Flexible display panel, display device, and method for manufacturing flexible display panel

Abstract

The present application relates to a flexible display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, wherein the flexible display panel has a bending region and a non-bending region located on at least one side of the bending region; the flexible display panel includes: a first electrode layer group and a second electrode layer group arranged opposite to each other, and a light-emitting layer arranged between the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group; wherein at least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers the side surface of the light-emitting layer near the non-bending region in the bending region. By setting the flexible display panel to the above structure, when a crease occurs and the light-emitting layer tilts upward near one end of the non-bending region, light emitted from the side surface of the light-emitting layer near the non-bending region can be emitted from the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the amount of light emitted from the bending region, and adjusting the light emission direction of the bending region so that the light on the oblique side of the crease is vertically upward as a whole, thereby reducing the impact of the crease in the bending region of the folding screen on the user's sensory effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a flexible display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel. Background Art

[0002] Since the folding screen is made of a stacked combination of a flexible screen body, a transparent plastic film layer, an optical adhesive layer and a thin layer of metal, the folding screen can produce stress and strain (i.e. deformation) under the action of external force.

[0003] However, after multiple folds, the folding area will retain some deformation, and the material cannot return to its original shape, resulting in creases in the folding area. During use, the creases in the folding area lead to uneven display in the folding area, which in turn causes users to visually perceive changes in brightness and darkness in the folding area, thus affecting the sensory effect of the folding screen. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to address the above technical problems and provide a flexible display panel that can reduce the impact of the creases in the bending area of ​​the folding screen on the user's sensory effects.

[0005] The present application provides a flexible display panel having a bending region and a non-bending region located on at least one side of the bending region; the flexible display panel comprises: a first electrode layer group and a second electrode layer group arranged opposite to each other, and a light-emitting layer arranged between the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group; wherein,

[0006] At least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers a side surface of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area.

[0007] In the above-mentioned flexible display panel, when a crease occurs, the light-emitting layer is tilted upward at one end close to the non-bending area, and at least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area. Since the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group are both light-transmitting structures, the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area can be emitted from the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the light output of the bending area and adjusting the light output direction of the bending area so that the light on the oblique side of the fold is vertically upward as a whole, thereby increasing the vertical light output from the front, bringing the user's sensory effect of the bending area and the sensory effect of the non-bending area closer, and reducing the impact of the crease in the bending area of ​​the folding screen on the user's sensory effect.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; the flexible display panel also includes a pixel defining layer located on the first electrode layer group, a pixel opening is provided in the pixel defining layer, the light-emitting layer is located in the pixel opening, at least one side wall of the pixel opening is a step structure, and the second electrode layer group is located on the surface of the light-emitting layer away from the first electrode layer group and on the step structure, so as to at least partially cover the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area.

[0009] In one embodiment, the thickness of the light-emitting layer in the bending region is greater than the thickness of the light-emitting layer in the non-bending region;

[0010] Optionally, the flexible display panel also includes a thin film encapsulation layer located on the side of the second electrode layer group away from the light-emitting layer, and the sum of the thicknesses of the thin film encapsulation layer, the second electrode layer group and the light-emitting layer in the bending area is equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the thin film encapsulation layer, the second electrode layer group and the light-emitting layer in the non-bending area.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; a step structure is provided at one end of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area, and part of the second electrode layer group is located on the step structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; and the flexible display panel further comprises:

[0013] a thin film encapsulation layer, located on a side of the second electrode layer group away from the light-emitting layer;

[0014] a light-reducing dielectric layer located in the bending region and located within the thin film encapsulation layer or on a side of the thin film encapsulation layer away from the flexible substrate, wherein the refractive index of the light-reducing dielectric layer is smaller than the refractive index of the thin film encapsulation layer, and the light-reducing dielectric layer is used to adjust the direction of the emitted light;

[0015] Optionally, the optically sparse dielectric layer includes a plurality of sub-dielectric layers, and the plurality of sub-dielectric layers are symmetrically arranged relative to the bending center of the bending region;

[0016] Optionally, at least one of the sub-dielectric layers located on the same side of the bending center is arranged obliquely relative to the thin film encapsulation layer;

[0017] Optionally, the surface of the sub-dielectric layer facing the light-emitting layer is a convex arc surface;

[0018] Optionally, the sub-dielectric layer is in a multi-step shape, and the thickness of each step of the sub-dielectric layer gradually decreases from the bending center toward a direction away from the bending center.

[0019] In one embodiment, the number of the sub-dielectric layers is two, both of the sub-dielectric layers are located in the thin film encapsulation layer, and the two sub-dielectric layers are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending region.

[0020] A display device includes the flexible display panel as described above.

[0021] The advantages of the above-mentioned display device over the prior art are the same as the advantages of the above-mentioned flexible display panel over the prior art, and will not be repeated here.

[0022] A method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, wherein the flexible display panel has a bending region and a non-bending region located on at least one side of the bending region; the method comprising:

[0023] Providing a flexible substrate;

[0024] forming a first electrode layer group on one side of the flexible substrate;

[0025] forming a light-emitting layer on a side of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate;

[0026] forming a second electrode layer group on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate;

[0027] Wherein, at least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers the side surface of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area.

[0028] The above-mentioned manufacturing method of the flexible display panel is to make at least one of the formed first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially cover the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area. Since the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group are both light-transmitting structures, when a crease occurs and the light-emitting layer is tilted upward at one end close to the non-bending area, the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area can be emitted from the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the light output of the bending area and adjusting the light output direction of the bending area so that the light on the oblique side of the crease is vertically upward as a whole, thereby increasing the vertical light output from the front, bringing the user's sensory effect of the bending area and the sensory effect of the non-bending area closer, and reducing the impact of the crease in the bending area of ​​the folding screen on the user's sensory effect.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; and forming the light-emitting layer on the side of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate includes:

[0030] forming a pixel defining layer on a surface of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate;

[0031] opening a pixel opening in the pixel defining layer;

[0032] evaporating a light-emitting layer in the pixel opening;

[0033] The forming of a second electrode layer group on a side of the light emitting layer away from the flexible substrate comprises:

[0034] Performing a patterning process on the pixel definition layer to provide a step structure on at least one side wall of the pixel opening, wherein the step structure exposes at least a portion of a side surface of the light-emitting layer near the non-bending region;

[0035] A second electrode layer group is evaporated on the surface of the light emitting layer away from the flexible substrate and the step structure.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; and forming the second electrode layer group on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate includes:

[0037] Performing patterning on the light-emitting layer to form a step structure at one end of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending region;

[0038] The second electrode layer group is formed on a surface of the light emitting layer away from the flexible substrate, wherein a portion of the second electrode layer group fills the step structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the conventional technology, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a light path diagram when a crease appears in the bending area of ​​an existing display panel;

[0041] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible display panel in an embodiment of the present application when no crease occurs in the bending area;

[0042] Figure 3 Based Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the light path change when a crease appears in the bending area;

[0043] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a flexible display panel in another embodiment of the present application when no crease appears in the bending area;

[0044] Figure 5 Based Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the light path change when a crease appears in the bending area;

[0045] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional comparison diagram of a bending area and a non-bending area of ​​a flexible display panel in one embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the position of the sub-dielectric layer in one embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 To increase Figure 7 The optical path diagram of the crease cross section of the optically sparse dielectric layer;

[0048] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the position of the sub-dielectric layer in another embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 10 To increase Figure 9 The optical path diagram of the crease cross section of the optically sparse dielectric layer;

[0050] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the position of the sub-dielectric layer in another embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 12 To increase Figure 11 The optical path diagram of the crease cross section of the optically sparse dielectric layer;

[0052] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel in an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Description of reference numerals:

[0054] 11 - bending region, 12 - non-bending region, 111 - first electrode layer group, 112 - light-emitting layer, 113 - second electrode layer group, 114 - pixel defining layer, 115 - thin film encapsulation layer, 116 - sub-dielectric layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present application. However, the present application may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to facilitate a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of the present application.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0057] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0058] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, the layer or element can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, the layer can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0059] Hereinafter, although terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used to describe various components, these components are not necessarily limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. It will also be understood that expressions used in the singular include expressions in the plural unless the expression in the singular has an obviously different meaning in the context.

[0060] When a statement such as "at least one of..." follows a list of elements, it modifies the entire list of elements rather than the individual elements in the list. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. As used in the application documents, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. It should also be understood that the terms "include / comprise" or "have" specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0061] Although exemplary embodiments of a display module and a display device including a display module have been specifically described herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that a display module constructed according to the principles of the present application and a display device including a display module may be implemented otherwise than as specifically described herein. The present application is further defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0062] In addition, in the present application, the side of the display panel used for image display is the light-emitting side, and the side of the display panel facing away from the light-emitting side is the backlight side.

[0063] As described in the background technology, since the folding screen adopts a stacked combination of a flexible screen body, a transparent plastic film layer, an optical adhesive layer, and a thin layer of metal, stress and strain (i.e., deformation) are generated under the action of external force when folded. When the stress does not exceed the elastic limit of the material, the deformation generated is completely eliminated after the external force is removed, and the material returns to its original state. This deformation is a reversible elastic deformation. When the stress exceeds the elastic limit of the material, the deformation generated cannot be completely restored after the external force is removed, and a part of the deformation remains, and the material cannot return to its original shape. This residual deformation is an irreversible plastic deformation.

[0064] After the folding screen is bent multiple times, the bending area 11 will remain partially deformed and the material cannot return to its original shape, resulting in creases in the bending area 11. Figure 1 As shown, the non-bending area 12 emits light vertically from the front, while the crease of the bending area 11 causes the light emitted vertically from the front of the bending area 11 to be emitted obliquely. Therefore, there is an uneven display phenomenon in the bending area 11, which will cause the user to visually feel the light and dark changes in the bending part, thereby affecting the user's sensory effect of the folding screen.

[0065] Based on the above reasons, Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the present application provides a flexible display panel having a bending area and a non-bending area located on at least one side of the bending area; the flexible display panel includes: a first electrode layer group 111 and a second electrode layer group 113 arranged opposite to each other, and a light-emitting layer 112 arranged between the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113; wherein, at least one of the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area in the bending area.

[0066] One of the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 may be a cathode layer group, and the other of the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 may be an anode layer group, which are not specifically limited herein. The cathode layer group may include a cathode layer, an electron injection layer, and an electron transport layer, and the anode layer group may include an anode layer, a hole injection layer, and a hole transport layer. The side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area faces the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is bent. When the first electrode layer group 111 is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel, the first electrode layer group 111 at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area in the bending area, so that the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area can pass through the first electrode layer group 111 and exit the flexible display panel. Similarly, when the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel, the second electrode layer group 113 at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area in the bending area, so that the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area can pass through the second electrode layer group 113 and exit the flexible display panel. In this embodiment, the distribution of the bending area and the non-bending area of ​​the flexible display panel is the same as that in the prior art. Therefore, reference can be made to Figure 1 The distribution of the bending areas 11 and the non-bending areas 12 is shown.

[0067] Exemplarily, the first electrode layer group 111 is an anode layer group, the second electrode layer group 113 is a cathode layer group, the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel, and the light-emitting layer 112 is located between the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113. The electrons injected from the cathode and the holes injected from the anode combine with each other in the light-emitting layer 112 to form excitons. When the excitons release energy, they emit light, and the light is emitted from various positions of the light-emitting layer 112. At this time, since the second electrode layer group 113 at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area in the bending area, the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area can pass through the second electrode layer group 113 and emit out of the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the light output in the bending area and adjusting the light output direction of the flexible display panel.

[0068] In the application, taking the second electrode layer group 113 as an example, the light-emitting layer 112 can be patterned to form a step structure on the side of the light-emitting layer 112, and then the second electrode layer group 113 can be formed on the step structure to form a flexible display panel. Figure 4 The structure shown in FIG. 1 is formed by partially covering the side of the light-emitting layer 112 near the non-bending area with the second electrode layer group 113. Alternatively, the structure of the light-emitting layer 112 near the non-bending area is patterned to form a step structure exposing the side of the light-emitting layer 112 near the non-bending area, and then forming the second electrode layer group 113 on the step structure to form a structure as shown in FIG. Figure 2The structure shown in FIG. 1 is used to partially cover the side surface of the light-emitting layer 112 near the non-bending area using the second electrode layer group 113 without reducing the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112 .

[0069] In the above-mentioned flexible display panel, when a crease occurs, the light-emitting layer 112 is tilted upward at one end close to the non-bending area, and at least one of the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area in the bending area. Since the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 are both light-transmitting structures, the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area can be emitted from the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the light output of the bending area and adjusting the light output direction of the bending area so that the light on the oblique side of the fold is vertically upward as a whole, thereby increasing the vertical light output from the front, bringing the user's sensory effects of the bending area and the non-bending area closer, and reducing the impact of the crease in the bending area of ​​the folding screen on the user's sensory effects.

[0070] In one embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; the flexible display panel also includes a pixel defining layer 114 located on the first electrode layer group 111, a pixel opening is provided in the pixel defining layer 114, the light-emitting layer 112 is located in the pixel opening, at least one side wall of the pixel opening is a step structure, and the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the surface of the light-emitting layer 112 away from the first electrode layer group 111 and the step structure, so as to at least partially cover the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area.

[0071] It can be understood that since the light-emitting layer 112 is located within the pixel opening, when the side surfaces of the light-emitting layer 112 are completely covered by the pixel-defining layer 114, light emitted from the side surfaces of the light-emitting layer 112 will be blocked by the pixel-defining layer 114. However, when the sidewalls of the pixel opening are stepped, the stepped structure partially exposes the side surfaces of the light-emitting layer 112, and part of the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the stepped structure. Thus, without reducing the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112, the second electrode layer group 113 partially covers the side surfaces of the light-emitting layer 112 near the non-bending region. This allows light emitted from the side surfaces of the light-emitting layer 112 near the non-bending region to pass through the second electrode layer group 113 and exit the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the amount of light emitted from the bending region and adjusting the light emission direction of the flexible display panel.

[0072] In one embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the thickness of the light emitting layer 112 in the bending region 11 is greater than the thickness of the light emitting layer 112 in the non-bending region 12 .

[0073] It can be understood that after a crease appears in the bending area 11, the vertical light output from the front of the bending area 11 is reduced. By making the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112 located in the bending area 11 greater than the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112 located in the non-bending area 12, the light output of the light-emitting layer 112 in the bending area 11 can be made greater than the light output of the light-emitting layer 112 in the non-bending area 12. Therefore, when a crease appears in the bending area 11, the impact of the reduction in the vertical light output from the front of the bending area 11 is compensated, so that the vertical light output from the front of the bending area 11 can be close to the vertical light output from the front of the non-bending area 12, thereby bringing the user's sensory effect of the bending area 11 and the sensory effect of the non-bending area 12 closer, and reducing the impact of the crease in the bending area 11 of the folding screen on the user's sensory effect.

[0074] Optional, such as Figure 6 As shown, the sum of the thicknesses of the thin-film encapsulation layer, second electrode layer group 113, and light-emitting layer 112 in the bending region 11 is equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the thin-film encapsulation layer, second electrode layer group 113, and light-emitting layer 112 in the non-bending region 12. Thus, while the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112 in the bending region 11 is greater than that in the non-bending region 12, the overall thickness of the bending region 11 and the non-bending region 12 is ensured to be consistent.

[0075] In one embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; a step structure is provided at one end of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area, and part of the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the step structure.

[0076] It can be understood that when a step structure is provided at one end portion of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area, the step slope of the step structure belongs to the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area. Therefore, when part of the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the step structure, the light emitted from the step slope of the light-emitting layer 112 can pass through the second electrode layer group 113 and emit out of the flexible display panel, thereby adjusting the light emission direction of the flexible display panel, so that the light emission on the oblique side of the fold is vertically upward as a whole, thereby increasing the vertical light emission amount from the front.

[0077] Alternatively, as Figure 6 As shown, when the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112 located in the bending area 11 is greater than the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112 located in the non-bending area 12, a step structure is provided at one end of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area 12, and part of the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the step structure.

[0078] In one embodiment, Figures 7 to 12As shown, the second electrode layer group 113 is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel also includes a thin-film encapsulation layer 115 and an optically sparse dielectric layer. The thin-film encapsulation layer 115 is located on the side of the second electrode layer group 113 away from the light-emitting layer 112. The optically sparse dielectric layer is located within the bending region and within the thin-film encapsulation layer 115 or on the side of the thin-film encapsulation layer 115 away from the flexible substrate. The refractive index of the optically sparse dielectric layer is lower than that of the thin-film encapsulation layer 115. The optically sparse dielectric layer is used to adjust the direction of the emitted light.

[0079] It can be understood that when a photo-sparse dielectric layer is introduced on the side of the light-emitting layer 112 away from the flexible substrate, since the refractive index of the photo-sparse dielectric layer is lower than the refractive index of the thin-film encapsulation layer 115, the photo-sparse dielectric layer and the thin-film encapsulation layer 115 are regarded as a whole. The refractive index of the whole composed of the photo-sparse dielectric layer and the thin-film encapsulation layer 115 relative to the thin-film encapsulation layer 115 will be lower. Therefore, when the position of the light-emitting layer 112 remains unchanged, the emission angle of the light will increase, thereby causing the direction of the light path to shift toward the direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the amount of vertical light output from the front, bringing the user's sensory effects of the bending area and the non-bending area closer, and reducing the impact of the crease in the bending area of ​​the folding screen on the user's sensory effects.

[0080] Optional, such as Figure 7 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the optically sparse dielectric layer includes a plurality of dielectric sub-layers 116 , and the plurality of dielectric sub-layers 116 are symmetrically arranged relative to the bending center of the bending region.

[0081] Among them, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the sub-dielectric layer 116 may be a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0082] It can be understood that when the flexible display panel is folded, the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel will bend symmetrically relative to the bending center of the bending area. On this basis, the multiple sub-dielectric layers 116 are arranged symmetrically relative to the bending center of the bending area, so that the sub-dielectric layer 116 does not need to be bent. At the same time, the light emitted from the bending areas on both sides of the bending center deviates from the bending center, thereby increasing the amount of vertical light emitted from the front of the bending areas on both sides of the bending center.

[0083] Optional, such as Figure 7 、 Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, at least one sub-dielectric layer 116 located on the same side of the bending center is arranged obliquely relative to the thin film encapsulation layer 115 .

[0084] It can be understood that by arranging the sub-dielectric layer 116 obliquely relative to the thin film encapsulation layer 115, the incident angle of light entering the sub-dielectric layer 116 is changed, and the exit angle of light emitted from the sub-dielectric layer 116 is adjusted to increase the amount of vertical light emitted from the front.

[0085] Optional, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the surface of the sub-dielectric layer 116 facing the light emitting layer 112 may be a convex arc surface, thereby increasing the incident angle relative to a planar structure, thereby increasing the refraction angle of the emitted light.

[0086] Optional, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the sub-dielectric layer 116 can have a multi-stepped shape, with the thickness of each step of the sub-dielectric layer 116 gradually decreasing from the bend center toward the direction away from the bend center. This changes the incident point of light on the sub-dielectric layer 116, and thus changes the light exit point on the sub-dielectric layer 116 and the light exit point on the flexible display panel, causing the exiting light to shift toward the bend center. This causes some light that should exit at the edge of the non-bending area to exit in the bending area instead, thereby increasing the light exiting the bending area and improving the user's sensory effect of the bending area and the non-bending area.

[0087] In one embodiment, there are two sub-dielectric layers 116 . Both sub-dielectric layers 116 are located in the thin film encapsulation layer 115 . The two sub-dielectric layers 116 are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending region.

[0088] The thin film encapsulation layer 115 is relatively thick, and therefore the sub-dielectric layer 116 can be disposed inside the thin film encapsulation layer 115 .

[0089] In another embodiment, the number of the sub-dielectric layers 116 is two. The two sub-dielectric layers 116 may be located in the touch packaging layer, and the two sub-dielectric layers 116 are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending region.

[0090] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a display device (not shown), which includes the display panel in the above embodiment.

[0091] It is understandable that the display device in the embodiments of the present application can be an OLED display device, a QLED display device, an electronic paper, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, or any other product or component with a display function, and the embodiments disclosed in the present application are not limited to this.

[0092] In one embodiment, Figure 13 As shown, the present application also provides a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, wherein the flexible display panel has a bending region and a non-bending region located on at least one side of the bending region; the method for manufacturing the flexible display panel includes:

[0093] S1301: Provide flexible substrate;

[0094] S1302: forming a first electrode layer group on one side of the flexible substrate;

[0095] S1303: forming a light-emitting layer on a side of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate;

[0096] S1304: forming a second electrode layer group on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate, wherein at least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers a side surface of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area.

[0097] One of the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 may be a cathode layer group, and the other of the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 may be an anode layer group, which are not specifically limited herein. The cathode layer group may include a cathode layer, an electron injection layer, and an electron transport layer, and the anode layer group may include an anode layer, a hole injection layer, and a hole transport layer.

[0098] The manufacturing method of the above-mentioned flexible display panel is to make at least one of the formed first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 at least partially cover the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area in the bending area. Since the first electrode layer group 111 and the second electrode layer group 113 are both light-transmitting structures, when a crease occurs and the light-emitting layer 112 tilts upward at one end close to the non-bending area, the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area can be emitted from the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the light output of the bending area and adjusting the light output direction of the bending area so that the light on the oblique side of the crease is vertically upward as a whole, thereby increasing the vertical light output from the front, bringing the user's sensory effect of the bending area and the sensory effect of the non-bending area closer, and reducing the impact of the crease in the bending area of ​​the folding screen on the user's sensory effect.

[0099] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; forming the light-emitting layer on the side of the first electrode layer group remote from the flexible substrate includes: forming a pixel defining layer on the surface of the first electrode layer group remote from the flexible substrate; defining a pixel opening within the pixel defining layer; and vapor-depositing the light-emitting layer within the pixel opening. Forming the second electrode layer group on the side of the light-emitting layer remote from the flexible substrate includes: patterning the pixel defining layer to define a step structure on at least one sidewall of the pixel opening, wherein the step structure exposes at least a portion of a side surface of the light-emitting layer near the non-bending region; and vapor-depositing the second electrode layer group on the surface of the light-emitting layer remote from the flexible substrate and on the step structure.

[0100] Among them, by forming a pixel defining layer 114 on the surface of the first electrode layer group 111 away from the flexible substrate, opening a pixel opening in the pixel defining layer 114, and vapor-depositing the light-emitting layer 112 in the pixel opening, the formation of the organic light-emitting layer 112 is made more convenient, and the mixing of colors of adjacent organic light-emitting material layers is avoided, providing a highly controllable and simple way to set the area, shape, arrangement, etc. of the pixel unit.

[0101] Specifically, after a step structure is formed on the side wall of the pixel opening, the step structure will partially expose the side of the light-emitting layer 112, and the second electrode layer group 113 is evaporated on the surface of the light-emitting layer 112 away from the flexible substrate and the step structure, so that the second electrode layer group 113 fills the step structure, and then the second electrode layer group 113 is used to partially cover the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area without reducing the thickness of the light-emitting layer 112, so that the light emitted from the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area can pass through the second electrode layer group 113 and emit out of the flexible display panel, thereby increasing the light output in the bending area and adjusting the light output direction of the flexible display panel.

[0102] In another embodiment, the second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; forming the second electrode layer group on the side of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate includes: performing patterning on the light-emitting layer to form a step structure at one end of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area; forming the second electrode layer group on the surface of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate, wherein part of the second electrode layer group fills the step structure.

[0103] It can be understood that after a step structure is formed at one end of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area, the step slope of the step structure belongs to the side of the light-emitting layer 112 close to the non-bending area, and the step slope is exposed. Therefore, after the second electrode layer group 113 is formed on the surface of the light-emitting layer 112 away from the flexible substrate, part of the second electrode layer group 113 fills the step structure, and the light emitted from the step slope of the light-emitting layer 112 can pass through the second electrode layer group 113 and emit out of the flexible display panel, thereby adjusting the light emission direction of the flexible display panel so that the light on the oblique side of the fold is vertically upward as a whole, thereby increasing the amount of vertical light emitted from the front.

[0104] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the accompanying drawings are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed sequentially in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some of the steps in the accompanying drawings may include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The order of execution of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed in rotation or alternation with other steps or at least a portion of steps or stages in other steps.

[0105] Throughout this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and "desired embodiments" indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Although these terms are used interchangeably throughout this specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0106] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0107] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible display panel, characterized in that: The flexible display panel comprises a bending region and a non-bending region located on at least one side of the bending region; the flexible display panel comprises: a first electrode layer group and a second electrode layer group arranged opposite to each other, and a light-emitting layer arranged between the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group; wherein, At least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area; the thickness of the light-emitting layer located in the bending area is greater than the thickness of the light-emitting layer located in the non-bending area.

2. The flexible display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; the flexible display panel also includes a pixel defining layer located on the first electrode layer group, a pixel opening is provided in the pixel defining layer, the light-emitting layer is located in the pixel opening, at least one side wall of the pixel opening is a step structure, the second electrode layer group is located on the surface of the light-emitting layer away from the first electrode layer group and on the step structure, so as to at least partially cover the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area.

3. The flexible display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; a step structure is provided at one end of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area, and part of the second electrode layer group is located on the step structure.

4. The flexible display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; the flexible display panel further includes: a thin film encapsulation layer, located on a side of the second electrode layer group away from the light-emitting layer; The optically sparse dielectric layer is located in the bending region and is located in the thin film encapsulation layer or on a side of the thin film encapsulation layer away from the flexible substrate. The refractive index of the optically sparse dielectric layer is smaller than the refractive index of the thin film encapsulation layer. The optically sparse dielectric layer is used to adjust the direction of the emitted light.

5. The flexible display panel according to claim 4, wherein: The optically sparse dielectric layer includes a plurality of sub-dielectric layers, and the plurality of sub-dielectric layers are symmetrically arranged relative to the bending center of the bending region.

6. The flexible display panel according to claim 5, wherein: At least one of the sub-dielectric layers located on the same side of the bending center is arranged obliquely relative to the thin film encapsulation layer.

7. The flexible display panel according to claim 5, wherein: The surface of the sub-medium layer facing the light-emitting layer is a convex arc surface.

8. The flexible display panel according to claim 5, wherein: The sub-dielectric layer is in a multi-step shape, and the thickness of each step of the sub-dielectric layer gradually decreases from the bending center toward a direction away from the bending center.

9. The flexible display panel according to claim 5, wherein: There are two sub-dielectric layers, both of which are located in the thin film encapsulation layer, and the two sub-dielectric layers are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending region.

10. A display device, characterized in that: Comprising the flexible display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, characterized in that: The flexible display panel has a bending area and a non-bending area located on at least one side of the bending area; the method includes: Providing a flexible substrate; forming a first electrode layer group on one side of the flexible substrate; forming a light-emitting layer on a side of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate; forming a second electrode layer group on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate; At least one of the first electrode layer group and the second electrode layer group at least partially covers the side of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending area in the bending area; the thickness of the light-emitting layer located in the bending area is greater than the thickness of the light-emitting layer located in the non-bending area.

12. The method for manufacturing a flexible display panel according to claim 11, wherein: The second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; and forming a light-emitting layer on a side of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate includes: forming a pixel defining layer on a surface of the first electrode layer group away from the flexible substrate; opening a pixel opening in the pixel defining layer; evaporating a light-emitting layer in the pixel opening; The forming of a second electrode layer group on a side of the light emitting layer away from the flexible substrate comprises: Performing a patterning process on the pixel definition layer to provide a step structure on at least one side wall of the pixel opening, wherein the step structure exposes at least a portion of a side surface of the light-emitting layer near the non-bending region; The second electrode layer group is evaporated on the surface of the light emitting layer away from the flexible substrate and the step structure.

13. The method for manufacturing a flexible display panel according to claim 11, wherein: The second electrode layer group is located on the light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; and forming the second electrode layer group on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate includes: Performing a patterning process on the light-emitting layer to form a step structure at one end of the light-emitting layer close to the non-bending region; The second electrode layer group is formed on a surface of the light-emitting layer away from the flexible substrate, wherein a portion of the second electrode layer group fills the step structure.

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