Display panel and crack detection method thereof, and display device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a display panel and a crack detection method and a display device thereof, wherein the display panel comprises: a substrate, the substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; a plurality of sub-pixels, located in the display area; a plurality of data lines, located in the display area and the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the plurality of sub-pixels; a crack detection line, located in the peripheral area and at least partially surrounding the display area; at least one detection switch and a control line, located in the peripheral area, the control line being connected to the gate of at least one detection switch, the crack detection line being connected to the second pole of at least one detection switch, and at least one of the plurality of data lines being connected to the first pole of at least one detection switch. The crack detection line is arranged in the peripheral area, and the crack detection line is connected to the sub-pixel through the data line. When there is a crack in the peripheral area, the crack detection line will be broken, thereby affecting the display state of the sub-pixel, and crack detection of the display panel can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of panel display technology, and in particular to a display panel and a crack detection method thereof, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] During the manufacturing process of OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display panels, tiny cracks that are difficult to see with the naked eye may appear on the edges of the display panels, affecting the quality of the display panels. Therefore, it is necessary to screen and intercept display panels with cracks through detection. Summary of the invention

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a display panel and a crack detection method and a display device thereof, so as to detect whether there are cracks on the display panel. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display panel, the display panel comprising: a base substrate, the base substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area;

[0005] A plurality of sub-pixels are located in the display area;

[0006] a plurality of data lines, located in the display area and the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the plurality of sub-pixels;

[0007] a crack detection line located in the peripheral area and at least partially surrounding the display area;

[0008] At least one detection switch and a control line are located in the peripheral area, the control line is connected to the gate of the at least one detection switch, the crack detection line is connected to the second electrode of the at least one detection switch, and at least one data line among the multiple data lines is connected to the first electrode of the at least one detection switch.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the crack detection line includes a first crack detection line, a second crack detection line, and a third crack detection line;

[0010] The second crack detection line is located at a side closer to the display area than the first crack detection line and the third crack detection line, and the second crack detection line is connected to one end of the first crack detection line and the third crack detection line respectively.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the display panel further includes: a first test pad and a second test pad, wherein the first test pad and the second test pad are located in the peripheral area;

[0012] The first test pad and the second test pad are configured to be electrically connected to an external control chip, the other end of the first crack detection line is connected to the first test pad, and the other end of the third crack detection line is connected to the second test pad.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the display panel further includes: a first input pad and a second input pad, wherein the first input pad and the second input pad are located on a side of the first test pad and the second test pad away from the display area;

[0014] The first input pad and the second input pad are configured to be connected to an external circuit board, the first input pad is connected to the first test pad, and the second input pad is connected to the second test pad.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the display panel further includes: a first test line and a second test line located in the peripheral area, the first test line and the second test line are connected to the second crack detection line, and the first test line is located on a side of the first test pad away from the second test pad, and the second test line is located on a side of the second test pad away from the first test pad.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the plurality of sub-pixels include first-type sub-pixels and second-type sub-pixels, and the at least one detection switch includes a plurality of first-type detection switches and a plurality of second-type detection switches;

[0017] The second electrodes of the plurality of first-type detection switches are connected to the second crack detection line, and the first electrodes of the plurality of first-type detection switches are electrically connected to the first-type sub-pixel circuit through the plurality of data lines;

[0018] The second poles of a part of the multiple second-type detection switches are connected to the first crack detection line, the second poles of another part of the multiple second-type detection switches are connected to the third crack detection line, and the first poles of the multiple second-type detection switches are connected to the second-type sub-pixels.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the display panel further includes a plurality of third test pads located on a side of the first test pad and the second test pad away from the display area, and the control line, the first test line, and the second test line are respectively connected one-to-one with the plurality of third test pads.

[0020] In a possible implementation, some of the plurality of third test pads are located on a side of the first input pad away from the second input pad, and another part of the plurality of third test pads are located on a side of the second input pad away from the first input pad.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the first type of sub-pixels are red sub-pixels and / or blue sub-pixels, and the second type of sub-pixels are green sub-pixels.

[0022] In a possible implementation manner, the display area includes a first boundary, a second boundary, a third boundary and a fourth boundary in sequence;

[0023] The at least one detection switch is located in the peripheral area near the first boundary;

[0024] The second crack detection line is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary, the second boundary and the fourth boundary, the first crack detection line is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary, the second boundary and the third boundary, and the third crack detection line is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary, the third boundary and the fourth boundary;

[0025] One end of the first crack detection line is connected to one end of the second crack detection line, and one end of the third crack detection line is connected to the other end of the second crack detection line.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, the display area includes a first display area and a second display area located on one side of the first display area, the first crack detection line is electrically connected to the first color sub-pixel of the first display area through the at least one detection switch; the third crack detection line is electrically connected to the second color sub-pixel of the second display area through the at least one detection switch, and the first color sub-pixel and the second color sub-pixel are different.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the one end of the first crack detection line is connected to the one end of the second crack detection line after bypassing the outer edge of a first display area of ​​the display panel, the first display area is a part of the display region, and the second type of sub-pixels are arranged in the first display area;

[0028] The one end of the third crack detection line is connected to the other end of the second crack detection line after bypassing the outer edge of the second display area of ​​the display panel. The second display area is another part of the display area, and the second type of sub-pixels are arranged in the second display area.

[0029] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for detecting cracks in a display panel, which is used to detect any of the above-mentioned display panels, and the method includes:

[0030] In the first detection process, the control line is used to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to be turned on;

[0031] The first detection signal is written into the second pole of the first type detection switch by using the test line to obtain the display state of the display panel, wherein the display state of the display panel is used to determine whether the display panel has a crack during the first detection process.

[0032] In a possible implementation, during the second detection process, the first test pad is used to output a second detection signal, and the second test pad is used to receive a third detection signal;

[0033] Obtaining a first resistance value according to the second detection signal and the third detection signal;

[0034] Whether the display panel has cracks during the second detection process is determined according to the first resistance value.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, when the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel displays a dark state, it indicates that the display panel has no cracks;

[0036] When the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel displays a bright state, it indicates that the display panel has a crack.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, when the display state of the display panel is that the second type of sub-pixel displays a bright state, indicating that the display panel has a crack includes:

[0038] When the display state of the display panel is that the second type of sub-pixel arranged in the first display area displays a bright state, it means that there is a crack in the periphery of the first display area; when the display state of the display panel is that the second type of sub-pixel arranged in the second display area displays a bright state, it means that there is a crack in the periphery of the second display area.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner, judging whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process according to the first resistance value includes:

[0040] When the first resistance value is greater than a first preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has a crack during the second detection process;

[0041] When the first resistance value is less than the first preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has no cracks during the second detection process.

[0042] In a possible implementation, during the first detection process, the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, a second resistance value between the first test line and the second test line is tested, and whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process is determined according to the second resistance value.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, judging whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process according to the second resistance value includes:

[0044] When the second resistance value is greater than a second preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has a crack during the second detection process;

[0045] When the second resistance value is less than the second preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has no cracks during the second detection process.

[0046] In a possible implementation, a control line is used to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to be turned on, and the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, and whether the display panel has a crack is determined based on whether the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area both display a bright state.

[0047] In a possible implementation, judging whether the display panel has a crack according to whether both the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area display a bright state includes:

[0048] When both the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area are in a bright state, determining that the display panel has a crack;

[0049] When both the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area display a dark state, it is determined that the display panel has no cracks.

[0050] In a possible implementation, during the second detection process, a control line is used to control the first and second detection switches to be turned on, a fourth detection signal is input through the first input pad, and the second input pad has no input signal. Based on the display state of the first display area, it is determined whether there are cracks on the periphery of the first display area, and based on the display state of the second display area, it is determined whether there are cracks on the periphery of the second display area.

[0051] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display device, comprising a display panel as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0052] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application:

[0053] The embodiment of the present application provides a display panel and a crack detection method and a display device thereof, wherein the display panel comprises: a substrate, the substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; a plurality of sub-pixels, located in the display area; a plurality of data lines, located in the display area and the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the plurality of sub-pixels; a crack detection line, located in the peripheral area and at least partially surrounding the display area; at least one detection switch and a control line, located in the peripheral area, the control line connected to the gate of the at least one detection switch, the crack detection line connected to the second pole of the at least one detection switch, and at least one of the plurality of data lines connected to the first pole of the at least one detection switch. The crack detection line is arranged in the peripheral area, and the crack detection line is connected to the sub-pixel through the data line. When there is a crack in the peripheral area, the crack detection line will be broken, thereby affecting the display state of the sub-pixel, and crack detection of the display panel can be realized.

[0054] Of course, implementing any product or method of the present application does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other embodiments can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0056] Figure 1a This is a first schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 1b A second schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 1c A third schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 2 A fourth schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 3 A fifth schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a sixth schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is an eighth schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 6This is a first schematic diagram of a crack detection method for a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of a crack detection method for a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the present application belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0066] PCD (panel crack detection) detection is an effective means of detecting cracks around display panels and is widely used in the actual manufacturing process of display panels. In order to detect whether there are cracks on the display panel, the embodiment of the present application provides a display panel, see Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c , the display panel comprises: a base substrate, the base substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area;

[0067] A plurality of sub-pixels 101, located in the display area;

[0068] A plurality of data lines 102, located in the display area and the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the plurality of sub-pixels;

[0069] a crack detection line 103, located in the peripheral area and at least partially surrounding the display area;

[0070] At least one detection switch 104 and a control line 105 are located in the peripheral area, the control line is connected to the gate of the at least one detection switch, the crack detection line is connected to the second electrode of the at least one detection switch, and at least one data line among the multiple data lines is connected to the first electrode of the at least one detection switch.

[0071] In an embodiment of the present application, the control line 105 is connected to the gate of at least one detection switch 104 , and different signals input through the control line 105 control the switching state of at least one detection switch 104 , thereby controlling the signal on the crack detection line 103 to enter the sub-pixel 101 through the data line 102 .

[0072] In one example, the detection switch can be a P-type thin film transistor or an N-type thin film transistor. By inputting different control signals into the gate of the P-type thin film transistor or the N-type thin film transistor, the on or off state of the P-type thin film transistor or the N-type thin film transistor is controlled, thereby realizing the function of the switch, which is used to input the signal on the crack detection line into the sub-pixel. In a possible embodiment, the detection switch can also be an electronic switch. In actual application, the user can choose according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit the specific type of the detection switch.

[0073] During the manufacturing process of the display panel, metal windings are usually drawn on both sides of the display panel to detect whether there are cracks on the edges of the display panel during the test process, which are called crack detection lines. The crack detection lines in the embodiments of the present application are located in the peripheral area and at least partially surround the display area. The present application does not limit the winding method and form of the crack detection line around the display area. It is understandable that the crack detection lines in the drawings of the present application are only for illustration and are not used to limit the winding method of the crack detection line.

[0074] In an example, Figure 1a As shown, each data line is connected to the crack detection line. In one example, Figure 1b As shown in FIG. 1 , only a portion of the data lines are connected to the crack detection line. Different data line connection methods result in different sub-pixels displayed during crack detection, which can be customized according to actual conditions. In an example, Figure 1c As shown, the crack detection line is located in the peripheral area and at least partially surrounds the display area. The figure only shows one winding method of the crack detection line.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present application, a crack detection line is arranged in the peripheral area, and the crack detection line is connected to the sub-pixel through the data line. When there is a crack in the peripheral area, the crack detection line will be broken, thereby affecting the display state of the sub-pixel, thereby realizing crack detection of the display panel.

[0076] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 , the crack detection line 103 includes a first crack detection line 1031, a second crack detection line 1032 and a third crack detection line 1033;

[0077] The second crack detection line is located at a side closer to the display area than the first crack detection line and the third crack detection line, and the second crack detection line is connected to one end of the first crack detection line and the third crack detection line respectively.

[0078] The crack detection line is divided into three parts, namely, a first crack detection line, a second crack detection line, and a third crack detection line. By connecting each crack detection line with a different signal or device, crack detection on the display panel is achieved according to different connection methods.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, the crack detection line is divided into three parts, wherein each crack detection line can be connected to different signals or devices, and crack detection on the display panel is implemented according to different connection modes.

[0080] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 , the display panel further includes: a first test pad 201 and a second test pad 202, wherein the first test pad 201 and the second test pad 202 are located in the peripheral area;

[0081] The first test pad 201 and the second test pad 202 are configured to be electrically connected to the external control chip 205 , the other end of the first crack detection line 1031 is connected to the first test pad 201 , and the other end of the third crack detection line 1033 is connected to the second test pad 202 .

[0082] The control chip is used to output a detection signal, which flows into the first crack detection line through the first test pad, then flows into the second crack detection line through the first crack detection line, flows into the third crack detection line through the second crack detection line, passes through the second test pad connected to the third crack detection line, and then flows into the control chip. The control chip calculates the resistance value of the loop to determine whether there is a crack on the display panel. This process will be described in detail in the subsequent crack detection method.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present application, the first test pad, the second test pad and the control chip form a loop that can be used to implement crack detection on the display panel.

[0084] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 , the display panel further includes: a first input pad 203 and a second input pad 204, the first input pad 203 and the second input pad 204 are located at a side of the first test pad 201 and the second test pad 202 away from the display area;

[0085] The first input pad 203 and the second input pad 204 are configured to be connected to an external circuit board 206 , the first input pad 203 is connected to the first test pad 201 , and the second input pad 204 is connected to the second test pad 202 .

[0086] In one example, the external circuit board 206 in the embodiment of the present application may be a FPC (Flexible printed circuit).

[0087] The first input pad and the second input pad are configured to be connected to the external circuit board, the first input pad is connected to the first test pad, and the second input pad is connected to the second test pad. The signal of the first input pad 203 is introduced by the external circuit board 206, and then transmitted to the first test pad 201 after internal processing by the control chip 205.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present application, the first test pad and the second test pad in the control chip can be externally connected through the first input pad, the second input pad and the external circuit board, which is convenient for testing and short-circuiting during the detection process, and also convenient for accessing external signals, thereby realizing crack detection on the display panel.

[0089] In one possible implementation, see Figure 2 The display panel also includes: a first test line 207 and a second test line 208 located in the peripheral area, the first test line 207 and the second test line 208 are connected to the second crack detection line 1032, and the first test line 207 is located on a side of the first test pad 201 away from the second test pad 202, and the second test line 208 is located on a side of the second test pad 202 away from the first test pad 201.

[0090] The first test line and the second test line are used to access the test signal. Since the first test line and the second test line are connected to the second crack detection line, the display state of the sub-pixel circuit is observed according to the accessed test signal to determine whether there is a crack on the display panel, thereby realizing crack detection on the display panel. This process will be described in detail in the subsequent crack detection method.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, crack detection on the display panel can be achieved by observing the display state of the sub-pixel circuit through the first test line and the second test line according to the connected test signal to determine whether there is a crack on the display panel.

[0092] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 , the plurality of sub-pixels include a first type of sub-pixel 301 and a second type of sub-pixel 302 , and the at least one detection switch 104 includes a plurality of first type of detection switches 1041 and a plurality of second type of detection switches 1042 ;

[0093] The second electrodes of the plurality of first-type detection switches 1041 are connected to the second crack detection line, and the first electrodes of the plurality of first-type detection switches are electrically connected to the first-type sub-pixel circuit through the plurality of data lines;

[0094] The second poles of a part of the multiple second-type detection switches 1042 are connected to the first crack detection line 1031, the second poles of another part of the multiple second-type detection switches 1042 are connected to the third crack detection line 1033, and the first poles of the multiple second-type detection switches are connected to the second-type sub-pixels.

[0095] In the present application, multiple sub-pixels are divided into first-category sub-pixels and second-category sub-pixels. The first poles of multiple first-category detection switches are electrically connected to the first-category sub-pixels, and the first poles of multiple second-category detection switches are connected to the second-category sub-pixels. Whether there are cracks on the display panel can be determined based on the different display states of the sub-pixels.

[0096] See also Figure 3 The second type detection switches 1042 are distributed on the left and right sides of the display panel. The second poles of multiple second type detection switches 1042 on the left side are connected to the first crack detection line, and the second poles of multiple second type detection switches 1042 on the right side are connected to the third crack detection line.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present application, by dividing a plurality of sub-pixels into a first type of sub-pixels and a second type of sub-pixels, connecting the second poles of a plurality of second type detection switches on the left side to the first crack detection line, and connecting the second poles of a plurality of second type detection switches on the right side to the third crack detection line, it is possible to determine whether there are cracks on the left and right sides of the display panel by observing the display states of the sub-pixel circuits on the left and right sides.

[0098] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 The display panel also includes a plurality of third test pads 303, which are located on a side of the first test pad 201 and the second test pad 202 away from the display area, and the control line 105, the first test line 207, and the second test line 208 are respectively connected one-to-one with the plurality of third test pads 303.

[0099] In one example, the left control line 105 and the first test line 207 are respectively connected to the two third test pads 303 on the left, and the right control line 105 and the second test line 208 are respectively connected to the two third test pads 303 on the right.

[0100] The third test pad is used to connect to an external device, and input a test signal into the display panel through the external device.

[0101] In a possible implementation, some of the plurality of third test pads are located on a side of the first input pad away from the second input pad, and another part of the plurality of third test pads are located on a side of the second input pad away from the first input pad.

[0102] For an example, see Figure 3 Some of the multiple third test pads are located on a side of the first input pad away from the second input pad (the left side portion of the third test pad 303), and another part of the multiple third test pads are located on a side of the second input pad away from the first input pad (the right side portion of the third test pad 303).

[0103] In a possible implementation, the first type of sub-pixels are red sub-pixels and / or blue sub-pixels, and the second type of sub-pixels are green sub-pixels.

[0104] The embodiments of the present application only provide a preferred embodiment. In one example, the first type of sub-pixel is also a blue sub-pixel and / or a green sub-pixel, and the second type of sub-pixel is a red sub-pixel; the first type of sub-pixel is also a red sub-pixel and / or a green sub-pixel, and the second type of sub-pixel is a blue sub-pixel; the specific connection method can be set according to actual needs or habits, and the present application does not make any specific restrictions.

[0105] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 , the display area includes a first edge 401, a second boundary 402, a third boundary 403 and a fourth boundary 404 in sequence;

[0106] The at least one detection switch 104 is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary 401;

[0107] The second crack detection line 1032 is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary 401, the second boundary 402 and the fourth boundary 404, the first crack detection line 1031 is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary 401, the second boundary 402 and the third boundary 403, and the third crack detection line 1033 is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary 401, the third boundary 403 and the fourth boundary 404;

[0108] One end of the first crack detection line is connected to one end of the second crack detection line, and one end of the third crack detection line is connected to the other end of the second crack detection line.

[0109] In a possible embodiment, the display area includes a first display area and a second display area located on one side of the first display area, the first crack detection line is electrically connected to the first color sub-pixel of the first display area through the at least one detection switch; the third crack detection line is electrically connected to the second color sub-pixel of the second display area through the at least one detection switch, and the first color sub-pixel and the second color sub-pixel are different.

[0110] In the present application, the display area is divided into a first display area and a second display area, and the first crack detection line is electrically connected to the first color sub-pixel of the first display area through at least one detection switch; the third crack detection line is electrically connected to the second color sub-pixel of the second display area through at least one detection switch. Whether there is a crack in the periphery of the first display area is determined based on the color displayed by the first color sub-pixel of the first display area, and whether there is a crack in the periphery of the second display area is determined based on the color displayed by the second color sub-pixel of the second display area.

[0111] In one possible implementation, see Figure 3 , the one end of the first crack detection line is connected to the one end of the second crack detection line after bypassing the outer edge of the first display area of ​​the display panel, the first display area is a part of the display area, and the second type of sub-pixel is arranged in the first display area;

[0112] The one end of the third crack detection line is connected to the other end of the second crack detection line after bypassing the outer edge of the second display area of ​​the display panel. The second display area is another part of the display area, and the second type of sub-pixels are arranged in the second display area.

[0113] In the present application, the display area is divided into a first display area and a second display area, and a second type of sub-pixel is provided in each display area. When the second type of sub-pixel is a green sub-pixel, it is determined that there is a crack in the periphery of the first display area or the second display area in the display panel by the green color displayed by the second type of sub-pixel in the first display area or the second display area.

[0114] The second crack detection line detects whether there is a crack in the peripheral area of ​​the first boundary.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, according to the display state of the second type pixel circuit arranged in the first display area or the second display area, it is indicated whether there is a crack on the peripheral edge of the corresponding side, which can conveniently and intuitively determine the location of the crack.

[0116] In one example, see Figure 4 , wherein a control line (SWD), a first test line (ETPCD1), the second test line (ETPCD2), a first test pad (PCD1), a second test pad (PCD2), a first input pad (PCD1), and a second input pad (PCD2).

[0117] In one example, see Figure 5, can also be used for crack detection of display panels, and can perform bright line detection through SWD, D2, D1 and ETPCD signals. ET (cell test) is used to output SWD, D2, D1 and ETPCD signals, and the MDL cutting line is the cutting line of the mold. Bright line detection is performed through SWD, D2, D1, ETPCD1, and ETPCD1 as input signals, but it requires multiple input signal lines, occupies more FOP (flexible on panel, flexible connection part) pin space, and the routing is complicated.

[0118] In view of the current situation that the FOP (flexible on panel) pin space is insufficient due to the change in the shape of individual display panels, the FOP pin is used to connect the IC (Integrated Circuit) and the FPC (Flexible printed circuit). Figure 5 compared to, Figure 4 The embodiment can simplify the PCD detection method, reduce the number of input signals, make the routing simpler, and release more FOP pin space. Meanwhile, the simple routing can effectively reduce the occurrence of static electricity.

[0119] The present application provides a method for detecting cracks in a display panel. Figure 6 , used to detect any of the above-mentioned display panels, the method comprising:

[0120] S101, in a first detection process, using a control line to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to turn on.

[0121] Usually PCD detection is divided into two test stages: EAC (Even After Cell) detection stage and MDL (module) detection stage. Among them, EAC detection is the back-end process of TSP (Touch Sensor Panel) process. Bright line detection is performed in the EAC detection stage, and resistance detection is performed in the MDL detection stage.

[0122] When the first detection process is EAC detection, the control line SWD is connected to a high level or a low level to control the gates of the first type detection switch and the second type detection switch, so that the first type detection switch and the second type detection switch are in an open state. In an example, see Figure 4 By setting the control line SWD to a low level, both the first type of switches and the second type of switches are controlled to be in an on state.

[0123] S102, using a test line to write a first detection signal into a second pole of a first type detection switch to obtain a display state of a display panel, wherein the display state of the display panel is used to determine whether the display panel has a crack during the first detection process.

[0124] See also Figure 4 The test line ETPCD is connected to the second crack detection line and the second pole of the first type detection switch. The first detection signal can be written into the second end of the first type detection switch through the test line. Since the first type detection switch is in the on state, the first detection signal can be written into the first type sub-pixel of the display panel, and the first detection signal flows into the first crack detection line through the second crack detection line, and then enters the second end of the second type detection switch through the first crack detection line. Since the second type detection switch is in the on state, the first detection signal can be written into the second type sub-pixel of the display panel. Therefore, whether the display panel has cracks during the first detection process can be judged by the display state of the display panel.

[0125] In one possible implementation, see Figure 7 , the above method further comprises:

[0126] S103, in the second detection process, using the first test pad to output a second detection signal, and using the second test pad to receive a third detection signal.

[0127] When the second detection process is MDL detection, the first test pad PCD1 of the control chip is used to output a second detection signal, and the second detection signal flows into the second test pad PCD2 after passing through the first crack detection line, the second crack detection line, and the third crack detection line.

[0128] S104, obtaining a first resistance value according to the second detection signal and the third detection signal.

[0129] The control chip calculates a first resistance value of the outer winding path according to a difference between the second detection signal and the third detection signal.

[0130] S105: Determine whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process according to the first resistance value.

[0131] Whether the display panel has cracks during the second detection process is determined according to the first resistance value.

[0132] Usually PCD detection is divided into two test stages: EAC (Even After Cell) detection stage and MDL (module) detection stage. Among them, EAC detection is the back-end process of TSP (Touch Sensor Panel) process. Bright line detection is performed in the EAC detection stage, and resistance detection is performed in the MDL detection stage.

[0133] In the embodiment of the present application, based on the crack detection method applied to the display panel, it is judged whether the display panel has cracks in the first detection process according to the display state of the display panel, and it is judged whether the display panel has cracks in the second detection process according to the resistance value. The present application simplifies and integrates the first detection process and the second detection process to realize two detection functions, so that the input signal required for PCD detection is less, the wiring is simpler, more FOP pin space can be released, and the occurrence of static electricity can also be reduced.

[0134] In a possible implementation manner, when the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel displays a dark state, it indicates that the display panel has no cracks;

[0135] When the display state of the display panel is that the second type of sub-pixel displays a bright state, it indicates that the display panel has a crack.

[0136] The display state of the display panel is obtained by writing the first detection signal of the test line ETPCD. In one example, see Figure 4 , ETPCD writes a high-level signal, the second ends of the first type of detection switches are all high-level signals, the first sub-pixel displays a dark state, if there is no crack in the outer surrounding wire of the display panel, the high-level signal written by ETPCD passes through the second crack detection line and the first crack detection line and then flows into the second pole of the second type of detection switch, and the second sub-pixel displays a dark state. Therefore, when the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel circuit displays a dark state, it indicates that the display panel has no cracks; if there is a crack in the outer surrounding wire of the display panel, the high-level signal written by ETPCD cannot pass through the second crack detection line and the first crack detection line and then flow into the second pole of the second type of detection switch, the second sub-pixel cannot receive the high-level signal, and the second sub-pixel circuit displays a bright state. Therefore, when the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel circuit displays a bright state, it indicates that the display panel has a crack.

[0137] In the embodiment of the present application, whether the display panel has cracks can be intuitively determined according to whether the display state of the display panel is a bright state or a dark state of the second sub-pixel.

[0138] In a possible implementation manner, the method for detecting the above-mentioned display panel, when the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel displays a bright state, indicates that the display panel has a crack, includes:

[0139] When the display state of the display panel is that the second sub-pixel arranged in the first display area displays a bright state, it means that there is a crack in the periphery of the first display area; when the display state of the display panel is that the second type of sub-pixel arranged in the second display area displays a bright state, it means that there is a crack in the periphery of the second display area.

[0140] See also Figure 4 When the second sub-pixel arranged in the first display area displays a bright state, it means that there is a crack in the periphery of the first display area (the left outer surrounding line of the display panel); when the second sub-pixel arranged in the second display area displays a bright state, it means that there is a crack in the periphery of the second display area (the right outer surrounding line of the display panel).

[0141] In the embodiment of the present application, by judging whether there is a crack in the area on the corresponding side according to the bright state displayed by the second sub-pixels arranged in different display areas, the position of the crack can be determined more conveniently.

[0142] In a possible implementation manner, judging whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process according to the first resistance value includes:

[0143] When the first resistance value is greater than a first preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has a crack during the second detection process;

[0144] When the first resistance value is less than the first preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has no cracks during the second detection process.

[0145] In the second detection process, the first test pad PCD1 of the control chip is used to output the second detection signal, and the second detection signal flows into the second test pad PCD2 through the first crack detection line, the second crack detection line, and the third crack detection line. The second detection signal is output through PCD1, and the PCD2 on the other side receives the third detection signal. If the outer surrounding of the display panel has a crack, the resistance on the path through which the second detection signal flows is greater than the first preset resistance value, and it is determined that the display panel has a crack in the second detection process; if the outer surrounding of the display panel has no crack, the resistance on the path through which the second detection signal flows is less than the first preset resistance value, and it is determined that the display panel has no crack in the second detection process. Among them, the specific value of the first preset resistance value can be determined according to the limit value of the display panel tested in the actual detection process to characterize whether the display panel has a crack. For example, the first preset resistance value is 100 ohms. When the resistance value is 500 ohms, because 500 ohms is greater than 100 ohms, it is determined that the display panel has a crack in the second detection process; when the resistance value is 20 ohms, because 20 ohms is less than 100 ohms, it is determined that the display panel has no crack in the second detection process.

[0146] In the implementation of the present application, whether there is a crack in the display panel during the second detection process can be determined by comparing the first resistance value with the first preset resistance value.

[0147] In a possible implementation, during the first detection process, the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, a second resistance value between the first test line and the second test line is tested, and whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process is determined according to the second resistance value.

[0148] The conduction method may be any method that can achieve physical conduction, such as short-circuiting with a wire.

[0149] See also Figure 4 When the first test pad PCD1 and the second test pad PCD2 are controlled to be turned on, when the second resistance value between the first test line ETPCD1 and the second test line ETPCD2 is tested, a first loop (ETPCD1→second crack detection line→ETPCD2) and a second loop (ETPCD1→first crack detection line→PCD1→PCD2→third crack detection line→ETPCD2) are formed between ETPCD1 and ETPCD2. Based on the two loops, it is determined whether the display panel has cracks during the second detection process according to the tested second resistance value.

[0150] In a possible implementation manner, judging whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process according to the second resistance value includes:

[0151] When the second resistance value is greater than a second preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has a crack during the second detection process;

[0152] When the second resistance value is less than the second preset resistance value, it is determined that the display panel has no cracks during the second detection process.

[0153] When the display panel has cracks during the second detection process, the resistance value of one of the loops will increase, and the second resistance value obtained by the test will be relatively large; when the display panel has no cracks during the second detection process, the resistance values ​​of the two loops are relatively small, and the second resistance value obtained by the test will be relatively small. Therefore, it can be judged whether the display panel has cracks during the second detection process based on the second resistance value. The method for comparing the second resistance value with the second preset resistance value in the embodiment of the present application is the same as that in the above embodiment, and will not be described in detail.

[0154] In a possible implementation, a control line is used to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to be turned on, and the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, and whether the display panel has a crack is determined based on whether the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area both display a bright state.

[0155] See also Figure 4When the control line is used to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to be turned on, and the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, when the second resistance value between the first test line ETPCD1 and the second test line ETPCD2 is tested, the test signal will pass through the second loop, and whether the display panel has a crack can be judged based on whether the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area both display a bright state.

[0156] In a possible implementation, judging whether the display panel has a crack according to whether both the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area display a bright state includes:

[0157] When both the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area are in a bright state, determining that the display panel has a crack;

[0158] When both the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area display a dark state, it is determined that the display panel has no cracks.

[0159] See also Figure 4 , when the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch are turned on by the control line, and the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, when the second resistance value between the first test line ETPCD1 and the second test line ETPCD2 is tested, the test signal will pass through the second loop, and when the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area are both bright, when the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection are PMOS switches, it indicates that the first display area and the second sub-pixel in the first display area have not received the signal, and it is determined that the display panel has a crack. On the contrary, it is determined that the display panel has no crack. When the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch are turned on by the control line, and the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be non-conductive, that is, it is the bright line detection (EAC detection) method in the above embodiment: in the first detection process, the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch are controlled to be turned on by the control line; the first detection signal is written into the second pole of the first type of detection switch by the test line to obtain the display state of the display panel, wherein the display state of the display panel is used to determine whether the display panel has a crack in the first detection process.

[0160] In the implementation of this application, EAC detection and MDL detection can be performed, that is, bright line detection and resistance detection are compatible, the detection accuracy is improved, and crack detection is achieved.

[0161] In a possible implementation, during the second detection process, a control line is used to control the first and second detection switches to be turned on, a fourth detection signal is input through the first input pad, and the second input pad has no input signal. Based on the display state of the first display area, it is determined whether there are cracks on the periphery of the first display area, and based on the display state of the second display area, it is determined whether there are cracks on the periphery of the second display area.

[0162] When the first and second detection switches are turned on, the display of the display panel is different according to the different levels of the detection signals input by PCD1 and PCD2. According to the display state of the display panel, it is determined whether there is a crack on the periphery of the display area.

[0163] In one example, see Figure 4 , when the first type detection switch and the second type detection are PMOS switches, when the data line connected to the sub-pixel receives a high-level signal, the sub-pixel displays a dark state; when the data line connected to the sub-pixel does not receive a high-level signal, the sub-pixel displays a bright state. When the first input pad inputs a high-level signal and the second input pad has no input signal, the second type of sub-pixel in the first display area can receive the high-level signal input by the first input pad, and the second type of sub-pixel displays a dark state, that is, three dark lines will appear in the first display area ( Figure 4 Only three data lines corresponding to the second type of sub-pixels are schematically shown in the figure). If there is a crack on the periphery of the first display area, at this time, the high-level signal input by the first input pad cannot flow through the loop (PCD1→first crack detection line→second crack detection line) into all the first type of sub-pixels in the first display area, then all the first type of sub-pixels in the first display area cannot receive the high-level signal, and all the first type of sub-pixels in the first display area display a bright state; similarly, if there is a crack on the periphery of the second display area, the high-level signal cannot flow through the loop (PCD1→first crack detection line→second crack detection line→third crack detection line) into the second type of sub-pixels in the second display area. At this time, the second type of sub-pixels in the second display area cannot receive the high-level signal, and the second type of sub-pixels in the second display area display a bright state, that is, three bright lines will appear in the second display area ( Figure 4 Only three data lines corresponding to the second type of sub-pixels are schematically shown in the figure). Since all the first type of sub-pixels in the second display area can receive high-level signals, all the first type of sub-pixels in the second display area display a dark state. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether there is a crack on the periphery of the display area according to the display state of the display panel.

[0164] When the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch are closed, the resistance detection (MDL detection) method in the above embodiment is as follows: in the second detection process, the first test pad is used to output a second detection signal, and the second test pad is used to receive a third detection signal; according to the second detection signal and the third detection signal, a first resistance value is obtained; according to the first resistance value, it is determined whether the display panel has a crack during the second detection process.

[0165] In the implementation of this application, EAC detection and MDL detection can be performed, that is, bright line detection and resistance detection are compatible, the detection accuracy is improved, and crack detection is achieved.

[0166] An embodiment of the present application provides a display device, comprising any of the display panels described above.

[0167] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0168] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a related manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0169] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application are included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: The display panel comprises: a base substrate, the base substrate comprising a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; A plurality of sub-pixels are located in the display area, and the plurality of sub-pixels include first-type sub-pixels and second-type sub-pixels; a plurality of data lines, located in the display area and the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the plurality of sub-pixels; A crack detection line located in the peripheral area and at least partially surrounding the display area; the crack detection line includes a first crack detection line, a second crack detection line and a third crack detection line; the second crack detection line is located on a side closer to the display area than the first crack detection line and the third crack detection line, and the second crack detection line is connected to one end of the first crack detection line and the third crack detection line respectively; At least one detection switch and a control line are located in the peripheral area, the control line is connected to the gate of the at least one detection switch, the at least one detection switch includes a plurality of first-type detection switches and a plurality of second-type detection switches; the second poles of the plurality of first-type detection switches are connected to the second crack detection line, and the first poles of the plurality of first-type detection switches are electrically connected to the first-type sub-pixel circuit through the plurality of data lines; the second poles of a part of the plurality of second-type detection switches are connected to the first crack detection line, the second poles of another part of the plurality of second-type detection switches are connected to the third crack detection line, and the first poles of the plurality of second-type detection switches are connected to the second-type sub-pixels.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel further includes: a first test pad and a second test pad, wherein the first test pad and the second test pad are located in the peripheral area; The first test pad and the second test pad are configured to be electrically connected to an external control chip, the other end of the first crack detection line is connected to the first test pad, and the other end of the third crack detection line is connected to the second test pad.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The display panel further includes: a first input pad and a second input pad, wherein the first input pad and the second input pad are located at a side of the first test pad and the second test pad away from the display area; The first input pad and the second input pad are configured to be connected to an external circuit board, the first input pad is connected to the first test pad, and the second input pad is connected to the second test pad.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The display panel also includes: a first test line and a second test line located in the peripheral area, the first test line and the second test line are connected to the second crack detection line, and the first test line is located on a side of the first test pad away from the second test pad, and the second test line is located on a side of the second test pad away from the first test pad.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a plurality of third test pads located on a side of the first test pad and the second test pad away from the display area, and the control line, the first test line, and the second test line are respectively connected one-to-one with the plurality of third test pads.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that: Some of the third test pads are located on a side of the first input pad away from the second input pad, and another part of the third test pads are located on a side of the second input pad away from the first input pad.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first type of sub-pixels are red sub-pixels and / or blue sub-pixels, and the second type of sub-pixels are green sub-pixels.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display area includes a first boundary, a second boundary, a third boundary and a fourth boundary in sequence; The at least one detection switch is located in the peripheral area near the first boundary; The second crack detection line is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary, the second boundary and the fourth boundary, the first crack detection line is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary, the second boundary and the third boundary, and the third crack detection line is located in the peripheral area close to the first boundary, the third boundary and the fourth boundary; One end of the first crack detection line is connected to one end of the second crack detection line, and one end of the third crack detection line is connected to the other end of the second crack detection line.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that: The display area includes a first display area and a second display area located on one side of the first display area, the first crack detection line is electrically connected to the first color sub-pixel of the first display area through the at least one detection switch; the third crack detection line is electrically connected to the second color sub-pixel of the second display area through the at least one detection switch, and the first color sub-pixel and the second color sub-pixel are different.

10. A method for detecting cracks in a display panel, characterized in that: Used to detect the display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: In the first detection process, the control line is used to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to be turned on; The first detection signal is written into the second pole of the first type detection switch by using the test line to obtain the display state of the display panel, wherein the display state of the display panel is used to determine whether the display panel has a crack during the first detection process.

11. The crack detection method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In the second detection process, the first test pad is used to output a second detection signal, and the second test pad is used to receive a third detection signal; Obtaining a first resistance value according to the second detection signal and the third detection signal; Whether the display panel has cracks during the second detection process is determined according to the first resistance value.

12. The crack detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The method comprises: In the first detection process, the first test pad and the second test pad are controlled to be turned on, a second resistance value between the first test line and the second test line is tested, and whether the display panel has cracks in the second detection process is determined according to the second resistance value.

13. The crack detection method according to claim 11, characterized in that: In the second detection process, the control line is used to control the first type of detection switch and the second type of detection switch to be turned on, the fourth detection signal is input through the first input pad, and the second input pad has no input signal. According to the display state of the first display area, it is judged whether there are cracks on the periphery of the first display area, and according to the display state of the second display area, it is judged whether there are cracks on the periphery of the second display area.

14. A display device, characterized in that: Comprising the display panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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