Display panel and preparation method therefor, and display device

Abstract

A display panel and a display device. The display panel comprises: a flexible display substrate (10) having a display surface (101) and a non-display surface (102) arranged opposite to each other; a support structure (20) connected to the non-display surface (102) and provided with a light hole (V1); and a light-transmitting structure (30), at least part of which is located in the light hole (V1). One of the light-transmitting structure (30) and the support structure (20) comprises a limiting portion (3a), and the other comprises a limiting groove (3b) matching the limiting portion (3a); the limiting groove (3b) is provided with a first surface (S1) and a second surface (S2) arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the display panel, and at least part of the limiting portion (3a) is located in the limiting groove (3b) and fits with the first surface (S1) and the second surface (S2).

Description

Display panel and its manufacturing method, display device Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, specifically to a display panel and its manufacturing method, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] The foldable display device includes a flexible cover plate, a flexible display substrate, and a support layer stacked together. The support layer supports the flexible display substrate and prevents it from being damaged due to uneven stress during folding. At the locations of photosensitive elements or other functional openings, holes need to be drilled in the support layer, inevitably weakening the structural strength and support capacity of that area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and proposes a display panel and display device.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a display panel, comprising:

[0005] A flexible display substrate, wherein the flexible display substrate has a display surface and a non-display surface disposed opposite to each other;

[0006] A support structure is provided, which is connected to the non-display surface and has a light-transmitting hole.

[0007] A light-transmitting structure, wherein at least a portion of the light-transmitting structure is located within the light-transmitting aperture;

[0008] The light-transmitting structure and the supporting structure each include a limiting part and a limiting groove that matches the limiting part. The limiting groove has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the display panel. At least a portion of the limiting part is located in the limiting groove and is in contact with the first surface and the second surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, the support structure includes: a first support layer and a second support layer, wherein the first support layer is connected to the non-display surface; the second support layer is located on the side of the first support layer opposite to the flexible display substrate; and the light-transmitting hole includes a first hole penetrating the first support layer and a second hole penetrating the second support layer.

[0010] The light-transmitting structure includes the limiting groove, and the second support layer includes the limiting part and the connecting part connected to the limiting part. The limiting part surrounds the second hole, and the connecting part surrounds the limiting part and is connected to the first support layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is bonded to the first support layer via a first adhesive layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the limiting portion and the connecting portion have the same thickness.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the first support layer and the second support layer are metal layers.

[0014] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the light-transmitting structure and the sidewall of the portion of the first support layer opposite to it.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second support layer includes a base portion, a first branch portion and a second branch portion extending from the base portion toward a first direction; the base portion is provided with a first recess portion on the side away from the first branch portion in the first direction; the base portion is provided with a second recess portion on the side away from the second branch portion in the first direction; and the second hole portion is a through hole provided in the base portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting portion is bonded to the first support layer via a first adhesive layer; and the first adhesive layer is disposed on a region of the second support layer facing the flexible display substrate away from the second hole.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer comprises a plurality of adhesive blocks spaced apart from each other or a plurality of adhesive blocks connected in sequence.

[0018] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting structure includes the limiting groove;

[0019] The support structure includes a first support layer having the light-transmitting hole. The first support layer includes the limiting portion and a support portion connected to the limiting portion. The limiting portion surrounds the light-transmitting hole, and the support portion surrounds the limiting portion. The support portion is connected to the non-display surface, and the thickness of the limiting portion is less than or equal to the thickness of the support portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting structure includes: a main body portion and a first skirt portion and a second skirt portion disposed on the sidewall of the main body portion, at least a portion of the main body portion being located in the light-transmitting hole; the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the display panel and define the limiting groove with the main body portion;

[0021] The total thickness of the first skirt portion, the second skirt portion, and the limiting portion is less than or equal to the thickness of the supporting portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first width of the first skirt portion is smaller than the second width of the second skirt portion; and the first width and the second width are respectively the dimensions of the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the display panel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the support structure includes a first support layer having the limiting groove and the light-transmitting hole, wherein the limiting groove is located on the sidewall of the light-transmitting hole;

[0024] The light-transmitting structure includes: a main body and a limiting part connected to the side wall of the main body, the limiting part being disposed around the main body.

[0025] In some embodiments, the maximum distance between the surface of the light-transmitting structure away from the display substrate and the non-display surface is a first distance, and the maximum distance between the surface of the support portion away from the display substrate and the non-display surface is a second distance, wherein the first distance is less than or equal to the second distance.

[0026] In some embodiments, the limiting groove further has a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and the limiting portion is fitted to the third surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface is provided with a microstructure including at least one recess or at least one protrusion; and the limiting portion is provided with a microstructure including at least one protrusion or at least one recess, such that the microstructure on the limiting groove and the microstructure on the limiting portion engage with each other.

[0028] In some embodiments, a second adhesive layer is provided between the support structure and the non-display surface, and a first gap exists between the surface of the light-transmitting structure facing the display substrate and the non-display surface, the first gap being less than the thickness of the second adhesive layer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes:

[0030] A flexible cover plate is located on the side of the flexible display substrate opposite to the supporting structure.

[0031] A third adhesive layer is bonded between the flexible display substrate and the flexible cover plate.

[0032] This disclosure also provides a display device, including the display panel described above.

[0033] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned display panel, comprising: connecting the support structure having the light-transmitting hole to the non-display surface; and injecting a light-transmitting material from the light-transmitting hole using a mold and injection molding process to form the light-transmitting structure, such that at least a portion of the light-transmitting structure is located in the light-transmitting hole, one of the light-transmitting structure and the support structure includes a limiting portion, and the other includes a limiting groove matching the limiting portion, the limiting groove having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the display panel, at least a portion of the limiting portion being located in the limiting groove and being in contact with the first surface and the second surface. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 is a front view of a foldable display device provided in some embodiments.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the rear of a foldable display device provided in some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the folding display device provided in some embodiments along line A-A' in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in some other embodiments.

[0039] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the display panel and light-transmitting structure provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of microstructures provided on the limiting part and microstructures provided in the limiting groove in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5C is a top view of a second support layer with a second hole provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5D is a top view of the second support layer and the first adhesive layer provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5E is a top view of a second support layer with a second hole provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5F is a top view of the second support layer and the first adhesive layer provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5G is a top view of the second support layer, the first adhesive layer, and the optical structure provided in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 5H is a top view of a second support layer, a first adhesive layer, and an optical structure provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0056] As used herein, “parallel” and “perpendicular” include the described situation and situations that are similar to the described situation, within an acceptable range of deviation, which is determined by those skilled in the art taking into account the measurement under discussion and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “parallel” includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate parallelism may be, for example, within 5°; “perpendicular” includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, where an acceptable range of deviation for approximate perpendicularity may also be, for example, within 5°.

[0057] It should be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being on another layer or substrate, it can mean that the layer or element is directly on the other layer or substrate, or that there is an intermediate layer between the layer or element and the other layer or substrate.

[0058] This document describes exemplary embodiments with reference to sectional views and / or plan views, which are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions is enlarged for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. Thus, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shapes of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0059] Figure 1 is a front view of a foldable display device provided in some embodiments, Figure 2 is a rear view of a foldable display device provided in some embodiments, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable display device shown in Figure 2 along line A-A' in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the foldable display device includes a flexible display panel, a flexible circuit board 70, and a driving circuit board 80. The flexible circuit board 70 is connected between the driving circuit board 80 and the flexible display panel, and is used to provide driving signals from the driving circuit board 80 to the flexible display panel to drive the flexible display panel to perform display. The flexible display panel includes a first support layer 21, a second adhesive layer 42, a flexible display substrate 10, a third adhesive layer 43, and a flexible cover plate 50 stacked together.

[0060] The flexible display substrate 10 has a bending region B1 and flat regions A1 located on opposite sides of the bending region B1. The flexible display substrate 10 can be an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display substrate, which includes a flexible substrate and multiple light-emitting devices, encapsulation layers, and other structures disposed on the flexible substrate. The light-emitting devices include anode, hole injection layer, hole transport layer, light-emitting layer, electron transport layer, electron injection layer, and cathode stacked together.

[0061] The first support layer 21 primarily serves to fix and support the flexible display substrate 10, ensuring that the flexible display substrate 10 is not damaged due to uneven stress when the flexible display device is folded and unfolded. The first support layer 21 is typically made of high-strength, lightweight materials, thereby reducing the overall weight while ensuring structural strength. The second adhesive layer 42 and the third adhesive layer 43 can be made of optically clear adhesive (OCA), ensuring tight adhesion between the layers and minimizing light loss during propagation, thus maintaining a high-quality display effect.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, the first support layer 21 has multiple grooves SL at positions corresponding to the bending area B1 to facilitate bending of the flexible display device. Additionally, the flexible display device includes photosensitive elements such as cameras. To ensure these elements can receive ambient light, light-transmitting holes V1 are provided at corresponding positions on the first support layer 21. However, the structural strength and support performance of the area containing the light-transmitting holes V1 are inevitably affected. Specifically, when the flexible display device is subjected to external compressive force F, the first support layer 21, with its light-transmitting holes V1, loses its complete support structure and is prone to localized deformation. This deformation may cause stress concentration at the light-transmitting hole V1, which directly acts on the thin-film transistors on the flexible display substrate 10, damaging them and severely affecting the display effect of the flexible display panel. Furthermore, the weakened protective capability of the first support layer 21 at the light-transmitting holes V1 increases the likelihood of damage to the encapsulation layer in the flexible display substrate 10. The encapsulation layer is a key barrier that protects the sensitive materials inside the flexible display panel from moisture and oxygen. Once the encapsulation layer is damaged, moisture or oxygen may penetrate into the display layer or driving layer, causing oxidation, corrosion and other problems, which manifest as dead pixels or dark areas on the screen. In severe cases, it may even cause the entire flexible display panel to fail.

[0063] To address the aforementioned issues, in some embodiments, a light-transmitting structure 30 is provided at the location of the light-transmitting hole V1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in another embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the display panel further includes the light-transmitting structure 30, which comprises an integrally formed boss portion 30a and a skirt portion 30b. A portion of the boss portion 30a is located in the light-transmitting hole V1, and the skirt portion 30b is bonded to the first support layer 21 via an adhesive layer 40. In this way, when the display device is subjected to pressure or drop impact, the flexible display substrate 10 is less likely to be damaged due to lack of support at the location corresponding to the light-transmitting hole V1, thereby preventing damage to the thin-film transistors due to external forces and the problem of encapsulation layer breakage.

[0064] However, in Figure 4, the boss 30a and the skirt 30b are integrally molded structures, both made of translucent plastic. In this case, although the skirt 30b can provide some support, due to the limitations of the mechanical properties of the material itself and the limitations of the thickness setting, it is easy to deform when encountering a large load. In addition, the connection stability between the translucent structure 30 and the support structure is not high, which makes the compression resistance and impact resistance of this area insufficient.

[0065] To at least solve one of the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a display panel. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the display panel and light-transmitting structure provided in some embodiments of this disclosure, and Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the position of line A-A' in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5A, the display panel includes: a flexible display substrate 10, a support structure 20, and a light-transmitting structure 30. The flexible display substrate 10 has a display surface 101 and a non-display surface 102 disposed opposite to each other. The display surface 101 is the surface of the flexible display substrate 10 used to display images. In one example, the flexible display substrate 10 is an OLED display substrate 10. The support structure 20 is connected to the non-display surface 102 and has a light-transmitting hole V1, which penetrates the support structure 20 in the thickness direction of the display panel. The shape of the light-transmitting hole V1 can be set according to actual needs; for example, the orthographic projection shape of the light-transmitting hole V1 on the flexible display substrate 10 is circular or polygonal. At least a portion of the light-transmitting structure 30 is located in the light-transmitting hole V1, and is used to provide support force for the flexible display substrate 10 when the display panel is compressed. One of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the supporting structure 20 includes a limiting part 3a, and the other includes a limiting groove 3b that matches the limiting part 3a. The limiting groove 3b has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 that are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the display panel. At least a portion of the limiting part 3a is located in the limiting groove 3b and is in contact with the first surface S1 and the second surface S2.

[0066] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the supporting structure 20 has a limiting groove 3b and the other has a limiting part 3a. The limiting part 3a is disposed in the limiting groove 3b to form a mutually interlocking structure. Compared with the bonding method, the interlocking between the limiting groove 3b and the limiting part 3a can keep the light-transmitting structure 30 and the supporting structure 20 stably connected in the thickness direction of the display panel, thereby improving the display panel's resistance to compression and impact at the light-transmitting hole V1 position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the limiting groove 3b further has a third surface S3 connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. The limiting portion 3a fits against the third surface S3, thereby forming a tightly fitted structure between the limiting portion 3a and the limiting groove 3b, further improving the connection stability between the light-transmitting structure 30 and the supporting structure 20, and improving the display panel's resistance to compression and impact. In some embodiments, the third surface S3 extends along the thickness direction of the display panel.

[0068] In some embodiments, at least one of the first surface S1, the second surface S2, and the third surface S3 may be provided with a microstructure including at least one recess or at least one protrusion. Correspondingly, the limiting portion 3a may be provided with a microstructure including at least one protrusion or at least one recess, thereby further improving the bonding force between the limiting portion 3a and the limiting groove 3b through the interlocking of the microstructure on the limiting groove 3b and the microstructure on the limiting portion 3a. For example, as shown in FIG5B, the first surface S1, the second surface S2, and the third surface S3 are all provided with protrusions 3c, and the limiting portion 3a is provided with a recess 3d; when the limiting portion 3a engages with the limiting groove 3b, the corresponding protrusions 3c and recesses 3d cooperate with each other, so that each protrusion 3c falls into the corresponding recess 3d, thereby realizing the interlocking of the microstructure on the limiting groove 3b and the microstructure on the limiting portion 3a.

[0069] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5A, the support structure 20 includes two support layers, namely a first support layer 21 and a second support layer 22. The first support layer 21 is connected to the non-display surface 102; the second support layer 22 is located on the side of the first support layer 21 away from the flexible display substrate 10; the light-transmitting hole V1 includes a first hole V11 penetrating the first support layer 21 and a second hole V12 penetrating the second support layer 22. The light-transmitting structure 30 includes a limiting groove 3b, and the second support layer 22 includes a limiting part 3a and a connecting part 22a connected to the limiting part 3a. The limiting part 3a surrounds the second hole V12, and the connecting part 22a surrounds the limiting part 3a and is connected to the first support layer 21.

[0070] In one example, the light-transmitting structure 30 can be made of a material with good optical transmission properties, such as polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These two materials can ensure that light passes through smoothly while also providing a certain degree of mechanical strength and impact resistance.

[0071] In one example, the second support layer 22 and the light-transmitting structure 30 can be tightly combined using precision molds and injection molding technology to form an integrated structural unit.

[0072] In one example, both the first support layer 21 and the second support layer 22 can be made of high-strength materials, such as metal layers, to improve the structural rigidity of the integrated structural unit formed by the second support layer 22 and the light-transmitting structure 30. This also effectively disperses external impact forces, reducing the possibility of deformation of the integrated structural unit, thereby providing more effective protection for the flexible display substrate 10 at the location corresponding to the light-transmitting hole V1. For example, both the first support layer 21 and the second support layer 22 can be made of stainless steel.

[0073] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 22a of the second support layer 22 is bonded to the first support layer 21 via a first adhesive layer 41, so as to facilitate the assembly of the integrated structural unit with the first support layer 21. The first adhesive layer 41 may be a double-sided adhesive, an optical adhesive layer, or the like.

[0074] In some embodiments, the limiting portion 3a and the connecting portion 22a of the second support layer 22 have the same thickness to facilitate the fabrication of the second support layer 22. The limiting portion 3a and the connecting portion 22a are made of the same material and are an integral structure.

[0075] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second support layer 22 is less than the thickness of the first support layer 21, thereby reducing the space occupied by the second support layer 22 and the light-transmitting structure 30 as a whole in the display device. Furthermore, when bonding the second support layer 22 to the first support layer 21, pressure can be applied to the second support layer 22 by roller pressing to achieve bonding; when the second support layer 22 has a smaller thickness, it is easier for the rollers to perform rolling and pressing operations.

[0076] In some embodiments, a gap exists between the surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 facing the flexible display substrate 10 (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface of the light-transmitting structure 30) and the non-display surface 102 of the flexible display substrate 10. That is, the distance between the surface of the limiting portion 3a facing the flexible display substrate 10 and the upper surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 is less than the distance between the surface of the limiting portion 3a facing the display substrate 10 and the non-display surface 102. The advantage of this arrangement is that, in the presence of installation tolerances, it prevents the light-transmitting structure 30 from exerting pressure on the flexible display substrate 10, thus preventing the flexible display substrate 10 from being lifted at the position of the light-transmitting hole V1 and resulting in display defects.

[0077] A second adhesive layer 42 is provided between the support structure 20 and the non-display surface 102. The distance between the upper surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the non-display surface 102 is a first distance, which is less than the thickness of the second adhesive layer 42. This ensures that the light-transmitting structure 30 supports the flexible display substrate 10 when it is compressed.

[0078] In some embodiments, there is a gap between the light-transmitting structure 30 and the sidewall of the first hole V11 (i.e., the first support layer 21), thereby ensuring that the integrated unit formed by the light-transmitting structure 30 and the second support layer 22 can be installed with the first support layer 21 even if there are installation tolerances.

[0079] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5A, the display panel further includes a flexible cover plate 50 and a third adhesive layer 43. The flexible cover plate 50 is located on the side of the flexible display substrate 10 opposite to the support structure 20. The flexible cover plate 50 can be made of an ultra-thin and transparent plastic film such as polyimide or ultra-thin glass, possessing good flexibility and optical transparency. The flexible cover plate 50 is used to protect the flexible display substrate 10 from wear, scratches, and external environmental influences. The third adhesive layer 43 is bonded between the flexible display substrate 10 and the flexible cover plate 50. The third adhesive layer 43 can be an optically transparent adhesive layer to reduce light loss during propagation and ensure display effect.

[0080] Figure 5C shows a top view of the second support layer 22 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is disposed on the side of the first support layer 21 away from the flexible display panel 10. The second support layer 22 has a second hole V12, which is combined with the light-transmitting structure 30 and filled into the first hole V11 in the first support layer 21. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5A can be regarded as being taken along line AA' of Figure 5C above.

[0081] Furthermore, Figure 5D shows that a first adhesive layer 41 can be coated on the side of the second support layer 22 facing the flexible display substrate 10. As described above, the first adhesive layer 41 can be a structure such as double-sided tape or optical adhesive layer, used to adhere the second support layer 22 to the first support layer 21.

[0082] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5C and 5D, the second hole V12 in the second support layer 22 can be rectangular, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 5E and 5F, the second hole V12 can be designed as elliptical or circular. These all depend on the size and structure of the optical components such as cameras to be installed on the back of the flexible display panel 10, the driving wiring of each component inside the flexible display device, etc. In addition, in the above embodiments, the second support layer 22 is a layer structure with through holes (second hole V12), and its shape is related to the arrangement of each component in the flexible display device, and is not limited to the shapes in Figures 5C to 5F. As shown in Figure 5C, the second support layer 22 includes a base portion 220 and a first branch portion 221 and a second branch portion 222 extending outward from the base portion 220. The base portion 220 is provided with a first recess portion 223 and a second recess portion 224 at locations away from the first branch portion 221 and the second branch portion 222, respectively. As shown in Figure 5C, the degree to which the first recess 223 and the second recess 224 are recessed into the base portion can be different, and the dimensions of the first branch 221 and the second branch 222 can also be different, all depending on the elements provided on the flexible form device. As shown, the second hole V12 is formed in the base portion 220.

[0083] The second support layer 22 shown in Figures 5C to 5F is adhered to the first support layer 21 by the first adhesive layer 41, so that the first hole V11 and the second hole V12 in the first support layer 21 are aligned, thereby forming an optical through hole that matches the optical element to adapt to the optical element of, for example, a camera.

[0084] After the second support layer 22 is adhered to the first support layer 21, light-transmitting material is injected from the second hole V12 using a mold and injection molding process. Depending on the required optical aperture, by controlling the parameters of the injection molding process, an optical structure 30, as shown in FIG. 5A, is formed around the second hole V12, ensuring that the light-transmitting material is tightly bonded to the second support layer 22 at the second hole V12. By injecting light-transmitting material from the second hole V12 and controlling the injection molding process parameters, the light-transmitting material covers a portion of the second support layer 22 at the edge of the second hole V12. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5C, this covers the limiting portion 3a of the second support layer 22. A portion of the uncovered connecting portion 22a is adhered to the first support layer 21 via the first adhesive layer 41, thereby forming the tightly bonded second support layer 22 and light-transmitting structure 30 as shown in FIG. 5A. The resulting structure is shown in FIG. 5G.

[0085] To increase the adhesion between the second support layer 22 and the first support layer 21, the area of ​​the first adhesive layer 41 can be increased. As shown in FIG5H, the first adhesive layer 41 is coated on most of the area of ​​the second support layer 22 facing the flexible display substrate 10.

[0086] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 6 corresponds to position A-A' in Figure 2. The display panel shown in Figure 6 is similar to that in Figure 5A, both including: a flexible display substrate 10, a support structure 20, and a light-transmitting structure 30. One of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the support structure 20 includes a limiting portion 3a, and the other includes a limiting groove 3b that matches the limiting portion 3a. Similar to Figure 5A, in Figure 6, the limiting groove 3b is disposed on the light-transmitting structure 30, and the support structure 20 includes a support layer, namely the first support layer 21, on which a light-transmitting hole V1 is formed. The first support layer 21 includes the limiting portion 3a and a support portion 21a connected to the limiting portion 3a. The limiting portion 3a surrounds the light-transmitting hole V1, and the support portion 21a surrounds the limiting portion 3a. The support portion 21a is connected to the non-display surface, and the thickness of the limiting portion 3a is less than or equal to the thickness of the support portion 21a. For example, the limiting part 3a and the supporting part 21a have the same thickness and are made of the same material, and are integrally formed.

[0087] The light-transmitting structure 30 can be made of materials with good optical transmission properties, such as polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate. These two materials ensure that light passes through smoothly while also providing a certain degree of mechanical strength and impact resistance. The first support layer 21 is made of a high-strength metal material, such as an alloy, to improve the support effect.

[0088] Similar to Figure 5A, in the display panel shown in Figure 6, the limiting groove 3b also includes a third surface S3, and the limiting part 3a is fitted with the third surface S3. In one example, similar to Figure 5B, at least one of the first surface S1, the second surface S2, and the third surface S3 may be provided with a microstructure including at least one recess or at least one protrusion. Correspondingly, the limiting part 3a may be provided with a microstructure including at least one protrusion or at least one recess, thereby further improving the bonding force between the limiting part 3a and the limiting groove 3b through the interlocking of the microstructures on the limiting groove 3b and the microstructures on the limiting part 3a. For example, the first surface S1, the second surface S2, and the third surface S3 are all provided with protrusions, and the limiting part 3a is provided with recesses; when the limiting part 3a engages with the limiting groove 3b, the corresponding protrusions and recesses cooperate with each other, so that each protrusion falls into the corresponding recess, thereby realizing the interlocking of the microstructures on the limiting groove 3b and the microstructures on the limiting part 3a.

[0089] Unlike Figure 5A, in Figure 6, the light-transmitting structure 30 and the first support layer 21 are tightly fitted without any gap. In actual production, the light-transmitting structure 30 can be directly formed at the light-transmitting hole V1 position of the first support layer 21 through injection molding, thus making the light-transmitting structure 30 and the first support layer 21 an integrated structural unit. This method not only eliminates the tolerance issues caused by bonding the independent light-transmitting structure 30 to the first support layer 21, improving structural stability, but also significantly enhances the connection strength between the light-transmitting structure 30 and the first support layer 21 due to the tight bond, improving the overall compression and impact resistance of the display panel. Furthermore, product quality can be directly controlled during the injection molding process, reducing errors and uncertainties caused by secondary assembly. At the same time, this integrated structural unit is less prone to bonding failure due to environmental changes or mechanical stress during long-term use, thus significantly improving the lifespan of the display panel and the user experience.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, the light-transmitting structure 30 includes: a main body 33 and a first skirt portion 31 and a second skirt portion 32 disposed on the sidewall of the main body 33, at least a portion of the main body 33 being located in the light-transmitting hole V1; the first skirt portion 31 and the second skirt portion 32 are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the display panel, and define a limiting groove 3b with the main body 33. The first skirt portion 31 and the second skirt portion 32 are made of the same material as the main body 33 and are integrally formed. The second width w2 of the second skirt portion 32 may be smaller than the first width w1 of the first skirt portion 31. As shown in FIG6, the first width w1 and the second width w2 are the dimensions of the first skirt portion 31 and the second skirt portion 32 in directions perpendicular to the thickness direction of the display panel, respectively. For example, the thickness direction of the display panel is along the second direction Y, while the directions of the first width w1 and the second width w2 are along the first direction X.

[0091] Similar to Figure 5A, in Figure 6, a second adhesive layer 42 is provided between the first support layer 21 and the display substrate 10. There is a first gap between the upper surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the non-display surface. The first gap is smaller than the thickness of the second adhesive layer 42, so as to ensure that the light-transmitting structure 30 supports the flexible display substrate 10 when it is squeezed.

[0092] Similar to Figure 5A, in Figure 6, the display panel also includes a flexible cover plate 50 and a third adhesive layer 43, as described above in the description of Figure 5A.

[0093] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 7 corresponds to position A-A' in Figure 2. The display panel shown in Figure 7 is similar to that in Figure 6, both including: a flexible display substrate 10, a support structure 20, and a light-transmitting structure 30. One of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the support structure 20 includes a limiting portion 3a, and the other includes a limiting groove 3b that matches the limiting portion 3a. The limiting groove 3b is disposed on the light-transmitting structure 30. The support structure 20 includes a support layer, namely a first support layer 21, and a light-transmitting hole V1 is formed on the first support layer 21. The first support layer 21 includes the limiting portion 3a and a support portion 21a connected to the limiting portion 3a. The limiting portion 3a surrounds the light-transmitting hole V1, and the support portion 21a surrounds the limiting portion 3a. The support portion 21a is connected to the non-display surface. Furthermore, in Figure 7, the limiting groove 3b also includes a third surface S3, and the limiting part 3a is attached to the third surface S3. The light-transmitting structure 30 includes: a main body 33 and a first skirt part 31 and a second skirt part 32 disposed on the side wall of the main body 33. At least a portion of the main body 33 is located in the light-transmitting hole V1. The first skirt part 31 and the second skirt part 32 are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the display panel and define the limiting groove 3b with the main body 33. The first skirt part 31 is located on the side of the second skirt part 32 away from the flexible display substrate 10. The second width of the second skirt part 32 is smaller than the first width of the first skirt part 31. The light-transmitting structure 30 can be formed directly at the light-transmitting hole V1 position of the first support layer 21 by injection molding, thereby making the light-transmitting structure 30 and the first support layer 21 form an integrated structural unit. The differences between Figure 7 and Figure 6 will be described below.

[0094] Unlike Figure 6, in Figure 7, the thickness of the limiting portion 3a is less than the thickness of the supporting portion 21a. Specifically, the distance between the upper surface of the limiting portion 3a and the non-display surface is greater than the distance between the upper surface of the supporting portion 21a and the non-display surface. The thickness of the second skirt portion 32 can be greater than or equal to the height difference between the upper surface of the limiting portion 3a and the upper surface of the supporting portion 21a. For example, the upper surface of the second skirt portion 32 is flush with the upper surface of the supporting portion 21a, and the lower surface of the supporting portion 21a is flush with the lower surface of the limiting portion 3a.

[0095] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the "upper surface" of a certain structure refers to the surface of the structure facing the flexible display substrate 10; the "lower surface" of a certain structure refers to the surface of the structure away from the flexible display substrate 10.

[0096] Similar to Figure 6, in Figure 7, the display panel further includes a second adhesive layer 42, a third adhesive layer 43, and a flexible cover plate 50. The second adhesive layer 42 is located between the support portion 21a of the first support layer 21 and the non-display surface; the third adhesive layer 43 bonds the flexible display substrate 10 and the flexible cover plate 50; a first gap exists between the upper surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 and the non-display surface, the first gap being less than the thickness of the second adhesive layer 42. The materials of each structural layer are described in reference to Figure 6 above.

[0097] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 corresponds to position A-A' in Figure 2. The display panel shown in Figure 8 is similar to that in Figure 7. The differences between the two will only be described below. In Figure 8, the maximum distance between the surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 away from the flexible display substrate 10 and the non-display surface is the first distance, and the maximum distance between the surface of the support portion 21a away from the flexible display substrate 10 and the non-display surface is the second distance. The first distance is less than or equal to the second distance.

[0098] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the lower surface of the support portion 21a is flush with the lower surface of the light-transmitting structure 30. That is, the first support layer 21 is etched near the light-transmitting hole V1 to achieve local thinning, thereby forming the limiting portion 3a. The total thickness of the limiting portion 3a and the first skirt portion 31 is equal to the thickness of the support portion 21a.

[0099] For the display panel shown in Figure 8, the light-transmitting structure 30 can also be formed directly at the light-transmitting hole V1 position of the first support layer 21 by injection molding, so that the light-transmitting structure 30 and the first support layer 21 form an integrated structural unit. Compared with Figures 5A to 7, the display panel shown in Figure 8 can prevent the light-transmitting structure 30 from protruding too much at the bottom of the first support layer 21, ensuring the flatness of the back of the display panel.

[0100] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 corresponds to position A-A' in Figure 2. The display panel shown in Figure 9 is similar to that in Figure 8, except that the lower surface of the support portion 21a is flush with the lower surface of the light-transmitting structure 30, and the upper surface of the second skirt portion 32 is flush with the upper surface of the support portion 21a.

[0101] In addition, in Figure 9, the first width of the first skirt edge 31 and the second width of the second skirt edge 32 can be equal or substantially equal.

[0102] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 10 corresponds to position A-A' in Figure 2. The display panel shown in Figure 10 is similar to that in Figure 9. The distance from the lower surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 to the non-display surface is less than or equal to the distance from the lower surface of the support portion 21a to the non-display surface. The only difference between Figure 10 and Figure 9 is that, in Figure 10, the light-transmitting structure 30 includes a main body 33 and a limiting portion 3a disposed on the side wall of the main body 33, the limiting portion 3a surrounding the main body 33. The limiting portion 3a and the main body 33 are integrally formed. The support structure 20 includes a first support layer 21, which has a light-transmitting hole V1 and a limiting groove 3b located on the side wall of the first support layer 21 facing the light-transmitting hole V1.

[0103] It should be noted that Figures 8 to 10 are all illustrated with the example of the lower surface of the light-transmitting structure 30 being flush with the lower surface of the support portion 21a. In actual applications, the thickness difference between the limiting portion 3a and the support portion 21a and the thickness of the first skirt portion 31 can be designed by combining the flatness requirements of the back of the display panel and the support strength requirements of the support layer and the light-transmitting structure 30.

[0104] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the light-transmitting structure, the first support layer, and the display panel provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 11 corresponds to position A-A' in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 11, the display panel includes: a flexible display substrate 10, a first support layer 21, a second support layer 22, and a light-transmitting structure 30. The flexible display substrate 10 includes a display surface and a non-display surface disposed opposite to each other. The first support layer 21 is connected to the non-display surface of the flexible display substrate 10. The first support layer 21 has a first light-transmitting hole V11, and the second support layer 22 has a second light-transmitting hole V12. The orthographic projection of the first light-transmitting hole V11 on the flexible display substrate 10 covers the orthographic projection of the second light-transmitting hole V12 on the display substrate 10.

[0105] The light-transmitting structure 30 is fixed to the second support layer 22. For example, the light-transmitting structure 30 is fixed to the side of the second support layer 22 closest to the flexible display substrate 10 by a fourth adhesive layer 44. The orthogonal projection of the light-transmitting structure 30 onto the flexible display substrate 10 is within the orthogonal projection range of the first light-transmitting hole V11 onto the flexible display substrate 10. The materials used for the first support layer 21 and the second support layer 22 are both stronger than the material strength of the light-transmitting structure 30. The materials of the first support layer 21, the second support layer 22, and the light-transmitting structure 30 can all be referred to the description in FIG5A above.

[0106] Compared to Figure 4, in Figure 11, a stronger second support layer 22 is used to replace the skirt 30b of the light-transmitting structure 30 in Figure 4. This allows the light-transmitting structure 30 to provide better support and protection for the flexible display substrate 10 at the position of the light-transmitting hole V1, thereby enhancing the area's resistance to compression and impact.

[0107] In Figure 11, the second support layer 22 and the first support layer 21 can be bonded together by the first adhesive layer 41. A second adhesive layer 42 is disposed between the first support layer 21 and the non-display surface of the flexible display substrate 10. A flexible cover plate 50 is disposed on the side of the flexible display substrate 10 opposite to the first support layer 21, and a third adhesive layer 43 is disposed between the flexible cover plate 50 and the flexible display substrate 10.

[0108] Similar to Figures 5A to 10, a first gap exists between the light-transmitting structure 30 and the non-display surface in Figure 11. This prevents the light-transmitting structure 30 from exerting pressure on the flexible display substrate 10, thus preventing display defects caused by the flexible display substrate 10 being lifted at the light-transmitting hole V1, even under installation tolerances. The first gap is less than the thickness of the second adhesive layer 42, ensuring that the light-transmitting structure 30 supports the flexible display substrate 10 when it is subjected to pressure. Furthermore, a gap exists between the light-transmitting structure 30 and the sidewall of the first light-transmitting hole V1 to facilitate assembly.

[0109] This disclosure also provides a display device, including the display panel of any of the above embodiments. The display device can be a foldable display device. The display device may also include a photosensitive element such as a camera, which can be disposed opposite to the light-transmitting hole V1 and located on the side of the light-transmitting structure away from the flexible display substrate.

[0110] Display devices can include any device or product with display functionality. For example, a display device can be a smartphone, mobile phone, e-book reader, desktop computer (PC), laptop PC, netbook PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), digital audio player, mobile medical device, camera, wearable device (e.g., head-mounted device, electronic clothing, electronic bracelet, electronic necklace, electronic accessory, electronic tattoo, or smartwatch), etc.

[0111] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising: A flexible display substrate, wherein the flexible display substrate has a display surface and a non-display surface disposed opposite to each other; A support structure is provided, which is connected to the non-display surface and has a light-transmitting hole. A light-transmitting structure, wherein at least a portion of the light-transmitting structure is located within the light-transmitting aperture; The light-transmitting structure and the supporting structure each include a limiting part and a limiting groove that matches the limiting part. The limiting groove has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the display panel. At least a portion of the limiting part is located in the limiting groove and is in contact with the first surface and the second surface.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes: a first support layer and a second support layer, wherein the first support layer is connected to the non-display surface; the second support layer is located on the side of the first support layer opposite to the flexible display substrate; the light-transmitting hole includes a first hole penetrating the first support layer and a second hole penetrating the second support layer; and The light-transmitting structure includes the limiting groove, and the second support layer includes the limiting part and the connecting part connected to the limiting part. The limiting part surrounds the second hole, and the connecting part surrounds the limiting part and is connected to the first support layer.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting part is bonded to the first support layer through the first adhesive layer.

4. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The limiting part and the connecting part have the same thickness.

5. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein, Both the first support layer and the second support layer are metal layers.

6. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein, There is a gap between the light-transmitting structure and the sidewall of the portion of the first supporting layer opposite it.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The second support layer includes a base portion, a first branch portion and a second branch portion extending from the base portion toward a first direction; The base portion has a first recess on the side away from the first branch portion in the first direction; The base portion has a second recess on the side away from the second branch portion in the first direction; and The second hole is a through hole provided in the base portion.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting portion is bonded to the first support layer via a first adhesive layer; and The first adhesive layer is disposed on the surface of the second support layer facing the flexible display substrate in a region away from the second hole.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein, The first adhesive layer comprises a plurality of adhesive blocks spaced apart from each other or a plurality of adhesive blocks connected in sequence.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The light-transmitting structure includes the limiting groove; and The support structure includes a first support layer having the light-transmitting hole. The first support layer includes the limiting portion and a support portion connected to the limiting portion. The limiting portion surrounds the light-transmitting hole, and the support portion surrounds the limiting portion. The support portion is connected to the non-display surface, and the thickness of the limiting portion is less than or equal to the thickness of the support portion.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein, The light-transmitting structure includes: a main body and a first skirt portion and a second skirt portion disposed on the sidewall of the main body, at least a portion of the main body being located in the light-transmitting hole; the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion are disposed opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the display panel and define the limiting groove with the main body; and The total thickness of the first skirt portion, the second skirt portion, and the limiting portion is less than or equal to the thickness of the supporting portion.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, wherein, The first width of the first hem is smaller than the second width of the second hem; and The first width and the second width are the dimensions of the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the display panel, respectively.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes a first support layer having the limiting groove and the light-transmitting hole, wherein the limiting groove is located on the side wall of the light-transmitting hole; as well as The light-transmitting structure includes: a main body and a limiting part connected to the side wall of the main body, the limiting part being disposed around the main body.

14. The display panel according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The maximum distance between the surface of the light-transmitting structure away from the display substrate and the non-display surface is the first distance, and the maximum distance between the surface of the support portion away from the display substrate and the non-display surface is the second distance, wherein the first distance is less than or equal to the second distance.

15. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The limiting groove also has a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, and the limiting part fits into the third surface.

16. The display panel according to claim 15, wherein, At least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface is provided with a microstructure including at least one recess or at least one protrusion; and The limiting part is provided with a microstructure including at least one protrusion or at least one recess, such that the microstructure on the limiting groove and the microstructure on the limiting part engage with each other.

17. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, A second adhesive layer is provided between the support structure and the non-display surface, and a first gap exists between the surface of the light-transmitting structure facing the display substrate and the non-display surface, the first gap being less than the thickness of the second adhesive layer.

18. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, The display panel also includes: A flexible cover plate is located on the side of the flexible display substrate opposite to the supporting structure; and A third adhesive layer is bonded between the flexible display substrate and the flexible cover plate.

19. A display device comprising a display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A method for manufacturing a display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising: The support structure with the light-transmitting hole is connected to the non-display surface; as well as The light-transmitting structure is formed by injecting light-transmitting material through a light-transmitting hole using a mold and injection molding process, such that at least a portion of the light-transmitting structure is located in the light-transmitting hole. One of the light-transmitting structure and the supporting structure includes a limiting portion, and the other includes a limiting groove that matches the limiting portion. The limiting groove has a first surface and a second surface that are disposed opposite to each other along the thickness direction of the display panel. At least a portion of the limiting portion is located in the limiting groove and is in contact with the first surface and the second surface.

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