Flexible display module, manufacturing method, display device, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flexible display module, a manufacturing method, a display device and a vehicle. The flexible display module includes a flexible display panel and a support layer stacked on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; the flexible display panel has a bent display area, the support layer has an etching area, and the etching area is a porous structure; the orthographic projection of the etching area on the flexible display panel at least partially overlaps with the bent display area; a heating element is disposed in the etching area and is configured to heat the bent display area when a set condition is satisfied. The flexible display module provided by the present invention has good deformation performance at low temperature.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Flexible displays, such as foldable displays and rollable displays, have the advantage of being deformable compared to rigid displays, and are currently being used more and more widely. Taking a rollable display as an example, it is commonly used in in-vehicle displays and display solutions for mobile electronic devices (such as mobile phones, tablets, etc.). Among them, for large-size in-vehicle display applications compared to mobile electronic device applications, there are higher requirements for flexibility, safety, and reliability of rollable displays. Therefore, it is difficult to quickly promote in-vehicle rollable display products. With the increasing popularity of intelligent vehicles, multi-modal display ports are an inevitable development direction for in-vehicle interactive displays, and many intelligent vehicle institutions have paid attention to and attempted them.

[0003] One current problem with large-size rollable displays applied to in-vehicle displays is that when the vehicle is in a cold environment, during cold start, due to the low temperature inside the vehicle and the low temperature of the display, the deformation ability of the flexible display material decreases, resulting in unsmooth deformation or even damage when the rollable display is unfolded or retracted. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a flexible display module, a manufacturing method, and a display device, which can improve the deformation ability of the flexible display module in a low-temperature environment and enhance the durability and reliability of the flexible display module.

[0005] In a first aspect, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible display module is provided, including:

[0006] A flexible display panel and a support layer laminated on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; the flexible display panel has a bent display area, the support layer has an etching area, and the etching area is a porous structure; the orthographic projection of the etching area on the flexible display panel at least partially overlaps with the bent display area;

[0007] A heating element, disposed in the etching area, configured to heat the bent display area when a set condition is satisfied.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first groove is provided in the etching area, and the heating element is disposed in the first groove.

[0009] In some embodiments, the number of the first grooves is two or more, the number of the heating elements is equal to the number of the first grooves, each heating element is disposed in one of the first grooves, and a second groove communicating with the first grooves is provided between adjacent first grooves.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the etching region is flush with the bottom surface of the support layer, and both the bottom surface of the etching region and the bottom surface of the support layer are surfaces close to the flexible display panel.

[0011] In some embodiments, along the direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, the depth of the first groove is 75% - 85% of the thickness of the support layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, along the direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, the depth of the etching region is less than the thickness of the support layer, and the distance between the bottom surface of the etching region and the bottom surface of the support layer is 15% - 25% of the thickness of the support layer; the first groove penetrates through the etching region.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the etching region is flush with the bottom surface of the support layer, the top surface of the etching region is flush with the top surface of the support layer, and the heating element is disposed on the surface of the etching region facing away from the flexible display panel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the etching region includes a plurality of micro - pillars, and the pores between the plurality of micro - pillars form the porous structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, both the first side surface and the second side surface of the micro - pillar are curved surfaces, and the first side surface and the second side surface are a set of opposite surfaces.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of micro - pillars are arranged in an array, and adjacent rows of the micro - pillars are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flexible display module further includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is disposed on the support layer and is used to detect the temperature of the flexible display module.

[0018] In a second aspect, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing method of a flexible display module is provided, including:

[0019] Providing a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel having a bent display region;

[0020] Providing a support layer having an etching region, the etching region being a porous structure;

[0021] Disposing a heating element in the etching region, the heating element being configured to heat the bent display region when meeting set conditions;

[0022] Disposing the support layer on the non - light - emitting side of the flexible display panel, and the orthographic projection of the etching region on the flexible display panel at least partially overlaps with the bent display region.

[0023] In a third aspect, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible display device is provided, including the flexible display module according to any one of the first aspect.

[0024] In some embodiments, the flexible display device further includes a controller, which is connected to the heating element and is configured to start the heating element to heat the flexible display area when a set condition is met.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including the flexible display device according to the third aspect.

[0026] Through one or more technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention has the following beneficial effects or advantages:

[0027] The present invention provides a flexible display module. By forming an etched area with a porous structure on the support layer that deforms or bends the flexible display panel, and arranging a heating element in the etched area, when a set condition is met, such as when the ambient temperature is low or the temperature of the flexible display module is low, the heat generated by the heating element is used to raise the temperature of the bent display area of the flexible display module, so that it operates within a suitable temperature range with better deformation ability, avoiding problems such as poor deformation or even damage of the flexible display module at low temperatures; in this process, the etched area with a porous structure on the support layer, on the one hand, can promote the heat conduction of the heat generated by the heating element, improve the heating speed of the flexible display panel, and shorten the preparation time when the flexible display module is started in a low-temperature environment. On the other hand, the support layer with a porous structure etched area changes the mass distribution of the flexible display module compared to a dense support layer, making the mass center line of the flexible display module closer to or within the flexible display layer in the flexible display panel. In this way, the stress concentration in the flexible display area during bending can be alleviated, and the bending durability and reliability of the flexible display module can be improved.

[0028] The above description is only an overview of the technical solutions of the present invention. In order to be able to understand the technical means of the present invention more clearly, it can be implemented according to the content of the description. And in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following specifically describes the embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] By reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below, various other advantages and benefits will become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. The drawings are only for the purpose of showing the preferred embodiments and are not considered to be a limitation of the present invention. And throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components.

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1Shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle-mounted flexible (rollable) display module provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible display module provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A top view of the flexible display module at the dashed box;

[0034] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible display module at the dashed box;

[0035] Figure 5 Shows a schematic flow diagram of a heating element heating control method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 Shows a schematic structural design diagram of grooving on an etching area provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 The schematic diagram at the dashed box in;

[0038] Figure 8 Shows the corresponding AA' cross-sectional view of Scheme 1 provided according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 ;

[0039] Figure 9 Shows the corresponding AA' cross-sectional view of Scheme 2 provided according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 7 ;

[0040] Figure 10 Shows a schematic diagram of directly disposing a heating element in an etching area provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 Shows the attached Figure 10 BB' cross-sectional view in;

[0042] Figure 12 Shows the I-type pattern design of the etching area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 Shows the II-type pattern design of the etching area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 Shows the III-type pattern design of the etching area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15It shows a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a flexible display module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Description of reference numerals:

[0047] 100, flexible display module; 1, flexible display panel; 10, bent display area; 11, first double-sided adhesive layer; 12, back film layer; 13, flexible display layer; 14, polarizer layer; 15, first optical adhesive layer; 16, touch layer; 17, second optical adhesive layer; 18, cover plate layer; 2, support layer; 21, etching area; 211, first groove; 212, second groove; 213, micro-posts; 3, heating element; 4, temperature sensor; 51, printed circuit board; 52, first flexible circuit board; 53, second flexible circuit board; 54, second double-sided adhesive layer; 55, connector; 56, chip-on-film. Detailed implementation manners

[0048] In order to enable those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present application belongs to understand the present application more clearly, the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings through specific embodiments. Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms used herein should be understood as having the meaning as commonly used in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as the general understanding of those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. In case of conflict, this specification prevails. Unless otherwise specifically stated, various devices used in the present invention can be obtained through market purchase or can be prepared by existing methods.

[0049] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", are interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments" and "example" etc. are intended to indicate that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics related to the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be included in any one or more embodiments in any appropriate manner.

[0050] A flexible display module is a bendable or deformable display module, including but not limited to a foldable display module, a rollable display module, a stretchable display module, etc. Therefore, the flexible display panel in the flexible display module at least includes a flat display area and a bent display area. Among them, the flat display area is the area where the flexible display panel provides a picture display for the user before bending or deforming, without deformation; while the bent display area refers to the display area in the flexible display panel that can be folded or unfolded through bending or deformation. Taking the rollable display module as an example, before the rollable display module is unfolded, the part normally shown to the user is the flat display area, while the part currently in the curled state and needs to be scrolled to be shown to the user is the bent display area. For the foldable display module, the part in the folded state before unfolding is the bent display area, and the normally shown part is the flat display area.

[0051] In a first aspect, in an optional embodiment, taking the rollable display module as an example, a flexible display module 100 is provided. The flexible display module 100 can be applied to display devices such as televisions, mobile phones, computers, laptop computers, tablet computers (Pads), personal digital assistants (PDAs), in-vehicle computers, etc. Figure 1 The effect schematic diagram of the rollable display module used in the in-vehicle display scenario is shown.

[0052] The current mainstream flexible display module 100 is a flexible OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), and the flexible LCD display module (Liquid Crystal Display) is also developing synchronously. Unless otherwise specified, this embodiment will be described taking the OLED flexible display module as an example.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the flexible display module includes: a flexible display panel 1 and a support layer 2 laminated on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel 1; the flexible display panel 1 has a bent display area 10, and the support layer 2 has an etching area 21, and the etching area 21 is a porous structure; the orthographic projection of the etching area 21 on the flexible display panel 1 at least partially overlaps with the bent display area 10;

[0054] A heating element 3 is disposed in the etching area 21 and is configured to heat the bent display area 10 when the set conditions are met.

[0055] For the flexible display module 100 of the OLED type, the flexible display panel 1 includes a back film layer 12, a flexible display layer 13, a polarizing layer 14, a touch layer 16, and a cover plate layer 18 that are stacked and sequentially away from the support layer 2. Among them, the polarizing layer 14 and the touch layer 16 can be bonded through a first optical adhesive layer 15, and the touch layer 16 and the cover plate layer 18 can be bonded through a second optical adhesive layer 17. The cover plate layer 18 is also made of a flexible material and can be made of materials such as transparent polyimide film (CPI), polyester resin (PET), or ultra-thin flexible glass (UTG), and is formed by single-layer or multi-layer lamination.

[0056] For the bent display area 10 in the flexible display module 100, please refer to Figure 2 , the area where the support layer 2 covers the flexible display panel 1 is the bent display area 10 of the flexible display panel 1, including the arc part in the winding device and the flat part below the winding device, and the flat display area of the flexible display panel 1 is above the winding device. It should be noted that since Figure 4 is an example of the flexible display module 100 in the dotted box area in the appendix Figure 2 , the support layer 2 in Figure 4 is located at the top layer, and the cover plate layer 18 of the flexible display panel 1 is located at the bottom layer.

[0057] The support layer 2 is arranged in the bent display area 10 of the flexible display panel 1 and is used to play a role of bearing, supporting, and correcting during the winding process of the flexible display panel 1, so as to prevent the flexible display panel 1 from deforming during the winding process. The support layer 2 can be bonded to the flexible display panel 1 through a first double-sided adhesive layer 11. The support layer 2 can cover the entire bent display area 10, or partially cover the bent display area 10, or cover both the bent display area 10 and the flat display area at the same time, but it is necessary to ensure that the orthographic projection of the etching area 21 on the flexible display panel 1 overlaps at least partially with the bent display area 10. The material of the support layer 2 can be a light metal material such as titanium alloy or magnesium aluminum alloy, or a composite material with good strong plasticity.

[0058] The etching area 21 is a set area on the support layer 2. Through dry etching or wet etching methods, the original dense support layer 2 material is etched into a porous structure or a microporous structure. The etching depth can penetrate the entire support layer 2 or be a part of the support layer 2.

[0059] The heating element 3 is located within the etching region 21 and is configured to start operating when set conditions are met, heating the flexible display module 100 to operate within a suitable bending temperature range, thereby avoiding issues of poor deformation of the flexible display module 100 due to decreased bending ability in a low-temperature environment. The heating element 3 can be a sheet heater or a film heater, such as a PTC heating sheet or a polyimide heating film. Taking the polyimide heating film as an example, it has a polyimide film as the outer insulator and a metal foil or wire as the inner conductive heating element, formed by high-temperature and high-pressure thermal lamination.

[0060] The set conditions for activating the heating of the heating element 3 include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following conditions:

[0061] 1) The temperature of the flexible display panel 1 or the support layer 2 is lower than a preset temperature range or temperature threshold;

[0062] 2) The ambient temperature is lower than a preset temperature range or temperature threshold;

[0063] 3) Receiving a control command to activate heating from the controller.

[0064] Among them, as the basis for determining whether to start heating the heating element 3, the preset temperature range or temperature threshold can be determined according to the type of the flexible display panel 1, the application scenario it is in, and the suitable operating temperature corresponding to the flexible material used in the flexible display module 100, and no limitation is imposed here.

[0065] If the temperature of the flexible display panel 1 or the support layer 2 is used as the basis for judgment, the temperature sensor 4 already equipped in the flexible display module 100 can be utilized, or a temperature sensor 4 can be provided on the support layer 2 to obtain the corresponding temperature. If the ambient temperature is used as the basis for judgment, the ambient temperature information can be obtained from the electronic device equipped with the flexible display module 100 and the temperature sensor 4 provided in this embodiment; if the control command is used as the basis for activating heating, the control command can be obtained from the control circuit in the flexible display module 100, or from the controller on the electronic device carrying the flexible display module 100, or can also be obtained from the device system to which the electronic device belongs.

[0066] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4, a controller and a temperature sensor 4 can be arranged on the support layer 2. Among them, the controller can be a printed circuit board 5 (Printed Circuit Board, abbreviated as PCB) with a microcontroller unit (MCU). The PCB can be fixed on the support layer 2 through the second double-sided adhesive layer 54. When it is detected that the ambient temperature or the temperature of the flexible display module 100 is lower than a certain temperature threshold, the heating element 3 can be started for heating. The temperature sensor 4 can be a thermal resistance type temperature sensor 4 or a thermocouple type temperature sensor 4, and is connected to the controller, that is, the printed circuit board 5, through the first flexible circuit board 52 (Flexible Printed Circuit, abbreviated as FPC). In addition, the printed circuit board 5 can also be connected to the flexible display layer 13 through a chip on film 56 (Chip On Film, abbreviated as COF).

[0067] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 4 can be a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (abbreviated as NTC thermistor). The NTC thermistor can be connected in series with a fixed value resistor on the PCB board. When the temperature of the support layer 2 changes, the resistance value of the NTC thermistor also changes, causing the voltage across the NTC thermistor to change. By collecting the voltage across the NTC thermistor by the MCU, the current temperature value can be calculated, and then the MCU can determine whether to start the heating sheet for heating according to the current temperature. The heating control method can be proportional integral derivative PID control. The reason for choosing the NTC thermistor is that it has higher sensitivity to temperature detection at lower ambient temperatures, which is beneficial to improving the control accuracy.

[0068] Correspondingly, the heating element 3 located in the etching area 21 can be connected to the controller through the second flexible circuit board 53. Taking the heating element 3 as a polyimide heating film as an example, please refer to Figure 3 or Figure 4 , the polyimide heating film can be connected to the controller through the second flexible circuit board 53. One end of the second flexible circuit board 53 is connected to the polyimide heating film through a connector 55 (Connector), and the other end is connected to the MCU on the PCB board.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 5 , when it is necessary to unfold the flexible display module 100, an optional control scheme for controlling the heating element 3 by the MCU for heating is as follows:

[0070] S501: The MCU receives the temperature of the support layer 2 sent by the NTC thermistor;

[0071] S502: Determine whether the temperature of the support layer 2 is within a preset temperature range (such as ≥5°C), or whether it is higher than a preset temperature threshold;

[0072] S503: If so, there is no need to start the heating element 3 for heating, and continue to monitor the temperature;

[0073] S504: If not (i.e., the temperature < 5°C), start the heating element 3 for heating.

[0074] When the temperature of the support layer 2 rises back to the preset temperature range or the set temperature value, turn off the heating element 3. At this time, the flexible display module 100 can be started to slide and unfold. By the above solution, the temperature of the screen support layer is recorded and fed back, and the heating element 3 is controlled according to the support layer temperature to realize the control function of the screen temperature.

[0075] In the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment, an etching area 21 with a porous structure is formed on the support layer 2, and a heating element 3 is arranged in the etching area 21. Thus, when the set conditions are met, the heating element 3 is started for heating, so that the temperature of the bending display area 10 of the flexible display module 100 rises, and the flexible display module 100 works within a suitable temperature range with better deformation ability, avoiding problems such as poor deformation or even damage of the flexible display module 100 in a low-temperature state. In this process, on the one hand, the porous etching area 21 can promote the heat conduction of the heat generated by the heating element 3, improve the heating rate of the flexible display panel 1, and shorten the preparation time when the flexible display module 100 is started in a low-temperature environment; on the other hand, compared with the dense support layer 2, the support layer 2 of the porous etching area 21 changes the mass distribution of the flexible display module 100, making the mass center line of the flexible display module 100 closer to or in the flexible display layer 13 in the flexible display panel 1. In this way, the stress concentration in the flexible display area during bending can be alleviated, and the bending durability and reliability of the flexible display module 100 can be improved.

[0076] In order to make the mass center line of the flexible display module 100 closer to or in the flexible display layer 13 in the flexible display panel 1, the area, thickness and porosity of the etching area 21 can be determined through simulation. It can be understood that for flexible display panels 1 of different sizes and different types, there are differences in the area, thickness and porosity of the etching area 21, and no limitation is imposed here.

[0077] There are various solutions for arranging the heating element 3 in the etching area 21. According to the type, it can be divided into Type 1: setting the heating element 3 after grooving; Type 2: directly setting the heating element 3 without grooving. The following will be described separately.

[0078] For Type 1, please refer to Figure 6, a first groove 211 is formed by grooving in the etching region 21, and the heating element 3 is disposed in the dug first groove 211. Disposing the heating element 3 in the first groove 211 can increase the contact area between the heating element 3 and the etching region 21, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency and further shortening the heating-up time of the flexible display module 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the number of the first grooves 211 is more than two, the number of the heating elements 3 is equal to the number of the first grooves 211, each heating element 3 is disposed in one first groove 211, and a second groove 212 communicating the first grooves 211 is provided between adjacent first grooves 211.

[0080] Specifically, digging more than two first grooves 211 on the etching region 21 can more flexibly dispose heating elements 3 of different sizes and shapes at different positions on the etching region 21, which is more beneficial to improving the heat uniformity of the flexible display module 100. And a second groove 212 is provided between adjacent first grooves 211, and adjacent first grooves 211 are communicated through the second groove 212, so that the heat generated by the heating elements 3 in adjacent first grooves 211 can perform convection through the second groove 212, thereby realizing high-efficiency heat transfer and further improving the heat uniformity of the flexible display module 100. The depth of the second groove 212 can be 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0081] As described above, the etching region 21 having a porous structure or a microporous structure can penetrate the entire support layer 2 or be a part of the support layer 2. Therefore, the structural design of the etching region 21 and the first groove 211 can adopt the following scheme:

[0082] Scheme 1: Grooving + Full etching.

[0083] Figure 8 The design schematic diagram showing that the etching region 21 penetrates the entire support layer 2 is shown, that is, the bottom surface of the etching region 21 is flush with the bottom surface of the support layer 2, and the bottom surfaces of the etching region 21 and the support layer 2 are both surfaces close to the flexible display panel 1. It should be noted that the bottom surface and the top surface of the etching region 21 and the support layer 2 are illustrative examples based on the drawings provided in this embodiment, and the bottom surface and the top surface can be flexibly defined or converted according to needs. For this embodiment, please refer to Figure 8, the bottom surface and the top surface of the support layer 2 are a set of opposite surfaces on the unetched support layer 2. The bottom surface of the support layer 2 is located on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel 1, that is, relatively close to the back film layer 12 of the flexible display panel 1; while the top surface of the support layer 2 is relatively far from the back film layer 12 of the flexible display panel 1. The distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the support layer 2 is the thickness of the support layer 2. Similarly, the bottom surface and the top surface of the etching area 21 are also a set of opposite surfaces. The bottom surface of the etching area 21 is relatively close to the back film layer 12 of the flexible display panel 1, and the top surface of the etching area 21 is relatively far from the back film layer 12 of the flexible display panel 1. The distance between the bottom surface and the top surface of the etching area 21 is the thickness of the etching area 21. Due to the existence of the first groove 211, the top surface of the etching area 21 can be flush with the top surface of the support layer 2 or lower than the top surface of the support layer 2. Figure 8 The situation where the top surface of the etching area 21 is lower than the top surface of the support layer 2 is shown. This is because when the first groove 211 is formed, a part of the top of the etching area 21 is removed. Optionally, the length of the support layer 2 is L0, the length of the etching area 21 is L1, and the length of the bending display area 10 is L2. The specific values are determined according to the product requirements of the flexible display module 100. Along the direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel 1, the depth of the first groove 211 is 75% - 85% of the thickness of the support layer 2, and the optional range of the thickness T0 of the support layer 2 is 0.8 - 2 mm.

[0084] Taking T0 = 1 mm as an example, the depth T1 of the first groove 211 can be 0.75 mm - 0.85 mm, and the distance T2 between the top surface of the etching area 21 and the top surface of the support layer 2 is 0.15 mm - 0.25 mm. The heating element 3 is arranged in the first groove 211, and the thickness of the heating sheet ≤ 0.35 mm. The bottom surface of the heating element 3 can be bonded and fixed by a thermal conductive adhesive with a thickness not exceeding 0.1 mm, and the top surface of the heating element 3 can be connected to the second flexible circuit board 53 through a connector 55 (Connector).

[0085] In the first solution, the support layer 2 is etched through, and the first groove 211 is dug in the etching area 21 to arrange the heating element 3. The advantages are as follows: First, the heating element 3 has multiple surfaces (bottom surface and side surfaces) in contact with the etching area 21, which can improve the heat conduction efficiency of the heat generated by the heating element 3 to the flexible display panel 1; Second, the structural design of digging a groove to set the heating sheet + full etching makes the mass center line of the flexible display module 100 in the flexible display layer 13, thus significantly alleviating the stress concentration in the flexible display area during bending and greatly improving the bending performance and bending reliability of the flexible display module 100.

[0086] The second solution: digging a groove + semi-etching.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 9, the length of the support layer 2 is L0, the length of the etching area 21 is L1, and the length of the bending display area 10 is L2. The specific values are determined according to the product requirements of the flexible display module 100.

[0088] Along the direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, the depth of the etching area 21 is less than the thickness of the support layer 2. The distance between the bottom surface of the etching area 21 and the bottom surface of the support layer 2 is 15% - 25% of the thickness of the support layer 2. And the first groove 211 runs through the etching area 21, that is, the depth of the first groove 211 and the thickness of the etching area 21 before grooving are both 75% - 85% of the thickness of the support layer 2. Taking the thickness T0 of the support layer 2 = 1mm as an example, the depth T1 of the first groove 211 is the same as the thickness of the etching area 21 before grooving, both being 0.75mm - 0.85mm; the distance T2 between the bottom surface of the etching area 21 and the bottom surface of the support layer 2 is 0.15mm - 0.25mm. Similarly to Solution One, the heating element 3 is arranged in the first groove 211, and the thickness of the heating sheet ≤ 0.35mm. The bottom surface of the heating element 3 can be bonded and fixed with a thermal conductive adhesive with a thickness not exceeding 0.1mm, and the top surface of the heating element 3 can be connected to the second flexible circuit board 53 through a connector 55 (Connector).

[0089] Solution Two does not penetrate the etching area 21 through the entire support layer 2. Its advantages are: First, it can make the mass center line of the flexible display module 100 as close as possible to the flexible display layer 13, which is beneficial to improving the bending performance of the flexible display module 100; Second, it is beneficial to the fixation or bonding of the support layer 2 and the flexible display panel 1, achieving the balance between the bending reliability and manufacturing reliability of the flexible display module 100.

[0090] For Type Two, without grooving in the etching area 21, directly setting the heating element 3 on the surface of the etching area 21, the following can be adopted:

[0091] Solution Three: No grooving + Full etching.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 10 、 11 , full etching means that the thickness of the etching area 21 is the same as the thickness of the support layer 2, that is, the bottom surface of the etching area 21 is flush with the bottom surface of the support layer 2, and the top surface of the etching area 21 is flush with the top surface of the support layer 2. The heating element is arranged on the surface of the etching area 21 facing away from the flexible display panel 1, that is, the top surface of the etching area 21.

[0093] As an example, Figure 10The length of the support layer 2 is L0, the length of the etching area 21 is L1, and the length of the bending display area 10 is L2. The specific values are determined according to the product requirements of the flexible display module 100. The thickness T0 of the support layer 2 and the thickness of the etching area 21 are both 1 mm. The heating element 3 is arranged on the top surface of the etching area 21. The thickness of the heating sheet is ≤ 0.35 mm, and a thermal conductive adhesive with a thickness not exceeding 0.1 mm can be used for fitting and fixing. The top surface of the heating element 3 can be connected to the second flexible circuit board 53 through a connector 55 (Connector).

[0094] The design of not grooving + full etching in Solution 3 has the following advantages: First, simulation shows that after the support layer 2 is etched through, the mass center line of the flexible display module 100 can be made to be within the flexible display layer 13, significantly relieving the stress concentration in the flexible display area during bending, and greatly improving the bending performance and bending reliability of the flexible display module 100. Second, the process of grooving to form the first groove 211 on the etching area 21 is omitted, which can simplify the manufacturing process of the support layer and has better cost advantages.

[0095] In the above three solutions, the function of the etching area 21 with a porous structure is to promote the heat conduction of the heating element 3 to generate heat and reduce the stress concentration in the flexible display module 100 during bending. Therefore, the structural design of the etching area 21 is also an important factor in improving the bending reliability of the flexible display module 100 in a low-temperature environment.

[0096] Figures 12 to 14 Three different pattern designs of the etching area 21 are provided. Their common feature is that the etching area 21 includes multiple micro-columns 213 retained after etching. The pores between the multiple micro-columns 213 and the multiple micro-columns 213 together form the etching area 21 with a porous structure. In Figures 12 to 14 One closed figure represents one micro-column 213, and the blank area between the closed figures is the pore. The pores are interconnected to form a connected pore structure, which can effectively increase the heat conduction efficiency, especially when the support layer 2 is made of a composite material. For the sake of simplicity in description, the Figure 12 etching pattern is simply referred to as Type I, Figure 13 the etching pattern is simply referred to as Type II, Figure 14 and the etching pattern is simply referred to as Type III.

[0097] The feature of Type I is that the micro-column 213 is not a regular columnar shape. The first side and the second side of each micro-column 213 are both curved surfaces, and the first side and the second side are a set of opposite sides. The feature of Type I is that during the bending process, the hyperbolic-shaped micro-column 213 is not easily broken compared with Type II and Type III, thus improving the bending durability and reliability of the flexible display module 100. At the same time, the pattern design of Type I also has good heat conduction efficiency.

[0098] The micro-columns 213 of type II and type III are in a relatively regular columnar shape. The common feature is that multiple micro-columns 213 are arranged in an array, and in this array, the micro-columns 213 are arranged in multiple rows. Among them, the micro-columns 213 of type II have a higher density and the micro-columns 213 in adjacent rows are neatly arranged. The pores between adjacent micro-columns 213 in each row are smaller, and the pores between rows are larger. The characteristics of type II are that the pattern shape is regular and the process cost is relatively lower than that of type I. The density of the micro-columns 213 of type III is relatively lower than that of type II, but the micro-columns 213 in adjacent two rows are not neatly arranged but cross-arranged. This cross-arrangement manner of the micro-columns 213 in adjacent two rows makes the heat conduction effect of type III better than that of type II.

[0099] Generally speaking, for the flexible display module 100 provided in this embodiment, by setting the heating element 3 to heat, the flexible display module can work normally under cold conditions or conditions lower than the suitable working temperature of the flexible material; the cooperation of the heating element 3 and the etching area 21 can significantly reduce the bending stress when the large-size flexible display module 100, especially the OLED flexible display module 100, is bent under low-temperature conditions, improve the bending stress concentration, and improve the bending deformation ability, thereby enhancing the service life, durability and reliability of the large-size flexible display module 100.

[0100] In a second aspect, based on the same inventive concept, in another optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 15 , a manufacturing method of a flexible display module 100 is provided, which specifically includes:

[0101] S151: Provide a flexible display panel 1, and the flexible display panel 1 has a bent display area 10;

[0102] S152: Provide a support layer 2 having an etching area 21, and the etching area 21 is a porous structure;

[0103] S153: Set a heating element 3 in the etching area 21, and the heating element 3 is configured to heat the bent display area 10 when meeting the set conditions;

[0104] S154: Set the support layer 2 on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel 1, and the orthographic projection of the etching area 21 on the flexible display panel 1 at least partially overlaps with the bent display area 10.

[0105] Among them, the method for forming the etching area 21 can be dry etching or wet etching, and the depth of the etching area 21 can be adjusted by the etching speed and the etching time.

[0106] Optionally, step S153 specifically includes:

[0107] Dig a groove in the etching area 21 to form a first groove 211, and set the heating element 3 in the first groove 211.

[0108] The manufacturing method provided in this embodiment is used to manufacture the flexible display module 100 provided in the first aspect. The specific implementation and the technical effects generated in this embodiment are the same as those of the embodiment of the flexible display module 100. For the sake of brief description, for the technical effects not mentioned in this embodiment, reference may be made to the corresponding content in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0109] In a third aspect, based on the same inventive concept, in another optional embodiment, a flexible display device is provided, which includes the flexible display module 100 provided in the embodiment of the first aspect. The flexible display device may be an electronic device such as a TV, a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop, a tablet computer (Pad), a personal digital assistant (PDA), and an in-vehicle computer equipped with the flexible display module 100 in the embodiment of the first aspect. Please refer to Figure 1 , which provides a display device equipped with the OLED flexible display module 100 applied to a certain vehicle.

[0110] In some embodiments, the flexible display device further includes a controller, which is connected to the heating element 3 and is configured to start the heating element 3 to heat the flexible display area when the set conditions are met. The controller may be a control processor of the flexible display device, such as a CPU.

[0111] In a fourth aspect, based on the same inventive concept, in another optional embodiment, a vehicle is provided, which includes the flexible display device provided in the third aspect.

[0112] Among them, for the flexible display device provided in the embodiment of the third aspect and the vehicle provided in the embodiment of the fourth aspect, their specific implementation and the technical effects generated are the same as those of the embodiment of the flexible display module 100. For the sake of brief description, for the technical effects not mentioned in this embodiment, reference may be made to the corresponding content in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0113] It should be noted that the term "and / or" appearing in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after; the word "comprising" does not exclude the existence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" before an element does not exclude the existence of multiple such elements. The present invention can be implemented by means of hardware including several different elements and by means of a properly programmed computer. In the unit claims listing several devices, several of these devices may be specifically embodied by the same hardware item. The use of the words first, second, and third does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0114] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memory, CD-ROM, optical memory, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0115] The present invention is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate means for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one flow or multiple flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

[0116] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured article including instruction means that implement the functions specified in Figure 1 one flow or multiple flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

[0117] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operation steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process, and thus the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one flow or multiple flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

[0118] Through one or more embodiments of the present invention, the present invention has the following beneficial effects or advantages:

[0119] The present invention provides a flexible display module, a manufacturing method, a flexible display device, and a vehicle. In the flexible display module, an etching area with a porous structure is formed on a support layer that deforms or bends a supported flexible display panel, and a heating element is arranged in the etching area. Thus, when set conditions are met, such as when the ambient temperature is low or the temperature of the flexible display module is low, the heating element generates heat to raise the temperature of the bending display area of the flexible display module, enabling it to operate within a suitable temperature range with better deformation ability and avoiding problems such as poor deformation or even damage of the flexible display module in a low-temperature state. During this process, the etching area with a porous structure on the support layer can, on the one hand, promote the heat conduction of the heat generated by the heating element, improve the heating rate of the flexible display panel, and shorten the preparation time when the flexible display module starts in a low-temperature environment. On the other hand, the support layer with the porous structure etching area changes the mass distribution of the flexible display module compared to a dense support layer, making the mass center line of the flexible display module closer to or located in the flexible display layer of the flexible display panel. In this way, the stress concentration in the flexible display area during bending can be alleviated, and the bending durability and reliability of the flexible display module can be improved.

[0120] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those of ordinary skill in the art can make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they learn the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to include the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present application.

[0121] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the present application is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A flexible display module, characterized in that, Comprising: A flexible display panel and a support layer stacked on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel; The flexible display panel has a bent display area, the support layer has an etching area, and the etching area is a porous structure; the orthographic projection of the etching area on the flexible display panel at least partially overlaps with the bent display area; A heating element disposed in the etching area and configured to heat the bent display area when a set condition is met; A first groove is provided in the etching area, and the heating element is disposed in the first groove. A first groove is provided in the etching area, and the heating element is disposed in the first groove; The number of the first grooves is more than two, the number of the heating elements is equal to the number of the first grooves, each heating element is disposed in one first groove, and a second groove communicating with the first grooves is provided between adjacent first grooves.

2. The flexible display module according to claim 1, wherein The bottom surface of the etching area is flush with the bottom surface of the support layer, and both the bottom surface of the etching area and the bottom surface of the support layer are surfaces close to the flexible display panel.

3. The flexible display module according to claim 1, wherein In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, the depth of the first groove is 75% to 85% of the thickness of the support layer.

4. The flexible display module according to claim 1, wherein In a direction perpendicular to the flexible display panel, the depth of the etching area is less than the thickness of the support layer, and the distance between the bottom surface of the etching area and the bottom surface of the support layer is 15% to 25% of the thickness of the support layer; the first groove penetrates through the etching area.

5. The flexible display module according to claim 1, wherein The bottom surface of the etching area is flush with the bottom surface of the support layer, the top surface of the etching area is flush with the top surface of the support layer, and the heating element is disposed on the surface of the etching area facing away from the flexible display panel.

6. The flexible display module according to claim 1, wherein The etching area includes a plurality of micro-columns, and pores between the plurality of micro-columns form the porous structure.

7. The flexible display module according to claim 6, wherein Both the first side surface and the second side surface of the micro-column are curved surfaces, and the first side surface and the second side surface are a set of opposite surfaces.

8. The flexible display module according to claim 6, wherein The plurality of micro-columns are arranged in an array, and adjacent rows of the micro-columns are arranged in a cross pattern.

9. The flexible display module according to claim 1, wherein It further includes a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is disposed on the support layer and is used to detect the temperature of the flexible display module.

10. A manufacturing method of a flexible display module, characterized in that, Comprising: Providing a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel having a bent display area; Providing a support layer having an etching area, the etching area being a porous structure; Disposing a heating element in the etching area, the heating element being configured to heat the bent display area when a set condition is met; Digging a groove in the etching area to form a first groove, and disposing the heating element in the first groove; The number of the first grooves is more than two, the number of the heating elements is equal to the number of the first grooves, each heating element is disposed in one first groove, and a second groove communicating with the first grooves is provided between adjacent first grooves; Disposing the support layer on the non-light-emitting side of the flexible display panel, and the orthographic projection of the etching area on the flexible display panel at least partially overlaps with the bent display area.

11. A flexible display device, characterized in that, Comprising the flexible display module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The flexible display device according to claim 11, wherein It further includes a controller, which is connected to the heating element and is configured to start the heating element to heat the bent display area when set conditions are met.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that, A flexible display device includes the one as described in claim 12.

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