Protective device, manufacturing method of flexible display panel and flexible display panel

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of semiconductor display, and discloses a protection device, a manufacturing method of a flexible display panel and the flexible display panel. The protection device is used for the flexible display panel, can be detachably sleeved on a flexible screen body of the flexible display panel, and covers at least a non-display area of the flexible screen body. The protection device comprises a clamping assembly which can abut a bending area to keep the protection device and the bending area relatively fixed. The protection device can protect the bending area to reduce external force pulling on metal tracks during the manufacturing process. The protection device can be repeatedly used, thereby reducing manufacturing cost. The manufacturing method of the flexible display panel uses the above protection device to protect the bending area to reduce external force pulling on the metal tracks during the manufacturing process of the flexible display panel, avoids cracks or even breakage of the metal tracks, and makes the flexible display panel have both reliable display performance and low manufacturing cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of semiconductor display technology, and in particular to a protective device, a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, and a flexible display panel. Background Technology

[0002] AMOLED flexible display panels offer several advantages, including thinner and lighter screens, lower power consumption, and the ability to be bent and folded into various shapes and structures. When applied to narrow bezel designs, the foldable nature of AMOLED flexible display panels allows for increased screen-to-body ratio through bending of the flexible substrate. The bending area of ​​the flexible substrate contains metal traces. To reduce compressive stress on these traces during bending, they are typically arranged in a single layer. However, this single layer can easily cause cracks or even breakage in the metal traces during the manufacturing or bending process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a protective device that can protect the bent area to reduce the external force pulling on the metal traces during the manufacturing process. The protective device is reusable, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A protective device is provided for a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel including a flexible screen body, the flexible screen body including a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, the non-display area including a bending area, the protective device being detachably fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the flexible screen body and at least covering the bending area, the protective device including a clamping component, the clamping component being able to fit against the bending area to keep the protective device and the bending area relatively fixed.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective device further includes a housing assembly comprising a detachably connected base box and a top cover, with an accommodating space between the base box and the top cover, and the clamping assembly disposed within the accommodating space. The detachable connection structure of the base box and the top cover facilitates the easy mounting of the protective device onto the bending area. The base box and the top cover clamp and fix the bending area from its upper and lower surfaces, respectively, without affecting the manufacturing process of the display area and the bonding area. Furthermore, it exhibits good resistance to external impacts and effectively protects the bending area.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the box assembly further includes a snap-fit ​​structure, which is connected to the bottom box and / or the top cover to allow the bottom box and the top cover to engage. The snap-fit ​​structure is convenient to use and facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the bottom box and the top cover.

[0008] As a preferred structure of the present invention, one side of the opposite sides of the bottom box is hinged to the top cover, and the other side is engaged with the top cover by the snap-fit ​​structure.

[0009] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a first snap-fit ​​component and a second snap-fit ​​component. One of the first snap-fit ​​component and the second snap-fit ​​component is disposed on the bottom box, and the other of the first snap-fit ​​component and the second snap-fit ​​component is disposed on the top cover. The first snap-fit ​​component and the second snap-fit ​​component can snap together. When the box assembly clamps the bent area, the snap-fit ​​of the first snap-fit ​​component and the second snap-fit ​​component is opened, and the bottom box and the top cover form a V-shape, allowing the box assembly to be fitted from one side of the bent area, avoiding any impact on the display area and the binding area.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping assembly includes a first inner liner and a second inner liner, with the bent region sandwiched between the first and second inner liners. The first and second inner liners abut against the upper and lower surfaces, and / or both sides, of the bent region. When the box assembly is engaged, the first and second inner liners naturally conform to and abut against the bent region, eliminating the need for alignment adjustments and simplifying use. Furthermore, by changing the shape of the first and second inner liners, different surfaces of the bent region can be contacted, resulting in better clamping and securing of the bent region.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first inner liner and / or the second inner liner are provided with limiting grooves, and the bending area can be engaged within the limiting grooves. The limiting grooves 13 restrict the bending area to prevent deformation or movement of the bending area.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first liner and / or the second liner are elastic, and the first liner and / or the second liner elastically abut against the bending region. This elastic abutment ensures the clamping force of the first and second liners on the bending region while avoiding the risk of damaging the bending region with rigid clamping.

[0013] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, which is used to prepare a flexible display panel with the protective device described above. The protective device protects the bending area during the manufacturing process to reduce the external force pulling on the metal traces, thereby improving the display performance of the flexible display panel and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0014] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0015] A method for manufacturing a flexible display panel is provided, wherein the flexible display panel is prepared using the protective device described above. During the preparation of the flexible display panel, the protective device is fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the formed flexible screen body. The protective device covers at least the bending area of ​​the flexible screen body so that the protective device and the bending area remain relatively fixed. The protective device is removed after the flexible screen body is prepared.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the flexible display panel includes the following steps:

[0017] S1. A flexible substrate is fabricated on a glass substrate, and functional film layers are sequentially fabricated on the surface of the flexible substrate, followed by thin-film encapsulation.

[0018] S2. The flexible substrate and the functional film layer thereon are peeled off from the glass substrate to form a flexible screen.

[0019] S3. Fit the protective device onto the bending area of ​​the flexible screen;

[0020] S4. Apply optical film to the flexible screen and bind the circuit.

[0021] S5. Remove the protective device from the flexible screen.

[0022] S6. Perform a bending process to bend the bending area.

[0023] Preferably, after S2 and before S3, the process further includes coating the upper and lower surfaces of the bending area with a protective adhesive layer. By employing the above steps, a protective device is used to protect the bending area during the flexible display panel manufacturing process, preventing external impacts and limiting deformation such as bending, thereby reducing the pulling force on the metal traces and preventing cracks or even breakage. The protective device is easy to install and remove and will not affect other steps in the manufacturing process.

[0024] The third objective of this invention is to provide a flexible display panel that is manufactured using the above-described method. By using a protective device to protect the bending area, the external force pulling on the metal traces is reduced. The flexible display panel has the advantages of reliable display performance and low manufacturing cost.

[0025] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0026] A flexible display panel is provided, which is prepared using the flexible display panel manufacturing method described above. The flexible display panel includes a flexible screen body, the flexible screen body includes a display area and a non-display area disposed around the display area, the non-display area includes a bending area, and a protective device is detachably fitted onto the flexible screen body and at least covers the bending area.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0028] The protective device provided by this invention can be detachably fitted onto the non-display area of ​​a flexible screen, and at least covers the bending area. The protective device can limit deformation of the bending area, preventing bending and other deformations, thereby protecting the bending area and reducing the impact of external forces. Furthermore, since the protective device is fitted onto the non-display area to avoid obstructing the display area, it will not affect other operations during the manufacturing process. The protective device includes a clamping component that fits against the bending area to keep the protective device and the bending area relatively fixed. The clamping component prevents the bending area from being stretched and deformed during the manufacturing process, thus avoiding stress on the metal traces. On the other hand, the clamping component is non-adhesive, dispersing the stress on the bending area through surface contact. Removing the clamping component will not pull on the metal traces, thus reducing the risk factors of cracks or even breakage in the metal traces and greatly minimizing defective products caused by cracks or breakage. Moreover, the protective device can be detachably fitted onto the flexible screen and reused after removal, reducing the consumption of consumables in the manufacturing process and thus reducing the manufacturing cost of flexible display panels.

[0029] The flexible display panel manufacturing method provided by this invention uses a protective device to protect the bending area of ​​the flexible display panel during the manufacturing process, so as to reduce the external force pulling on the metal traces and prevent the metal traces from cracking or even breaking. The protective device is easy to install and remove and will not affect other steps in the manufacturing process, thereby improving the display performance of the flexible display panel and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0030] The flexible display panel provided by this invention uses a protective device during the manufacturing process to protect the bending area, limiting the bending and other deformation of the bending area, thereby reducing the external force pulling on the metal traces. The protective device is detachable and non-adhesive, so it will not pull on the metal traces when removed. It can be reused after removal, reducing the consumption of consumables in the manufacturing process. This makes the flexible display panel have the advantages of reliable display performance and low manufacturing cost. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the first liner provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] In the picture:

[0035] 1. Clamping assembly; 11. First inner liner; 12. Second inner liner; 13. Limiting groove; 2. Box body assembly; 21. Base box; 22. Top cover; 23. Snap-fit ​​structure; 231. First snap-fit ​​connector; 232. Second snap-fit ​​connector;

[0036] 100. Flexible screen body; 101. Display area; 102. Bending area; 103. Bonding area. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0038] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0041] Through long-term research, the inventors discovered that during the manufacturing process of flexible display panels, the metal traces in the bending area, being a single layer, are easily subjected to external pulling forces, leading to breakage and resulting in display abnormalities or a reduced lifespan of the flexible display panel. To address this issue, existing flexible display panels use a process film during manufacturing to enhance protection in the bending area. This process film, being adhesive, is attached to the back of the flexible display panel to reduce stress on the metal traces in the bending area. However, this process film needs to be removed before the bending process. Its adhesiveness causes pulling on the metal traces during removal, increasing the risk of cracks or even breakage in the single-layer metal traces. Furthermore, the process film is a consumable item and cannot be reused, increasing the manufacturing cost of the flexible display panel.

[0042] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a protective device, a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, and a flexible display panel to solve the above problems.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a protective device used in the manufacturing process of a flexible display panel. The flexible display panel includes a flexible screen 100, which includes a display area 101 and a non-display area circumferentially disposed around the display area 101. The non-display area includes a bending area 102. Specifically, the non-display area located on one side of the display area 101 (in this embodiment, the non-display area located below the display area 101) includes a bending area 102 and a bonding area 103. The bending area 102 is disposed between the display area 101 and the bonding area 103. The bending area 102 bends part of the structure of the non-display area to the back side of the flexible screen 100 to reduce the size of the non-display area of ​​the display surface of the flexible screen 100. The bonding area 103 is used to bond a flip-chip film and a flexible circuit board, etc., to a driving chip. The driving chip is used to electrically connect with the signal lines of the display area 101 to provide signals.

[0045] During the fabrication of flexible display panels, the metal traces in the bending area 102 are easily subjected to external pulling forces, leading to breakage of the metal traces, which in turn causes display abnormalities or reduces the lifespan of the flexible display panel. To avoid the above problems, a protective device is provided. The protective device can be detachably fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the flexible screen 100 and at least covers the bending area 102. The protective device can limit the deformation of the bending area 102, prevent bending, and thus protect the bending area 102, reducing the impact of external forces on the bending area 102. Moreover, the protective device is fitted onto the non-display area to avoid obstructing the display area 101 and will not affect other operations during the fabrication process. The protective device includes a clamping component 1, which can fit against the bending area 102 to keep the protective device and the bending area 102 relatively fixed. The clamping component 1 prevents the bent area 102 from being stretched and deformed during the manufacturing process, thus avoiding stress on the metal traces. Furthermore, the clamping component 1 is non-adhesive, dispersing the stress on the bent area 102 through surface contact. Removing the clamping component 1 does not cause stretching of the metal traces, significantly reducing the risk of cracks or even breakage in the metal traces and greatly minimizing defective products caused by cracks or breakage. Moreover, the protective device is detachably mounted on the flexible screen 100 and can be reused after removal, reducing material consumption during the manufacturing process and thus lowering the manufacturing cost of the flexible display panel.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, the protective device also includes a housing assembly 2, which comprises a detachably connected base box 21 and a top cover 22. An accommodating space is provided between the base box 21 and the top cover 22, and the clamping assembly 1 is disposed within this accommodating space. The detachable connection between the base box 21 and the top cover 22 facilitates the easy mounting of the protective device onto the bending area 102. The base box 21 and the top cover 22 clamp and fix the bending area 102 from its upper and lower surfaces, respectively, without affecting the manufacturing process of the display area 101 and the bonding area 103. Specifically, the base box 21 and the top cover 22 can be made of a plastic material with a certain degree of hardness, which is easy to process, not easily deformed, has good support strength, can limit the deformation of the bending area 102, and has good resistance to external impact, effectively protecting the bending area 102. A space is provided between the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22 to accommodate the clamping component 1, which can effectively clamp the bending area 102 and prevent the clamping component 1 from pressing on the metal wiring.

[0047] Furthermore, the housing assembly 2 also includes a snap-fit ​​structure 23, which connects to the bottom box 21 and / or the top cover 22 to allow the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22 to snap together. The snap-fit ​​structure 23 is convenient to use and facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22. The snap-fit ​​structure 23 can be a combination of protrusions and grooves, or it can be a hook with a slot that directly snaps onto the bottom box 21 or the top cover 22; both of these are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, one side of the opposite sides of the bottom box 21 and one side of the top cover 22 are hinged together, so that the relative positions of the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22 are fixed and can be flipped open relative to each other, and the box assembly 2 is not easily deformed. The other side of the bottom box 21 and the other side of the top cover 22 are connected by a snap-fit ​​structure 23; the other side of the bottom box 21 and the other side of the top cover 22 are free ends. The snap-fit ​​structure 23 includes a first snap-fit ​​member 231 and a second snap-fit ​​member 232. One of the first snap-fit ​​member 231 and the second snap-fit ​​member 232 is disposed in the bottom box 21, and the other of the first snap-fit ​​member 231 and the second snap-fit ​​member 232 is disposed in the top cover 22. Specifically, the first snap-fit ​​member 231 is disposed in the free end of the bottom box 21, and the second snap-fit ​​member 232 is disposed in the free end of the top cover 22. The first snap-fit ​​member 231 and the second snap-fit ​​member 232 can be snapped together. When the housing assembly 2 clamps the bending area 102, the first latch 231 and the second latch 232 are opened, and the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22 form a V shape, which allows the housing assembly 2 to be fitted from one side of the bending area 102, thus avoiding any impact on the display area 101 and the binding area 103.

[0049] As an example, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the first snap-fit ​​component 231 and the second snap-fit ​​component 232 are both snap-fits with slots. The two snap-fits respectively snap into the corresponding slots to realize the snap-fit ​​between the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22.

[0050] As a preferred embodiment, the clamping assembly 1 includes a first inner liner 11 and a second inner liner 12. The first inner liner 11 is disposed on the bottom box 21, and the second inner liner 12 is disposed on the top cover 22. The connection between the first inner liner 11 and the bottom box 21, and between the second inner liner 12 and the top cover 22, can be achieved by means of adhesive bonding or the like. The bending region 102 is clamped between the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12, and the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 abut against the upper surface, lower surface, and / or both sides of the bending region 102.

[0051] Furthermore, the first inner liner 11 and / or the second inner liner 12 are elastic. In this embodiment, both the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 are elastic and can elastically abut against the bending area 102. Preferably, the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 are made of a non-slip material with a certain elasticity, such as foam or silicone. The elasticity makes the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 compressible and will not put pressure on the bending area 102. The non-slip performance keeps the relative position between the clamping component 1 and the bending area 102 fixed. The bending area 102 will not slip or even deform when subjected to external force, thereby increasing the surface strength of the bending area 102. Specifically, the first inner liner 11 is fitted to the inside of the bottom box 21, and the second inner liner 12 is fitted to the inside of the top cover 22. When the box assembly 2 is opened for disassembly, the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 move accordingly, resulting in good overall integrity. When the box assembly 2 is closed, the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 fit against the bending area 102 without the need for alignment adjustment, making it convenient to use. Moreover, by changing the shape of the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12, they can abut against different surfaces of the bending area 102. For example, the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 can abut against the upper and lower surfaces of the bending area 102. Typically, the metal wiring is arranged on the upper surface of the bending area 102. When the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 also abut against both sides of the bending area 102, the clamping and fixing effect on the bending area 102 is even better.

[0052] Furthermore, the first inner liner 11 and / or the second inner liner 12 are provided with limiting grooves 13, and the bent area 102 can be engaged within the limiting grooves 13. The limiting grooves 13 restrict the bent area 102 to prevent deformation or movement of the bent area 102. In this embodiment, the first inner liner 11 is provided with limiting grooves 13, and the shape of the limiting grooves 13 is the same as the shape of the bent area 102. The second inner liner 12 and the bent area 102 can be engaged within the limiting grooves 13 simultaneously, and the clamping and fixing effect of the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 on the bent area 102 is better. The inner wall of the limiting groove 13 completely fits against the two sides and the lower or upper surface of the bending area 102; when the cover 22 is closed and the second inner liner 12 is fitted into the limiting groove 13, the second inner liner 12 fits against the upper or lower surface of the bending area 102, thereby fully clamping and fixing the bending area 102, and the bending area 102 is not easy to move.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first inner liner 11 and / or the second inner liner 12 are elastic, and the first inner liner 11 and / or the second inner liner 12 elastically abut against the bending region 102. It is understood that this elastic abutment can ensure the clamping force of the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 on the bending region 102, and can avoid the risk of damaging the bending region 102 by using rigid clamping.

[0054] Preferably, the thickness of the second inner liner 12 is the same as the depth of the limiting groove 13, so as to ensure that the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 can completely fit against the upper and lower surfaces of the bending area 102; for example Figure 3 As shown in the figure, H represents the depth of the limiting groove 13. Because the thickness of the bending area 102 is generally around 0.1mm, and the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 are elastic and can undergo elastic deformation, when the thickness of the second inner liner 12 is the same as the depth of the limiting groove 13, the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 will undergo a certain amount of elastic deformation, thus completely engaging with the bending area 102 within the limiting groove 13. This not only facilitates fixing the relative positions of the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22, but also prevents damage to the metal wiring.

[0055] It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit the shape of the bottom box 21 and the top cover 22, and is not limited to the attached drawings of this embodiment. The bottom box 21 and the top cover 22 can be square, round or other structures. The bottom box 21 and the top cover 22 are universal. By replacing the first inner liner 11 and the second inner liner 12 with different shapes, it can adapt to the protection requirements of bending areas 102 of different sizes and shapes. It can be applied to flexible display panels of different models, making the applicability of the protective device better.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, which uses the protective device described in Embodiment 1 above to prepare the flexible display panel. During the preparation of the flexible display panel, the protective device is fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the formed flexible screen 100. The protective device at least covers the bending area 102 of the flexible screen 100 to keep the protective device and the bending area 102 relatively fixed. The protective device is removed after the flexible screen 100 is prepared.

[0058] The manufacturing method of the flexible display panel in Embodiment 2 of the present invention uses a protective device to protect the bending area 102 of the flexible display panel during the manufacturing process, so as to avoid the bending area 102 being impacted by external forces, limit the bending area 102 to bend and other deformations, reduce the external force pulling on the metal traces, and prevent the metal traces from cracking or even breaking. The protective device is easy to install and remove and will not affect other steps in the manufacturing process, improve the display performance of the flexible display panel, and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0059] Specifically, the manufacturing method of flexible display panels includes the following steps:

[0060] S1. A flexible substrate is fabricated on a glass substrate. Functional film layers such as circuit layers and light-emitting layers are sequentially fabricated on the surface of the flexible substrate, and thin-film encapsulation is performed. In this step, the flexible screen 100 can be cut according to the application requirements of the flexible display panel.

[0061] S2. The flexible substrate and the functional film layer thereon are peeled off from the glass substrate to form a flexible screen 100.

[0062] S3. The protective device is fitted onto the bending area 102 of the flexible screen 100. Preferably, after step S2 and before this step, a protective adhesive layer is applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the bending area 102. This protective adhesive layer does not affect the display performance of the flexible display panel and prevents the protective device from causing surface damage to the bending area 102. By fitting the protective device onto the bending area 102, the clamping component 1 can fit snugly against the bending area 102, reducing the impact of external forces on the bending area 102 and preventing movement of the bending area 102, thus reducing the risk of cracks or even breakage of the metal traces.

[0063] S4. Optical film layer attachment and circuit bonding are performed on the flexible screen 100. In this step, the optical film layer can be a stack of various optical films, such as polarizers, OCA, touch screens, etc. The attachment process includes, but is not limited to, POL (Polarizer) attachment, OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive Layer) attachment, and CG (Cover Glass Layer) attachment. Circuit bonding includes, but is not limited to, COF (Chip On Flex or Chip On Film) bonding and FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) bonding. Throughout the above process, the protective device provides protection for the bending area 102.

[0064] S5. After completing the process preparation in step S4, the protective device is removed from the flexible screen 100. The clamping component 1 is not sticky and will not pull on the metal wiring during removal. The removed protective device can be reused.

[0065] S6. Perform a bending process to bend the bending area 102.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] This invention provides a flexible display panel according to Embodiment 3. The flexible display panel is prepared using the manufacturing method of the flexible display panel in Embodiment 2. The flexible screen 100 of the flexible display panel can use the protective device in Embodiment 1 during the manufacturing process. The flexible screen 100 includes a display area 101 and a non-display area arranged circumferentially around the display area 101. The non-display area includes a bending area 102 and a bonding area 103. The bending area 102 is disposed between the display area 101 and the bonding area 103. By bending part of the structure of the non-display area to the back side of the flexible screen 100 through the bending area 102, the size of the non-display area of ​​the display surface of the flexible screen 100 is reduced. The protective device can be detachably fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the flexible screen 100 and at least covers the bending area 102, thereby providing protection for the bending area 102 during the manufacturing process.

[0068] The flexible display panel of Embodiment 3 of the present invention uses a protective device during the manufacturing process to protect the bending area 102, limiting the bending and other deformation of the bending area 102, thereby reducing the external force pulling on the metal traces; the protective device is detachable and non-adhesive, so it will not pull on the metal traces when removed, and can be reused after removal, reducing the consumption of consumables in the manufacturing process, so that the flexible display panel has the advantages of reliable display performance and low manufacturing cost.

[0069] As a preferred embodiment, the flexible display panel also includes a protective adhesive layer, which is adhered to the upper and lower surfaces of the bending region 102. The protective adhesive layer provides surface protection for the bending region 102, preventing damage to its surface from protective devices. The protective adhesive layer can be made of UV-curable adhesive, which will not affect the display performance of the flexible display panel and further prevents breakage of the source and drain metal lines in the bending region 102.

[0070] Embodiment 3 of the present invention also provides a display device, including the above-mentioned flexible display panel. The display device can be any product or component with display function, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, television, smartwatch, smart bracelet, monitor, electronic paper, etc. This embodiment does not limit it.

[0071] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective device for a flexible display panel, the flexible display panel comprising a flexible screen (100), the flexible screen (100) comprising a display area (101) and a non-display area disposed around the display area (101), the non-display area comprising a bending region (102), characterized in that, The protective device can be detachably fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the flexible screen (100) and at least covers the bending area (102). The protective device includes a clamping component (1) that can fit against the bending area (102) so that the protective device and the bending area (102) remain relatively fixed. The protective device also includes a box assembly (2), which includes a detachably connected bottom box (21) and a top cover (22). An accommodating space is provided between the bottom box (21) and the top cover (22), and the clamping assembly (1) is disposed in the accommodating space. The clamping assembly (1) includes a first inner liner (11) and a second inner liner (12), the bending region (102) is clamped between the first inner liner (11) and the second inner liner (12), and the first inner liner (11) and the second inner liner (12) abut against the upper surface and lower surface, and / or both sides of the bending region (102).

2. The protective device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box assembly (2) further includes a snap-fit ​​structure (23) connected to the bottom box (21) and / or the top cover (22) to snap the bottom box (21) and the top cover (22).

3. The protective device according to claim 2, characterized in that, One side of the bottom box (21) is hinged to the top cover (22), and the other side is snapped to the top cover (22) by the snap-fit ​​structure (23).

4. The protective device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​structure (23) includes a first snap-fit ​​member (231) and a second snap-fit ​​member (232). One of the first snap-fit ​​member (231) and the second snap-fit ​​member (232) is disposed on the bottom box (21), and the other of the first snap-fit ​​member (231) and the second snap-fit ​​member (232) is disposed on the top cover (22). The first snap-fit ​​member (231) and the second snap-fit ​​member (232) can snap into each other.

5. The protective device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first inner liner (11) and / or the second inner liner (12) are provided with a limiting groove (13), and the bending area (102) can be locked in the limiting groove (13).

6. The protective device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first liner (11) and / or the second liner (12) are elastic, and the first liner (11) and / or the second liner (12) elastically abut against the bending region (102).

7. A method for manufacturing a flexible display panel, characterized in that, The flexible display panel is prepared using the protective device as described in any one of claims 1-6. During the preparation of the flexible display panel, the protective device is fitted onto the non-display area of ​​the formed flexible screen (100). The protective device covers at least the bending area (102) of the flexible screen (100) so that the protective device and the bending area (102) remain relatively fixed. The protective device is removed after the flexible screen (100) is prepared.

8. The method for manufacturing a flexible display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method for manufacturing the flexible display panel includes the following steps: S1. A flexible substrate is fabricated on a glass substrate, and functional film layers are sequentially fabricated on the surface of the flexible substrate, followed by thin-film encapsulation. S2. The flexible substrate and the functional film layer thereon are peeled off from the glass substrate to form a flexible screen (100). S3. The protective device is fitted onto the bending area (102) of the flexible screen (100). S4. Apply optical film to the flexible screen (100) and bind the circuit. S5. Remove the protective device from the flexible screen (100); S6. Perform a bending process to bend the bending area (102).

9. The method for manufacturing a flexible display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, After S2 and before S3, a protective adhesive layer is applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the bending region (102).

10. A flexible display panel, characterized in that, The flexible display panel is prepared using the manufacturing method of any one of claims 7-9, wherein the flexible display panel includes a flexible screen body (100), the flexible screen body (100) includes a display area (101) and a non-display area disposed around the display area (101), the non-display area includes a bending area (102), and the protective device is detachably fitted onto the flexible screen body (100) and at least covers the bending area (102).

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