Liquid crystal handwriting board, preparation method thereof and handwriting device

Abstract

The application discloses a liquid crystal handwriting board and a preparation method and a handwriting device thereof, and relates to the technical field of display. The first substrate of the liquid crystal handwriting board comprises a plurality of transistors, and the distance between two transistors arranged along a first direction is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting board, so that the number of transistors per unit area in the first direction can be increased. Furthermore, the transistors close to each other in the first direction can jointly share static electricity, the amount of static electricity charges received by a single transistor is reduced, and the probability of static breakdown of the transistor is reduced, so that the erasing effect of the liquid crystal handwriting board on handwriting traces is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a liquid crystal handwriting tablet and its preparation method and handwriting device. Background Technology

[0002] A handwriting tablet is an electronic device used for writing and drawing. Among them, LCD handwriting tablets have the advantages of low power consumption and clear handwriting, and their application has become increasingly widespread in recent years.

[0003] In related technologies, a liquid crystal writing tablet typically includes: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate may include: a first substrate, and multiple thin-film transistors (TFTs) and multiple control electrodes located on the first substrate, each control electrode being electrically connected to a corresponding TFT. The second substrate may include: a second substrate, and a common electrode located on the second substrate. By controlling the activation of the TFTs in the area to be erased, a voltage difference is formed between the control electrode and the common electrode in the area to be erased, thereby achieving partial erasure of the written handwriting in the area to be erased.

[0004] However, because the channels of TFTs are easily broken down by electrostatic discharge, they can affect the erasing effect of written ink. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a liquid crystal handwriting tablet and its manufacturing method, as well as a handwriting device, which can solve the problem of poor erasing effect of written marks on liquid crystal handwriting tablets in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] On one hand, a liquid crystal writing tablet is provided, the liquid crystal writing tablet comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and a bistable liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate comprising:

[0007] A first substrate, and a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of control electrodes, and a plurality of transistors located on the side of the first substrate near the second substrate;

[0008] Wherein, the first signal line extends along a first direction, and the second signal line extends along a second direction, which is different from the first direction. For each control electrode, the control electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of transistors. The control electrode of the target transistor in the at least one transistor corresponding to the control electrode is electrically connected to a second signal line. The first electrode of the target transistor is electrically connected to a first signal line, and the second electrode of the target transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode. Among the plurality of transistors, there are two transistors arranged along the first direction whose distance is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet.

[0009] Optionally, at least one transistor corresponding to each of the control electrodes includes a first transistor and a second transistor, and the distance between the first transistor and the second transistor corresponding to each of the control electrodes is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet;

[0010] Wherein, the first transistor is the target transistor among at least one transistor corresponding to the control electrode, the control electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to a second signal line, the first electrode of the second transistor is insulated from the first signal line, and the second transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode.

[0011] Optionally, at least one transistor corresponding to each of the control electrodes includes a first transistor and a second transistor, and the distance between the first transistor and the second transistor corresponding to each of the control electrodes is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet;

[0012] Wherein, the second transistor is the target transistor among at least one transistor corresponding to the control electrode, the control electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second signal line, the first electrode of the first transistor is insulated from the first signal line, or the second electrode of the first transistor is insulated from the control electrode.

[0013] Optionally, the first electrode of the second transistor is connected to the first signal line via a connection structure, at least a portion of which is located on the side of the control electrode away from the first substrate.

[0014] Optionally, there is a connection segment between the first electrode of the first transistor and the first signal line, and the distance between the first electrode of the first transistor and the first signal line is greater than the distance between the first electrode of the second transistor and the first signal line.

[0015] Optionally, at least one transistor corresponding to each control electrode includes a first transistor and a second transistor, the distance between the first transistor and the second transistor corresponding to each control electrode is greater than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet, and the distance between the first transistor corresponding to each control electrode and the second transistor corresponding to another control electrode adjacent along the first direction is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet.

[0016] Wherein, the first transistor and the second transistor are both target transistors among at least one transistor corresponding to the control electrode.

[0017] Optionally, each of the control electrodes corresponds to a transistor; the plurality of control electrodes are arranged in an array in the first direction and the second direction, and the plurality of control electrodes form a plurality of first gaps extending along the first direction, and the plurality of first signal lines include a first target first signal line and a second target first signal line located in the same first gap;

[0018] The first target first signal line is electrically connected to the target transistor corresponding to the first column of control electrodes arranged along the first direction; the second target first signal line is electrically connected to the target transistor corresponding to the second column of control electrodes arranged along the first direction, the first column of control electrodes and the second column of control electrodes are two adjacent columns of control electrodes, and the distance between each of the plurality of target transistors electrically connected to the first target first signal line and at least one target transistor electrically connected to the second target first signal line is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet.

[0019] Optionally, the plurality of control electrodes further constitute a plurality of second gaps extending along the second direction, and the plurality of second signal lines include a first target second signal line and a second target second signal line located in the same second gap;

[0020] The distance between the first target transistor and the second target transistor in a plurality of target transistors connected to the first target first signal line is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet. The control electrode connected to the first target transistor and the control electrode connected to the second target transistor are adjacent in the first direction. The first target transistor is electrically connected to the first target second signal line, and the second target transistor is electrically connected to the second target second signal line.

[0021] The distance between the third and fourth target transistors among the plurality of target transistors connected to the first signal line of the second target is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet. The control electrode connected to the third target transistor and the control electrode connected to the fourth target transistor are adjacent in the first direction. The third target transistor is electrically connected to the second signal line of the first target, and the fourth target transistor is electrically connected to the second signal line of the second target.

[0022] Optionally, the plurality of first signal lines constitute a plurality of first signal line groups, and the first signal line group includes at least two first signal lines;

[0023] In this configuration, each of the first signal lines in the first signal line group is electrically connected to the others.

[0024] Optionally, the LCD handwriting tablet includes a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, the peripheral area including a first peripheral sub-area and a second peripheral sub-area disposed opposite to each other;

[0025] The first signal line includes a first end, a second end, and a conductor segment located between the first end and the second end; the first end is located in the first peripheral sub-region, the second end is located in the second peripheral sub-region, and the conductor segment is located in the display area;

[0026] The first ends of each of the first signal lines in the first signal line group are electrically connected to each other.

[0027] And / or, the second ends of each of the first signal lines in the first signal line group are electrically connected to each other.

[0028] Optionally, the liquid crystal handwriting tablet includes a first driver, and the first end of each of the first signal lines is electrically connected to the first driver.

[0029] Optionally, the plurality of second signal lines constitute a plurality of second signal line groups, each second signal line group including at least two second signal lines, and each second signal line in the second signal line group being electrically connected to the others.

[0030] Optionally, the surrounding area further includes a third and a fourth surrounding sub-area arranged opposite to each other; the third surrounding sub-area is arranged adjacent to the first surrounding sub-area.

[0031] The second signal line includes a first end, a second end, and a conductor segment located between the first end and the second end; the first end is located in the third peripheral sub-region, the second end is located in the fourth peripheral sub-region, and the conductor segment is located in the display area;

[0032] The first ends of each of the second signal lines in the second signal line group are electrically connected to each other;

[0033] And / or, the second ends of each of the second signal lines in the second signal line group are electrically connected to each other.

[0034] Optionally, the LCD handwriting tablet includes a second driver, and the first end of each of the second signal lines is electrically connected to the second driver.

[0035] Optionally, the first substrate includes: a gate layer, a first insulating layer, an active layer, a source / drain layer, a second insulating layer, a control electrode layer, a third insulating layer, and a support layer, which are stacked sequentially on the first substrate.

[0036] The gate layer includes at least a control electrode for each transistor; the active layer includes a plurality of active patterns; the source-drain layer includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode for each transistor, the first electrode and the second electrode of each transistor being connected to the same active pattern, and the first electrode and the second electrode of each transistor having a gap that exposes at least a portion of the active pattern; the control electrode layer includes the plurality of control electrodes, and each control electrode is connected to the second electrode of a corresponding target transistor through a via in the second insulating layer; the third insulating layer and the support layer are an integral structure, the support layer including a plurality of support pillars, and the orthographic projection of the plurality of support pillars on the first substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the transistor on the first substrate.

[0037] Optionally, the thickness of the third insulating layer ranges from 0.5 micrometers to 1 micrometer; the thickness of the support layer ranges from 1 micrometer to 1.5 micrometers.

[0038] Optionally, the second substrate includes a second substrate and a common electrode located on one side of the second substrate.

[0039] On the other hand, a method for preparing a liquid crystal handwriting tablet is provided, the method comprising:

[0040] Provide a first substrate;

[0041] A gate thin film is formed on one side of the first substrate, and the gate thin film is patterned using a first mask to form a gate layer;

[0042] A first insulating layer is formed on the side of the gate layer away from the first substrate;

[0043] An active film and a source / drain film are formed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first substrate, and the active film and the source / drain film are patterned using a first halftone mask to form an active layer and a source / drain layer.

[0044] A second insulating film is formed on the side of the source / drain layer away from the first substrate, and the second insulating film is patterned using a second mask to form a second insulating layer;

[0045] A control electrode film is formed on the side of the second insulating layer away from the first substrate, and the control electrode film is patterned using a third mask to form a control electrode layer;

[0046] A third insulating film is formed on the side of the control electrode layer away from the first substrate, and the third insulating film is patterned using a second halftone mask to form a third insulating layer and a support layer, the support layer including a plurality of support pillars;

[0047] Provide a second substrate;

[0048] A common electrode is formed on one side of the second substrate;

[0049] A first substrate consisting of a first substrate and a structure located on the first substrate is disposed in a cell with a second substrate consisting of a second substrate and a structure located on the second substrate, and a bistable liquid crystal layer is filled between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0050] In another aspect, a method for preparing a liquid crystal handwriting tablet is provided, the method comprising:

[0051] A first substrate is obtained, the first substrate comprising: a first substrate, and a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of control electrodes, and a plurality of transistors located on one side of the first substrate; at least one transistor corresponding to each control electrode includes a first transistor and a second transistor, the control electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second signal line, the first electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first signal line, the second electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode, the control electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to a second signal line, the first electrode of the second transistor is insulated from the first signal line, and the second electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode;

[0052] The first substrate after repair is obtained by cutting the first connection point or the second connection point of the first transistor with a laser and connecting the first electrode of the second transistor and a first signal line through a connection structure; wherein, the first connection point is the connection position of the first electrode of the first transistor and the first signal line, and the second connection point is the connection position of the second electrode of the first transistor and the control electrode.

[0053] Obtain a second substrate, the second substrate including a second substrate and a common electrode located on one side of the second substrate;

[0054] The repaired first substrate and the second substrate are assembled together, and a bistable liquid crystal layer is filled between the repaired first substrate and the second substrate.

[0055] In another aspect, a handwriting device is provided, characterized in that the handwriting device includes a writing pen and a liquid crystal writing tablet as described above.

[0056] This application provides a liquid crystal writing tablet and its manufacturing method, as well as a handwriting device. The first substrate of the liquid crystal writing tablet includes a plurality of transistors, in which the distance between two transistors arranged along a first direction is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal writing tablet. Therefore, the number of transistors per unit area in the first direction can be increased. Furthermore, transistors that are close together in the first direction can share static electricity, reducing the amount of static charge on a single transistor, thereby reducing the probability of the transistor being electrostatically damaged and ensuring the erasing effect of the liquid crystal writing tablet on handwriting. Attached Figure Description

[0057] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of a liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of another liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a first substrate provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is a partial top view of another liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a partial top view of another liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 7 This is a partial top view of another liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 8This is a partial top view of another liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 9 This is a partial top view of another liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a support terminal and a sub-pixel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the relationship between thickness and transmittance provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for preparing a liquid crystal handwriting tablet according to an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an active thin film, a connecting thin film, and a source / drain thin film provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an etching source / drain thin film provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an etching connection film and an active film provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of removing photoresist from a semi-transparent area according to an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an etching source / drain thin film provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an etched interconnect film provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the removal of photoresist according to an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 21 This is a flowchart of another method for preparing a liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0079] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] As a type of handwriting tablet, LCD handwriting tablets have advantages such as low power consumption and clear handwriting, and have gained a significant market share in recent years. An LCD handwriting tablet typically includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite each other, and a bistable liquid crystal layer located between the two substrates. The bistable liquid crystal layer contains bistable liquid crystal molecules. These bistable liquid crystal molecules exhibit planar texture (P-state), focal conic texture (FC-state), and hometropic texture (H-state). The P-state and FC-state are stable states that can be maintained without voltage, while the H-state is an unstable state that emerges when a voltage is continuously applied.

[0081] When the LCD writing tablet is subjected to external pressure, the bistable liquid crystal molecules in the bistable liquid crystal layer 300 flip to the P state under the external pressure, which can reflect light of a specific color. The area of ​​the LCD writing tablet subjected to external pressure displays the handwriting. When it is necessary to erase the handwriting, the thin-film transistor in the erasure area is turned on and a source voltage is sent to the thin-film transistor to charge the pixel electrode (control electrode) in the erasure area. This creates a voltage difference between the pixel electrode (control electrode) in the erasure area and the common electrode. Therefore, under the action of this voltage difference, the bistable liquid crystal molecules in the erasure area rearrange to the FC state, which is a scattering state that can reflect the background color of the LCD writing tablet, and the handwriting in the erasure area disappears. At the same time, the control electrode in the non-erasure area is not charged, and the handwriting in the non-erasure area does not change. This allows for the partial erasure of the LCD writing tablet.

[0082] It should be noted that during the actual manufacturing process of the LCD handwriting tablet, the support terminals (PINs) supporting the first substrate on the device may generate static electricity on the substrate of the first substrate (e.g., the first substrate) due to friction when the first substrate is transferred. When the static electricity accumulates to a certain extent, electrostatic breakdown will occur, thereby causing damage to the circuits or devices (e.g., transistors) on the first substrate.

[0083] Furthermore, the pixel density of LCD handwriting tablets in related technologies is typically low, with a small number of pixels per unit area. Assuming a fixed total static electricity, the amount of static electricity distributed to each pixel will increase exponentially, easily leading to electrostatic discharge (ESD) breakdown of the transistor's source and drain, resulting in transistor damage. The main problems caused by transistor damage include the following:

[0084] 1. Accidental erasure: Accidental erasure mainly occurs when partial erasure is required. When the writing in row X, column Y needs to be erased, the driver chip releases an appropriate voltage to the gate line connected to the transistor in row X to turn on the transistor in that row. At the same time, it applies a small voltage to the data line connected to the transistor in column Y to deflect the liquid crystal. Although all the transistors in row X are turned on, only column Y has a current signal, so row X will not be accidentally erased. When there is electrostatic discharge (ESD) between the source and drain of the transistor in column Y, although the transistor in column Y is not turned on, the source and drain will be short-circuited after the ESD. The signal can charge the pixel through the ESD channel, so after the short circuit, the point will become a dark spot, which appears as an erased pixel on a macroscopic scale.

[0085] 2. One-click display turning to dark state: During the detection phase, a large voltage is provided to achieve a transparent display. Even if the source and drain are short-circuited, charging can still be completed, causing the liquid crystal to transition to an unstable transparent state. However, a short circuit between the source and drain will prevent the transistor from turning off, causing voltage to slowly leak into the data lines. At this point, the pixel liquid crystal transitions to a focal cone texture. Macroscopically, this appears as a dark state and cannot be lit.

[0086] 3. By shorting the source and drain of the transistor, the pixel can be displayed normally as a planar texture after pressure writing. However, during partial erasure or one-click erasure, the voltage signal cannot be charged into the pixel, resulting in a macroscopic erase failure.

[0087] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 1 As can be seen, the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10 includes: a first substrate 101 and a second substrate 102 disposed opposite to each other, and a bistable liquid crystal layer 103 located between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102.

[0088] Figure 2 This is a partial top view of a liquid crystal handwriting tablet provided in an embodiment of this application. Combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first substrate 101 includes: a first substrate 1011, and a plurality of first signal lines 1012, a plurality of second signal lines 1013, a plurality of control electrodes 1014, and a plurality of transistors 1015 located on the side of the first substrate 1011 near the second substrate 102.

[0089] Each first signal line 1012 extends along a first direction X, and each second signal line 1013 extends along a second direction Y, where the second direction Y is different from the first direction X. For example, the second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. The first signal line 1012 can be a data line, and the first direction X is the pixel column direction; the second signal line 1013 can be a gate line, and the second direction Y is the pixel row direction.

[0090] For each control electrode 1014, the control electrode 1014 corresponds to at least one transistor 1015 among a plurality of transistors 1015. The control electrode of the target transistor M in the at least one transistor 1015 corresponding to the control electrode 1014 is electrically connected to a second signal line 1013. The first electrode of the target transistor M is electrically connected to a first signal line 1012. The second electrode of the target transistor M is electrically connected to the control electrode 1014.

[0091] Therefore, the second signal line 1013 provides a control signal to the control electrode of the target transistor M, so that the target transistor M is turned on or off based on the control signal. When the target transistor M is in the on state, the first signal line 1012 applies a pixel voltage to the control electrode 1014 electrically connected to the second electrode of the target transistor M through the first electrode of the target transistor M, thereby forming a voltage difference between the control electrode 1014 and the common electrode in the second substrate 102, so as to realize the function of erasing the writing on the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10.

[0092] Specifically, if the transistor 1015 corresponding to the control electrode 1014 includes one transistor 1015, then that one transistor 1015 is the target transistor M. If the transistor 1015 corresponding to the control electrode 1014 includes multiple transistors 1015, then at least one of the multiple transistors 1015 is the target transistor M. This ensures that each control electrode 1014 corresponds to at least one target transistor M, so that the target transistor M can control the pixel voltage applied to the control electrode 1014.

[0093] Because the first signal line 1012 is more prone to static electricity buildup than the second signal line 1013, the first and second electrodes of the transistor 1015 are easily electrostatically broken down. Therefore, the distance between two transistors 1015 arranged along the first direction X among the plurality of transistors 1015 included in the first substrate 101 can be less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10. The distance between two transistors 1015 can be used to represent the width of the gap between the two transistors 1015. The width of a sub-pixel can refer to the smaller of the lengths of the pixel along the first direction X or the second direction Y. When the lengths of the sub-pixel along the first direction X and the second direction Y are equal, the width of the sub-pixel is the length along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The smaller distance between two transistors 1015 arranged along the first direction X allows for an increase in the number of transistors 1015 per unit area in the first direction X. This allows two transistors 1015 that are close to each other in the first direction X to share the static electricity, reducing the amount of static charge on a single transistor 1015, thereby reducing the probability of the transistor 1015 being electrostatically damaged, ensuring the normal turn-on or turn-off of the transistor 1015, and ensuring the normal use of the LCD handwriting tablet 10.

[0094] Wherein, two transistors 1015 whose distance in the first direction X is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel can correspond to the same control electrode 1014 or to different control electrodes 1014 (for example, to two adjacent control electrodes 1014 respectively). This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0095] In summary, this application provides a liquid crystal writing tablet. The first substrate of the liquid crystal writing tablet includes a plurality of transistors, in which the distance between two transistors arranged along a first direction is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal writing tablet. Therefore, the number of transistors per unit area in the first direction can be increased. Furthermore, this allows transistors that are close together in the first direction to share static electricity, reducing the amount of static charge on a single transistor, thereby reducing the probability of the transistor being electrostatically damaged and ensuring the erasing effect of the liquid crystal writing tablet on handwriting.

[0096] Optionally, the first substrate 1011 can be a rigid substrate, such as glass or silicon.

[0097] As the first optional implementation, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each control electrode 1014 corresponds to at least one transistor 1015, which includes a first transistor 1015a and a second transistor 1015b. The distance between the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b corresponding to each control electrode 1014 is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel. For example, the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b corresponding to each control electrode 1014 are located at the lower left corner of the control electrode 1014.

[0098] Optionally, during the fabrication of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10, the control electrode of the first transistor 1015a corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected to the second signal line 1013, the first electrode can be electrically connected to the first signal line 1012, and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the control electrode 1014. Furthermore, the control electrode of the second transistor 1015b corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected to the second signal line 1013, the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b can be insulated from the first signal line 1012 (i.e., the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b is not connected to the first signal line 1012), and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the control electrode 1014. This second transistor 1015b can serve as a backup transistor for the first transistor 1015a.

[0099] If, during the testing phase, the first substrate 101 of the LCD handwriting tablet 10 detects that the first transistor 1015a has not been electrostatically broken down, then the first transistor 1015a can be used as the target transistor M to apply pixel voltage to the control electrode 1014.

[0100] If, during the testing phase, the first substrate 101 of the LCD handwriting tablet 10 detects that the first transistor 1015a has been electrostatically damaged, the first electrode of the first transistor can be insulated from the first signal line, or the second electrode of the first transistor can be insulated from the control electrode. For example, the first or second connection point of the first transistor 1015a can be laser-cut. The first connection point is where the first transistor 1015a connects to the first signal line 1012, and the second connection point is where the second electrode of the first transistor 1015a connects to the control electrode 1014. Then, the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b is connected to the first signal line 1012 to replace the damaged first transistor 1015a. In this case, the second transistor 1015b can serve as the target transistor M to apply a pixel voltage to the control electrode 1014.

[0101] Because the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b is insulated from the first signal line 1012 during the fabrication process, and when electrostatic breakdown of the first transistor 1015a is detected (Arrey test), all the film layers in the first substrate 101 have been fabricated. Therefore, the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b and the first signal line 1012 can be connected through the connection structure N. (Reference) Figure 4 At least a portion of the connection structure N is located on the side of the control electrode 1014 away from the first substrate 1011, and one end of the connection structure N passes through the vias of each film layer and is connected to the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b, while the other end passes through the vias of each film layer and is connected to the first signal line 1012. Optionally, the material of the connection structure N can be a metal; for example, the material of the connection structure N can be tungsten powder.

[0102] In the embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 A connection segment L is provided between the first electrode of the first transistor 1015a and the first signal line 1012. The distance between the first electrode of the first transistor 1015a and the first signal line 1012 is greater than the distance between the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b and the first signal line 1012.

[0103] Therefore, since the distance between the first electrode of the first transistor 1015a and the first signal line 1012 is relatively large, it is convenient to place a cutting tool at this location if the first transistor 1015a is damaged. This further enables laser cutting of the connection segment L between the first electrode of the first transistor 1015a and the first signal line 1012. Simultaneously, since the distance between the first electrode of the second transistor 1015b and the first signal line 1012 is relatively small, after laser cutting the first transistor 1015a, it is convenient to connect the second transistor 1015b and the first signal line 1012 via the connection structure N, thereby enabling control of the pixel voltage in the control electrode 1014 through the second transistor 1015b.

[0104] It should be noted that during the fabrication of the first substrate 101 of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10, the control electrode of the first transistor 1015a corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected to the second signal line 1013, the first electrode and the first signal line 1012 can be electrically connected, and the second electrode and the control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected. Furthermore, the control electrode of the second transistor 1015b corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected to the second signal line 1013, the first electrode and the first signal line 1012 can be connected, and the second electrode and the control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected. That is, both the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b are used as target transistors M. If, during the testing phase, the first substrate 101 of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10 detects that the first transistor 1015a or the second transistor 1015b is electrostatically broken down, the electrostatically broken transistor can be cut off by laser, and the other transistor that is not electrostatically broken down can be used normally as the target transistor M.

[0105] In this implementation, the second transistor 1015b is used as a backup transistor so that, in the event of failure of the first transistor 1015a, the second transistor 1015b can be used to erase the writing on the LCD handwriting tablet 10. This ensures the reliability of the LCD handwriting tablet 10.

[0106] As a second optional implementation, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each control electrode 1014 corresponds to at least one transistor 1015, including a first transistor 1015a and a second transistor 1015b. The distance between the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b corresponding to each control electrode 1014 is greater than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel, and the distance between the first transistor 1015a corresponding to each control electrode 1014 and the second transistor 1015b corresponding to another adjacent control electrode 1014 along the first direction X is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel. That is, in this implementation, two transistors 1015 with a smaller distance can correspond to different control electrodes 1014.

[0107] Optionally, the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b are both target transistors M in at least one of the transistors 1015 corresponding to the control electrode 1014. That is, during the fabrication of the first substrate 101 of the liquid crystal writing tablet 10, the control electrode of the first transistor 1015a corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected to the second signal line 1013, the first electrode can be electrically connected to the first signal line 1012, and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the control electrode 1014. Furthermore, the control electrode of the second transistor 1015b corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can be electrically connected to the second signal line 1013, the first electrode can be electrically connected to the first signal line 1012, and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the control electrode 1014.

[0108] During the testing phase of the first substrate 101 of the LCD handwriting tablet 10, if it is detected that neither the first transistor 1015a nor the second transistor 1015b has been electrostatically broken down, then the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b can jointly serve as the target transistor M to apply pixel voltage to the control electrode 1014. Furthermore, the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b can be turned on and off simultaneously.

[0109] During the testing phase of the first substrate 101 of the LCD handwriting tablet 10, if the first transistor 1015a or the second transistor 1015b is detected to be electrostatically broken down, the electrostatically broken transistor 1015 can be cut off by laser, and the other transistor 1015 that is not electrostatically broken down can be used normally as the target transistor M.

[0110] In this implementation, by making both the first transistor 1015a and the second transistor 1015b corresponding to the control electrode 1014 target transistors M, dual protection is achieved for applying pixel voltage to the control electrode 1014. If one transistor 1015 is damaged, it can be removed by laser. Simultaneously, the other undamaged transistor 1015 can function normally to enable the erasure function of the writing on the LCD handwriting tablet 10, ensuring the reliability of the LCD handwriting tablet 10.

[0111] refer to Figure 6 In this implementation, the second signal line 1013 includes not only a portion extending along the second direction Y, but also a portion extending along the first direction X, so that the control electrode of the first transistor 1015a can be electrically connected to the portion of the second signal line 1013 extending along the first direction X, thereby controlling the signal. Figure 6 The portion of the second signal line 1013 extending along the first direction X is positioned below the first signal line 1012.

[0112] It should be noted that in the first and second implementations, since each control electrode 1014 corresponds to two transistors (first transistor 1015a and second transistor 1015b), the number of transistors per unit area is larger, thus increasing the transistor density. Consequently, the two transistors corresponding to each control electrode 1014 can share the static electricity, reducing the amount of static charge on a single transistor and consequently reducing the probability of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

[0113] Furthermore, even if no two transistors arranged along the first direction X have a distance less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel, the transistor density per unit area is not affected, and therefore the effect of distributing static electricity among the transistors is not affected. In other words, in both the first and second implementations, since each control electrode 1014 corresponds to two transistors, the probability of transistor electrostatic discharge is reduced without being limited by the condition that the distance between two transistors arranged along the first direction X is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel.

[0114] Of course, in the first and second implementations, the distance between two transistors arranged along the first direction X can be less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel, further ensuring the effect of static electricity distribution among the transistors and further reducing the probability of the transistors being electrostatically broken down.

[0115] As a third optional implementation, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each control electrode 1014 corresponds to a transistor 1015. The multiple control electrodes 1014 are arranged in an array in the first direction X and the second direction Y, and the multiple control electrodes 1014 form multiple first gaps extending along the first direction X. The multiple first signal lines 1012 include a first target first signal line 1012a and a second target first signal line 1012b located in the same first gap.

[0116] Specifically, the first target first signal line 1012a is electrically connected to the target transistor M corresponding to the first column of control electrodes arranged along the first direction X, and the second target first signal line 1012b is electrically connected to the target transistor M corresponding to the second column of control electrodes arranged along the first direction X. The first column of control electrodes and the second column of control electrodes are two adjacent columns of control electrodes 1014. The distance between each of the plurality of target transistors M electrically connected to the first target first signal line 1012a, and at least one target transistor M electrically connected to the second target first signal line 1012b, is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel.

[0117] That is, the distance between the target transistors M connected to the adjacent two columns of control electrodes can be small, so that the target transistors M connected to the adjacent two columns of control electrodes can share the static electricity at their respective locations, avoiding the target transistors M from being electrostatically damaged, and ensuring the erasing effect of the writing on the LCD handwriting tablet 10.

[0118] Additionally, refer to Figure 8 The multiple control electrodes 1014 also form multiple second gaps extending along the second direction Y. The multiple second signal lines 1013 include a first target second signal line 1013a and a second target second signal line 1013b located in the same second gap.

[0119] In this configuration, the distance between the first target transistor M and the second target transistor M, which are electrically connected to the first target first signal line 1012a, is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel. The control electrode 1014 electrically connected to the first target transistor M and the control electrode 1014 electrically connected to the second target transistor M are adjacent in the first direction X, and the first target transistor M is electrically connected to the first target signal line, while the second target transistor M is electrically connected to the second target second signal line 1013b. Furthermore, the distance between the third target transistor M and the fourth target transistor M, which are electrically connected to the second target first signal line 1012b, is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel. The control electrode 1014 electrically connected to the third target transistor M and the control electrode 1014 electrically connected to the fourth target transistor M are adjacent in the first direction X, and the third target transistor M is electrically connected to the first target second signal line 1013a, while the fourth target transistor M is electrically connected to the second target second signal line 1013b.

[0120] refer to Figure 8 Not only is the distance between the target transistors M electrically connected to adjacent columns of control electrodes 1014 small, but the distance between the target transistors M electrically connected to adjacent rows of control electrodes 1014 is also small. That is, the target transistors M connected to the four adjacent control electrodes 1014 arranged in two rows and two columns are all located at the center of the area formed by the four adjacent control electrodes 1014. This allows for four target transistors M at that location, increasing the number of transistors 1015 at that location. This, in turn, allows the four target transistors M to share the static electricity at that location, reducing the amount of static charge on a single transistor 1015, preventing the target transistors M from being electrostatically damaged, and ensuring the erasing effect of the writing on the liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10.

[0121] In this embodiment, multiple first signal lines 1012 can constitute multiple first signal line groups A. Each first signal line group A includes at least two first signal lines 1012. The first signal lines 1012 in each first signal line group A are electrically connected to each other. (Reference) Figure 9 The first signal line group A includes three first signal lines 1012.

[0122] The LCD handwriting tablet 10 includes a display area 10a and a peripheral area 10b surrounding the display area 10a. The peripheral area 10b includes a first peripheral sub-area 10b1 and a second peripheral sub-area 10b2 disposed opposite to each other. The first signal line 1012 includes a first end, a second end, and a conductor segment located between the first end and the second end. The first end is located in the first peripheral sub-area 10b1, the second end is located in the second peripheral sub-area 10b2, and the conductor segment is located in the display area 10a. The first ends of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A are electrically connected to each other, and / or, the second ends of each first signal line in the first signal line group A are electrically connected to each other.

[0123] Optionally, the first ends of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A are electrically connected to each other, and the second ends of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A are electrically connected to each other. (See reference) Figure 9 The first signal line group A includes at least two first signal lines 1012, as well as a first connecting segment A1 and a second connecting segment A2. The first end of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A is connected to the first connecting segment A1, and the second end of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A is connected to the second connecting segment A2. That is, the first ends of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A are electrically connected through the first connecting segment A1, and the second ends of each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A are electrically connected through the second connecting segment A2.

[0124] In addition, the LCD handwriting tablet 10 also includes a first driver, and the first end of each first signal line 1012 is electrically connected to the first driver. This allows the first driver to provide a first drive signal to the transistor connected to it via each first signal line 1012. Furthermore, the first driver can provide the same first drive signal to each first signal line 1012 in the first signal line group A.

[0125] In this embodiment, multiple second signal lines 1013 can constitute multiple second signal line groups B. Each second signal line group B includes at least two second signal lines 1013, and the second signal lines 1013 in each second signal line group B are electrically connected to each other. (Reference) Figure 10 The second signal line group B includes three second signal lines 1013.

[0126] Optionally, the peripheral area 10b further includes a third peripheral sub-area 10b3 and a fourth peripheral sub-area 10b4 disposed opposite to each other. The third peripheral sub-area 10b3 and the first peripheral sub-area 10b1 are disposed adjacent to each other. The second signal line 1013 includes a first end, a second end, and a conductive segment located between the first end and the second end. The first end is located in the third peripheral sub-area 10b3, the second end is located in the fourth peripheral sub-area 10b4, and the conductive segment is located in the display area 10a. The first ends of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B are electrically connected to each other, and / or, the second ends of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B are electrically connected to each other.

[0127] Optionally, the first ends of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B are electrically connected to each other, and the second ends of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B are electrically connected to each other. (Reference) Figure 9 In addition to at least two second signal lines 1013, the second signal line group B also includes a third connecting segment B1 and a fourth connecting segment B2. The first end of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B is connected to the third connecting segment B1, and the second end of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B is connected to the fourth connecting segment B2. That is, the first ends of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B are electrically connected through the third connecting segment B1, and the second ends of each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B are electrically connected through the fourth connecting segment B2.

[0128] In addition, the LCD handwriting tablet 10 also includes a second driver, and the first end of each second signal line 1013 is electrically connected to the second driver. This allows the second driver to provide a second drive signal to the transistor connected to it via each second signal line 1013. Furthermore, the second driver can provide the same second drive signal to each second signal line 1013 in the second signal line group B.

[0129] In related technologies, such as Figure 10 The schematic diagram on the right shows that a support terminal (PIN) can cover four sub-pixels (each sub-pixel includes a control electrode and at least one transistor). In the embodiments of this application, by connecting each of the first signal lines 1012 in the first signal line group A in parallel and connecting each of the second signal lines 1013 in the second signal line group B in parallel (for example, 2 rows and 2 columns in parallel, increasing the pixel density by 4 times, or 3 rows and 3 columns in parallel, increasing the pixel density by 9 times), the pixel size can be reduced without changing the number of channels of the first driver and / or the second driver.

[0130] For example, refer to Figure 10The schematic diagram on the left shows that as the pixel size is reduced, the number of sub-pixels that a single support terminal (PIN) can cover increases. Even if static electricity occurs, the static charge on a single support terminal (PIN) is easily distributed to multiple sub-pixels. For each sub-pixel, the static electricity effect is smaller, thereby avoiding damage to the circuits or devices (such as transistors) on the first substrate by static electricity and greatly reducing the probability of electrostatic breakdown.

[0131] In related technologies, the pixel size is 1mm * 1mm. For example, in this embodiment, multiple rows and columns can be arranged side-by-side, thereby reducing the size of a single pixel to (30μm - 50μm) * (30μm - 50μm). Calculations and simulations show that achieving a pixel density of 80 pixels per inch (PPI) or higher can effectively prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) problems; the more parallel connections, the stronger the anti-ESD capability. However, excessively high PPI can lead to other problems, such as increased line breakage due to thin line widths or short circuits due to narrow spacing. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a PPI between 80 and 200. Based on the conversion of this product, a parallel connection of 3 rows and 3 columns to 8 rows and 8 columns is preferred, i.e., 3 data lines (first signal lines) and 3 gate lines (second signal lines) to 8 data lines and 8 gate lines.

[0132] Furthermore, testing revealed that increasing pixel density improves the anti-static capability of the LCD handwriting tablet. For example, previously it could only withstand 4KV to 5KV of static electricity, while after the improvement it can withstand 6KV to 7KV of static electricity.

[0133] refer to Figure 1 The first substrate 101 may include: a gate layer d1, a first insulating layer d2, an active layer d3, a source-drain layer d4, a second insulating layer d5, a control electrode layer d6, a third insulating layer d7, and a support layer d8, which are located on the first substrate 1011 and stacked sequentially.

[0134] Optionally, the first signal line 1012 is a data line, which can be located in the source-drain layer d4. In addition to the data line, the source-drain layer d4 also includes the source and drain of each transistor 1015, which can be the first and second electrodes, respectively. That is, the data line, the source and drain of each transistor 1015 can be made of the same material and fabricated using the same patterning process. Furthermore, the second signal line 1013 is a gate line, which can be located in the gate layer d1. In addition to the gate line, the gate of each transistor 1015 also includes the gate of each transistor 1015, which can be the control electrode of the transistor 1015. That is, the gate line and the gate of each transistor 1015 can be made of the same material and fabricated using the same patterning process.

[0135] Since the solution provided in this application increases the pixel density of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet, the density of signal lines will relatively increase (signal lines are usually made of metal materials), which in turn causes a change in the appearance color of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet. Therefore, the source / drain layer d4 and the gate layer d1 can be fabricated using low-reflectivity materials to reduce the reflectivity of each signal line.

[0136] Optionally, the source / drain layer d4 and the gate layer d1 can be made of a mixture of molybdenum oxide and copper, which can reduce the reflectivity of the source / drain layer d4 and the gate layer d1 to below 5%. Among them, molybdenum oxide is a mature mass-produced process and material, which can be prepared using magnetron sputtering equipment, and the etching solution is compatible with mass-produced solutions, without increasing the usage cost.

[0137] In this embodiment, the active layer d3 includes multiple active patterns. The first and second electrodes of each transistor 1015 are connected to the same active pattern, and each transistor 1015 has a gap between its first and second electrodes, exposing at least a portion of the active pattern. (Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 4 The orthographic projections of each pattern in the source-drain layer d4 onto the first substrate 1011 all lie within the orthographic projections of each pattern in the active layer d3 onto the first substrate 1011. For example, the orthographic projection of the first electrode of transistor 1015 onto the first substrate 1011 lies within the orthographic projection of the active pattern on the first substrate 1011, and the orthographic projection of the second electrode of transistor 1015 onto the first substrate 1011 also lies within the orthographic projection of the active pattern on the first substrate 1011. The orthographic projection of the first signal line 1012 (data line) onto the first substrate 1011 also lies within the orthographic projection of the active pattern on the first substrate 1011.

[0138] The control electrode layer d6 includes a plurality of control electrodes 1014. To control the pixel voltage of the control electrodes 1014 via transistor 1015, each control electrode 1014 is connected to the second electrode of the corresponding target transistor M through a via in the second insulating layer d5. Optionally, the material of the control electrode layer d6 can be a light-transmitting and conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0139] Furthermore, the third insulating layer d7 and the support layer d8 can be an integral structure. That is, the third insulating layer d7 and the support layer d8 can be made of the same material and prepared by the same patterning process.

[0140] Optionally, when preparing the third insulating layer d7, an organic material is first coated on the side of the control electrode layer d6 away from the first substrate 1011, and then a first part d71 and a second part d72 of the third insulating layer d7 are prepared using a halftone mask.

[0141] The coated organic material can be a positive organic film material, its main component being acrylic. The reason for choosing a positive material instead of a negative material is primarily due to: [reference needed]. Figure 11 The exposure curve of negative materials is relatively steep, and the film thickness fluctuates greatly when using halftone masks, which affects the liquid crystal margin of the product.

[0142] refer to Figure 3 The support layer d8 may include multiple support pillars d81, and the orthographic projections of the multiple support pillars d81 on the first substrate 1011 do not overlap with the orthographic projections of the transistor 1015 on the first substrate 1011. Since the film layer is thicker at the locations where the transistor 1015 is designed (requiring the design of the active pattern, source, drain, and gate of the transistor 1015), ensuring that the projections of the support pillars d81 and the transistor 1015 do not overlap results in better uniformity of the film layer thickness in each region. Optionally, the distance between adjacent support pillars d81 ranges from 53 μm to 63 μm, for example, approximately 58 μm.

[0143] It should be noted that the height of the support pillar d81 in the support layer d8 is related to the liquid crystal filling of the liquid crystal layer 103. To ensure sufficient filling space for the liquid crystal, the height of the support pillar d81 needs to be approximately in the range of 1 μm to 1.5 μm, that is, the difference between the upper surface of the third insulating layer d7 and the upper surface of the support pillar d81 should be in the range of 1 μm to 1.5 μm. Furthermore, the thickness of the third insulating layer d7 is related to its protective capability. Generally, the thicker the third insulating layer d7, the stronger its protective capability. However, since the third insulating layer d7 and the support layer d8 are fabricated in one step, a thicker third insulating layer d7 will result in a smaller height of the support pillar d81 in the support layer d8, which cannot meet the requirements for liquid crystal filling. Typically, the thickness of the coated organic material is about 2 μm, meaning the total thickness of the third insulating layer d7 and the support layer d8 is about 2 μm. Therefore, with the height of the support pillar d81 ranging from 1 μm to 1.5 μm, the thickness of the third insulating layer d7 can range from 0.5 μm to 1 μm. Based on past experience, the thickness of the third insulating layer d7 should be above 0.5μm to ensure adequate protection.

[0144] Optionally, to fabricate the aforementioned thickness of the third insulating layer d7 and the support layer d8, the halftone mask selected can have a transmittance of 0% in the area where the support pillar d81 needs to be designed, and a transmittance range of 10% to 20% in the area where the third insulating layer d8 needs to be designed but the support pillar d81 is not designed. Furthermore, in the peripheral bonding area, the insulating layer needs to be removed to expose the bonding pad; therefore, the transmittance of the mask in this area is 100%.

[0145] In this embodiment, the second substrate 102 may include a second substrate 1021 and a common electrode 1022 located on the second substrate 1021. The common electrode 1022 is closer to the first substrate 101 than the second substrate 1021.

[0146] For example, the second substrate 1021 can be a flexible substrate. The material of the flexible substrate can include any one of the following: polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a surface-treated polymer film.

[0147] For example, the material of the common electrode 1022 on the second substrate 1021 includes a light-transmitting conductive material, such as ITO or IZO.

[0148] The aforementioned third insulating layer d7 is located on the side of the control electrode 1014 away from the first substrate 1011. When the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 are arranged opposite each other, foreign objects may appear between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 due to the non-clean environment of the equipment. The third insulating layer d7 can be used to prevent foreign objects located between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102, and to conduct the control electrode 1014 in the first substrate 101 and the common electrode 1022 in the second substrate 102.

[0149] In summary, this application provides a liquid crystal writing tablet. The first substrate of the liquid crystal writing tablet includes a plurality of transistors, in which the distance between two transistors arranged along a first direction is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal writing tablet. Therefore, the number of transistors per unit area in the first direction can be increased. Furthermore, this allows transistors that are close together in the first direction to share static electricity, reducing the amount of static charge on a single transistor, thereby reducing the probability of the transistor being electrostatically damaged and ensuring the erasing effect of the liquid crystal writing tablet on handwriting.

[0150] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating a liquid crystal handwriting tablet according to an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 12 The method may include:

[0151] Step S101: Provide a first substrate.

[0152] In the embodiments of this application, the first substrate 1011 may be a rigid substrate, for example, the first substrate 1011 may be glass or silicon material.

[0153] Step S102: A gate thin film is formed on one side of the first substrate, and the gate thin film is patterned through a first mask to form a gate layer.

[0154] In this embodiment, the patterning process includes photoresist coating, exposure, development, and etching. The gate layer d1 may include the control electrode of each transistor 1015 and various second signal lines 1013.

[0155] Step S103: Form a first insulating layer on the side of the gate layer away from the first substrate.

[0156] Step S104: An active film and a source / drain film are formed on the side of the first insulating layer away from the first substrate, and the active film and the source / drain film are patterned using a first halftone mask to form an active layer and a source / drain layer.

[0157] In this embodiment, after forming the first insulating layer d2, the active layer d3 and the source / drain layer d4 can be formed in a single process. (See reference...) Figures 13 to 19 The process includes: 1. Forming an active film, a connecting film, and source / drain films; 2. Coating photoresist, which includes opaque, transparent, and semi-transparent regions; 3. Etching the source / drain films in the fully transparent regions; 4. Etching the connecting and active films in the fully transparent regions; 5. Removing the photoresist from the semi-transparent regions; 6. Etching the source / drain films in the semi-transparent regions to obtain the source / drain layers; 7. Etching the connecting films in the semi-transparent regions to obtain the connecting layer (the connecting layer can be optional, its function is to improve conductivity, and the connecting layer material can be P-silicon); 8. Removing the photoresist. That is, the active layer d3 and the source / drain layers d4 can be prepared using a single halftone mask.

[0158] The active layer d3 includes multiple active patterns. The source-drain layer d4 includes a first electrode and a second electrode for each transistor 1015, and respective first signal lines 1012. The first electrode and the second electrode of each transistor 1015 are connected to the same active pattern in the active layer d3, and the first electrode and the second electrode of each transistor 1015 have a gap that exposes at least a portion of the active pattern.

[0159] refer to Figure 19For the active layer and source-drain layer prepared by the above method, the orthographic projection of each pattern in the source-drain layer onto the first substrate lies within the orthographic projection of each pattern in the active layer onto the first substrate 1011. For example, the orthographic projection of the first electrode of the transistor onto the first substrate lies within the orthographic projection of the active pattern onto the first substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second electrode of the transistor onto the first substrate lies within the orthographic projection of the active pattern onto the first substrate. Furthermore, in addition to including the first and second electrodes of the transistor, the source-drain layer also includes a first signal line (data line), i.e., a first signal line, and the first and second electrodes of the transistor can be prepared using the same patterning process. The orthographic projection of this first signal line onto the first substrate also lies within the orthographic projection of the active pattern onto the first substrate.

[0160] Step S105: A second insulating film is formed on the side of the source / drain layer away from the first substrate, and the second insulating film is patterned using a second mask to form a second insulating layer.

[0161] The second insulating layer d5 may have a via for providing a second electrode electrical connection between the control electrode 1014 and the transistor 1015.

[0162] Step S106: A control electrode film is formed on the side of the second insulating layer away from the first substrate, and the control electrode film is patterned using a third mask to form a control electrode layer.

[0163] The control electrode layer d6 includes a plurality of control electrodes 1014, each of which is electrically connected to the second electrode of the corresponding target transistor M through a via in the second insulating layer d5.

[0164] Step S107: A third insulating film is formed on the side of the control electrode layer away from the first substrate, and the third insulating film is patterned using a second halftone mask to form a third insulating layer and a support layer.

[0165] In this embodiment, the third insulating layer and the support layer are prepared using a single patterning process, thereby increasing production capacity. The support layer includes multiple support pillars.

[0166] Step S108: Provide a second substrate.

[0167] In this embodiment, the second substrate can be a flexible substrate. The material of the flexible substrate can include any one of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a surface-treated polymer film.

[0168] Step S109: Form a common electrode on the second substrate.

[0169] In the embodiments of this application, the material of the common electrode can be a light-transmitting and conductive material, such as ITO or IZO.

[0170] Step S110: The first substrate and the first substrate formed by the structure on the first substrate are assembled together with the second substrate and the second substrate formed by the structure on the second substrate, and a bistable liquid crystal layer is filled between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0171] It should be noted that the reference Figure 20 The manufacturing process generally includes two stages: a pre-process and a post-process. The pre-process includes: preparation of the first substrate 101, preparation of the second substrate 102, and lamination of the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 into a package. The preparation of the second substrate 102 includes: feeding and cutting, PET film application, screen printing, and flipping. The preparation of the first substrate 101 includes: after the film layer on the first substrate 1011 is prepared (with support pillars), printing flexible liquid, edge sealing, and liquid crystal dispensing. The first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 undergo flexible-to-hard lamination and ultraviolet (UV) curing using a dual-roller system. The post-process includes: cutting, FPC lamination, black film lamination, AG film (protective film) lamination, backplate lamination, and overall assembly.

[0172] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide a method for fabricating a liquid crystal writing tablet that requires only 5 masks. Compared to the existing method that uses 6 masks, this saves one mask and increases production capacity.

[0173] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for fabricating a liquid crystal handwriting tablet according to an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 21 The method includes:

[0174] Step S201: Obtain the first substrate.

[0175] In this embodiment, the first substrate includes: a first substrate, and a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of control electrodes, and a plurality of transistors located on one side of the first substrate. Each control electrode corresponds to at least one transistor, including a first transistor and a second transistor. The control electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to a second signal line, the first electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first signal line, and the second electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode. The control electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to a second signal line, the first electrode of the second transistor is insulated from the first signal line, and the second electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode.

[0176] Step S202: Cut the first connection or the second connection of the first transistor with a laser, and connect the first electrode of the second transistor and a first signal line through a connection structure to obtain the repaired first substrate.

[0177] In this embodiment of the application, if the first substrate 101 of the liquid crystal handwriting board 10 detects that the first transistor is electrostatically broken down (i.e., the first transistor is damaged) during the testing phase, the connection of the first transistor can be directly cut off, and the spare second transistor can be electrically connected to the first signal line.

[0178] The first connection point is the connection between the first electrode of the first transistor and the first signal line, and the second connection point is the connection between the second electrode of the first transistor and the control electrode. During laser cutting, the first connection point can be cut off, or the second connection point can be cut off, or both can be cut off simultaneously.

[0179] Optionally, the second transistor is connected to the first signal line via a connection structure, at least a portion of which is located on the side of the control electrode 1014 away from the first substrate 1011. One end of the connection structure passes through a via in each film layer and connects to the first electrode of the second transistor, while the other end passes through a via in each film layer and connects to the first signal line. For example, the connection structure may be made of tungsten powder.

[0180] Step S203: Obtain the second substrate.

[0181] In this embodiment, the second substrate may include a second substrate and a common electrode located on one side of the second substrate. The second substrate may be a flexible substrate. The material of the flexible substrate may include any one of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a surface-treated polymer soft film. The material of the common electrode may be a light-transmitting and conductive material, such as ITO or IZO.

[0182] Step S204: The first substrate and the second substrate are aligned and a bistable liquid crystal layer is filled between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0183] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal handwriting tablet. This method can replace a damaged first transistor in a first substrate with a spare second transistor, thereby controlling the pixel voltage in the control electrode through the second transistor and ensuring the normal use of the liquid crystal handwriting tablet.

[0184] This application also provides a handwriting device, which includes a writing pen and a liquid crystal handwriting tablet 10 as provided in the above embodiments.

[0185] Since the handwriting device can have essentially the same technical effect as the liquid crystal handwriting tablet described in the previous embodiments, for the sake of brevity, the technical effect of the handwriting device will not be described again here.

[0186] It should be noted that the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings for clarity. Furthermore, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate layers. Additionally, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "below" another element or layer, it can be directly below the other element, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Furthermore, it is also understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers or two elements, it can be the only layer between the two layers or two elements, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Similar reference numerals throughout indicate similar elements.

[0187] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0188] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal handwriting pad, characterized by, The liquid crystal handwriting board comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, and a bistable liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate comprises: a first substrate, and a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of control electrodes, a first transistor and a second transistor corresponding to each control electrode on a side of the first substrate close to the second substrate; the first signal lines extend along a first direction; each control electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding first transistor and second transistor, the control electrode of the first transistor and the second transistor is electrically connected to one of the second signal lines, the first electrode of the first transistor and the second transistor is electrically connected to one of the first signal lines, and the second electrode of the first transistor and the second transistor is electrically connected to the control electrode; the distance between the first transistor and the second transistor corresponding to each control electrode is greater than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting board, and the distance between the first transistor corresponding to each control electrode and the second transistor corresponding to another control electrode adjacent in the first direction is less than 1 / 5 of the width of any sub-pixel of the liquid crystal handwriting board; the control electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected to the part of the second signal line extending along the first direction, and the control electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected to the part of the second signal line extending along a second direction different from the first direction.

2. The liquid crystal handwriting pad according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first signal lines form a plurality of first signal line groups, and each first signal line group comprises at least two first signal lines. Each first signal line in the first signal line group is electrically connected to each other.

3. The liquid crystal handwriting pad of claim 2, wherein, The liquid crystal handwriting board comprises a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, and the peripheral area comprises a first peripheral sub-area and a second peripheral sub-area arranged oppositely; the first signal line comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a wire segment between the first end portion and the second end portion; the first end portion is located in the first peripheral sub-area, the second end portion is located in the second peripheral sub-area, and the wire segment is located in the display area; the first end portions of each first signal line in the first signal line group are electrically connected to each other; and / or, the second end portions of each first signal line in the first signal line group are electrically connected to each other.

4. The liquid crystal handwriting pad of claim 3, wherein, The liquid crystal handwriting board comprises a first driver, and the first end portion of each first signal line is electrically connected to the first driver.

5. The liquid crystal handwriting pad of claim 3, wherein, The plurality of second signal lines form a plurality of second signal line groups, and each second signal line group comprises at least two second signal lines; each second signal line in the second signal line group is electrically connected to each other.

6. The liquid crystal handwriting pad of claim 5, wherein, The peripheral area further comprises a third peripheral sub-area and a fourth peripheral sub-area arranged oppositely; the third peripheral sub-area is arranged adjacent to the first peripheral sub-area; The second signal lines comprise a first end portion, a second end portion, and a wire segment between the first end portion and the second end portion; the first end portion is located in the third peripheral sub-region, the second end portion is located in the fourth peripheral sub-region, and the wire segment is located in the display region; The first end portions of the second signal lines in the second signal line group are electrically connected to each other; And / or, the second end portions of the second signal lines in the second signal line group are electrically connected to each other.

7. The liquid crystal handwriting pad of claim 6, wherein, The liquid crystal handwriting board comprises a second driver, and the first end portion of each second signal line is electrically connected to the second driver.

8. The liquid crystal handwriting pad according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first substrate comprises a gate layer, a first insulating layer, an active layer, a source-drain layer, a second insulating layer, a control electrode layer, a third insulating layer, and a support layer, which are sequentially stacked on the first substrate; The gate layer comprises a control electrode of each transistor; the active layer comprises a plurality of active patterns; the source-drain layer comprises a first electrode and a second electrode of each transistor, the first electrode and the second electrode of each transistor are connected to a same active pattern, and the first electrode and the second electrode of each transistor have a gap, and the gap exposes at least part of the active pattern; the control electrode layer comprises a plurality of control electrodes, and each control electrode is connected to a second electrode of a corresponding target transistor through a via in the second insulating layer; the third insulating layer and the support layer are an integrated structure, the support layer comprises a plurality of support columns, and a projection of the plurality of support columns on the first substrate does not overlap a projection of the transistor on the first substrate.

9. The liquid crystal handwriting pad of claim 8, wherein, The thickness of the third insulating layer ranges from 0.5 microns to 1 micron; and the thickness of the support layer ranges from 1 micron to 1.5 microns.

10. The liquid crystal handwriting pad according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The second substrate comprises a second substrate and a common electrode on one side of the second substrate.

11. A method for preparing a liquid crystal handwriting pad, characterized by, The method is used for preparing the liquid crystal handwriting board as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10; and the method comprises: providing a first substrate; forming a gate thin film on one side of the first substrate, and patterning the gate thin film through a first mask to form a gate layer; forming a first insulating layer on a side of the gate layer away from the first substrate; forming an active thin film and a source-drain thin film on a side of the first insulating layer away from the first substrate, and patterning the active thin film and the source-drain thin film through a first half-tone mask to form an active layer and a source-drain layer; forming a second insulating thin film on a side of the source-drain layer away from the first substrate, and patterning the second insulating thin film through a second mask to form a second insulating layer; forming a control electrode thin film on a side of the second insulating layer away from the first substrate, and patterning the control electrode thin film through a third mask to form a control electrode layer; forming a third insulating thin film on a side of the control electrode layer away from the first substrate, and patterning the third insulating thin film through a second half-tone mask to form a third insulating layer and a support layer, and the support layer comprises a plurality of support columns; providing a second substrate; forming a common electrode on one side of the second substrate; and The first substrate and the structure on the first substrate are arranged in a sandwiched manner with the second substrate and the structure on the second substrate, and a bistable liquid crystal layer is filled between the first substrate and the second substrate.

12. A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal handwriting pad, characterized by, The method is used for preparing the liquid crystal handwriting board according to any one of claims 1 to 10; the method comprises: A first substrate is obtained, and the first substrate comprises a first substrate and a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of control electrodes and a plurality of transistors on one side of the first substrate; each control electrode corresponds to at least one transistor, which comprises a first transistor and a second transistor; the control electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected with one of the second signal lines; the first electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected with one of the first signal lines; the second electrode of the first transistor is electrically connected with the control electrode; the control electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected with one of the second signal lines; the first electrode of the second transistor is arranged in an insulating manner with the first signal line; and the second electrode of the second transistor is electrically connected with the control electrode; The first connection position of the first transistor or the second connection position of the first transistor is cut off by laser, and the first electrode of the second transistor is connected with one of the first signal lines through a connecting structure, so as to obtain a first substrate after maintenance; wherein the first connection position is the connection position of the first electrode of the first transistor and the first signal line, and the second connection position is the connection position of the second electrode of the first transistor and the control electrode; A second substrate is obtained, and the second substrate comprises a second substrate and a common electrode on one side of the second substrate; The first substrate after maintenance and the second substrate are arranged in a sandwiched manner, and a bistable liquid crystal layer is filled between the first substrate after maintenance and the second substrate.

13. A handwriting device, characterized by The handwriting device comprises a writing pen and the liquid crystal handwriting board according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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