Flexible display module and flexible display device

Abstract

The application provides a flexible display module and a flexible display device. The flexible display module comprises a cover plate, a flexible display panel, a rigid back plate assembly and an optical device arranged in sequence. The optical device is arranged on the side of the rigid back plate assembly away from the flexible display panel. The rigid back plate assembly comprises a rigid back plate body and a rigid light-transmitting device. The rigid light-transmitting device is arranged between the optical device and the flexible display panel. The rigid light-transmitting device is light-transmitting and rigid. On the one hand, the light can pass through the rigid light-transmitting device to the optical device, so that the optical device can work normally. On the other hand, the flexible display panel and the optical device can be isolated. When a user presses the flexible display panel, the rigid support structure can prevent the flexible display panel from being damaged and the optical device from being damaged, so that the quality and service life of the flexible display module can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to a flexible display module and a flexible display device. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible display modules possess many advantages that traditional displays lack, such as thinness, impact resistance, and rollability. These advantages enable display devices to be thinner, more portable, and more aesthetically pleasing, providing a wider range of development opportunities for flexible display modules. Therefore, flexible display technology has received widespread attention and research in the field of display technology.

[0003] With the increasing demand for high screen-to-body ratio displays, achieving full-screen displays is currently one of the hottest technologies being pursued in the display device industry. For flexible display modules, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,in, Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of a flexible display device in the prior art. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural diagram at point A. The flexible display module 0200 in the flexible display device 0100 includes a stacked cover plate 0210, a flexible display panel 0220, and a rigid back plate 0230. The rigid back plate 0230 supports the flexible display panel 0220, allowing it to be in a flattened state; it also disperses the stress on the flexible display panel 0220, reducing stress concentration. When specifically configuring the flexible display module 0200, optical devices 0240, such as cameras or fingerprint recognition devices, can be placed on the back side of the flexible display panel 0220. Therefore, through holes 0231 corresponding to these optical devices 0240 need to be provided in the rigid back plate 0230 to allow light to reach the optical devices 0240 and ensure their operation. When the flexible display device 0100 is in use, if the flexible display module 0200 is not supported at the through hole 0231, the flexible display panel 0220 will be dented, damaging the flexible display panel 0220 or the optical device 0240. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a flexible display module and a flexible display device to improve the quality of the flexible display module and extend the service life of the flexible display device.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a flexible display module, which includes a cover plate, a flexible display panel, a rigid backplate assembly, and optical components arranged sequentially. The optical components are disposed on the side of the rigid backplate assembly away from the flexible display panel and located in the display area of ​​the flexible display module. The rigid backplate assembly includes a rigid backplate body and a rigid light-transmitting device. This rigid light-transmitting device is both transparent and rigid. It is disposed between the optical components and the flexible display panel, allowing light to pass through and reach the optical components for normal operation. Furthermore, it isolates the flexible display panel from the optical components. Even if a user presses the flexible display panel while using the module, the rigid support structure prevents damage to either the panel or the optical components, thus improving the quality and lifespan of the flexible display module.

[0006] When specifically setting up the rigid backplate assembly, the rigid backplate body can have through holes, which are one-to-one with the optical devices of the flexible display module. The rigid light-transmitting device is placed in the through hole to support the flexible display panel and allow light to enter the optical device.

[0007] The specific structure and installation method of the rigid light-transmitting device are not limited. The rigid light-transmitting device can be a curable adhesive. First, the liquid curable adhesive is injected into the through hole and then cured to fix the rigid light-transmitting device to the rigid back plate body.

[0008] In another alternative technical solution, the rigid light-transmitting device can be a rigid light-transmitting block, which is then installed in the through hole of the rigid back plate body. Specifically, the rigid light-transmitting block can be glued and fixed to the through hole of the rigid back plate body, or an interference fit can be used to achieve the fixed installation of the rigid light-transmitting block and the through hole.

[0009] When installing the rigid light-transmitting block, the through holes of the rigid backplate body can be made into stepped holes. These stepped holes specifically include a first through hole and a second through hole. The first through hole is closer to the flexible display panel, and the second through hole is farther from the flexible display panel. The diameter of the first through hole is larger than the diameter of the second through hole. By making the rigid light-transmitting block a stepped block and adapting it to the through holes, the stepped holes can engage with the rigid light-transmitting block. When the user uses the flexible display module, pressing the flexible display module will confine the rigid light-transmitting block within the through holes of the rigid backplate body.

[0010] When specifically configuring the aforementioned rigid light-transmitting device, the surface of the rigid light-transmitting device facing the flexible display module can be made flush with the surface of the rigid backplate body facing the flexible display panel. This results in the rigid backplate assembly having a relatively flat surface facing the flexible display panel, thereby improving the support effect on the flexible display panel.

[0011] In another technical solution, the rigid backplate body can have through holes corresponding to the optical components, facilitating light penetration into the optical components and enabling them to function properly. The aforementioned rigid light-transmitting device is a rigid light-transmitting plate stacked on top of the rigid backplate body. This rigid light-transmitting plate is located between the rigid backplate body and the flexible display panel, thereby isolating the through holes of the rigid backplate body from the flexible display panel and protecting both the flexible display panel and the optical components. This solution only requires adding a rigid light-transmitting plate to the existing technical solutions, making the process relatively simple.

[0012] When specifically setting the aforementioned through-holes, it is necessary to ensure that the projection of the through-holes onto the flexible display panel completely covers the light-receiving area of ​​the optical components. That is, the through-holes must at least completely expose the light-receiving area of ​​the optical components so that the optical components can function properly.

[0013] In another specific technical solution, the flexible display module can have a single transparent rigid backplate; that is, the rigid backplate body is a light-transmitting rigid backplate body, and the rigid backplate body and the rigid light-transmitting device are integrated into one structure. The structure of the flexible display module in this solution is relatively simple.

[0014] The specific material used for the rigid light-transmitting device can be selected according to requirements, as long as the light transmittance and rigidity are guaranteed. For example, it can be a rigid light-transmitting device made of glass, plastic, or resin.

[0015] Secondly, this application also provides a flexible display device, which includes a flexible display module as described in any of the above technical solutions. The flexible display module has a rigid light-transmitting device between its optical components and the flexible display panel to achieve rigid isolation between the optical components and the flexible display panel, thereby protecting the flexible display panel and the optical components, improving the quality of the flexible display module, and increasing the service life of the flexible display device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible display device in the prior art;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point A in the middle;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in its working state in the prior art;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a flexible display device in one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a rigid backplate body in one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a flexible display module in one embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] Existing technology section:

[0028] 0100 - Flexible display device; 0200 - Flexible display module;

[0029] 0210 - Cover plate; 0220 - Flexible display panel;

[0030] 0230 - Rigid backplate; 0231 - Through hole;

[0031] 0240 - Optical Components;

[0032] This invention includes:

[0033] 100 - Flexible display device; 200 - Flexible display module;

[0034] 210 - Cover plate; 220 - Flexible display panel;

[0035] 230 - Rigid backplate assembly; 231 - Rigid backplate body;

[0036] 2311 - Through hole; 2312 - First through hole;

[0037] 2313 - Second through hole; 232 - Rigid light-transmitting device;

[0038] 240 - Optical devices. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Flexible display modules are typically used in foldable flexible display devices, which are commonly found in foldable mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets. Figure 1The above is a schematic diagram of a structure of a flexible display device in the prior art. Currently, the requirements for the screen-to-body ratio of flexible display devices 0100 are becoming increasingly stringent. Therefore, flexible display devices 0100 are gradually trending towards narrow bezels or full-screen designs. This necessitates placing the functional components of the flexible display device 0100 on the back side of the flexible display panel 0220 within the flexible display module 0200. Among the functional components of the flexible display device 0100 are also some optical devices 0240, such as cameras, ambient light sensors, or fingerprint readers. These optical devices 0240 require light to function. Please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The cross-sectional structural diagram at point A shows that the existing flexible display module 0200 includes a stacked cover plate 0210, a flexible display panel 0220, and a rigid back plate 0230. The rigid back plate 0230 is opaque; therefore, a through hole 0231 needs to be formed in the rigid back plate 0230 so that the light-receiving area of ​​the optical device 0240 is aligned with the through hole 0231, allowing the optical device 0240 to receive light and operate. Please refer to... Figure 3 This document illustrates a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module in its working state in the prior art. When the flexible display device 0100 is in use, if the flexible display module 0200 is subjected to external force, the flexible display panel 0220, being flexible, will be squeezed into the through-hole 0231 of the rigid back plate 0230, causing the flexible display panel 0220 to dent. This can lead to damage to the flexible display panel 0220 and, because the flexible display panel 0220 is squeezed into the through-hole 0231 of the rigid back plate 0230, it can also compress the optical component 0240, potentially causing damage as well. To address these problems, this application provides a flexible display module and a flexible display device. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following will describe this application in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a flexible display device according to an embodiment of this application. The flexible display device in this embodiment includes a flexible display module; please refer to... Figure 5 This illustrates the flexible display module in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 The cross-sectional view at point B shows that the flexible display module 200 of the flexible display device 100 includes a cover plate 210, a flexible display panel 220, a rigid back plate assembly 230, and an optical device 240 arranged sequentially. The optical device 240 is disposed on the side of the rigid back plate assembly 230 away from the flexible display panel 220, and is located in the display area of ​​the flexible display module 200, specifically in the non-folding area. The rigid back plate assembly 230 supports the flexible display panel 220 to disperse stress when the flexible display module 200 is subjected to stress, thereby reducing stress concentration and improving the service life of the flexible display module 200. The optical device 240 is disposed on the side of the rigid back plate assembly 230 away from the flexible display panel 220. The rigid back plate assembly 230 includes a rigid back plate body 231 and a rigid light-transmitting device 232, wherein the rigid light-transmitting device 232 is located between the flexible display panel 220 and the optical device 240. In this design, a rigid light-transmitting device 232 is provided between the flexible display panel 220 and the optical device 240. Light can pass through this rigid light-transmitting device 232 and reach the light-incident area of ​​the optical device 240, thus ensuring the normal operation of the optical device 240. Furthermore, because the rigid light-transmitting device 232 is rigid, it can support the flexible display panel 220. Even when the user uses the flexible display device 100 and presses the flexible display module 200, the rigid light-transmitting device 232 can protect both the flexible display panel 220 and the optical device 240, thereby improving the quality and lifespan of the flexible display module 200 and facilitating the realization of narrow bezels or full-screen designs for the flexible display device 100.

[0043] In specific embodiments, the structure of the rigid backplate assembly 230 is not specifically limited; please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The rigid backplate body 231 in the rigid backplate assembly 230 has through holes 2311, which correspond one-to-one with optical devices 240. The light-receiving area of ​​the optical device 240 is opposite to the through hole 2311, allowing light to enter the optical device 240 through the through hole 2311 so that the optical device 240 can function normally. In a specific technical solution, a rigid light-transmitting device 232 can be provided in the through hole 2311 of the rigid backplate. The rigid light-transmitting device 232 allows light to reach the optical device 240 normally and also acts as a rigid isolation between the optical device 240 and the flexible display panel 220, providing support for the flexible display panel 220. Therefore, when the user presses the flexible display panel 220, the flexible display panel 220 and the optical device 240 are less likely to be damaged. In this solution, the thickness of the rigid backplate assembly 230 does not need to be increased, which is beneficial to maintaining the thickness of the flexible display module 200 and realizing the thinning design of the flexible display device 100.

[0044] In this embodiment, the method of setting the rigid light-transmitting device 232 within the through hole 2311 of the rigid backplate body 231 is not specifically limited. In one specific embodiment, the rigid light-transmitting device 232 can be a curable adhesive. When manufacturing the rigid backplate assembly 230, liquid curable adhesive can be injected into the through hole 2311, and then the curable adhesive can be cured to obtain the rigid light-transmitting device 232. In this solution, the manufacturing process of the rigid light-transmitting device 232 is relatively simple, and the rigid light-transmitting device 232 can be installed relatively stably within the through hole 2311 of the rigid backplate body, improving the structural reliability of the rigid backplate assembly 230.

[0045] In another specific embodiment, the rigid light-transmitting device 232 can be a rigid light-transmitting block, which is installed in the through hole 2311 of the rigid back plate body. Specifically, the rigid light-transmitting block can be bonded and fixed in the through hole 2311, or interference-fitted into the through hole 2311. This application does not impose specific limitations. Please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,in, Figure 6 This illustration shows a cross-sectional structural diagram of a flexible display module according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7A schematic diagram of a rigid backplate body 231 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. In this embodiment, the through hole 2311 of the rigid backplate body is a stepped hole, which includes a first through hole 2312 and a second through hole 2313. The first through hole 2312 is located on the side closer to the flexible display panel 220, and the second through hole 2313 is located on the side away from the flexible display panel 220. The diameter of the first through hole 2312 is larger than the diameter of the second through hole 2313. The rigid light-transmitting block is also a stepped block, which is adapted to the stepped hole. When the stepped block is installed in the stepped hole, the stepped hole can limit the stepped block along the side away from the flexible display panel 220. Therefore, when the rigid light-transmitting block is installed in the stepped hole of the rigid backplate body, even if the flexible display panel 220 is subjected to pressure, the rigid light-transmitting block can be confined within the through hole 2311 of the rigid backplate body. The installation structure is relatively reliable and does not require other matching structures, making the installation process relatively simple.

[0046] In this specific arrangement, the surface of the rigid light-transmitting device 232 facing the flexible display panel 220 is flush with the surface of the rigid back plate body 231 facing the flexible display panel 220. In this scheme, the support structure on the back side of the flexible display panel 220 is a complete plane, which can provide better support for the flexible display panel 220, thereby improving the service life of the flexible display panel 220.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structural schematic of a flexible display module in an embodiment of this application. In one embodiment, the rigid back plate body 231 in the rigid back plate assembly 230 has a through hole 2311, which corresponds one-to-one with the optical device 240. The light incident area of ​​the optical device 240 is opposite to the through hole 2311, and light can be incident on the optical device 240 through the through hole 2311 so that the optical device 240 can work normally. In this scheme, the rigid light-transmitting device 232 is a rigid light-transmitting plate, which is stacked with the rigid back plate body 231, and the rigid light-transmitting plate is located on the side of the rigid back plate body 231 facing the flexible display panel 220. Thus, there is a rigid light-transmitting plate between the rigid back plate body 231 and the flexible display panel 220, which can isolate the flexible display panel 220 from the through hole 2311. When the user uses the flexible display device 100, the flexible display panel 220 will not be recessed into the through hole 2311, thereby protecting the flexible display panel 220 and the optical device 240 from damage.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the size of the aforementioned through-hole 2311 should be sufficient to enable the corresponding optical device 240 to function properly. Therefore, the projection of the through-hole 2311 onto the flexible display panel 220 needs to completely cover the light-receiving area of ​​the optical device 240. Specifically, the through-hole 2311 can be made to perfectly match the light-receiving area of ​​the optical device 240, or the size of the through-hole 2311 can be larger than the light-receiving area of ​​the optical device 240. This facilitates the absorption of more installation tolerances and improves the reliability of light reception in the light-receiving area of ​​the optical device 240.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 9 This diagram illustrates a cross-sectional structure of a flexible display module according to an embodiment of this application. In an optional embodiment, the rigid backplate body 231 can be a light-transmitting rigid backplate body 231, meaning that the rigid backplate body 231 and the rigid light-transmitting device 232 are integrated into one structure. Thus, the flexible display module 200 includes only one rigid backplate, and this rigid backplate is a light-transmitting rigid backplate. In this solution, there is no need to provide through holes 2311 in the rigid backplate, which can directly provide a complete support structure for the flexible display panel 220. This overcomes the problem in the prior art where the flexible display panel 220 or optical device 240 is easily damaged due to the through hole 2311 structure. Furthermore, the structure of the flexible display module 200 in this solution is relatively simple, making manufacturing and installation more convenient, and facilitating the thinning of the flexible display module 200.

[0050] In specific embodiments, the material of the rigid light-transmitting device 232 is not limited. For example, it can be a glass rigid light-transmitting device 232, a plastic rigid light-transmitting device 232, or a resin rigid light-transmitting device 232. A suitable material can be selected to manufacture the rigid light-transmitting device 232 according to requirements, as long as the rigid light-transmitting device 232 has the characteristics of rigidity and light transmission. The rigid light-transmitting device 232 in this application can be a transparent device, that is, it has good light transmission, which is beneficial to realizing the function of the optical device 240 and improving the working effect of the optical device 240.

[0051] In optional solutions, the rigid light-transmitting device 232 can also be equipped with certain optical properties, such as light enhancement, filtering or light focusing, according to the requirements of the optical device 240. The above optical properties can be designed according to the requirements to improve the working effect of the optical device 240.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, the flexible display module can be an AMOLED display module. The flexible display module can be fabricated using the following process steps; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 10 The following is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of a flexible display module according to an embodiment of this application:

[0053] Step S101, Fabrication of flexible AMOLED substrate:

[0054] First, liquid polyimide material is coated onto a glass substrate and cured at high temperature to form a flexible substrate. A flexible AMOLED array substrate is then fabricated using a photolithography process. Next, a fine mask process is used to define the pixel units and electrodes. Finally, an organic / inorganic composite film is deposited on the AMOLED array substrate to encapsulate it, thus completing the fabrication of the AMOLED substrate.

[0055] Step S102, flexible display panel cutting and peeling:

[0056] The substrate prepared in step S101 is cut using tools such as lasers or cutting wheels. The heat-release adhesive on the glass substrate is heated by a laser to separate the substrate from the glass substrate, thereby obtaining a flexible display panel.

[0057] Step S103, Flexible display module assembly:

[0058] The polarizer, touchscreen, and other films are laminated onto the flexible display panel. After external lead bonding, the pins of the chip and flexible circuit board are connected to the terminals of the substrate. Then, the reinforced backplane and surface cover are assembled. Pre-drilled holes are designed for the polarizer and backplane at the locations where under-display optical components need to be installed. Rigid light-transmitting devices are placed between the optical components and the flexible display panel.

[0059] Step S104, Install under-display optical components:

[0060] Optical adhesive is used to fix optical components such as under-display fingerprint recognition, under-display camera, and under-display ambient light sensor to the opening position, thus completing the under-display component module engineering.

[0061] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display module, characterized in that, The flexible display module is an active matrix organic light emitting diode display module, and comprises a cover plate, a flexible display panel, a rigid back plate assembly and an optical device arranged in sequence, wherein the optical device is arranged on a side of the rigid back plate assembly away from the flexible display panel. The rigid back plate assembly comprises a rigid back plate body and a rigid light-transmitting device, and the rigid light-transmitting device is located between the optical device and the flexible display panel. The rigid back plate body has a through hole corresponding to the optical device, and the rigid light-transmitting device is located in the through hole. The rigid light-transmitting device comprises a rigid light-transmitting block fixedly installed in the through hole. The through hole comprises a first through hole and a second through hole arranged in sequence away from the flexible display panel, the aperture of the first through hole is larger than that of the second through hole, the first through hole and the second through hole form a stepped hole, the rigid light-transmitting block is a stepped block, the stepped block is matched with the stepped hole, and the stepped hole limits the stepped block on a side away from the flexible display panel. The projection of the through hole on the flexible display panel completely covers the light entrance area of the optical device. The flexible display module further comprises a polarizing plate, a touch screen, a chip and a flexible circuit board, the polarizing plate and the touch screen are arranged on the surface of the flexible display panel in sequence, and the chip and the flexible circuit board are combined with the terminals of the substrate. 2.The flexible display module of claim 1, wherein, The surface of the rigid light-transmitting device facing the flexible display module is flush with the surface of the rigid back plate body facing the flexible display panel.

3. The flexible display module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rigid light-transmitting device is a glass rigid light-transmitting device, a plastic rigid light-transmitting device or a resin rigid light-transmitting device. 4.A flexible display device, characterized by, The flexible display module comprises the flexible display module according to any one of claims 1-3.

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