Display panel, display device, and method of detecting cracks in display panel
By designing a crack detection circuit in the display panel, including an integrated circuit and a first conductive ring, the problem of difficulty in detecting cracks in the display panel in the prior art is solved, and efficient detection and accurate identification of cracks in the display panel are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202110055645.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-01-15
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to effectively detect cracks in display panels, especially in complex areas between the touch structure and the display area.
A display panel is designed, including a display element and a touch electrode layer in the display area, and the absence of a display element and a touch electrode layer in the window area around the display area. The panel adopts a crack detection circuit, including an integrated circuit and a first conductive ring, to detect cracks by an first conductive ring electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The first conductive ring includes a window area crack detection line surrounding the window area and is connected through the through holes of the touch insulation layer through the first metal line and the second metal line.
It realizes efficient detection of cracks in the display panel, and can accurately identify cracks in complex areas between the display area and the touch structure, improving the reliability and stability of the display panel.
Smart Images

Figure CN114764200B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly, to a display panel, a display device and a method for detecting cracks in the display panel. Background Art
[0002] Various types of touch panels have been developed. Examples of touch panels include one-glass-solution (OGS) touch panels, on-cell touch panels, and in-cell touch panels. On-cell touch panels provide high touch accuracy. On-cell touch panels can be divided into single-layer-on-cell (SLOC) touch panels and multi-layer-on-cell (MLOC) touch panels. In particular, multi-touch can be achieved in MLOC touch panels with superior touch accuracy and blanking effect. Summary of the invention
[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a display panel, comprising: a display element in a display area; a touch electrode layer at least partially in the display area, wherein the display element and the touch electrode layer do not exist in a window area at least partially surrounded by the display area; and a crack detection circuit; wherein the crack detection circuit comprises: an integrated circuit; and a first conductive ring electrically connected to the integrated circuit; wherein the first conductive ring comprises a window area crack detection line substantially surrounding the window area; and at least a portion of the first conductive ring comprises a first metal line in a first layer and a second metal line in a second layer, the first metal line being connected to the second metal line via a through hole extending through a touch insulating layer.
[0004] Optionally, the window area crack detection line continuously includes a first line portion, a second line portion and a third line portion, the first line portion extending clockwise around a first segment of the periphery of the window area, the second line portion extending counterclockwise around the first segment of the periphery of the window area and a second segment of the periphery of the window area, and the third line portion extending clockwise around the second segment of the periphery of the window area.
[0005] Optionally, the window area crack detection line continuously includes a first line portion, a second line portion and a third line portion, the first line portion extending counterclockwise around a first segment of the periphery of the window area, the second line portion extending clockwise around the first segment of the periphery of the window area and the second segment of the periphery of the window area, and the third line portion extending counterclockwise around the second segment of the periphery of the window area.
[0006] Optionally, the first conductive ring further includes a first touch crack detection line and a second touch crack detection line, the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are electrically connected to the first end and the second end of the window area crack detection line, respectively; the first touch crack detection line extends from the first sub-area through the second sub-area to the third sub-area of the peripheral area of the display panel; the second touch crack detection line extends from the third sub-area through the second sub-area to the first sub-area; and the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are at least partially in the second layer, and the second layer also includes a grid block of the touch electrode layer.
[0007] Optionally, the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are located on the same side relative to the display area.
[0008] Optionally, the first conductive ring also includes a first connection grid block and a second connection grid block respectively electrically connected to the first end and the second end of the window area crack detection line; the first connection grid block and the second connection grid block respectively extend through a portion of the touch area of the display panel; and the first connection grid block and the second connection grid block are in the second layer, and the second layer also includes a grid block of the touch electrode layer.
[0009] Optionally, the contour of at least one of the first connection grid block or the second connection grid block has a wavy shape or a zigzag shape; and at least one of the first connection grid block or the second connection grid block is located inside a grid block of the touch electrode layer or between adjacent grid blocks of the touch electrode layer.
[0010] Optionally, the first conductive ring also includes a first lead and a second lead, the first lead connecting the first end of the window area crack detection line to the first connection grid block, and the second lead connecting the second end of the window area crack detection line to the second connection grid block; the first lead and the second lead are in the first layer, and the first layer is separated from the second layer by the touch insulation layer; the first lead is connected to the first connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer; and the second lead is connected to the second connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer.
[0011] Optionally, the display panel also includes grid blocks respectively surrounding the window area, conductive plates respectively connected to the grid blocks, and conductive bridges, wherein each conductive plate is directly connected to one or more grid lines of the corresponding grid block, and each conductive bridge connects two adjacent conductive plates; wherein the first lead and the second lead respectively cross at least one of the conductive plates or the conductive bridges.
[0012] Optionally, the first conductive ring also includes a third lead and a fourth lead, the third lead connecting the first connection grid block to a first touch crack detection line, the fourth lead connecting the second connection grid block to a second touch crack detection line, the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are at least partially in the second layer and in a peripheral area of the display panel, the third lead and the fourth lead are in the first layer, and the first layer is separated from the second layer by the touch insulation layer; the third lead is connected to the first connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer; and the fourth lead is connected to the second connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer.
[0013] Optionally, the first touch crack detection line, the second touch crack detection line, and the window area crack detection line are part of a first touch crack sub-ring, which extends continuously from a first sub-region of the peripheral area to an area substantially surrounding the window area, and then extends from the area substantially surrounding the window area back to the first sub-region.
[0014] Optionally, the first conductive ring further includes: a first panel crack sub-ring, which continuously extends from a first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel to a third sub-region of the peripheral area, and then extends from the third sub-region back to the first sub-region; and a first touch crack detection line and a second touch crack detection line, which are electrically connected to a first end and a second end of the window area crack detection line, respectively; wherein the first end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to the second touch crack detection line; the second end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to the integrated circuit; the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line separate the first panel crack sub-ring and the display area; the first touch crack detection line extends from the first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through the second sub-region to the third sub-region; and the second touch crack detection line extends from the third sub-region through the second sub-region back to the first sub-region.
[0015] Optionally, the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are in the second layer, the second layer further comprises a grid block of the touch electrode layer; and the first panel crack sub-ring is in a layer in a thin film transistor array substrate.
[0016] Optionally, the crack detection circuit further includes a first connection line, wherein the first connection line connects the first touch crack detection line to a source of a switch transistor, and a drain of the switch transistor is connected to a data line.
[0017] Optionally, a second end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to a first pin in the integrated circuit, which in turn is connected to a second pin in a bonding area for bonding a flexible printed circuit.
[0018] Optionally, the crack detection circuit also includes a second conductive ring electrically connected to the integrated circuit; the second conductive ring includes a third touch crack detection line and a fourth touch crack detection line; the first conductive ring and the second conductive ring are spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of the first conductive ring and at least a portion of the second conductive ring are located on opposite sides relative to the display area; the third touch crack detection line and the fourth touch crack detection line extend from a first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through a fourth sub-region to a third sub-region respectively; the third touch crack detection line and the fourth touch crack detection line are connected to each other in the third sub-region; and the third touch crack detection line and the fourth touch crack detection line are at least partially in the second layer, and the second layer also includes a grid block of the touch electrode layer.
[0019] Optionally, the second conductive ring also includes a second panel crack sub-ring, which continuously extends from the first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through the fourth sub-region to the third sub-region and back to the first sub-region; wherein the first end of the second panel crack sub-ring is connected to the fourth touch crack detection line; the second end of the second panel crack sub-ring is connected to the integrated circuit; and the second panel crack sub-ring is in a layer in the thin film transistor array substrate.
[0020] Optionally, the display panel further includes a second connection line, wherein the second connection line connects the third touch crack detection line to a source electrode of a switch transistor, and a drain electrode of the switch transistor is connected to a data line.
[0021] Optionally, a second end of the second panel crack sub-ring is connected to a third pin in the integrated circuit, and the third pin is in turn connected to a fourth pin in a bonding area for bonding a flexible printed circuit.
[0022] Optionally, the crack detection circuit also includes a third conductive ring, which extends continuously from the first corner area of the first sub-area to the second sub-area, to the third sub-area, to the second sub-area, to the first sub-area, to the fourth sub-area, to the third sub-area, to the fourth sub-area, and back to the second corner area of the first sub-area; the first sub-area, the second sub-area, the third sub-area and the fourth sub-area are respectively sub-areas of the peripheral area in the display panel; the first end and the second end of the third conductive ring are respectively connected to two bonding pins in the bonding area for bonding the flexible printed circuit; and the first conduction separates the third conductive ring from the display area.
[0023] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display device comprising a display panel as described herein or manufactured by the method as described herein, and a flexible printed circuit connected to the integrated circuit.
[0024] Optionally, the crack detection circuit also includes a third conductive ring, which extends continuously from a first corner area of the first sub-area to the second sub-area, to the third sub-area, to the second sub-area, to the first sub-area, to the fourth sub-area, to the third sub-area, to the fourth sub-area, and back to the second corner area of the first sub-area; the first sub-area, the second sub-area, the third sub-area and the fourth sub-area are respectively sub-areas of the peripheral area in the display panel; and the first end and the second end of the third conductive ring are respectively connected to two bonding pins bonded to the flexible printed circuit.
[0025] Optionally, the first conductive ring also includes: a first panel crack sub-ring, the first panel crack sub-ring continuously extending from the first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel to the third sub-region of the peripheral area and back to the first sub-region; a first touch crack detection line and a second touch crack detection line, the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are electrically connected to the first end and the second end of the window area crack detection line, respectively; the first end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to the second touch crack detection line; the second end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to a first pin in the integrated circuit, the first pin is connected to a second pin, and the second pin is bonded to the flexible printed circuit; and the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line extend from the first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through the second sub-region to the third sub-region, respectively.
[0026] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a method for detecting a crack in a display panel, the display panel comprising a display element in a display area; a touch electrode layer at least partially in the display area, wherein the display element and the touch electrode layer do not exist in a window area at least partially surrounded by the display area, the method comprising: setting a first conductive ring; electrically connecting a first end of the first conductive ring to an integrated circuit; electrically connecting a second end of the first conductive ring to a source of a switching transistor; electrically connecting a drain of the switching transistor to a data line; providing a voltage signal to the first end of the first conductive ring by the integrated circuit while turning on the switching transistor; and determining whether a crack exists in a region having the first conductive ring based on a light emitting state of a light emitting element connected to the data line; wherein setting the first conductive ring comprises extending a window area crack detection line of the first conductive ring to a region substantially surrounding the window area; and determining whether the crack exists comprises determining whether a crack exists in the region substantially surrounding the window area.
[0027] Optionally, setting the first conductive ring also includes extending a first touch crack detection line of the first conductive ring from a first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through a second sub-region to a third sub-region, and extending a second touch crack detection line of the first conductive ring from the third sub-region through the second sub-region to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the touch control structure in the first sub-region, the second sub-region and the third sub-region.
[0028] Optionally, setting the first conductive ring also includes extending the first panel crack sub-ring of the first conductive ring from a first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through a second sub-region to a third sub-region of the peripheral area and back to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the thin film transistor array substrate in the first sub-region, the second sub-region and the third sub-region.
[0029] Optionally, the method further includes: setting a second conductive ring; electrically connecting a first end of the second conductive ring to an integrated circuit; electrically connecting a second end of the second conductive ring to a source of a switching transistor; electrically connecting a drain of the switching transistor to a data line; providing a voltage signal to the first end of the second conductive ring by the integrated circuit, while turning on the switching transistor; and determining whether there is a crack in a region having the second conductive ring based on a light emitting state of a light emitting element connected to the data line; wherein setting the second conductive ring includes extending a third touch crack detection line of the second conductive ring from a first sub-region of a peripheral region of the display panel through a fourth sub-region to a third sub-region, and extending a fourth touch crack detection line of the second conductive ring from the third sub-region through the fourth sub-region to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the touch control structure in the first sub-region, the fourth sub-region and the third sub-region.
[0030] Optionally, setting the second conductive ring also includes extending the second panel crack sub-ring of the second conductive ring from the first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through the fourth sub-region to the third sub-region of the peripheral area and back to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the thin film transistor array substrate in the first sub-region, the fourth sub-region and the third sub-region.
[0031] Optionally, the method also includes setting a third conductive ring, which continuously extends from a first corner area of the first sub-area to the second sub-area, to the third sub-area, to the second sub-area, to the first sub-area, to the fourth sub-area, to the third sub-area, to the fourth sub-area, and back to the second corner area of the first sub-area; wherein the first sub-area, the second sub-area, the third sub-area and the fourth sub-area are respectively sub-areas of the peripheral area in the display panel; and determining whether the crack exists also includes measuring the resistance of the third conductive ring.
[0032] Optionally, the method further comprises connecting the first end and the second end of the third conductive ring to two bonding pins bonded to a flexible printed circuit, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] According to various disclosed embodiments, the following drawings are examples only for illustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] Figure 2is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a display panel with a touch structure in some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a touch control structure in some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] Figure 3B is along Figure 3A Cross-sectional view along line A-A'.
[0038] Figure 3C is along Figure 3A Cross-sectional view along line BB'.
[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 5A is a diagram showing the structure of a first conductive ring in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0041] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a window area crack detection line in some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first touch crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0043] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first panel crack sub-ring in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0044] Figure 5E is a diagram showing the structure of a second conductive ring in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0045] Fig. 5F is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second touch crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0046] Figure 5G is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second panel crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0047] Figure 5H is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a third conductive ring in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0048] Fig.5I is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a window area crack detection line in some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0049] Figure 6is a schematic diagram showing a display area and a peripheral area in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0050] Fig. 7A is a detailed enlarged view around the window area of the display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0051] Figure 7B is another enlarged view around the first connection grid block and the second connection grid block according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0052] Figure 7C is along Figure 7B Cross-sectional view along line C-C'.
[0053] Fig.7D is along Figure 7B Cross-sectional view along line D-D'.
[0054] Fig. 8A It is shown Figure 4 Diagram of arrangement of detection lines in the first region R1 in FIG.
[0055] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A further enlarged view of the first sub-region SR1 in FIG.
[0056] Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A A further enlarged view of the second sub-region SR2 in FIG.
[0057] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 4 Diagram of the arrangement of detection lines in the second region R2.
[0058] Fig. 10A It is shown Figure 4 Diagram of the arrangement of detection lines in the third region R3.
[0059] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A further enlarged view of the third sub-region SR3 in FIG.
[0060] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 4 Diagram of the arrangement of detection lines in the fourth region R4.
[0061] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a structure of a display device in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0062] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a touch control structure in some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0063] Fig.14is an enlarged view of a touch structure around a window area according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0064] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a window area in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0065] Fig.16A yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of the first enlarged area ZR1 in FIG.
[0066] Fig. 16B is along Fig.16A Cross-sectional view along line E-E'.
[0067] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a third conductive plate in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0068] Fig.18A yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of the second enlarged area ZR2 in FIG.
[0069] Fig.18B is along Fig.18A Cross-sectional view along line F-F'.
[0070] Fig.19 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first conductive bridge in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0071] Fig. 20A yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of the third enlarged area ZR3 in FIG.
[0072] Fig. 20B is along Fig. 20A Cross-sectional view along line G-G'.
[0073] Fig.21 is along Fig.19 Cross-sectional view along line H-H'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. It should be noted that the following description of some of the embodiments presented herein is for illustration and description purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed.
[0075] The present disclosure provides, among other things, a display panel, a display device, and a method for detecting cracks in a display panel, which substantially eliminate one or more problems caused by limitations and disadvantages of the prior art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a display panel. In some embodiments, the display panel includes a display element in a display area; a touch electrode layer at least partially in the display area, wherein the display element and the touch electrode layer are not present in a window area at least partially surrounded by the display area; and a crack detection circuit. In some embodiments, the crack detection circuit includes: an integrated circuit; and a first conductive ring electrically connected to the integrated circuit. Optionally, the first conductive ring includes a window area crack detection line substantially surrounding the window area. Optionally, at least a portion of the first conductive ring includes a first metal line in a first layer and a second metal line in a second layer, the first metal line being connected to the second metal line by a through hole extending through a touch insulating layer.
[0076] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In the display area, the display panel includes a base substrate BS, a plurality of thin film transistors TFT on the base substrate BS, a passivation layer PVX located on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors TFT away from the base substrate BS, a first planarization layer PLN1 located on a side of the passivation layer PVX away from the base substrate BS, a relay electrode RE located on a side of the first planarization layer PLN1 away from the passivation layer PVX, a second planarization layer PLN2 located on a side of the relay electrode RE away from the first planarization layer PLN1, a pixel defining layer PDL located on a side of the second planarization layer PLN2 away from the first planarization layer PLN1 and defining a sub-pixel opening, an anode AD located on a side of the second planarization layer PLN2 away from the first planarization layer PLN1, The light emitting layer EL on the side of the anode AD away from the second planarization layer PLN2, the cathode CD on the side of the light emitting layer EL away from the anode AD, the first inorganic encapsulation layer CVD1 on the side of the cathode CD away from the light emitting layer EL, the organic encapsulation layer IJP on the side of the first inorganic encapsulation layer CVD1 away from the cathode CD, the second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2 on the side of the organic encapsulation layer IJP away from the first inorganic encapsulation layer CVD1, the buffer layer BUF on the side of the second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2 away from the organic encapsulation layer IJP, the touch insulating layer TI on the side of the buffer layer BUF away from the second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2, and the touch electrode (for example, as Figure 2 The plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 shown in the figure, and the protective layer OC located on a side of the touch electrodes away from the touch insulation layer TI.
[0077] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a display panel having a touch structure according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a plurality of first touch signal lines SL1 respectively connected to the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1, and a plurality of second touch signal lines SL2 respectively connected to the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2. The display panel further includes a touch drive integrated circuit TIC. The plurality of first touch signal lines SL1 and the plurality of second touch signal lines SL2 are connected to the touch drive integrated circuit TIC.
[0078] Figure 3A FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a touch structure in a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A In some embodiments, the touch structure includes a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 arranged in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 arranged in a plurality of columns. Adjacent rows in the plurality of rows are isolated from each other. Adjacent columns in the plurality of columns are isolated from each other. Optionally, the touch structure is a mutual capacitive touch structure. Optionally, the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 are a plurality of touch sensing electrodes, and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 are a plurality of touch scanning electrodes. Optionally, the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 are a plurality of touch scanning electrodes, and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 are a plurality of touch sensing electrodes.
[0079] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 extends along the second direction DR2; and each of the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 extends along the first direction DR1. Optionally, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are two non-parallel directions, for example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersect each other. Optionally, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are perpendicular to each other. Optionally, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersect each other at an angle other than 90 degrees.
[0080] Figure 3B is along Figure 3A Cross-sectional view along line A-A'. Figure 3C is along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view of the line B-B' in Fig. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3CAs shown, in some embodiments, the touch structure includes a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 arranged in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 arranged in a plurality of columns. The plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 are located in the second layer SL2. The touch structure further includes a plurality of touch electrode bridges EB located in the first layer SL1; and a through hole Vb extending through the touch insulating layer TI. Optionally, the plurality of touch electrode bridges EB extend through the through hole Vb respectively to respectively connect adjacent second grid blocks in corresponding columns of the plurality of columns of the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2.
[0081] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the structure of a display panel in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the display element is confined to the display area DA and does not exist in the window area WR substantially surrounded by the display area DA. Optionally, the touch structure is confined to the touch area TCA and does not exist in the window area WR substantially surrounded by the touch area TCA. For example, the touch structure may be a touch structure in a display panel, wherein the touch area TCA substantially overlaps with the display area of the display panel, and the window area WR is an area in the display panel having a hole configured for mounting accessories such as a camera lens or a fingerprint sensor. The display panel is configured to display an image in at least a portion of the touch area TCA. In one example, in the window area WR, the display element and the touch structure of the display panel do not exist; in at least a portion of the display area or the touch area TCA, the display element and the touch structure of the display panel both exist.
[0082] As used herein, the term "display area" refers to the area of the display panel that actually displays the image. Optionally, the display area may include a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area. The sub-pixel area refers to the light-emitting area of the sub-pixel, for example, the area corresponding to the pixel electrode in a liquid crystal display or the area corresponding to the light-emitting layer in an organic light-emitting diode display panel. The inter-sub-pixel area refers to the area between adjacent sub-pixel areas, for example, the area corresponding to the black matrix in a liquid crystal display or the area corresponding to the pixel defining layer in an organic light-emitting diode display panel. Optionally, the inter-sub-pixel area is the area between adjacent sub-pixel areas in the same pixel. Optionally, the inter-sub-pixel area is the area between two adjacent sub-pixel areas in two adjacent pixels.
[0083] In some embodiments, the display panel of the present invention further includes a crack detection circuit. The crack detection circuit according to the present disclosure can detect not only cracks in the display area DA, but also cracks in the window area. In addition, the crack detection circuit according to the present disclosure can detect not only cracks in the thin film transistor array substrate of the display panel, but also cracks that appear independently in the touch structure or adjacent layers. The inventors of the present disclosure have discovered a complex circuit structure that can accurately detect cracks in a display panel with extremely high efficiency.
[0084] Figure 5A is a diagram showing the structure of a first conductive ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 5A In some embodiments, the crack detection circuit includes an integrated circuit IC; and a first conductive ring CLP1 electrically connected to the integrated circuit IC. The first conductive ring CLP1 includes a window region crack detection line WCDL substantially surrounding the window region WR. As used herein, the term substantially surrounding means at least 50% surrounding, such as at least 60% surrounding, at least 70% surrounding, at least 80% surrounding, at least 90% surrounding, at least 95% surrounding, at least 99% surrounding, or at least 100% surrounding.
[0085] In some embodiments, as discussed in further detail below, at least a portion of the first conductive ring includes a first metal line in the first layer and a second metal line in the second layer, the first metal line connected to the second metal line through a via extending through the touch insulating layer.
[0086] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a window area crack detection line in some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, reference Figure 5B The window area crack detection line WCDL continuously includes a first line portion LP1 extending clockwise from a first segment SC1 (e.g., a first half) around the periphery of the window area WR, a second line portion LP2 extending counterclockwise from the first segment SC1 around the periphery of the window area and a second segment SC2 (e.g., a second half) around the periphery of the window area WR, and a third line portion LP3 extending clockwise from the second segment SC2 around the periphery of the window area WR.
[0087] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5BIn some embodiments, the first conductive ring CLP1 further includes a first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and a second touch crack detection line TCDL2, which are electrically connected to a first end T1 and a second end T2 of the window area crack detection line WCDL, respectively. The first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 are located on the same side relative to the display area DA. In an example, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 separates the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 from the display area DA.
[0088] Fig.5I is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a window area crack detection line in some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one example, reference Fig.5I The window area crack detection line WCDL continuously includes a first line portion LP1 extending counterclockwise from a first segment SC1 (e.g., a first half) around the periphery of the window area WR, a second line portion LP2 extending clockwise from the first segment SC1 around the periphery of the window area and a second segment SC2 (e.g., a second half) around the periphery of the window area WR, and a third line portion LP3 extending counterclockwise from the second segment SC2 around the periphery of the window area WR.
[0089] Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing a display area and a peripheral area in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In some embodiments, the display device includes a display area DA and a peripheral area PA. Figure 4 The touch area TCA in the embodiment is substantially the same, and the peripheral area PA is substantially the same as Figure 4 The peripheral area PA in the display area DA is substantially the same. In some embodiments, the peripheral area PA includes a first sub-area PA1 located at the first side S1 of the display area DA, a second sub-area PA2 located at the second side S2 of the display area DA, a third sub-area PA3 located at the third side S3 of the display area DA, and a fourth sub-area PA4 located at the fourth side S4 of the display area DA. Optionally, the first side S1 and the third side S3 are opposite to each other. Optionally, the second side S2 and the fourth side S4 are opposite to each other. Optionally, the first sub-area PA1 is a sub-area to which a signal line (e.g., a first conductive ring) of the crack detection circuit is connected to the integrated circuit.
[0090] In some embodiments, the first sub-region PA1 includes a side region SR and one or more corner regions (e.g., a first corner region CR1 and a second corner region CR2). The one or more corner regions are respectively located at the corners of the display panel. The one or more corner regions respectively connect the side region SR to one or more adjacent sub-regions of the peripheral region PA. For example, the first corner region CR1 connects the side region SR to the second sub-region PA2, and the second corner region CR2 connects the side region SR to the fourth sub-region PA4.
[0091] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 extend from the first sub-area PA1 of the peripheral area PA of the display panel through the second sub-area PA2 to the third sub-area PA3. More specifically, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 extends from the first sub-area PA1 of the peripheral area PA of the display panel through the second sub-area PA2 to the third sub-area PA3; the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 are respectively connected to the window crack detection line WCDL; the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 extends from the third sub-area PA3 through the second sub-area PA2 back to the first sub-area PA1.
[0092] In some embodiments, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 are at least partially in the second layer. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The second layer SL2 further includes a grid block of a touch electrode layer, for example, a grid block of a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2.
[0093] Fig. 7A is a detailed enlarged view around the window area of the display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figure 7B FIG. 1 is a further enlarged view of the first connection grid block and the second connection grid block according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Fig. 7A and Figure 7BIn some embodiments, the first conductive ring further includes a first connection grid block MBC1 and a second connection grid block MBC2, which are electrically connected to a first end T1 and a second end T2 of the window area crack detection line WCDL, respectively. The first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 respectively extend through a portion of the touch area TCA of the display panel, for example, from a position adjacent to the window area WR to an edge of the touch signal line SGL adjacent to the touch area TCA. The first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 are respectively made of grid lines and are formed using the same material as the grid blocks of the touch electrode layer and are patterned in the same process as the grid blocks of the touch electrode layer (for example, the grid blocks of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2).
[0094] In some embodiments, the outline of at least one of the first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 has a wavy shape or a zig-zag shape. Optionally, each of the first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 has a wavy shape or a zig-zag shape. In some embodiments, at least one of the first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 is located inside a grid block of the touch electrode layer or between adjacent grid blocks of the touch electrode layer. Optionally, each of the first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 is located inside a grid block of the touch electrode layer or between adjacent grid blocks of the touch electrode layer.
[0095] In some embodiments, the first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 are in the second layer. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The second layer SL2 further includes a grid block of a touch electrode layer, for example, a grid block of a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2. The first connection grid block MBC1 and the second connection grid block MBC2 are in the same layer as the grid block of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2.
[0096] refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In some embodiments, the first conductive ring CLP1 further includes a first lead LL1 connecting a first end T1 of the window area crack detection line WCDL to the first connection grid block MBC1 and a second lead LL2 connecting a second end T2 of the window area crack detection line WCDL to the second connection grid block MBC2.
[0097] In some embodiments, the first lead and the second lead are in a first layer, and the first layer is connected by a touch insulating layer (eg, Figure 3B and Figure 3C The touch insulation layer TI in the embodiment is separated from the second layer. Figure 7C is along Figure 7B Cross-sectional view of line C-C' in FIG. Figure 7C , the first lead line LL1 is connected to the first connection grid block MBC1 through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer TI. Fig.7D is along Figure 7B Cross-sectional view of line D-D' in FIG. Fig.7D , the second lead LL2 is connected to the second connection grid block MBC2 through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer TI. The first lead LL1 and the second lead LL2 are in the first layer SL1, and the first layer SL1 is separated from the second layer SL2 by the touch insulation layer TI. In some embodiments, the second layer SL2 includes a first line portion LP1, a second line portion LP2, a third line portion LP3, a first connection grid block MBC1, a second connection grid block MBC2, at least a sublayer of each touch signal line in the touch signal line SGL, a first touch crack detection line TCDL1, and a second touch crack detection line TCDL2.
[0098] Reference 7A to 7D In some embodiments, the display panel further includes grid blocks MB respectively located around the window area WR, conductive plates CP respectively connected to the grid blocks, and conductive bridges CB, wherein each conductive plate is directly connected to one or more grid lines of each grid block, and each conductive bridge connects two adjacent conductive plates. Figure 7C and Fig.7D The first lead LL1 and the second lead LL2 respectively cross at least one of a conductive plate or a conductive bridge. Specifically, in one example, the first lead LL1 crosses the conductive bridge, and in one example, the second lead LL2 crosses the conductive bridge and the conductive plate.
[0099] refer to 7A to 7D In some embodiments, the first conductive ring further includes a third lead line LL3 connecting the first connection grid block MBC1 to the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and a fourth lead line LL4 connecting the second connection grid block MBC2 to the second touch crack detection line TCDL2. Optionally, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 are at least partially located in the second layer SL2, and in the peripheral area of the display panel, the third lead line LL3 and the fourth lead line LL4 are located in the first layer SL1, which is separated from the second layer SL2 by the touch insulation layer TI. Figure 7C , the third lead line LL3 is connected to the first connection grid block MBC1 through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer TI. Fig.7D , the fourth lead line LL4 is connected to the second connection grid block MBC2 through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer TI.
[0100] Optionally, at least a portion of the first conductive ring CLP1 includes a first metal line in the first layer SL1 and a second metal line in the second layer SL2, and the first metal line is connected to the second metal line through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer TI. Optionally, the first lead LL1, the second lead LL2, the third lead LL3 and the fourth lead LL4 are all located in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line. Optionally, at least a portion of the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 is in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line. Optionally, at least a portion of the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 is in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line. Optionally, the first connection grid block MBC1 is located in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line. Optionally, the second connection grid block MBC2 is located in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line.
[0101] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first touch crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 6 as well as 7A to 7D , the first touch crack detection line TCDL1, the second touch crack detection line TCDL2, and the window region crack detection line WCDL are parts of the first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1. The first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1 continuously extends from the first sub-region PA1 of the peripheral region PA to the region substantially surrounding the window region WR, and then extends from the region substantially surrounding the window region WR back to the first sub-region PA1.
[0102] Specifically, the first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1 extends continuously from the first sub-region PA1, sequentially extends to the second sub-region PA2, the third sub-region PA3, and extends to the area basically surrounding the window area WR, and then continuously extends from the area basically surrounding the window area WR, sequentially extends to the third sub-region PA3, the second sub-region PA2, and returns to the first sub-region PA1.
[0103] Optionally, the first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1 includes a first touch crack detection line TCDL1, a second touch crack detection line TCDL2, a window area crack detection line WCDL, a first lead line LL1, a second lead line LL2, a third lead line LL3, and a fourth lead line LL4.
[0104] In some embodiments, the first conductive ring CLP1 further includes a first panel crack sub-ring. Figure 5Dis a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first panel crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5D , the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 continuously extends from the first sub-region PA1 of the peripheral area PA to the third sub-region PA3 of the peripheral area PA of the display panel, and then extends from the third sub-region PA3 back to the first sub-region PA1. Specifically, the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 continuously extends from the first sub-region PA1 through the second sub-region PA2 into the third sub-region PA3, and then extends from the third sub-region PA3 through the second sub-region PA2 back to the first sub-region PA1. Figure 4 and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D , a first end of the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is connected to the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 ; a second end of the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is connected to the integrated circuit IC.
[0105] In some embodiments, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 separate the first conductive ring CLP1 from the display area DA. The first conductive ring CLP1 is located on a side of the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 away from the display area DA. Optionally, the first conductive ring CLP1, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1, and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 are located on the same side relative to the display area DA.
[0106] In some embodiments, the first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1 is configured to detect cracks in a layer adjacent to the touch structure, and the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is configured to detect cracks in a thin film transistor array substrate of the display panel. Optionally, the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is located in a layer in the thin film transistor array substrate.
[0107] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, each of the plurality of thin film transistors TFT includes a gate G. The display panel further includes a first capacitor electrode Ce1 of a storage capacitor in the same layer as the gate G; a first gate insulating layer GI1 located on a side of the gate G and the first capacitor electrode Ce1 away from the base substrate BS; a second capacitor electrode Ce2 of the storage capacitor located on a side of the first gate insulating layer GI1 away from the base substrate BS; and a second gate insulating layer GI2 located on a side of the second capacitor electrode Ce2 away from the base substrate BS. In one example, at least a portion of the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is located in the same layer as the second capacitor electrode Ce2 and is located between the first gate insulating layer GI1 and the second capacitor electrode Ce2.
[0108] In some embodiments, the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 and the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 are at least partially in the second layer. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The second layer SL2 further includes a grid block of a touch electrode layer, for example, a grid block of a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2.
[0109] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5A In some embodiments, the crack detection circuit further includes a first connection line CL1, which connects the first touch crack detection line TCDL1 to the source of the switch transistor ST, and the drain of the switch transistor ST is connected to the data line DL. When the integrated circuit IC provides a first voltage signal (e.g., a high voltage signal) to the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1, the first voltage signal is sent to the source of the switch transistor ST through the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1, the first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1, and the first connection line CL1. Optionally, the first connection line CL1 is located in a layer of the thin film transistor array substrate.
[0110] In the crack detection process, the first voltage signal is also provided to the data line other than the data line DL connected to the switching transistor ST. When the switching transistor ST is turned on, and when there is no broken line in the first conductive ring CLP1, the first voltage signal is sent to the data line DL and to the plurality of light-emitting elements connected to the data line DL. In this state, the display panel displays a dark image in the entire display area. When the switching transistor ST is turned on, and when there is a broken line in the first conductive ring CLP1, the first voltage signal is not sent to the plurality of light-emitting elements connected to the data line DL. In this state, the first voltage signal is sent to the light-emitting elements connected to the data line other than the data line DL, and the display panel displays a bright line corresponding to the data line DL in the dark image in other areas. The bright line indicates that there is a broken line in the first conductive ring CLP1, which indicates that there is a crack in the display panel. The crack may exist in the thin film transistor array substrate, or in a layer adjacent to the touch structure, or somewhere adjacent to the window area.
[0111] Fig. 8A It is shown Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the detection lines in the first region R1 in FIG. Fig. 8A In some embodiments, the display panel includes a bonding area BA for bonding a flexible printed circuit. Fig. 8A, the second end of the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is connected to the first pin PIN1 in the integrated circuit IC, and the first pin PIN1 is connected to the second pin PIN2 in the bonding area BA for bonding the flexible printed circuit. When the flexible printed circuit is connected to the display panel, the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is connected to the flexible printed circuit through the second pin PIN2. Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A further enlarged view of the first sub-region SR1 in FIG. Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A A further enlarged view of the second sub-region SR2 in FIG.
[0112] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, the crack detection circuit further includes a second conductive ring CLP2 electrically connected to the integrated circuit IC. Figure 5E is a diagram showing the structure of a second conductive ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 and Figure 5E , the second conductive ring CLP2 includes a third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and a fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4. Fig. 5F is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second touch crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F and Figure 6 , the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 are connected to each other in the third sub-region PA3. Figure 4 , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F , Figure 6 and 7A to 7D , the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 are part of the second touch crack sub-ring TCSLP2. The second touch crack sub-ring TCSLP2 extends continuously from the first sub-region PA1 into the third sub-region PA3, and then extends from the third sub-region PA3 back to the first sub-region PA1. The third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 are located on the same side relative to the display area DA. In an example, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 separates the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 from the display area DA.
[0113] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5E , Fig. 5F and Figure 6In some embodiments, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 extend from the first sub-region PA1 of the peripheral region PA of the display panel through the fourth sub-region PA4 to the third sub-region PA3. More specifically, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 extends from the first sub-region PA1 of the peripheral region PA of the display panel through the fourth sub-region PA4 to the third sub-region PA3; the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 is directly connected to the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 in the third sub-region PA3; the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 extends from the third sub-region PA3, through the fourth sub-region PA4, and back to the first sub-region PA1.
[0114] In some embodiments, the first conductive ring CLP1 and the second conductive ring CLP2 are spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of the first conductive ring CLP1 and at least a portion of the second conductive ring CLP2 are located at opposite sides relative to the display area DA. Optionally, another portion of the first conductive ring CLP1 and another portion of the second conductive ring CLP2 are located at the same side relative to the display area DA.
[0115] Optionally, at least a portion of the first conductive ring CLP1 includes a first metal line in the first layer and a second metal line in the second layer, and the first metal line is connected to the second metal line through a first via extending through the touch insulating layer; at least a portion of the second conductive ring CLP2 includes a third metal line in the first layer and a fourth metal line in the second layer, and the third metal line is connected to the fourth metal line through a second via extending through the touch insulating layer. Optionally, at least a portion of the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 is located in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line. Optionally, at least a portion of the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 is in the first layer SL1, for example, in the same layer as the first metal line. Optionally, at least a portion of the window area crack detection line WCDL (for example, the first line portion LP1, the second line portion LP2, or the third line portion LP3) includes a fifth metal line in the first layer and a sixth metal line in the second layer.
[0116] In some embodiments, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 are at least partially in the second layer. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The second layer SL2 further includes a grid block of a touch electrode layer, for example, a grid block of a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2.
[0117] In some embodiments, the second conductive ring CLP2 further includes a second panel crack sub-ring. Figure 5G is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a second panel crack sub-ring according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4, Figure 5E and Figure 5G , the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 extends continuously from the first sub-region PA1 of the peripheral area PA of the display panel to the third sub-region PA3 of the peripheral area PA, and then extends from the third sub-region PA3 back to the first sub-region PA1. Specifically, the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 extends continuously from the first sub-region PA1 to the third sub-region PA3 through the fourth sub-region PA4, and then extends from the third sub-region PA3 to the first sub-region PA1 through the fourth sub-region PA4. Figure 4 and Figure 5E to Figure 5G , a first end of the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is connected to the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 ; a second end of the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is connected to the integrated circuit IC.
[0118] In some embodiments, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 separate the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 from the display area DA. The second conductive ring CLP2 is located on a side of the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 away from the display area DA. Optionally, the second conductive ring CLP2, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 are located on the same side relative to the display area DA.
[0119] In some embodiments, the first touch crack sub-ring TCSLP1 is configured to detect cracks in a layer adjacent to the touch structure (e.g., on the left side of the display panel), the second touch crack sub-ring TCSLP2 is configured to detect cracks in a layer adjacent to the touch structure (e.g., on the right side of the display panel), and the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is configured to detect cracks in a thin film transistor array substrate of the display panel (e.g., on the left side of the display panel), and the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is configured to detect cracks in a thin film transistor array substrate of the display panel (e.g., on the right side of the display panel). Optionally, the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is located in a layer in the thin film transistor array substrate, and the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is located in a layer in the thin film transistor array substrate.
[0120] In some embodiments, the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 and the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 are at least partially in the second layer. Figure 3B and Figure 3C The second layer SL2 further includes a grid block of a touch electrode layer, for example, a grid block of a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2.
[0121] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5EIn some embodiments, the crack detection circuit further includes a second connection line CL2, which connects the third touch crack detection line TCDL3 to the source of the switch transistor ST, and the drain of the switch transistor ST is connected to the data line DL. When the integrated circuit IC provides a first voltage signal (e.g., a high voltage signal) to the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2, the first voltage signal is sent to the source of the switch transistor ST through the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2, the second touch crack sub-ring TCSLP2, and the second connection line CL2. Optionally, the second connection line CL2 is located in a layer of the thin film transistor array substrate.
[0122] In the crack detection process, the first voltage signal is also provided to the data line other than the data line DL connected to the switching transistor ST. When the switching transistor ST is turned on, and when there is no broken line in the second conductive ring CLP2, the first voltage signal is sent to the data line DL and the plurality of light emitting elements connected to the data line DL. In this state, the display panel displays a dark image in the entire display area. When the switching transistor ST is turned on, and when there is a broken line in the second conductive ring CLP2, the first voltage signal is not sent to the plurality of light emitting elements connected to the data line DL. In this state, the first voltage signal is sent to the light emitting elements connected to the data line other than the data line DL, and the display panel displays a bright line corresponding to the data line DL in the dark image in other areas. The bright line indicates that there is a broken line in the second conductive ring CLP2, which indicates that there is a crack in the display panel, for example, on the right side of the display panel. The crack may exist in the thin film transistor array substrate, or in a layer adjacent to the touch structure.
[0123] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the detection lines in the first region R1 in FIG. Fig. 9 In some embodiments, the display panel includes a bonding area BA for bonding a flexible printed circuit. Fig. 9 , the second end of the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is connected to the third pin PIN3 in the integrated circuit IC, and the third pin PIN3 is further connected to the fourth pin PIN4 in the bonding area BA for bonding the flexible printed circuit. When the flexible printed circuit is connected to the display panel, the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is connected to the flexible printed circuit through the fourth pin PIN4.
[0124] refer to Figure 4In some embodiments, the crack detection circuit further includes a third conductive ring CLP3. The third conductive ring CLP3 is configured to detect a crack in the display panel by measuring the resistance of the third conductive ring CLP3. A measured value of the resistance of the third conductive ring CLP3 that is greater than a reference value indicates that there is a broken line in the third conductive ring CLP3, which in turn indicates that there is a crack in the display panel. In one example, the third conductive ring CLP3 is disposed in a thin film transistor array substrate, and the third conductive ring CLP3 is configured to detect a crack in the thin film transistor array substrate. In another example, the third conductive ring CLP3 is disposed in a layer adjacent to the touch structure, and the third conductive ring CLP3 is configured to detect a crack in a layer adjacent to the touch structure.
[0125] In some embodiments, the first conductive ring CLP1 and the second conductive ring CLP2 separate the third conductive ring CLP3 from the display area DA. Optionally, a first portion of the third conductive ring CLP3 is located on a side of the first conductive ring CLP1 away from the display area DA, and a second portion of the third conductive ring CLP3 is located on a side of the second conductive ring CLP2 away from the display area DA.
[0126] Figure 5H is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the third conductive ring in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , Figure 5H and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the third conductive loop CLP3 extends continuously from the first corner area CR1 of the first sub-area PA1 to the second sub-area PA2, the third sub-area PA3, the second sub-area PA2, the first sub-area PA1, the fourth sub-area PA4, the third sub-area PA3, the fourth sub-area PA4, and returns to the second corner area CR2 of the first sub-area PA1. The first sub-area PA1, the second sub-area PA2, the third sub-area PA3, and the fourth sub-area PA4 are sub-areas of the peripheral area PA in the display panel. In one example, as Figure 4 and Figure 5H As shown, the first end and the second end of the third conductive ring CLP3 are respectively connected to two bonding pins (e.g., the fifth pin PIN5 and the sixth pin PIN6) in the bonding area BA for bonding the flexible printed circuit. In the display device having the flexible printed circuit bonded on the bonding area BA, the terminals of the third conductive ring CLP3 are connected to the flexible printed circuit.
[0127] Fig. 10A It is shown Figure 4 Diagram of the arrangement of detection lines in the third region R3. Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A further enlarged view of the third sub-region SR3 in FIG. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BThe connectivity between the second touch crack detection line TCDL2 and the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 in one example, and the arrangement of the detection lines in this area are shown.
[0128] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 4 Diagram of the arrangement of detection lines in the fourth region R4. Fig.11 The connectivity between the fourth touch crack detection line TCDL4 and the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 in one example, and the arrangement of the detection lines in this area are shown.
[0129] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display device. Fig.12 is a diagram showing the structure of a display device in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.12 In some embodiments, the display device includes a display panel as described herein; and a flexible printed circuit FPC connected to an integrated circuit IC. Examples of suitable display devices include, but are not limited to, electronic paper, mobile phones, tablet computers, televisions, monitors, notebook computers, digital photo albums, GPS, etc. Optionally, the display device is an organic light emitting diode display device. Optionally, the display device is a liquid crystal display device.
[0130] In some embodiments, the first end and the second end of the third conductive ring CLP3 are respectively connected to two bonding pins (e.g., PIN5 and PIN6) bonded to the flexible printed circuit. In some embodiments, the second end of the first panel crack sub-ring PCSLP1 is connected to the first pin PIN1 in the integrated circuit IC, which is further connected to the second pin PIN2, which is bonded to the flexible printed circuit FPC. In some embodiments, the second end of the second panel crack sub-ring PCSLP2 is connected to the third pin PIN3 in the integrated circuit IC, which is further connected to the fourth pin PIN4, which is bonded to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0131] On the other hand, the present disclosure also provides a method for detecting cracks in a display panel. In some embodiments, the display panel includes a display element in a display area; and a touch electrode layer at least partially in the display area. The display element and the touch electrode layer do not exist in a window area at least partially surrounded by the display area. In some embodiments, the method includes: setting a first conductive ring; electrically connecting a first end of the first conductive ring to an integrated circuit; electrically connecting a second end of the first conductive ring to a source of a switching transistor; electrically connecting a drain of the switching transistor to a data line; providing a voltage signal to the first end of the first conductive ring by the integrated circuit while turning on the switching transistor; and determining whether there is a crack in an area having the first conductive ring based on a light emitting state of a light emitting element connected to the data line. Optionally, setting the first conductive ring includes extending a window area crack detection line of the first conductive ring to an area substantially surrounding the window area; and determining whether the crack exists includes determining whether there is a crack in the area substantially surrounding the window area.
[0132] In some embodiments, setting the first conductive ring also includes extending a first touch crack detection line of the first conductive ring from a first sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel through a second sub-region to a third sub-region, and extending a second touch crack detection line of the first conductive ring from the third sub-region through the second sub-region to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the touch structure in the first sub-region, the second sub-region, and the third sub-region.
[0133] In some embodiments, setting the first conductive ring also includes extending the first panel crack sub-ring of the first conductive ring from the first sub-region of the peripheral area through the second sub-region to the third sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel and back to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the thin film transistor array substrate in the first sub-region, the second sub-region and the third sub-region.
[0134] In some embodiments, the method further includes: providing a second conductive ring; electrically connecting a first end of the second conductive ring to an integrated circuit; electrically connecting a second end of the second conductive ring to a source of a switching transistor; electrically connecting a drain of the switching transistor to a data line; providing a voltage signal to the first end of the second conductive ring by the integrated circuit, while turning on the switching transistor; and determining whether there is a crack in a region having the second conductive ring based on a light emitting state of a light emitting element connected to the data line. Optionally, providing the second conductive ring includes extending a third touch crack detection line of the second conductive ring from the first sub-region through the fourth sub-region to a third sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel, and extending a second touch crack detection line of the second conductive ring from the third sub-region through the fourth sub-region to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the touch control structure in the first sub-region, the fourth sub-region, and the third sub-region.
[0135] In some embodiments, setting the second conductive ring also includes extending the second panel crack sub-ring of the second conductive ring from the first sub-region of the peripheral area through the fourth sub-region to the third sub-region of the peripheral area of the display panel and back to the first sub-region; and determining whether the crack exists also includes determining whether there is a crack in the thin film transistor array substrate in the first sub-region, the fourth sub-region and the third sub-region.
[0136] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing a third conductive loop, the third conductive loop continuously extending from a first corner region of the first sub-region to a second sub-region, to a third sub-region, to the second sub-region, to the first sub-region, to a fourth sub-region, to the third sub-region, to the fourth sub-region, and back to a second corner region of the first sub-region. Optionally, the first sub-region, the second sub-region, the third sub-region, and the fourth sub-region are sub-regions of a peripheral region in the display panel, respectively; and determining whether the crack exists further comprises measuring a resistance of the third conductive loop.
[0137] In some embodiments, the method further includes connecting the first end and the second end of the third conductive loop to two bonding pins bonded to the flexible printed circuit, respectively.
[0138] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a touch structure. In some embodiments, the touch structure includes a plurality of first mesh electrodes along the row direction, and a plurality of second mesh electrodes along the column direction. In some embodiments, the touch structure is confined to the touch area and does not exist in the window area surrounded by the touch area. Optionally, the window crossing column of the plurality of second mesh electrodes includes a first grid block and a second grid block located on the first side and the second side of the window area, respectively; a first conductive plate, the first conductive plate is directly connected to one or more grid lines of the first grid block; a second conductive plate, the second conductive plate is directly connected to one or more grid lines of the second grid block; and a first conductive bridge connecting the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. Optionally, the first conductive bridge includes a first segment and a second segment; and the second segment is in a different layer from the first segment, the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The column direction and the row direction intersect each other. Optionally, the column direction and the row direction are perpendicular to each other. Optionally, the column direction and the row direction intersect each other at an angle other than 90 degrees.
[0139] The mesh electrode includes grid lines that typically have a line width in the range of 1 μm to 50 μm. Therefore, connecting adjacent grid blocks through the grid lines is particularly difficult and often results in poor connectivity. The present disclosure adopts a novel and advantageous touch electrode design that eliminates the problems in related touch structures.
[0140] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing a touch structure in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.13 In some embodiments, the touch structure includes a plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 arranged in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 arranged in a plurality of columns. Adjacent rows in the plurality of rows are isolated from each other. Adjacent columns in the plurality of columns are isolated from each other. Optionally, the touch structure is a mutual capacitive touch structure. Optionally, the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 are a plurality of touch scanning electrodes, and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 are a plurality of touch sensing electrodes. Optionally, the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 are a plurality of touch sensing electrodes, and the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 are a plurality of touch scanning electrodes. Optionally, the touch structure is located in a touch area of the display panel. Optionally, the touch area substantially overlaps with a display area of the display panel. The display panel is configured to display an image in at least a portion of the touch area.
[0141] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 extends along a row direction RD; and each of the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 extends along a column direction CD. Optionally, the row direction RD and the column direction CD are two non-parallel directions, for example, the row direction RD and the column direction CD intersect each other. Optionally, the row direction RD and the column direction CD are perpendicular to each other. Optionally, the row direction RD and the column direction CD intersect each other at an angle other than 90 degrees.
[0142] In some embodiments, the touch structure is confined to the touch area TCA, and not in the window area WR surrounded by the touch area TCA. For example, the touch structure can be a touch structure in a display panel, wherein the touch area TCA substantially overlaps with the display area of the display panel, and the window area WR is an area in the display panel having a hole configured for mounting accessories (such as a camera lens or a fingerprint sensor). The display panel is configured to display an image in at least a portion of the touch area TCA. In one example, in the window area WR, there are no display elements and touch structures of the display panel; in at least a portion of the display area or the touch area TCA, there are both display elements and touch structures of the display panel.
[0143] Fig.14 is an enlarged view of a touch structure surrounding a window area according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.15 is a schematic diagram showing the window area in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Figures 13 to 15 In some embodiments, the window-crossing column WCC of the plurality of second mesh electrodes TE2 includes a first grid block MB1 and a second grid block MB2 respectively located on a first side S1 and a second side S2 of the window region WR; a first conductive plate CP1 directly connected to one or more grid lines of the first grid block MB1; a second conductive plate CP2 directly connected to one or more grid lines of the second grid block MB2; and a first conductive bridge CB1 connecting the first conductive plate CP1 and the second conductive plate CP2.
[0144] In some embodiments, the first conductive bridge CB1 includes a first segment SG1 and a second segment SG2. In some embodiments, the second segment SG2 is in a different layer than the first segment SG1, the first conductive plate CP1, and the second conductive plate CP2. In one example, the second segment SG2 is in a first layer (e.g., a first conductive material layer, such as a first metal material layer). In another example, the first segment SG1, the first conductive plate CP1, and the second conductive plate CP2 are in a second layer (e.g., a second conductive material layer, such as a second metal material layer).
[0145] Fig.16A yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of the first enlarged area ZR1 in FIG. Fig. 16B is along Fig.16A The cross-sectional view of the line E-E' in Fig. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B In some embodiments, the first segment SG1 is in the second layer SL2, and the second segment SG2 is in the first layer SL1. Fig. 16B In one example shown, the touch structure includes a buffer layer BUF on a second inorganic encapsulation sublayer CVD2, which is a sublayer of an encapsulation layer for encapsulating a light-emitting element in a display device having a touch structure. In some embodiments, the touch structure also includes a first layer SL1, which is located on a side of the buffer layer BUF away from the second inorganic encapsulation sublayer CVD2; a touch insulating layer TI, which is located on a side of the first layer SL1 away from the buffer layer BUF; a second layer SL2, which is located on a side of the touch insulating layer TI away from the first layer SL1; and a protective layer OC, which is located on a side of the second layer SL2 away from the touch insulating layer TI. Optionally, the grid lines of the third grid block MB3 are located in the second layer SL2.
[0146] Reference Figures 13 to 15 In some embodiments, the first window crossing row WCR1 of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 includes a third grid block MB3 located at a third side S3 of the window region WR; and a third conductive plate CP3 directly connected to one or more grid lines of the third grid block MB3. The third side S3 is located between the first side S1 and the second side S2. The third conductive plate CP3 separates the first conductive bridge CB1 from the third grid block MB3.
[0147] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram showing a third conductive plate structure in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.14 and Fig.17 In some embodiments, the third conductive plate CP3 includes a first portion 3-1 and a second portion 3-2. The first portion has a first shortest plate width pw1 along the direction from the first portion 3-1 to the window region WR; the second portion 3-2 has a second shortest plate width pw2 along the direction from the second portion 3-2 to the window region WR. Optionally, the first shortest plate width pw1 is smaller than the second shortest plate width pw2.
[0148] The inventors of the present disclosure have found that when the conductive bridge extends around the perimeter of the window area, electrostatic discharge is prone to occur when the conductive bridge is adjacent to a conductive plate that is directly connected to one or more grid lines of the grid block. For example, the first conductive bridge CB1 is adjacent to the second portion 3-2 of the third conductive plate CP3. The inventors of the present disclosure have found that, surprisingly and unexpectedly, by arranging the segments of the conductive bridge to be adjacent to the conductive plates and located in a layer different from the conductive plates, the electrostatic discharge problem can be avoided.
[0149] In some embodiments, Fig.14 As shown, the second segment SG2 is adjacent to the second portion 3-2 of the third conductive plate CP3. Therefore, in some embodiments, in the touch structure according to the present disclosure, the second segment SG2 is located in a layer different from the third conductive plate CP3. Fig. 16B , the second segment SG2 is in the first layer SL1, and the first and second portions 3-1 and 3-2 of the third conductive plate and the first segment SG1 are in the second layer SL2.
[0150] refer to Fig.15 In some embodiments, the first segment SG1 and the second segment SG2 surround the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 of the perimeter of the window region WR, respectively; the first portion 3-1 and the second portion 3-2 surround the third portion P3 and the fourth portion P4 of the perimeter of the window region WR, respectively; the first portion P1 at least partially overlaps the third portion P3; the second portion P2 at least partially overlaps the fourth portion P4. Optionally, the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4 substantially (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) overlap each other. Optionally, the first portion P1 and the third portion P3 substantially (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) overlap each other.
[0151] In some embodiments, and with reference to Fig.14 and Fig.17 , the third conductive plate further includes a third portion 3-3, the first portion 3-1 is between the second portion 3-2 and the third portion 3-3. Optionally, the second portion 3-2 and the third portion 3-3 are connected through the first portion 3-1. Optionally, the second portion 3-2 is directly connected to the first portion 3-1, and the third portion 3-3 is directly connected to the first portion 3-1. Reference Fig.14 , the first conductive plate CP1 further includes a third segment SG3, the first segment SG1 is between the second segment SG2 and the third segment SG3. Optionally, the second segment SG2 and the third segment SG3 are connected through the first segment SG1. Optionally, the second segment SG2 is directly connected to the first segment SG1, and the third segment SG3 is directly connected to the first segment SG1.
[0152] In some embodiments, the third segment SG3 is in the same layer as the second segment SG2 and in a different layer from the first segment SG1, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, and the third conductive plate CP3. As used herein, the term "same layer" refers to the relationship between layers formed simultaneously in the same step. In one example, when the second segment SG2 and the third segment SG3 are formed due to one or more steps of the same patterning process performed in a material deposited with the same deposition process, they are in the same layer. In another example, the second segment SG2 and the third segment SG3 can be formed in the same layer by simultaneously performing the step of forming the second segment SG2 and the step of forming the third segment SG3. The term "same layer" does not always mean that the thickness of the layer or the height of the layer in a cross-sectional view is the same.
[0153] Fig.18A yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of the second enlarged area ZR2 in FIG. Fig.18B is along Fig.18A The cross-sectional view of the F-F' line in Fig. Fig.18A , Fig.18B , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B , the second segment SG2 and the third segment SG3 are in the first layer SL1. The grid lines of the first segment SG1, the first part 3-1, the second part 3-2, the third part 3-3, and the third grid block MB3 are in the second layer SL2.
[0154] refer to Fig.15 In some embodiments, the third segment SG3 surrounds a fifth portion P5 of the perimeter of the window region WR; the third segment 3-3 surrounds a sixth portion P6 of the perimeter of the window region WR; the fifth portion P5 at least partially overlaps the sixth portion P6. Optionally, the fifth portion P5 and the sixth portion P6 substantially (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100%) overlap each other.
[0155] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.17 In some embodiments, the first portion has a first shortest plate width pw1 along the direction from the first portion 3-1 to the window region WR; the second portion 3-2 has a second shortest plate width pw2 along the direction from the second portion 3-2 to the window region WR; and the third portion 3-3 has a third shortest plate width pw3 along the direction from the third portion 3-3 to the window region WR. Optionally, the first shortest plate width pw1 is smaller than the second shortest plate width pw2; and the first shortest plate width pw1 is smaller than the third shortest plate width pw3.
[0156] Reference Fig.14 , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.18A and Fig.18BIn some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a first partition plate DP1, which is isolated from the first conductive bridge CB1 and the third conductive plate CP3, and separates a portion of the first conductive bridge CB1 from a portion of the third conductive plate CP3. Fig.15 , the first partition plate DP1 surrounds a seventh portion P7 of the periphery of the window region WR. Optionally, the seventh portion P7 at least partially overlaps the third portion P3, and does not overlap the fourth portion P4 and the sixth portion P6. Optionally, the third portion P3 and the seventh portion P7 substantially (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) overlap each other.
[0157] In some embodiments, reference Fig.14 , Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig.18A and Fig.18B , in the orthographic projection of the touch structure on the base substrate (for example, the second inorganic encapsulation sublayer CVD2), the orthographic projection of the conductive element on the base substrate does not exist in the space between the orthographic projection of the second segment SG2 on the base substrate and the orthographic projection of the second portion 3-2 on the base substrate. Optionally, in the orthographic projection of the touch structure on the base substrate, the orthographic projection of the conductive element on the base substrate does not exist in the space between the orthographic projection of the third segment SG3 on the base substrate and the orthographic projection of the third portion 3-3 on the base substrate. Optionally, in the orthographic projection of the touch structure on the base substrate, the orthographic projection of the first partition DP1 on the base substrate is located between the orthographic projection of the first segment SG1 on the base substrate and the orthographic projection of the first portion 3-1 on the base substrate.
[0158] In some embodiments, reference Fig.14 , the second window crossing row WCR2 of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 includes a fourth grid block MB4 and a fifth grid block MB5 on the fourth side S4 and the fifth side S5 of the window region, respectively. Optionally, the second side S2 is between the fourth side S4 and the fifth side S5. Optionally, the fifth side S5 is between the second side S2 and the third side S3. Optionally, the fourth side S4 is between the first side S1 and the second side S2.
[0159] In some embodiments, the second window crossing row WCR2 of the plurality of first mesh electrodes TE1 further includes a fourth conductive plate CP4 directly connected to one or more grid lines of the fourth grid block MB4; a fifth conductive plate CP5 directly connected to one or more grid lines of the fifth grid block MB5; and a second conductive bridge CB2 connecting the fourth conductive plate CP4 and the fifth conductive plate CP5. Fig.15, an eighth portion P8 of the periphery of the first conductive plate CP1 around the window region WR; and a ninth portion P9 of the periphery of the second conductive bridge CB2 around the window region WR. Optionally, the eighth portion P8 at least partially overlaps with the ninth portion P9. Optionally, the eighth portion P8 and the ninth portion P9 substantially (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) overlap each other.
[0160] Fig.19 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a first conductive bridge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.14 and Fig.19 In some embodiments, the first conductive bridge CB1 further includes a fourth segment SG4. Fig. 20A yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of the third enlarged area ZR3 in FIG. Fig. 20B is along Fig. 20A Cross-sectional view of line G-G' in Fig. Fig.14 , Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B In some embodiments, the fourth segment SG4 crosses a portion of the second conductive bridge CB2 to be connected to the first conductive plate CP1.
[0161] In some embodiments, the fourth segment SG4 is in the same layer as the second segment SG2 and the third segment SG3, and in a different layer from the first segment SG1, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, and the third conductive plate CP3. Optionally, the fourth segment SG4 is in a layer different from the first segment SG1, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, the fourth conductive plate CP4, the fifth conductive plate CP5, and the second conductive bridge CB2. Optionally, the grid lines of the fifth grid block MB5 are located in the second layer SL2.
[0162] refer to Fig.14 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B In some embodiments, the first conductive bridge further includes a fifth segment SG5 between the fourth segment SG4 and the second segment SG2. Optionally, the second segment SG2 and the fourth segment SG4 are connected via the fifth segment SG5. Optionally, the second segment SG2 is directly connected to the fifth segment SG5, and the fourth segment SG4 is directly connected to the fifth segment SG5.
[0163] Fig.21 is along Fig.19 Cross-sectional view of the H-H' line in Fig. Fig.19In some embodiments, the fifth segment SG5 is directly connected to the fourth segment SG4 through a through hole v extending through the touch insulating layer TI. The connection between other segments of the first conductive bridge CB1 can be similarly realized. For example, the connection between the first segment SG1 and the second segment SG2, the connection between the first segment SG1 and the third segment SG3, or the connection between the second segment SG2 and the fifth segment SG5 can be realized through corresponding through holes extending through the touch insulating layer TI.
[0164] refer to Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B In some embodiments, the fifth segment SG5 is in the same layer as the first segment SG1, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, the third conductive plate CP3 and the second conductive bridge CB2. Optionally, the fifth segment SG5 is in a layer different from the second segment SG2 and the fourth segment SG4.
[0165] Reference Fig.14 , Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B In some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a second partition DP2, which is isolated from the fifth conductive plate CP5 and the fifth segment SG5, and separates a portion of the fifth conductive plate CP5 from a portion of the fifth segment SG5. Fig.15 In some embodiments, the fifth segment SG5 surrounds a tenth portion P10 of the perimeter of the window region WR. Optionally, the second partition plate DP2 surrounds an eleventh portion P11 of the perimeter of the window region WR. Optionally, the tenth portion P10 at least partially overlaps the eleventh portion P11. Optionally, a sub-portion of the tenth portion P10 does not overlap the eleventh portion P11.
[0166] Reference Fig.14 , Fig.15 , Fig.16A and Fig. 16B In some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a third partition DP3 surrounding a twelfth portion P12 of the periphery of the window region WR. Optionally, the twelfth portion P12 is between the eleventh portion P11 and the second portion. Optionally, the twelfth portion P12 does not overlap with the eleventh portion P11 and does not overlap with the second portion P2. Optionally, the twelfth portion P12 at least partially overlaps with the tenth portion P10. Optionally, the combination of the eleventh portion P11 and the twelfth portion P12 substantially (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100%) overlaps with the tenth portion P10.
[0167] Reference Fig.14 In some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a guard ring PR, which substantially (eg, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) surrounds the window region WR. Fig.14In some embodiments, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, and the first conductive bridge CB1 surround portions of the guard ring PR, respectively. Fig.14 , Fig. 16B , Fig.18B and Fig. 20B In some embodiments, the guard ring PR is in the same layer as the second segment SG2, the third segment SG3, and the fourth segment SG4. Optionally, the guard ring PR is in a different layer from the first segment SG1, the fifth segment SG5, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, the third conductive plate CP3, the fourth conductive plate CP4, and the fifth conductive plate CP5.
[0168] Reference Fig.14 In some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a detection line DTL, which substantially (eg, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or 100%) surrounds the window region WR. Figure 5B Schematic diagram showing the structure of a detection line in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.14 and Figure 5B In some embodiments, the detection line DTL continuously includes a first line portion LP1, a second line portion LP2, and a third line portion LP3, the first line portion LP1 extends clockwise around the first half (e.g., the right half) of the periphery of the window region WR, the second line portion LP2 extends counterclockwise around the first half of the periphery of the window region WR and the second half of the periphery of the window region WR, and the third line portion LP3 extends clockwise around the second half of the periphery of the window region WR. As used herein, the terms "first half" and "second half" are not limited to an exact half, but also include less than half or more than half.
[0169] Reference Fig.14 and Figure 5B In some embodiments, the touch structure further includes a sixth grid block MBC1 and a seventh grid block MBC2 respectively located on both sides of the first grid block MB1; a first lead LL1 connecting the sixth grid block MBC1 to the third line portion LP3; and a second lead LL2 connecting the seventh grid block MBC2 to the first line portion LP1.
[0170] In some embodiments, the first line portion LP1, the second line portion LP2, the third line portion LP3 and the first segment SG1, the fifth segment SG5, the first conductive plate CP1, the second conductive plate CP2, the third conductive plate CP3, the fourth conductive plate CP4 and the fifth conductive plate CP5 are in the same layer. In some embodiments, the first lead LL1 and the second lead LL2 and the second segment SG2, the third segment SG3 and the fourth segment SG4 are in the same layer.
[0171] In some embodiments, the first conductive bridge CB1 (or its segment) has a line width in the range of 5 μm to 15 μm, for example, 5 μm to 7 μm, 7 μm to 9 μm, 9 μm to 11 μm, 11 μm to 13 μm, or 13 μm to 15 μm. Optionally, the first conductive bridge CB1 (or its segment) has a line width of 10 μm.
[0172] In some embodiments, the second conductive bridge CB2 (or its segment) has a line width in the range of 10 μm to 20 μm, for example, 10 μm to 12 μm, 12 μm to 14 μm, 14 μm to 16 μm, 16 μm to 18 μm, or 18 μm to 20 μm. Optionally, the second conductive bridge CB2 (or its segment) has a line width of 15 μm.
[0173] In some embodiments, the first shortest plate width pw1 is in the range of 20 μm to 40 μm, for example, 20 μm to 25 μm, 25 μm to 30 μm, 30 μm to 35 μm, or 35 μm to 40 μm. Optionally, the first shortest plate width pw1 is 30 μm.
[0174] In some embodiments, the second shortest plate width pw2 is in the range of 75 μm to 115 μm, for example 75 μm to 85 μm, 85 μm to 95 μm, 95 μm to 105 μm or 105 μm to 115 μm. Optionally, the second shortest plate width pw2 is 95 μm.
[0175] In some embodiments, the third shortest plate width pw3 is in the range of 75 μm to 115 μm, for example 75 μm to 85 μm, 85 μm to 95 μm, 95 μm to 105 μm or 105 μm to 115 μm. Optionally, the third shortest plate width pw3 is 95 μm.
[0176] Optionally, the ratio of the first shortest board width pw1 to the second shortest board width pw2 is in the range of 1:2 to 1:4, for example, 1:2 to 1:2.5, 1:2.5 to 1:3, 1:3 to 1:3.5 or 1:3.5 to 1:4. Optionally, the ratio of the first shortest board width pw1 to the third shortest board width pw3 is in the range of 1:2 to 1:4, for example, 1:2 to 1:2.5, 1:2.5 to 1:3, 1:3 to 1:3.5 or 1:3.5 to 1:4.
[0177] In some embodiments, the first conductive plate has a shortest plate width in a direction from the first conductive plate to the window region, the shortest plate width being in a range of 80 μm to 160 μm, for example, 80 μm to 100 μm, 100 μm to 120 μm, 120 μm to 140 μm, or 140 μm to 160 μm. Optionally, the shortest plate width is 120 μm.
[0178] In some embodiments, the second conductive plate has a shortest plate width in a direction from the second conductive plate to the window region, the shortest plate width being in a range of 80 μm to 160 μm, for example, 80 μm to 100 μm, 100 μm to 120 μm, 120 μm to 140 μm, or 140 μm to 160 μm. Optionally, the shortest plate width is 120 μm.
[0179] In some embodiments, the first partition has a shortest width along the direction from the first partition to the window region in the range of 30 μm to 70 μm, for example, 30 μm to 40 μm, 40 μm to 50 μm, 50 μm to 60 μm, or 60 μm to 70 μm. Optionally, the shortest width is 50 μm.
[0180] In some embodiments, the second partition has a shortest width along the direction from the second partition to the window area in the range of 20 μm to 40 μm, for example, 20 μm to 25 μm, 25 μm to 30 μm, 30 μm to 35 μm or 35 μm to 40 μm. Optionally, the shortest width is 30 μm.
[0181] In some embodiments, the fourth conductive plate has a shortest plate width along a direction from the fourth conductive plate to the window region, the shortest plate width being in a range of 5 μm to 15 μm, for example, 5 μm to 7 μm, 7 μm to 9 μm, 9 μm to 11 μm, 11 μm to 13 μm, or 13 μm to 15 μm. Optionally, the shortest plate width is 10 μm.
[0182] In some embodiments, the fifth conductive plate has a shortest plate width along the direction from the fifth conductive plate to the window region, the shortest plate width being in the range of 30 μm to 70 μm, for example, 30 μm to 40 μm, 40 μm to 50 μm, 50 μm to 60 μm, or 60 μm to 70 μm. Optionally, the shortest plate width is 50 μm.
[0183] In some embodiments, the guard ring has a shortest plate width along the direction from the guard ring to the window region in the range of 25 μm to 65 μm, for example, 25 μm to 35 μm, 35 μm to 45 μm, 45 μm to 55 μm, or 55 μm to 65 μm. Optionally, the shortest plate width is 45 μm.
[0184] In some embodiments, the detection line (or its line portion) has a line width in the range of 2.5 μm to 6.5 μm, for example, 2.5 μm to 3.5 μm, 3.5 μm to 4.5 μm, 4.5 μm to 5.5 μm, or 5.5 μm to 6.5 μm. Optionally, the first conductive bridge CB1 (or its segment) has a line width of 4.5 μm.
[0185] In some embodiments, the first or second lead has a line width in the range of 5 μm to 15 μm, for example, 5 μm to 7 μm, 7 μm to 9 μm, 9 μm to 11 μm, 11 μm to 13 μm or 13 μm to 15 μm. Optionally, the first or second lead has a line width of 10 μm.
[0186] The above description of the embodiments of the present invention has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive, nor is it intended to limit the present invention to the precise form or exemplary embodiments disclosed. Therefore, the foregoing description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention and its best mode practical application, so that those skilled in the art can understand the various embodiments of the present invention and the various modifications suitable for the specific use or implementation under consideration. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, in which all terms are meant to have the broadest reasonable meaning unless otherwise stated. Therefore, the term "the present invention" and the like do not necessarily limit the scope of the claims to a specific embodiment, and the reference to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention does not mean a limitation of the present invention, and such a limitation should not be inferred. The present invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, these claims may involve the use of "first", "second", etc., followed by a noun or element. These terms should be understood as nomenclature and should not be interpreted as limiting the number of elements modified by these nomenclatures unless a specific number has been given. Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art may make changes to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, none of the elements and assemblies in this disclosure are intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the element or assembly is explicitly described in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A display panel, comprising: base substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors on a base substrate; a display element in a display area; a touch electrode layer at least partially in the display area, wherein the display element and the touch electrode layer are absent in a window area at least partially surrounded by the display area; and Crack detection circuit; Wherein, the crack detection circuit comprises: integrated circuits; and a first conductive ring electrically connected to the integrated circuit; wherein the first conductive ring comprises a window region crack detection line substantially surrounding the window region; and At least a portion of the first conductive ring includes a first metal line in a first layer and a second metal line in a second layer, the first metal line being connected to the second metal line through a via extending through a touch insulating layer; The first conductive ring further comprises a first connection grid block and a second connection grid block electrically connected to a first end and a second end of the window region crack detection line, respectively; The first connection grid block and the second connection grid block respectively extend through a portion of the touch area of the display panel; and The first connection grid block and the second connection grid block are in the second layer, and the second layer also includes the grid blocks of the touch electrode layer.
2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The window area crack detection line continuously includes a first line portion, a second line portion and a third line portion, the first line portion extending clockwise around a first segment of the periphery of the window area, the second line portion extending counterclockwise around the first segment of the periphery of the window area and a second segment of the periphery of the window area, and the third line portion extending clockwise around the second segment of the periphery of the window area.
3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The window area crack detection line continuously includes a first line portion, a second line portion and a third line portion, the first line portion extending counterclockwise around a first segment of the periphery of the window area, the second line portion extending clockwise around the first segment of the periphery of the window area and the second segment of the periphery of the window area, and the third line portion extending counterclockwise around the second segment of the periphery of the window area.
4. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first conductive ring further includes a first touch crack detection line and a second touch crack detection line, wherein the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are electrically connected to a first end and a second end of the window area crack detection line, respectively; The first touch crack detection line extends from the first sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel through the second sub-region to the third sub-region; The second touch crack detection line extends from the third sub-region through the second sub-region to the first sub-region; as well as The first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are at least partially in the second layer, and the second layer further includes a grid block of the touch electrode layer.
5. The display panel according to claim 4, wherein: The first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are located on the same side relative to the display area.
6. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The outline of at least one of the first connection grid block or the second connection grid block has a wavy shape or a zigzag shape; as well as At least one of the first connection grid block or the second connection grid block is located inside a grid block of the touch electrode layer or between adjacent grid blocks of the touch electrode layer.
7. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein: The first conductive ring further comprises a first lead and a second lead, the first lead connects the first end of the window area crack detection line to the first connection grid block, and the second lead connects the second end of the window area crack detection line to the second connection grid block; The first lead and the second lead are in the first layer, and the first layer is separated from the second layer by the touch insulation layer; The first lead is connected to the first connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulating layer; and The second lead is connected to the second connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulating layer.
8. The display panel according to claim 7, further comprising grid blocks respectively surrounding the window areas, conductive plates respectively connected to the grid blocks, and conductive bridges, wherein: Each conductive plate is directly connected to one or more grid lines of a corresponding grid block, and each conductive bridge connects two adjacent conductive plates; The first lead and the second lead respectively cross at least one of a conductive plate or a conductive bridge.
9. The display panel according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The first conductive ring further includes a third lead and a fourth lead, the third lead connecting the first connection grid block to a first touch crack detection line, the fourth lead connecting the second connection grid block to a second touch crack detection line, the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are at least partially in the second layer and in a peripheral area of the display panel, the third lead and the fourth lead are in the first layer, and the first layer is spaced apart from the second layer by the touch insulation layer; The third lead is connected to the first connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulating layer; and The fourth lead is connected to the second connection grid block through a through hole extending through the touch insulation layer.
10. The display panel according to claim 9, wherein: The first touch crack detection line, the second touch crack detection line, and the window area crack detection line are parts of a first touch crack sub-ring, which continuously extends from a first sub-region of the peripheral area to an area substantially surrounding the window area, and then extends from the area substantially surrounding the window area back to the first sub-region.
11. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive ring further comprises: A first panel crack sub-ring extending continuously from a first sub-region of a peripheral region of the display panel to a third sub-region of the peripheral region and then extending from the third sub-region back to the first sub-region; and a first touch crack detection line and a second touch crack detection line, which are electrically connected to a first end and a second end of the window area crack detection line, respectively; Wherein, the first end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to the second touch crack detection line; A second end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to the integrated circuit; The first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line separate the first panel crack sub-ring and the display area; The first touch crack detection line extends from the first sub-region through the second sub-region to the third sub-region in the peripheral region of the display panel; and The second touch crack detection line extends from the third sub-region through the second sub-region and back to the first sub-region.
12. The display panel according to claim 11, wherein: The first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are in the second layer, and the second layer further includes a grid block of the touch electrode layer; and The first panel crack sub-ring is in a layer in a thin film transistor array substrate.
13. The display panel according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The crack detection circuit further includes a first connection line connecting the first touch crack detection line to a source of a switch transistor, and a drain of the switch transistor is connected to a data line.
14. The display panel according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: A second end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to a first pin in the integrated circuit, which in turn is connected to a second pin in a bonding area for bonding a flexible printed circuit.
15. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The crack detection circuit also includes a second conductive ring electrically connected to the integrated circuit; The second conductive ring includes a third touch crack detection line and a fourth touch crack detection line; The first conductive ring and the second conductive ring are spaced apart from each other, and at least a portion of the first conductive ring and at least a portion of the second conductive ring are located at opposite sides relative to the display area; The third touch crack detection line and the fourth touch crack detection line extend from the first sub-region through the fourth sub-region to the third sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel respectively; The third touch crack detection line and the fourth touch crack detection line are connected to each other in the third sub-region; as well as The third touch crack detection line and the fourth touch crack detection line are at least partially in the second layer, and the second layer further includes a grid block of the touch electrode layer.
16. The display panel according to claim 15, wherein: The second conductive ring further includes a second panel crack sub-ring, the second panel crack sub-ring continuously extending from the first sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel through the fourth sub-region to the third sub-region and back to the first sub-region; Wherein, the first end of the second panel crack sub-ring is connected to the fourth touch crack detection line; A second end of the second panel crack sub-ring is connected to the integrated circuit; and The second panel crack sub-ring is in a layer in the thin film transistor array substrate. 17 . The display panel according to claim 15 , further comprising a second connection line connecting the third touch crack detection line to a source of a switch transistor, a drain of the switch transistor being connected to a data line.
18. The display panel according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: A second end of the second panel crack sub-ring is connected to a third pin in the integrated circuit, which in turn is connected to a fourth pin in a bonding area for bonding a flexible printed circuit.
19. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The crack detection circuit further includes a third conductive loop, the third conductive loop extending successively from a first corner region of the first sub-region to a second sub-region, to a third sub-region, to the second sub-region, to the first sub-region, to a fourth sub-region, to the third sub-region, to the fourth sub-region, and back to a second corner region of the first sub-region; The first sub-region, the second sub-region, the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region are respectively sub-regions of the peripheral region in the display panel; The first end and the second end of the third conductive ring are respectively connected to two bonding pins in a bonding area for bonding a flexible printed circuit; and The first conductive ring separates the third conductive ring from the display area.
20. A display device comprising a display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and a flexible printed circuit connected to the integrated circuit.
21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein: The crack detection circuit further includes a third conductive loop, the third conductive loop extending successively from a first corner region of the first sub-region to a second sub-region, to a third sub-region, to the second sub-region, to the first sub-region, to a fourth sub-region, to the third sub-region, to the fourth sub-region, and back to a second corner region of the first sub-region; The first sub-region, the second sub-region, the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region are sub-regions of a peripheral region in the display panel respectively; and The first end and the second end of the third conductive ring are respectively connected to two bonding pins bonded to the flexible printed circuit.
22. The display device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein: The first conductive ring further comprises: a first panel crack sub-ring, the first panel crack sub-ring continuously extending from a first sub-region of a peripheral region of the display panel to a third sub-region of the peripheral region and back to the first sub-region; a first touch crack detection line and a second touch crack detection line, wherein the first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line are electrically connected to a first end and a second end of the window area crack detection line, respectively; A first end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to the second touch crack detection line; A second end of the first panel crack sub-ring is connected to a first pin in the integrated circuit, the first pin is in turn connected to a second pin, and the second pin is bonded to the flexible printed circuit; and The first touch crack detection line and the second touch crack detection line extend from a first sub-region through a second sub-region to a third sub-region of a peripheral region of the display panel, respectively.
23. A method for detecting cracks in a display panel, the display panel comprising a base substrate, a plurality of thin film transistors on the base substrate, and a display element in a display area; a touch electrode layer at least partially in the display area, wherein The display element and the touch electrode layer are absent in a window area at least partially surrounded by the display area, the method comprising: Setting a first conductive ring; electrically connecting a first end of the first conductive ring to an integrated circuit; electrically connecting the second end of the first conductive ring to the source of the switching transistor; electrically connecting the drain of the switch transistor to a data line; The integrated circuit provides a voltage signal to the first end of the first conducting loop, while turning on the switch transistor; and determining whether there is a crack in a region having the first conductive ring based on a light emitting state of a light emitting element connected to the data line; Wherein, providing the first conductive ring comprises extending the crack detection line of the window region of the first conductive ring to a region substantially surrounding the window region; and Determining whether the crack exists includes determining whether the crack exists in the region substantially surrounding the window region; Providing the first conductive ring further comprises extending a first connection grid block and a second connection grid block electrically connected to a first end and a second end of the window region crack detection line, respectively, through a portion of the touch region of the display panel; and Determining whether the crack exists further includes determining whether a crack exists in a portion of the touch region.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: Providing the first conductive ring further includes extending a first touch crack detection line of the first conductive ring from a first sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel through a second sub-region to a third sub-region, and extending a second touch crack detection line of the first conductive ring from the third sub-region through the second sub-region to the first sub-region; as well as Determining whether the crack exists further includes determining whether there is a crack in the touch control structure in the first sub-region, the second sub-region, and the third sub-region.
25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: Providing the first conductive ring further includes extending a first panel crack sub-ring of the first conductive ring from a first sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel through a second sub-region to a third sub-region of the peripheral region and back to the first sub-region; as well as Determining whether the crack exists further includes determining whether a crack exists in the thin film transistor array substrate in the first sub-region, the second sub-region, and the third sub-region.
26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: Providing a second conductive loop; electrically connecting the first end of the second conductive ring to the integrated circuit; electrically connecting the second end of the second conductive ring to the source of the switching transistor; electrically connecting the drain of the switch transistor to a data line; The integrated circuit provides a voltage signal to the first end of the second conducting ring, and turns on the switch transistor at the same time; as well as determining whether there is a crack in a region having the second conductive ring based on a light emitting state of a light emitting element connected to the data line; Wherein, setting the second conductive ring includes extending the third touch crack detection line of the second conductive ring from the first sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel through the fourth sub-region to the third sub-region, and extending the fourth touch crack detection line of the second conductive ring from the third sub-region through the fourth sub-region to the first sub-region; as well as Determining whether the crack exists further includes determining whether there is a crack in the touch control structure in the first sub-region, the fourth sub-region, and the third sub-region.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein: Providing the second conductive ring further includes extending a second panel crack sub-ring of the second conductive ring from a first sub-region of the peripheral region of the display panel through a fourth sub-region to a third sub-region of the peripheral region and back to the first sub-region; as well as Determining whether the crack exists further includes determining whether a crack exists in the thin film transistor array substrate in the first sub-region, the fourth sub-region, and the third sub-region.
28. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a third conductive loop, the third conductive loop extending successively from a first corner region of the first sub-region to a second sub-region, to a third sub-region, to the second sub-region, to the first sub-region, to a fourth sub-region, to the third sub-region, to the fourth sub-region, and back to a second corner region of the first sub-region; in, The first sub-region, the second sub-region, the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region are sub-regions of a peripheral region in the display panel respectively; and Determining whether the crack exists further includes measuring a resistance of the third conductive loop.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising connecting the first end and the second end of the third conductive loop to two bonding pins bonded to a flexible printed circuit, respectively.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Display panel
CN109872634A
Electronic device
CN111106151A