining flexibility.

Further, as described above, when each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is provided in a stripe shape parallel to the second direction D2 and spaced apart in the first direction D1, the plurality of first protrusions 9P The non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above can be increased compared to the case where the adhesive layer 8 is not provided, and the flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 in the first direction D1 Since the flow can be obstructed, it is possible to realize a foldable display 1 that can suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 9 by pressing the flexible cover 9 with the pen 50, a finger, etc. while maintaining flexibility.

The shortest width W of the first protrusion 9P shown in FIG. 5 is preferably formed to be 20 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and in this embodiment, it is formed to be 20 μm.

When considering the size of the nib of the pen 50 or the size of the fingertip, a plurality of first protrusions 9P are adjacent to each other so that a plurality of first protrusions 9P overlap with the pen tip or fingertip. It is preferable that the distance DIS between the two first protrusions 9P, that is, the pitch of the first protrusions 9P, be 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

For example, if the size of the nib of the pen 50 or the size of the fingertip is 1 mm in diameter, a plurality of first protrusions 9P overlapping with the nib of the pen 50 are approximately five. In the first protrusions 9P, the distance DIS between two adjacent first protrusions 9P, that is, the pitch of the first protrusions 9P is preferably 200 μm.

For example, if the size of the nib of the pen 50 or the size of the fingertip is 2 mm in diameter, a plurality of first protrusions 9P overlapping with the nib of the pen 50 is approximately five. In the first protrusions 9P, the distance DIS between two adjacent first protrusions 9P, that is, the pitch of the first protrusions 9P is preferably 400 μm.

In this embodiment, in the plurality of first protrusions 9P, the distance DIS between two adjacent first protrusions 9P, that is, the pitch of the first protrusions 9P, is formed to be 200 μm, but this is not limited to this. do not have.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flexible cover 9 shown in FIG. 5 in a folded state.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the surface 9S in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 of this embodiment is Since the plurality of first protrusions 9P are provided in stripes parallel to the first direction D1 and spaced apart in the second direction D2, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P moves the foldable display 1 in the direction parallel to the first direction D1. It does not interfere with bending when folding along the bending line.

On the other hand, although not shown, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is arranged parallel to the second direction D2 on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 of this embodiment, which is in contact with the adhesive layer 8. In the case where the plurality of first protrusions 9P are provided in stripes at a distance in the first direction D1, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P bends the foldable display 1 along a bending line in a direction parallel to the second direction D2. It does not interfere with bending when folding.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment when the flexible cover 9 is pressed by the pen 50.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the flexible cover 9 provided in the foldable display 1 as seen from the pen 50 side, and the flexible cover 9 is the side opposite to the pen 50 side of the flexible cover 9. The plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the surface 9S in contact with the adhesive layer 8 and the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 are further illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, by providing a plurality of first protrusions 9P on a surface 9S of a flexible cover 9 provided in a foldable display 1, which is in contact with an adhesive layer 8, a plurality of first protrusions 9P are provided. Compared to the case where the protrusions 9P are not provided, the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 can be reduced.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow rate 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the cross section taken along line A-A' of the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the cross section taken along line AA' of the foldable display 1 shown in FIG. It has a part that is in direct contact with. In such a portion, the adhesive layer 8 loses fluidity and becomes a non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8.

In the vicinity of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, including the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, the flow amount of the adhesive layer 8 is 8M. is small.

In a region slightly away from the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the first direction D1 is as shown by the arrow in FIG. Although it is larger than the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the vicinity of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in 8, it can be suppressed to be relatively small.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow rate 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the cross section taken along the line B-B' of the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the cross section taken along line BB' of the foldable display 1 shown in FIG. It has a portion that is in direct contact with layer 10. In such a portion, the adhesive layer 8 loses fluidity and becomes a non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8.

In the vicinity of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, including the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9, the flow amount of the adhesive layer 8 is 8M. is small.

Furthermore, in a region of the adhesive layer 8 slightly away from the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10, the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the first direction D1 is as shown by the arrow in FIG. Although it is larger than the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the vicinity of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, it can be suppressed to be relatively small.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the cross section taken along the line C-C' of the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the cross section taken along line CC' of the foldable display 1 shown in FIG. It has a part that is in direct contact with. In such a portion, the adhesive layer 8 loses fluidity and becomes a non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8.

In the vicinity of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, including the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 10, the flow amount of the adhesive layer 8 is 8M. is small.

Furthermore, in a region slightly away from the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the second direction D2 is as shown by the arrow in FIG. Although it is larger than the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the vicinity of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the flexible functional layer 10 in the adhesive layer 8, it can be suppressed to be relatively small.

Below, based on FIGS. 15 to 18, a flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in a foldable display 81 which is a comparative example including a flexible cover 79 in which a plurality of first protrusions 9P is not provided will be explained. .

Note that the flexible cover 79 is different from the flexible cover 9 in that the plurality of first projections 9P is not provided, and is different from the flexible cover 79 provided in the foldable display 81 as a comparative example. The thickness was also 100 μm, similar to the thickness of the flexible cover 9 excluding the plurality of first protrusions 9P.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a foldable display 81 as a comparative example with pressure applied to the flexible cover 79 by the pen 50.

As shown in FIG. 15, the adhesive layer 8 provided in the foldable display 81 as a comparative example has a portion that is in direct contact with the surface that contacts the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible cover 79 and the flexible functional layer 10. . In such a portion, the adhesive layer 8 loses fluidity and becomes a non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8.

The plurality of first protrusions 9P described above are not provided on the surface of the flexible cover 79 provided on the foldable display 81 that comes into contact with the adhesive layer 8. Therefore, the above-mentioned non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 in the foldable display 81 is greatly reduced compared to the above-mentioned non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment described above.

Furthermore, in the foldable display 81, since the plurality of first protrusions 9P described above are not provided on the surface of the flexible cover 79 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the surface of the flexible cover 79 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8 is not provided with the plurality of first protrusions 9P. If the flow of the fluid part of the adhesive layer 8 cannot be prevented and pressure is applied to the flexible cover 79 by the pen 50, the fluid part of the adhesive layer 8 will flow as shown by the arrow in FIG. The amount will be large.

Therefore, in the case of the foldable display 81 as a comparative example, although the flexibility can be maintained, the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 79 with the pen 50 or a finger cannot be suppressed, and the pen 50 and It is not possible to suppress the dents that occur in the flexible cover 79 due to pressure on the flexible cover 79 by fingers or the like.

Similarly, in the case of the flexible film 51 including the flexible cover 79 and the adhesive layer 8 provided on one side of the flexible cover 79, although the flexibility can be maintained, the pen 50 and It is not possible to suppress the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 79 with a finger or the like, and it is not possible to suppress the dents that occur in the flexible cover 79 due to the pressure of the pen 50, fingers, etc. .

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the foldable display 81, which is a comparative example, in a state where the flexible cover 79 is pressed by the pen 50 shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the flexible cover 79 provided in the foldable display 81 as a comparative example, viewed from the pen 50 side, and the adhesive on the side opposite to the pen 50 side of the flexible cover 79. The flow rate 8M of the adhesive layer 8 on the side of the surface in contact with the layer 8 is further illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the foldable display 81 which is a comparative example, the plurality of first protrusions 9P described above are not provided on the surface of the flexible cover 79 that contacts the adhesive layer 8. When compared with the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the foldable display 1 shown in FIG. 16, the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the foldable display 81 which is a comparative example becomes larger as shown by the arrow in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow rate 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the cross section taken along line DD' of the foldable display 81 which is a comparative example shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the flow rate 8M of the adhesive layer 8 in the cross section taken along the line E-E' of the foldable display 81 which is a comparative example shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the cross section taken along line DD' and line EE' of the foldable display 81 shown in FIG. It has a surface in contact with the flexible functional layer 10 of the flexible display panel 2 and a part in direct contact with the flexible functional layer 10 of the flexible display panel 2. In such a portion, the adhesive layer 8 loses fluidity and becomes a non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8.

In the foldable display 81, since the flexible cover 79 is not provided with the plurality of first protrusions 9P described above, the non-fluid portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above is similar to that in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment described above. This is greatly reduced compared to the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above. Accordingly, in the foldable display 81, the flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 becomes larger, and as shown by the arrow in FIGS. 17 and 18, the flowing amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 also becomes larger.

Furthermore, in the foldable display 81 as a comparative example, since the plurality of first protrusions 9P are not provided on the surface of the flexible cover 79 in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the plurality of first protrusions 9P The flow of the fluid portions of the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-fluid portions of the adhesive layer 8 cannot be prevented, and as shown by arrows in FIGS. 17 and 18, the flow amount 8M of the adhesive layer 8 becomes large.

In the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case where each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is covered with the adhesive layer 8 has been described as an example. , but is not limited to this.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another foldable display 1a according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the foldable display 1a, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is not covered with the adhesive layer 8. That is, in the foldable display 1a, by forming the height H of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 to be, for example, 25 μm, each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P It was arranged to be in direct contact with the flexible functional layer 10 of the flexible display panel 2.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of the foldable display 1a shown in FIG. At D2, they are provided in a stripe pattern with a distance between them. The present invention is not limited to this, and each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P may be provided in a stripe shape parallel to the second direction D2 and spaced apart in the first direction D1.

In the foldable display 1a, by providing the plurality of first protrusions 9P on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved compared to the case where the plurality of first protrusions 9P are not provided. The non-flowable portion of the adhesive layer 8 can be increased.

In addition, in the foldable display 1a, by providing a plurality of first protrusions 9P on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the plurality of first protrusions 9P prevent the adhesive layer 8 from flowing as described above. It is possible to prevent the flow of the fluid portion of the adhesive layer 8 other than that portion.

According to the foldable display 1a shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to suppress the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 9 with the pen 50 or a finger. It is possible to suppress dents that occur in the flexible cover 9 due to pressure applied to the flexible cover 9 by, for example.

According to the flexible film 11 shown in FIG. 11, the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 9 with the pen 50 or a finger can be suppressed, so the pen 50 and the It is possible to suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 9 by pressing the flexible cover 9 with a finger or the like.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a method for manufacturing a flexible film 11 including a flexible cover 9 including a first protrusion 9P and an adhesive layer 8, and affixing the flexible film 11 to a flexible display panel 2. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the foldable display 1 of Embodiment 1 including steps. FIG.

In the first step shown in FIG. 12, the height H of each of the plurality of first projections 9P is formed to be 10 μm, and the thickness of the flexible cover 9 excluding the plurality of first projections 9P is formed to be 100 μm. A material for forming the flexible cover 9 was applied onto the first protective film 40 to form the flexible cover 9 with a thickness of 110 μm.

In the second step shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of first protrusions 9P were formed on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 using a thermal imprint method.

The upper roller URO in contact with the first protective film 40 is a flat roller, and the lower roller DRO in contact with the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 includes a plurality of convex portions STP. Here, we will explain the case where the plurality of first protrusions 9P are formed in a stripe shape, so we will explain the case where the shape of the plurality of convex parts STP is linear as an example, but it is not limited to this. Rather, the shape of the plurality of convex parts STP can be changed as appropriate according to the shape of the plurality of first protrusions 9P to be formed. In addition, since a case will be described here in which the height H of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P is 10 μm, the case where the height of each of the plurality of convex portions STP is 10 μm will be described as an example. However, it is not limited to this.

On the lower roller DRO, at least a plurality of convex portions STP are heated to a temperature at which the flexible cover 9 can be molded.

In the second step shown in FIG. 12, the flexible cover 9 is moved such that the first protective film 40 is in contact with the upper roller URO, and the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8 is in contact with the lower roller DRO. By passing the laminate of the first protective film 40 and the first protective film 40 between the upper roller URO and the lower roller DRO, a plurality of first protrusions 9P are formed on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8. can be formed.

In the third step shown in FIG. 12, a laminate of the flexible cover 9 and the first protective film 40 in which a plurality of first protrusions 9P are formed on the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 is produced. can be obtained.

In the fourth step shown in FIG. 12, the thickness of the surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 in contact with the adhesive layer 8 in the laminate of the first protective film 40 and the flexible cover 9 is, for example, 25 μm. By pasting the second protective film 41 on the adhesive layer 8 after forming the adhesive layer 8 as shown in FIG. 11 can be obtained.

In the fifth step shown in FIG. 12, after peeling off the second protective film 41, the adhesive layer 8 in the laminate of the first protective film 40 and the flexible film 11 is attached to the flexible display panel 2. By attaching it to the functional layer 10, the foldable display 1 protected by the first protective film 40 can be obtained.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the surface 9aS in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of another flexible cover 9a that can be included in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of first protrusions 9aP are each provided in the form of an island on the surface 9aS of the flexible cover 9a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8.

Even when each of the plurality of first protrusions 9aP is provided in an island shape, the above-described non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 is increased compared to the case where the plurality of first protrusions 9aP are not provided. Can be done.

Furthermore, by providing a plurality of first protrusions 9aP on the surface 9aS of the flexible cover 9a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the plurality of first protrusions 9aP can prevent the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above. The flow of the flowing part can be impeded.

Here, an example will be described in which the shape of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9aP formed in an island shape is circular, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shape of each of the plurality of island-shaped first protrusions 9aP is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, square.

Note that the height of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9aP formed in an island shape is not particularly limited as long as the height is equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. The thickness of the adhesive layer 8 means the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 at the portion where the plurality of first protrusions 9aP are not provided.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a surface 9bS of still another flexible cover 9b that can be included in the foldable display 1 of the first embodiment, which is in contact with the adhesive layer 8.

As shown in FIG. 14, a first protrusion 9bP is provided on the surface 9bS of the flexible cover 9b that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8. The first protrusion 9bP is a protrusion in which a plurality of first protrusions are connected to each other to form a lattice shape.

Even when the first projections 9bP formed in a lattice shape are provided, the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above is increased compared to the case where the first projections 9bP formed in a lattice shape are not provided. can be done.

In addition, by providing the first protrusions 9bP formed in a lattice shape on the surface 9bS of the flexible cover 9b that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the first protrusions 9bP can prevent the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above. The flow of the flow part of 8 can be obstructed.

Note that the height of the first protrusions 9bP formed in a lattice shape is not particularly limited as long as the first protrusions 9bP are formed at a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. The thickness of the adhesive layer 8 means the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 at the portion where the first protrusion 9bP is not provided.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on FIGS. 19, 20, and 21. The foldable display 1b of the present embodiment has the above-mentioned features in that the plurality of second protrusions 10aP are provided on the surface 10aS of the flexible functional layer 10a of the flexible display panel 2a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8. This is different from the first embodiment. Other details are as described in the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a foldable display 1b according to the second embodiment.

In the foldable display 1b shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of second protrusions 10aP are provided on the surface 10aS of the flexible functional layer 10a of the flexible display panel 2a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8.

Although the flexible film 51 including the flexible cover 79 and the adhesive layer 8 provided on one side of the flexible cover 79 can maintain its flexibility, It is not possible to suppress the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 79, and it is not possible to suppress the dents caused in the flexible cover 79 by pressing the flexible cover 79 with a pen 50, a finger, or the like.

In the foldable display 1b shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of second protrusions 10aP are provided on the surface 10aS of the flexible functional layer 10a of the flexible display panel 2a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8. The non-flowing portion of layer 8 can be increased.

Further, by providing a plurality of second protrusions 10aS on the surface 10aS of the flexible functional layer 10a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, the plurality of second protrusions 10aP can prevent the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above. can impede the flow of the flowing part.

According to the foldable display 1b, it is possible to suppress the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 79 with the pen 50, a finger, etc., so that it is possible to suppress the flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 79 with the pen 50, a finger, etc., while maintaining flexibility. It is possible to suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 79 by pressing the flexible cover 79.

The flexible functional layer 10a provided in the flexible display panel 2a of the foldable display 1b includes a sealing layer 6 (see FIG. 2) having a sealing function, an optical compensation function, a touch sensor function, and a protection function. It is sufficient that at least one of the functional film 39 (see FIG. 2) is provided.

In this embodiment, the flexible functional layer 10a provided on the flexible display section 7 includes the sealing layer 6 and the functional film 39. In this embodiment, as described above, the case where the flexible display section 7 includes a light emitting element such as a QLED or an OLED is given as an example. Therefore, the flexible functional layer 10a is sealed. Although the case where the layer 6 is provided will be described as an example, the flexible functional layer 10a does not need to be provided with the sealing layer 6 without being limited thereto.

The functional film 39 included in the flexible functional layer 10a may include at least one of a film having an optical compensation function such as a polarizing plate, a film having a touch sensor function, and a film having a protection function. . In this embodiment, the functional film 39 includes a film having a touch sensor function, a film having an optical compensation function such as a polarizing plate, and a film having a protection function in this order from the flexible display section 7 side. Although the description will be given as an example of the case in which the information is provided, the present invention is not limited to this. When the flexible functional layer 10a includes the sealing layer 6 having a sealing function, the functional film 39 may not be provided.

Each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided on the surface 10aS of the flexible functional layer 10a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8 is the uppermost layer constituting the flexible functional layer 10a, that is, the adhesive layer of the flexible functional layer 10a. It may be formed of the same material as the layer having the surface 10aS in contact with the layer 8, or may be formed of a different material from the uppermost layer constituting the flexible functional layer 10a. When forming the plurality of second protrusions 10aP with a material different from the uppermost layer constituting the flexible functional layer 10a, for example, by performing exposure and development using a photosensitive resin, the plurality of second protrusions 10aP A protrusion 10aP may be formed.

In this embodiment, the uppermost layer constituting the flexible functional layer 10a is a film having a protective function, and each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP is formed using the above-described thermal imprint method. An example will be described in which the film is made of the same material as the film, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Regardless of whether the uppermost layer constituting the flexible functional layer 10a is the sealing layer 6, a film having an optical compensation function such as a polarizing plate, a film having a touch sensor function, or a film having a protection function, a plurality of Each of the second protrusions 10aP can be formed of the same material as the uppermost layer constituting the flexible functional layer 10a or a different material.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing a surface 10aS of the flexible functional layer 10a provided in the foldable display 1b of the second embodiment, which is in contact with the adhesive layer 8.

As shown in FIG. 20, each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided on the surface 10aS in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible functional layer 10a provided in the foldable display 1b is provided in an island shape. .

Note that the height H' of each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP formed in an island shape is not particularly limited as long as it is formed at a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. The thickness of the adhesive layer 8 means the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 in the portion where the plurality of second protrusions 10aP are not provided.

Here, an example will be described in which the shape of each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP formed in an island shape is circular, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shape of each of the plurality of island-shaped first protrusions 9aP is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, square.

Although not shown, similarly to FIG. 5, each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP may be provided in a stripe shape parallel to the first direction D1 and spaced apart in the second direction D2, They may be provided in stripes parallel to the second direction D2 and spaced apart in the first direction D1.

Further, when considering the size of the pen tip or fingertip of the pen 50, the number of second protrusions 10aP provided in a stripe shape overlapping with the pen tip or fingertip is plural. In the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided in the plurality of second protrusions 10aP, the distance between the second protrusions 10aP provided in two adjacent stripes, that is, the pitch of the second protrusions 10aP provided in the stripe, is 200 μm or more and 400 μm. The following is preferable.

Further, although not shown, the plurality of second protrusions 10aP may be connected to each other and provided in a lattice shape, similarly to FIG. 14.

In the foldable display 1b of the second embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 19, the case where each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP is covered with the adhesive layer 8 has been described as an example. It is not limited.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another foldable display 1c according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the foldable display 1c, each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP is not covered with the adhesive layer 8. That is, in the foldable display 1c, by forming the height H' of each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP and the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 to be, for example, 25 μm, each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP is , in direct contact with the flexible cover 79.

Each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided on the surface 10aS in contact with the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible functional layer 10a included in the foldable display 1c shown in FIG. They may be provided in a stripe shape at a distance in the direction D2, they may be provided in a stripe shape parallel to the second direction D2 and a distance apart in the first direction D1, or they may be provided in an island shape. They may be connected to each other to form a grid.

In the foldable display 1c, by providing the plurality of second protrusions 10aP, the non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above can be increased compared to the case where the plurality of second protrusions 10aP are not provided.

Furthermore, in the foldable display 1c, by providing the plurality of second protrusions 10aP, the plurality of second protrusions 10aP prevent the flow of the fluid portion of the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-fluid portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above. Can be done.

According to the foldable display 1c, the amount of flow of the adhesive layer 8 caused by pressing the flexible cover 79 with the pen 50 or a finger can be suppressed, so that the flexible cover 79 can be suppressed while maintaining flexibility. It is possible to suppress dents caused in the flexible cover 79 by pressing the flexible cover 79.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described based on FIGS. 22 and 23. The foldable displays 1d and 1e of this embodiment have a plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on a surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8, and a surface of the flexible functional layer 10a that is in contact with the adhesive layer 8. It differs from the first and second embodiments described above in that it includes both the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided on the second protrusion 10aS. The other details are as described in the first and second embodiments. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of Embodiments 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a foldable display 1d according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, the foldable display 1d has a plurality of first protrusions 9P provided on a surface 9S of the flexible cover 9 that contacts the adhesive layer 8, and contacts the adhesive layer 8 of the flexible functional layer 10a. and a plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided on the surface 10aS.

Note that the height of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the plurality of second protrusions 10aP is not particularly limited as long as it is formed to a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. The thickness of the adhesive layer 8 means the thickness of the adhesive layer 8 in a portion where the first protrusion 9P and the second protrusion 10aP are not provided.

In addition, in the foldable display 1d shown in FIG. (when viewed from the surface), the plurality of first projections 9P and the plurality of second projections 10aP are provided so as not to overlap, but the invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of first projections 9P and the plurality of second projections 10aP will be described later based on FIG. Like the foldable display 1e, they may be provided so that at least a portion thereof overlaps in plan view.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided in the foldable display 1d are arranged in a stripe shape parallel to the first direction D1 and separated from each other in the second direction D2. They may be provided in stripes parallel to the second direction D2 and spaced apart in the first direction D1.

The first protrusions 9P and second protrusions 10aP provided in a stripe shape are provided alternately in plan view, and the distance between adjacent first protrusions 9P and second protrusions 10aP is 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less. They may be formed apart from DIS'.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided in the foldable display 1d may be provided in an island shape.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of another foldable display 1e according to the third embodiment.

In the foldable display 1e shown in FIG. (when viewed from above), they are provided so that at least a portion thereof overlaps.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided in the foldable display 1e are arranged in a stripe shape parallel to the first direction D1 and separated from each other in the second direction D2. They may be provided in stripes parallel to the second direction D2 and spaced apart in the first direction D1.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided in the foldable display 1e may be provided in an island shape.

Each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P provided in the foldable display 1e may be connected to each other and provided in a lattice shape.

Further, each of the plurality of second protrusions 10aP provided in the foldable display 1e may be connected to each other and provided in a grid pattern.

In the foldable display 1e, an example is given in which the height of each of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the plurality of second protrusions 10aP is 20% of the thickness of the adhesive layer 8. However, it is not limited to this.

As described above, in the foldable displays 1d and 1e, by providing the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the plurality of second protrusions 10aP, only one of the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the plurality of second protrusions 10aP The non-flowing portion of the adhesive layer 8 described above can be increased compared to the case where the adhesive layer 8 is provided.

Further, in the foldable displays 1d and 1e, by providing the plurality of first protrusions 9P and the plurality of second protrusions 10aP, the above-mentioned adhesive layer is The flow of the fluid portions of the adhesive layer 8 other than the non-fluid portions of the adhesive layer 8 can be prevented.

According to the foldable display 1d shown in FIG. 22 and the foldable display 1e shown in FIG. While maintaining this, it is possible to suppress dents that occur in the flexible cover 9 due to pressure applied to the flexible cover 9 by the pen 50, a finger, or the like.

[Additional notes]
The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

The present disclosure can be used for foldable displays.

1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Foldable display 2, 2a Flexible display panel 3 Barrier layer 4 Thin film transistor layer 5R Red light emitting element (light emitting element)
5G green light emitting element (light emitting element)
5B Blue light emitting element (light emitting element)
6 Sealing layer 7 Flexible display section 8 Adhesive layer 8M Flow rate of adhesive layer 9, 9a, 9b Flexible cover 9P, 9aP, 9bP First protrusion (protrusion)
9S, 9aS, 9bS Surface of flexible cover in contact with adhesive layer 10, 10a Flexible functional layer 10aP Second protrusion (protrusion)
10aS Surface of flexible functional layer in contact with adhesive layer 11 Flexible film 12 Substrate 16, 18, 20 Inorganic insulating film 21 Flattening film 22 First electrode 23 Edge cover 24R Light emitting element layer including red light emitting layer 24G Green light emitting Light emitting element layer including a layer 24B Light emitting element layer including a blue light emitting layer 25 Second electrode 39 Functional film 50 Pen (input means)
51 Flexible film RSP Red sub-pixel GSP Green sub-pixel BSP Blue sub-pixel TR Transistor SEM, SEM', SEM'' Semiconductor film G Gate electrode D Drain electrode S Source electrode DA Display area H Height of first protrusion H' Height of the second protrusion W Shortest width of the protrusion DIS Distance between adjacent first protrusions DIS' Distance between adjacent first and second protrusions in plan view D1 First direction D2 Second direction

Claims (21)

1. a flexible display section;
   a flexible functional layer provided on the flexible display section;
   a flexible cover provided on the flexible functional layer;
   an adhesive layer provided between the flexible functional layer and the flexible cover and bonding the flexible functional layer and the flexible cover together;
   At least one of the flexible functional layer and the flexible cover includes a plurality of protrusions provided on a surface in contact with the adhesive layer,
   Each of the plurality of protrusions has a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer, and is in contact with the adhesive layer, the foldable display.
2. The foldable display according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are a plurality of first protrusions provided on a surface of the flexible cover that is in contact with the adhesive layer.
3. The foldable display according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are a plurality of second protrusions provided on a surface of the flexible functional layer that is in contact with the adhesive layer.
4. The plurality of protrusions include a plurality of first protrusions provided on a surface of the flexible cover in contact with the adhesive layer and a plurality of second protrusions provided on a surface of the flexible functional layer in contact with the adhesive layer. The foldable display according to claim 1.
5. The flexible display section includes a plurality of scanning signal lines and a plurality of data signal lines,
   Each of the plurality of first protrusions extends parallel to one of a first direction, which is an extending direction of the plurality of scanning signal lines, and a second direction, which is an extending direction of the plurality of data signal lines. The foldable display according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the foldable display is provided in a stripe shape at a distance in the other direction and the second direction.
6. The foldable display according to claim 5, wherein in the plurality of first protrusions, two adjacent first protrusions are formed with a distance of 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less.
7. The foldable display according to claim 2 or 4, wherein each of the plurality of first protrusions is provided in an island shape.
8. The foldable display according to claim 2 or 4, wherein each of the plurality of first protrusions is connected to each other and provided in a grid pattern.
9. The flexible display section includes a plurality of scanning signal lines and a plurality of data signal lines,
   Each of the plurality of second protrusions extends parallel to one of the first direction, which is the extending direction of the plurality of scanning signal lines, and the second direction, which is the extending direction of the plurality of data signal lines. The foldable display according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the foldable display is provided in a stripe shape at a distance in the other direction and the second direction.
10. The foldable display according to claim 9, wherein in the plurality of second protrusions, two adjacent second protrusions are formed with a distance of 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less.
11. The foldable display according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the plurality of second protrusions is provided in an island shape.
12. The foldable display according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the plurality of second protrusions is connected to each other and provided in a grid pattern.
13. The foldable display according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of first protrusions and each of the plurality of second protrusions at least partially overlap in plan view.
14. The foldable display according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of first protrusions and each of the plurality of second protrusions do not overlap in plan view.
15. The flexible display section includes a plurality of scanning signal lines and a plurality of data signal lines,
    Each of the plurality of first protrusions and each of the plurality of second protrusions are arranged in a first direction, which is the extending direction of the plurality of scanning signal lines, and a second direction, which is the extending direction of the plurality of data signal lines. The foldable display according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the foldable display is provided in a stripe shape parallel to one of two directions and spaced apart in the other of the first direction and the second direction.
16. In plan view, the first protrusions and the second protrusions are provided alternately,
    16. The foldable display according to claim 15, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion that are adjacent to each other are separated by a distance of 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less when viewed in plan.
17. The foldable display according to claim 13 or 14, wherein each of the plurality of first protrusions and each of the plurality of second protrusions are provided in an island shape.
18. The foldable display according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions is covered with the adhesive layer.
19. The foldable display according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the flexible functional layer has at least one of an optical compensation function, a touch sensor function, a sealing function, and a protection function.
20. The flexible display section includes a light emitting element,
    The foldable display according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the light emitting element includes a light emitting layer containing quantum dots or an organic light emitting layer.
21. a flexible cover;
    an adhesive layer provided on one side of the flexible cover,
    The flexible cover includes a plurality of protrusions provided on a surface in contact with the adhesive layer,
    Each of the plurality of protrusions has a height equal to or less than the thickness of the adhesive layer, and is in contact with the adhesive layer, the flexible film.

Images