Display panel and display device

Abstract

The application discloses a display panel and a display device. The display panel can be bent along a folding axis under external force. The display panel comprises a folding area, and the folding axis is located in the folding area. The display panel comprises a substrate, a deformation electrogeneration layer and an electrically controlled deformation layer. The deformation electrogeneration layer and the electrically controlled deformation layer are arranged on the substrate and located in the folding area. The deformation electrogeneration layer is used for deforming and generating an electric potential when the display panel is bent along the folding axis. The electrically controlled deformation layer deforms by the electric potential. The deformation electrogeneration layer is arranged to generate an electric potential to control the electrically controlled deformation layer to deform when the display panel is bent. The stress generated in the folding area is relieved by the electrically controlled deformation layer, the stability of the folding area is improved, and the service life of the display panel is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, flexible OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display panels are attracting increasing attention. Flexible OLED refers to screens that can undergo various deformations, such as rolling, stretching, or folding. For a display panel, the main components typically include several scan lines and several data lines arranged in a cross pattern on a flexible substrate. These scan lines and data lines form a matrix of pixel units. Because each pixel unit has both a TFT structure and a light-emitting unit structure, as well as corresponding driving circuitry, it features high pixel density and dense wiring.

[0003] However, during bending, stretching, or folding, the deformed area is frequently subjected to stresses of varying degrees and magnitudes, making it prone to fatigue damage, and in some cases, even breakage. Ultimately, this leads to abnormalities in the display of the deformed area, affecting the lifespan of the flexible display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a display panel and a display device, which generates a potential to control the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer when the display panel is bent by setting a deformation-generating layer. The electrically controlled deformation layer relieves the stress generated in the folding area, improves the stability of the folding area, and extends the service life of the display panel.

[0005] This application discloses a display panel that can be bent along a folding axis under external force. The display panel includes a folding region, and the folding axis is located within the folding region. The display panel includes a substrate, a deformation-generating layer, and an electrically controlled deformation layer. The deformation-generating layer and the electrically controlled deformation layer are disposed on the substrate and located within the folding region. The deformation-generating layer is used to deform and generate a potential when the display panel is bent along the folding axis, and the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer is controlled by the potential.

[0006] Optionally, the greater the curvature of the display panel along the folding axis, the greater the potential generated by the deformation electrification layer, and the greater the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer.

[0007] Optionally, the deformation-generating layer is formed using a liquid metal hydrogel material, and the electrically controlled deformation layer is formed using an electric field-sensitive hydrogel material.

[0008] Optionally, the substrate has a plurality of strip-shaped grooves in the folded area, the electrically controlled deformation layer includes a plurality of electrically controlled deformation strips, the deformation electrification layer includes a plurality of deformation electrification strips, and the plurality of electrically controlled deformation strips and the plurality of deformation electrification strips are respectively disposed in the plurality of strip-shaped grooves.

[0009] Optionally, the depth of the strip groove is equal to 50% to 70% of the thickness of the substrate.

[0010] Optionally, the display panel includes an opening area, with at least one opening area disposed between two adjacent strip-shaped recesses.

[0011] Optionally, the number of the strip grooves is equal to the sum of the number of the electrically controlled deformation strips and the deformation generating strips; each strip groove is provided with one electrically controlled deformation strip or one deformation generating strip, and multiple electrically controlled deformation strips and multiple deformation generating strips are spaced apart, with the electrically controlled deformation strips electrically connected to adjacent deformation generating strips.

[0012] Optionally, each of the electrically controlled deformation bars has a deformation generating bar on each side, and the deformation generating bars on both sides of the electrically controlled deformation bar are electrically connected to the electrically controlled deformation bar.

[0013] Optionally, the number of the strip grooves is equal to the number of the electrically controlled deformation strips; the deformation generating strips and the electrically controlled deformation strips are arranged in the same strip groove, and the deformation generating strips and the electrically controlled deformation strips are stacked.

[0014] This application also discloses a display device, including a driving circuit and the aforementioned display panel, wherein the driving circuit is used to drive the display panel to display.

[0015] This application utilizes a deformation-generating electrostatic layer. Taking advantage of this property, when the display panel is bent along a folding axis, the deformation-generating electrostatic layer generates an electric charge, which in turn controls the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer. This deformation alleviates stress on the surrounding substrate and film layers, effectively reducing the probability of film cracking or substrate fatigue, improving the stability of the folded area, and extending the lifespan of the display panel. Furthermore, using the electrostatic layer to generate a potential and control the electrically controlled deformation layer saves energy in the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of the specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of this application and illustrate the implementation methods of this application, together with the textual description, to explain the principles of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross section along line AA';

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation-generating strip of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrically controlled deformation bar of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of yet another display panel according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel according to the third embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display device of this application.

[0026] Among them, 100 is a display panel; 101 is a folding axis; 102 is a folding area; 103 is an opening area; 104 is a non-opening area; 110 is a substrate; 120 is a strip groove; 121 is a first groove; 122 is a second groove; 123 is a strip groove group; 130 is an electrically controlled deformation layer; 131 is an electrically controlled deformation strip; 132 is an electrically controlled deformation part; 140 is a deformation electrification layer; 141 is a deformation electrification strip; 142 is a deformation electrification part; 200 is a display device; and 210 is a driving circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0027] It should be understood that the terminology, specific structural and functional details used herein are merely for describing particular embodiments and are representative. However, this application may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0028] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating relative importance or implying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature; "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, terms indicating orientation or positional relationships, such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," and "horizontal," are described based on the orientation or relative positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this application, not indicating that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and optional embodiments.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel according to the first embodiment of this application, see below. Figure 1 As shown, this application discloses a display panel 100, which can be bent along a folding axis 101 under the action of external force. The display panel 100 includes a folding region 102, and the folding axis 101 is located within the folding region 102. The display panel 100 includes a substrate 110, a deformation-generating layer 140, and an electrically controlled deformation layer 130. The deformation-generating layer 140 and the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 are disposed on the substrate 110 and located within the folding region 102. The deformation-generating layer 140 is used to deform and generate a potential when the display panel 100 is bent along the folding axis 101, and the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 is controlled by the potential.

[0031] This application utilizes a deformation-generating electrostatic layer 140 to generate charge when the display panel 100 is bent along a folding axis 101. This generated potential controls the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130. The deformation generated by the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 alleviates stress on the surrounding substrate 110 and film layers, effectively reducing the probability of film layer cracking or substrate 110 fatigue, improving the stability of the folded area 102, and extending the lifespan of the display panel 100. Furthermore, using the electrostatic layer to generate a potential to control the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 saves energy consumption of the display panel 100.

[0032] In one embodiment, the substrate 110 may be a flexible substrate, including a polymer substrate, a metal substrate, or an ultrathin glass substrate. This application relates to a flexible display panel 100. Taking a mobile phone type display panel 100 as an example, the most common deformation method on the market is folding. The folding position is generally located at the center of the display panel 100. There are two different folding methods: folding inward or folding outward. Both will generate a tension force perpendicular to and away from the folding axis 101 around the folding axis 101, causing the substrate 110 and the film layer on the substrate 110 to deform. Under different external forces and different folding speeds, the folded area 102 is subjected to stresses of various magnitudes, or the substrate 110 will undergo corresponding tensile or contractile deformation after repeated bending. Especially after long-term cycling, fatigue fracture may occur.

[0033] The electrically controlled deformation layer 130 can be formed using an electric field-sensitive hydrogel material, also known as an electric field-sensitive smart hydrogel polymer material. This material can undergo volume changes, shape changes, or other physical property alterations under the influence of an external electric field, thus responding to electric field stimulation. These hydrogels are typically composed of polyelectrolytes. When placed in an electrolyte solution and stimulated by an electric field, the ion distribution within the gel is affected, leading to reversible deformation. Most electric field-sensitive hydrogels contain chemically bonded ionized groups in their polymer network; therefore, these gels are often prepared by chemical or physical crosslinking of synthetic or natural polymers with ionized groups. However, hydrogels obtained from a single polymer often have poor mechanical properties. Therefore, copolymerization or blending methods are commonly used to prepare electric field-sensitive hydrogels with a certain mechanical strength. Under various external stimuli, electric field-responsive hydrogels have a significant advantage over other types of smart hydrogels because the electric field is easily applied and controlled.

[0034] Electric field-sensitive hydrogel materials may include interpenetrating network hydrogels formed by poly(2-acrylamide-2-methylpropenesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) and polyvinyl alcohol; polyanionic natural polymer alginate / polymethacrylic acid, alginate / polydimethyldipropenylammonium chloride hydrogels; polycationic natural polymer chitosan / polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, chitosan / polyallylamine, chitosan / polyacrylonitrile, chitosan / polydimethyldipropenylammonium chloride, chitosan / polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels; and chitosan / hyaluronic acid hydrogels containing one or more of polycationic and polyanionic natural polymers.

[0035] It is worth mentioning that, for folding screens, the folding region 102 described in this embodiment refers to the area located on both sides of the folding axis 101, which is stretched during folding. Especially for three-layer or multi-layer folding screens, the organic film layer in the folding region 102 is prone to moisture generation due to stress or excessive temperature. Furthermore, if the film layer ruptures and the encapsulation layer fails, moisture can easily enter. The hydrogel material in this area can absorb internal moisture. For rollable screens, the folding axis 101 is located on the side that is first rolled up, and the screen rolls up along one side of the folding axis 101, causing a portion of the display area to be rolled up and stored. This stored portion of the display area can be referred to as the folding region 102. The solution in this embodiment can also be applied to rollable screens.

[0036] The deformation-generating electrostatic layer 140 is formed using a liquid metal hydrogel material. Liquid metal hydrogel materials can convert mechanical energy into voltage. The core of this conversion lies in the liquid metal, which can be a gallium-indium liquid metal alloy. This alloy is encapsulated within the hydrogel material. The water in the hydrogel material contains dissolved salts containing ions. These ions accumulate on the alloy surface, inducing charges within the metal. Increasing the alloy area provides more surface area to attract charges, thus generating electric charge. The deformation-generating electrostatic layer 140 can generate potential during extrusion, stretching, and torsion, enabling control of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130. Potential, also known as electric potential, refers to the work done by a unit positive charge moving from infinity to a given point, or the potential difference between that point and a reference point.

[0037] In one embodiment, the greater the curvature of the display panel 100 along the folding axis 101, the greater the potential generated by the deformation-generating layer 140, and the greater the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130. As the display panel 100 extends along the folding axis 101 in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis 101, the deformation of the display panel 100 gradually decreases, and the degree of folding curvature varies at different locations within the folding region 102 of the display panel 100. In practical design, the size (length, width, thickness, etc.) and position of the deformation-generating layer 140 and the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 can be designed according to the degree of curvature of the display panel 100, so that the greater the curvature of the display panel 100, the greater the potential generated by the deformation-generating layer 140, and the greater the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130.

[0038] Of course, the aforementioned folding axis 101 is relative to a foldable screen. For a rollable screen, the required stretching deformation is generally larger, allowing part of the display panel 100 to be rolled up and stored. There is a transition surface between the rolled and non-rolled surfaces. The boundary between the transition surface and the rolled surface is taken as the folding axis 101. In the direction of the transition surface, the deformation of the display panel 100 gradually decreases. Therefore, the above solution also applies to rollable screens.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel according to the second embodiment of this application. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 See the schematic diagram of the cross section along line AA'. Figure 2 , 3 As shown, this application discloses a display panel 100, which includes a substrate 110, a deformation-generating electrostatic layer 140, and an electrically controlled deformation layer 130.

[0040] The substrate 110 has a plurality of strip grooves 120 in the folded region 102, the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 includes a plurality of electrically controlled deformation strips 131, and the deformation electrification layer 140 includes a plurality of deformation electrification strips 141. The plurality of electrically controlled deformation strips 131 and the plurality of deformation electrification strips 141 are respectively disposed in the plurality of strip grooves 120.

[0041] This application removes the substrate within the groove 120 of the substrate 110 by forming a strip groove 120 on the substrate 110, thereby filling in the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 or deformation-generating strip 141. When the substrate 110 is folded and bent, the deformation-generating strip 141 generates a potential during deformation to control the bending of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 connected to it. This expansion of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 alleviates the stress on the substrate 110 and the film layer during deformation, effectively reducing the probability of fatigue in the substrate 110. It is understood that, taking the substrate 110 as a flexible substrate of a high-heat-resistant polyimide film, during cyclic folding, the inner and outer sides of the high-heat-resistant polyimide film and the direction perpendicular to the cross-section of the folding region 102 are subjected to cyclic compressive / tensile stress and bending moment, respectively. During this process, the flexible substrate easily accumulates irreversible deformation. In this embodiment, the deformation generated by the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 is an active expansion or contraction under voltage, which does not produce physical fatigue during the cyclic folding process, thus improving the fatigue of the substrate 110 during the cyclic folding process.

[0042] It is understandable that the deformation generating strip 141 has a strong deformation capability and can directly generate deformation under the action of external force, while the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 needs to be carried out under the control of an electric field.

[0043] In one embodiment, the depth of the strip groove 120 is equal to 50% to 70% of the thickness of the substrate 110. In other words, the thickness of the substrate 110 at the location of the strip groove 120 is equal to 30% to 50% of the thickness of the substrate 110 at the location not where the strip groove 120 is located. Compared to the solution of completely hollowing out the strip groove 120 of the substrate 110, providing a substrate 110 of a certain thickness below the strip groove 120 can prevent the hydrogel in the electric field-sensitive hydrogel material from absorbing water vapor and swelling due to direct contact with air. Moreover, the substrate 110 can provide support and encapsulation for the electric field-sensitive hydrogel material to a certain extent. After the electric field-sensitive hydrogel material deforms, the substrate 110 has a buffering effect on the electrically controlled deformation layer 130, so that it has a stable structure with the substrate 110.

[0044] Generally, the thickness of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 or deformation generating strip 141 filled into the strip groove 120 is consistent with the depth of the strip groove 120. This ensures that the surface of the substrate 110 has flatness and prevents the problem of discontinuity when the film layer is formed later.

[0045] Specifically, the number of the strip grooves 120 is equal to the sum of the number of the electrically controlled deformation strips 131 and the deformation-generating strips 141; each strip groove 120 is provided with one electrically controlled deformation strip 131 or one deformation-generating strip 141, and multiple electrically controlled deformation strips 131 and multiple deformation-generating strips 141 are spaced apart, and the electrically controlled deformation strips 131 are electrically connected to the adjacent deformation-generating strips 141.

[0046] The strip-shaped groove 120 includes a first groove 121 and a second groove 122. Both the first groove 121 and the second groove 122 are strip-shaped grooves 120, but the first groove 121 is used to fill the electrically controlled deformation strip 131, and the second groove 122 is used to fill the deformation-generating strip 141. Multiple first grooves 121 and multiple second grooves 122 are spaced apart, and an adjacent first groove 121 and a second groove 122 form a strip-shaped groove group 123. The deformation-generating strip 141 within this strip-shaped groove group 123 provides electrical energy to the electrically controlled deformation strip 131.

[0047] In this embodiment, by providing multiple strip-shaped grooves 120 at intervals, the rigidity of the substrate 110 in the folded region 102 can be reduced, which is undesirable when the entire surface is grooved. The strip-shaped grooves 120, with a complete thickness of substrate 110 between adjacent grooves, improve the overall strength of the substrate 110. Furthermore, by providing the spaced strip-shaped grooves 120, the electrically controlled deformation strips 131 within each groove 120 can be individually controlled, achieving different deformation amounts at different locations. Specifically, deformation-generating strips 141 and electrically controlled deformation strips 131 are spaced apart, with each electrically controlled deformation strip 131 individually connected to a deformation-generating strip 141. The potential intensity of the deformation-generating strip 141 can be adjusted by setting parameters such as its size, allowing the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 to have different deformation capabilities.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation-generating electric strip of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrically controlled deformation bar of this application, see [link / reference]. Figure 4 , 5 As shown, the deformation-generating electric strip 141 can generate charge during tensile, compressive, or torsional deformation. Specifically, it consists of two parallel layers of metal alloy disposed within the hydrogel material. When the deformation-generating electric strip 141 deforms, current can be captured through wires or conductive connecting lines and transmitted to both sides of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131, causing the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 to deform. The aforementioned two metal alloy layers are a liquid metal alloy of gallium and indium. The hydrogel material contains a large number of ions; by accumulating on the alloy surface, charges can be induced within the metal alloy. Furthermore, increasing the area of ​​the metal alloy provides more surface area to attract charges and generate electrical energy.

[0049] In one embodiment, the length directions of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 and the deformation-generating strip 141 are respectively perpendicular to the folding axis 101. The greater the degree of folding and bending of the display panel 100, the greater the electrical energy generated by the deformation-generating strip 141, and the greater the degree of bending required for the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. In this embodiment, the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 and the deformation-generating strip 141 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence so that the deformation-generating strip 141 near the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 supplies power to it.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to the second embodiment of this application. See also: Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, taking one electrically controlled deformation strip 131 and deformation-generating strip 141 as an example, the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 may have multiple segments. Multiple unconnected electrically controlled deformation sections 132 are provided along a direction perpendicular to and close to the folding axis 101. Similarly, multiple unconnected deformation-generating sections 142 are provided. Adjacent electrically controlled deformation sections 132 and deformation-generating sections 142 are electrically connected. At locations where the curvature of the display panel 100 is greater, the potential generated by the corresponding deformation-generating layer 140 is greater, and the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer 130 is greater. That is, the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation section 132 farther from the folding axis 101 is smaller, and the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation section 132 closer to the folding axis 101 is greater.

[0051] Furthermore, by setting parameters such as the length, width, and thickness of the electrically controlled deformation part 132 and the deformation-generating part 142 at different positions, it is possible to achieve different deformation capabilities for the electrically controlled deformation part 132 at different positions and different power generation capabilities for the deformation-generating part 142 at different positions.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to the second embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, each of the electrically controlled deformation strips 131 has a deformation-generating strip 141 on both sides, and the deformation-generating strips 141 on both sides of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 are electrically connected to the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. In other words, a first groove 121 and two second grooves 122 are provided in a strip-shaped groove group 123, and a second groove 122 is provided on both sides of the first groove 121.

[0053] In this embodiment, the number of deformation-generating strips 141 is increased to enhance the power generation capability of the display panel 100 during folding and bending, thereby better driving the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 to deform. For a scheme where deformation-generating strips 141 are provided on both sides, the specific power connection method also needs to be considered in terms of power supply to achieve stronger power drive for the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. It is understood that, in this embodiment, when the widths of the first groove 121 and the second groove 122 are the same, increasing the number of the second groove 122 enhances the power generation capability of the deformation-generating strips 141. That is, doubling the number of deformation-generating strips 141 greatly improves the power generation capability during a single folding process.

[0054] Specifically, the display panel 100 includes an opening area 103, and at least one opening area 103 is provided between two adjacent strip grooves 120.

[0055] The display panel 100 may include an opening area 103 and a non-opening area 104 within the display area. An opening area 103 typically contains a light-emitting unit. Adjacent light-emitting units are separated by a pixel definition layer. The area containing the pixel definition layer can be referred to as the non-opening area 104. The opening area 103 is surrounded by the pixel definition layer set in the non-opening area 104, and any two adjacent opening areas 103 are separated by the non-opening area 104. Each opening area 103 contains one light-emitting unit, also known as a sub-pixel.

[0056] Taking the strip groove group 123 as an example, multiple opening areas 103 and multiple non-opening areas 104 can generally be set between two adjacent strip groove groups 123. In actual design, if only one opening area 103 is set between two strip groove groups 123, the required process precision is higher and the cost is higher. Therefore, based on cost considerations, a strip groove group 123 can be set with multiple opening areas 103 and non-opening areas 104 spaced apart. It can be understood that the strip groove group 123 can be two strip grooves 120, or it can be a strip groove 120 in which deformation generating strip 141 and electrically controlled deformation strip 131 are respectively set. The deformation generating strip 141 and the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 are insulated from each other by insulating material. That is, the first groove 121 and the second groove 122 mentioned above are combined into one strip groove 120.

[0057] In this embodiment, the width of the strip groove group 123 is equal to the width of a non-opening area 104, that is, the sum of the widths of a first groove 121 and a second groove 122 is the width of a non-opening area 104. On the projection of the substrate 110, the strip groove 120 overlaps with the pixel definition layer. In other words, the strip groove 120 overlaps with the non-opening area 104. The light-emitting unit located in the opening area 103 is not disposed on the electrically controlled deformation strip 131, but disposed on the substrate 110 of full thickness.

[0058] The spacing between two adjacent strip grooves 120 can be set to a certain number of sub-pixels, such as 1 to 20. Within the folded area 102, based on the force analysis during folding, the tensile force and deformation of the film layer vary depending on the force at different locations. Generally, the force on the film layer gradually decreases from the folding axis 101 outwards, thus its deformation gradually decreases. To balance this deformation, the deformation of the corresponding electrically controlled deformation strips 131 should also gradually decrease. The electrically controlled deformation strips 131 closer to the folding axis 101 have the largest deformation to ensure that the deformation caused by the large tensile force on other surrounding film layers is balanced by the compressive stress on the middle film layer, thus minimizing the risk of film layer damage. In other words, among the multiple electrically controlled deformation strips 131, the one closer to the folding axis 101 has the stronger deformation capability.

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the display panel according to the third embodiment of this application. See also: Figure 8 As shown, the difference between this application and the above embodiment is that the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 and the deformation generating strip 141 in this embodiment are arranged in the same strip groove 120.

[0060] Specifically, the number of the same strip-shaped groove 120 is equal to the number of the electrically controlled deformation strips 131; the strip-shaped groove 120 is provided with deformation-generating strips 141 and electrically controlled deformation strips 131, which are stacked together. In this embodiment, by stacking the deformation-generating strips 141 and electrically controlled deformation strips 131, the area occupied by the two can be saved.

[0061] Within the same strip groove 120, an electrically controlled deformation strip 131 is positioned on top of a deformation-generating strip 141, separated by an insulating layer. The folding capability of the deformation-generating strip 141 is passive; that is, it deforms only when the display panel 100 is folded. In contrast, the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 is active, folding only when energized. However, the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 also possesses a degree of passive deformation capability; that is, in the absence of energization, it exhibits a certain degree of tensile strength. When the deformation-generating strip 141 gradually stretches and generates voltage, it controls the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. Alternatively, to better achieve bending, an external power supply can be provided to the electrically controlled deformation strip 131, supplying voltage when the display panel 100 begins to bend, causing the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 to deform and bend.

[0062] Of course, in this embodiment, a double-layered deformation-generating strip 141 can also be provided. Within the same strip-shaped groove 120, the double-layered deformation-generating strip 141 is sandwiched between the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. An insulating material is provided between the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 and the deformation-generating strip 141. The power supply circuit can drill holes in the insulating material to connect the deformation-generating strip 141 and the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. Although the double-layered deformation-generating strip 141 increases the film thickness, resulting in an increase in the overall thickness of the substrate 110, the double-layered configuration better reflects the vertical correspondence during actual folding.

[0063] In another embodiment, the electrically controlled deformation strips 131 can be concentrated in the folded area 102 closer to the folding axis 101, while the deformation generating strips 141 can be placed in the folded area 102 away from the folding axis 101, so that all the electrically controlled deformation strips 131 are used for bending compensation, which greatly improves the bending capability of the substrate 110.

[0064] In this embodiment, the deformation-generating strip 141 can also be formed of piezoelectric material and disposed on the back side of the substrate 110, which is the side without a film layer. The piezoelectric material disposed on the back side of the substrate 110 supplies power to the electrically controlled deformation strip 131. In this scheme, a power distribution system can also be provided to achieve different deformations of the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 at different positions by supplying different voltages or power to the electrically controlled deformation strip 131 at different positions.

[0065] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the display device of this application, see [link / reference]. Figure 9 As shown, this application also discloses a display device, the display device 200 including a driving circuit and a driving circuit 210 in any of the above embodiments, the driving circuit 210 being used to drive the display panel 100 to display.

[0066] This application utilizes a deformation-generating electrolysis layer 140 to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy using the liquid metal hydrogel material within the layer. When the folded area 102 of the display panel 100 deforms to varying degrees, the liquid metal hydrogel material generates corresponding electrical energy during this deformation. This electrical energy can power another type of electric field-sensitive smart hydrogel polymer material. This electric field-sensitive smart hydrogel polymer material can serve as part of the substrate of the folded area 102, swelling under electrical stimulation, thus causing expansion and contraction in its shape. This combines the aforementioned two... The hydrogels are arranged in a certain pattern at the locations where the display device frequently deforms. When the display panel 100 needs to undergo large-scale deformation, the electric field-sensitive smart hydrogel polymer material can alleviate the stress on the surrounding substrate and film layer by expanding due to the electrical energy of the liquid metal hydrogel material, thereby effectively reducing the probability of film layer cracking. At the same time, the electric field-sensitive smart hydrogel polymer material has certain water absorption properties, which can also absorb water vapor from the organic film layer or external sources, improve the overall structural stability, and enable the deformation area of ​​the flexible screen to have a longer deformation life.

[0067] It should be noted that the inventive concept of this application can form many embodiments, but due to the limited space of the application documents, they cannot all be listed. Therefore, without conflict, the embodiments described above or the technical features can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments. After the embodiments or technical features are combined, the original technical effect will be enhanced.

[0068] The above description, in conjunction with specific optional embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel can be bent along a folding axis under external force, and the display panel includes a folding area, with the folding axis located within the folding area. The display panel includes a substrate, a deformation-generating electrostatic layer, and an electrically controlled deformation layer. The deformation-generating electrostatic layer and the electrically controlled deformation layer are disposed on the substrate and located within the folding area. The deformation-generating electrostatic layer is used to deform and generate a potential when the display panel is bent along the folding axis, and the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer is controlled by the potential. The deformation-generating layer is formed using a liquid metal hydrogel material, and the electrically controlled deformation layer is formed using an electric field-sensitive hydrogel material. The substrate has a plurality of strip-shaped grooves in the folded area, the electrically controlled deformation layer includes a plurality of electrically controlled deformation strips, the deformation electrification layer includes a plurality of deformation electrification strips, and the plurality of electrically controlled deformation strips and the plurality of deformation electrification strips are respectively disposed in the plurality of strip-shaped grooves; Along a direction perpendicular to and close to the folding axis, each of the electrically controlled deformation strips is provided with multiple unconnected electrically controlled deformation sections, and each of the deformation electrification strips is provided with multiple unconnected deformation electrification sections. The electrically controlled deformation sections are electrically connected to the adjacent deformation electrification sections.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The greater the curvature of the display panel along the folding axis, the greater the potential generated by the deformation electrification layer, and the greater the deformation of the electrically controlled deformation layer.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The depth of the groove is equal to 50% to 70% of the thickness of the substrate.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel includes an opening area, and at least one opening area is provided between two adjacent strip-shaped grooves.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the strip-shaped grooves is equal to the sum of the number of the electrically controlled deformation strips and the number of the deformation-generating strips; Each of the strip-shaped grooves is provided with one of the electrically controlled deformation strips or the deformation generating strips, and multiple electrically controlled deformation strips and multiple deformation generating strips are arranged at intervals, with the electrically controlled deformation strips electrically connected to adjacent deformation generating strips.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the electrically controlled deformation bars has a deformation generating bar on each side, and the deformation generating bars on both sides of the electrically controlled deformation bar are electrically connected to the electrically controlled deformation bar.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the strip-shaped grooves is equal to the number of the electrically controlled deformation strips; The deformation generating strip and the electrically controlled deformation strip are arranged in the same strip-shaped groove, and the deformation generating strip and the electrically controlled deformation strip are stacked on top of each other.

8. A display device, characterized in that, The device includes a driving circuit and a display panel as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the driving circuit is used to drive the display panel to display.

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