Display panel, manufacturing method thereof and display device

By covering the display area, binding area and spacing area of ​​the display panel with a polarizing layer, a flexible circuit board and a protective structure respectively, the problem of short circuit of the touch layer signal line is solved, and the stability and durability of the display panel are improved.

CN116034332BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-21BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180002308.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-08-27
Publication Date
2025-10-21
Estimated Expiration
2041-08-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The touch layer signal lines of the touch screen are prone to short circuits, mainly because the iodine element in the polarizing layer reacts with water vapor in a high temperature and high humidity environment, causing the exposed signal lines to corrode and short circuit.

Method used

The touch layer is covered by making a polarizing layer in the display area, the touch layer is covered by making a flexible circuit board in the binding area, and the touch layer is covered by setting a protective structure in the spacing area, thereby avoiding exposure of the touch layer and preventing iodine and water vapor corrosion.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents short circuits in signal lines, improves the stability and durability of the display panel, and improves performance after environmental reliability tests.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The display panel, the manufacturing method thereof and the display device belong to the technical field of display. The display panel comprises a display substrate, a touch layer, a polarizing layer and a flexible circuit board. The display substrate has a display area, a binding area and a spacing area between the display area and the binding area. The touch layer is located on the surface of the display substrate and is continuously arranged in the display area, the spacing area and at least part of the binding area. The polarizing layer is located on the side of the touch layer away from the display substrate and is arranged in the display area. The flexible circuit board is connected with the touch layer of the binding area and is located on the same surface of the touch layer as the polarizing layer. The protection structure covers the touch layer of the spacing area. The touch layer is covered by the protection structure in the spacing area, so that the whole touch layer has no exposed part, the touch layer is prevented from being corroded, and the signal line short circuit problem of the touch layer is solved.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A touch display panel is a panel that integrates touch and display functions. It consists of a touch screen, a polarizing layer attached to the touch screen surface, and a touch flexible printed circuit (FPC) bonded to the touch screen surface. The FPC and polarizing layer are spaced apart on the touch screen surface. This touch display panel structure is also called a polarizer sensor touch (PST) structure.

[0003] Due to process limitations, after the touch screen and the flexible circuit board are bonded, a portion of the signal line of the touch layer of the touch screen is exposed, which is prone to short circuits. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device, which can solve the problem of short circuit of the signal line of the touch layer and improve the stability of the display panel. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In one aspect, a display panel is provided, comprising:

[0006] A display substrate having a display area, a binding area, and a spacing area between the display area and the binding area;

[0007] a touch layer located on the surface of the display substrate and continuously disposed in the display area, the spacing area and at least a portion of the binding area;

[0008] a polarizing layer, located on a side of the touch layer away from the display substrate and disposed in the display area;

[0009] a flexible circuit board connected to the touch layer in the binding area and located on the same surface of the touch layer as the polarizing layer;

[0010] A protective structure covers the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0011] Optionally, the display panel further includes an adhesive layer located between the polarizing layer and the touch layer, the protective structure includes an adhesive structure, and the adhesive structure and the adhesive layer are integrally formed;

[0012] The covering structure covers the touch layer in the spacing area that is not covered by the adhesive structure.

[0013] Optionally, the display panel further includes:

[0014] Conductive adhesive, located between the flexible circuit board and the touch layer and disposed in the binding area;

[0015] a filling layer located on a side of the flexible circuit board in the binding area away from the display substrate;

[0016] The covering structure is integrally formed with at least one of the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive and the filling layer.

[0017] Optionally, the touch layer includes:

[0018] A touch electrode located in the display area;

[0019] A soldering pad is located in the binding area and is bound to the flexible circuit board through the conductive adhesive;

[0020] and a signal line, at least partially located in the spacing area to connect the touch electrode and the pad, and the signal line in the spacing area is covered by the protection structure.

[0021] Optionally, the conductive adhesive extends from the binding area to the spacing area, and the covering structure and the conductive adhesive are integrally formed;

[0022] The side edge of the conductive adhesive and the side edge of the adhesive structure are connected in the spacing area; or, a portion of the conductive adhesive is overlapped on the adhesive structure.

[0023] Optionally, a width of an overlapping portion of the conductive adhesive and the adhesive structure in the first direction ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm;

[0024] The first direction is an arrangement direction of the display area, the spacing area, and the binding area.

[0025] Optionally, the flexible circuit board includes a metal layer and an insulating film layer located on the surface of the metal layer, the metal layer is bound to the pad of the touch layer in the binding area, the insulating film layer extends from the binding area to the spacing area, the covering structure is integrally formed with the insulating film layer, and a portion of the insulating film layer is superimposed on the adhesive structure.

[0026] Optionally, a width of an overlapping portion of the insulating film layer and the adhesive structure in the first direction ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm;

[0027] The first direction is an arrangement direction of the display area, the spacing area, and the binding area.

[0028] Optionally, in the first direction, a distance between the metal layer and the adhesive structure ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

[0029] Optionally, the filling layer extends from the binding area to the spacing area, the covering structure and the filling layer are integrally formed, and a portion of the filling layer is overlapped on the adhesive structure.

[0030] Optionally, the width of the overlapping portion of the filling layer and the adhesive structure in the first direction ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm;

[0031] The first direction is an arrangement direction of the display area, the spacing area, and the binding area.

[0032] On the other hand, a display device is provided, including a display panel and a power supply component, wherein the display panel is any one of the display panels described above, and the power supply component is used to supply power to the display panel.

[0033] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a display panel is provided, the method comprising:

[0034] A display substrate is provided, wherein the display substrate has a display area, a binding area, and a spacing area between the display area and the binding area;

[0035] A touch layer is formed on the surface of the display substrate, wherein the touch layer is continuously disposed on the display area, the spacing area and at least a portion of the binding area;

[0036] A polarizing layer is formed on the side of the touch layer in the display area away from the display substrate, and a flexible circuit board is formed on the touch layer in the binding area;

[0037] A protective structure of the touch layer covering the spaced area is manufactured in the spaced area.

[0038] Optionally, the protective structure includes a sticky structure and a covering structure, and the step of forming the protective structure of the touch layer covering the spaced area in the spaced area includes:

[0039] Before manufacturing the polarizing layer, manufacturing an integrally formed adhesive layer and adhesive structure on the touch layer;

[0040] A covering structure is fabricated on the touch layer in the spaced area that is not covered by the adhesive structure.

[0041] Optionally, forming a covering structure on the touch layer in the spaced area not covered by the adhesive structure includes:

[0042] Before manufacturing the flexible circuit board, a layer of conductive glue is manufactured on the touch layer in the binding area;

[0043] After manufacturing the flexible circuit board, manufacturing a filling layer on the flexible circuit board in the binding area;

[0044] When manufacturing at least one of the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive and the filling layer, a covering structure integrally formed with the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive and the filling layer is manufactured.

[0045] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure have the following beneficial effects:

[0046] In the disclosed embodiment, a polarizing layer is formed to cover the touch layer in the display area, a flexible circuit board is formed to cover the touch layer in the binding area, and a protective structure is provided to cover the touch layer in the spacing area, thereby ensuring that no part of the entire touch layer is exposed. This prevents iodine and water vapor in the polarizing layer from corroding the exposed touch layer, solves the problem of short circuit of the signal line of the touch layer, and improves the stability of the display panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0048] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a structure in which a signal line is corroded in the related art;

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3 is a top view of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of signal lines of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure after undergoing an environmental reliability test;

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a touch layer provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 7is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 14 is a top view of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0063] Figure 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a display device provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 17 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 18 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure during the manufacturing process;

[0067] Figure 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure during the manufacturing process;

[0068] Figure 21 It is a schematic structural diagram of the display panel provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure during the manufacturing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] In related technologies, the signal lines of the touch layer of a touchscreen are partially exposed. These signal lines are typically metal, such as copper. The polarizing layer contains iodine, which is released by water during environmental reliability testing, such as high temperature and high humidity (85°C, 85% humidity). This iodine, along with the water vapor, corrodes the exposed copper signal lines. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the signal line being corroded in the related art, see Figure 1 Three adjacent signal lines, Rx1, Rx2, and Rx3, were corroded. Corrosion material Y spread into the area between adjacent signal lines (e.g., Rx1 and Rx2), causing them to overlap and short-circuit the signal lines on the touch panel. It should be noted that the iodine contained in the polarizing layer can also precipitate and corrode the signal lines under normal conditions, but at a slower rate.

[0071] Figure 2 A display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure includes: a display substrate 14 , a touch layer 15 , a polarizer (POL) 20 , a flexible circuit board 30 and a protective structure 40 . Figure 3 is a top view of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display substrate 14 has a display area 11 , a bonding area 12 , and a spacing area 13 located between the display area 11 and the bonding area 12 .

[0072] The touch layer 15 is located on the surface of the display substrate 14 and is continuously arranged in the display area 11, the spacing area 13 and at least a portion of the binding area 12. The polarizing layer 20 is located on the side of the touch layer 15 in the display area 11 away from the display substrate 14. The flexible circuit board 30 is connected to the touch layer 15 in the binding area 12 and is located on the same surface of the touch layer 15 as the polarizing layer 20. The protective structure 40 covers the touch layer 15 in the spacing area 13.

[0073] The flexible circuit board 30 and the polarizing layer 20 are located on the same surface of the touch layer 15 , which includes both direct contact between the flexible circuit board 30 and the polarizing layer 20 and the surface of the touch layer 15 and indirect contact between the flexible circuit board 30 and the polarizing layer 20 and the surface of the touch layer 15 .

[0074] It should be noted that the protection structure 40 covers the touch layer 15 located in the spacing area 13 , but does not necessarily need to completely cover the entire spacing area 13 . Instead, it only needs to cover the metal portion of the touch layer 15 in the spacing area 13 .

[0075] Typically, a polarizing layer is formed on the entire surface of the display substrate 14. However, in order to manufacture the flexible circuit board 30, an opening is formed in the polarizing layer. The areas corresponding to the openings are the aforementioned spacing area 13 and the bonding area 12. Therefore, the spacing area 13 and the bonding area 12 can be collectively referred to as the open cutting area, and the spacing area 13 is also referred to as the contact area.

[0076] A touch screen is typically composed of a display substrate and a touch control substrate. In the disclosed embodiment, the touch control substrate may be an external touch control substrate. The display substrate may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display substrate. The touch control substrate includes the aforementioned touch control layer. In other words, the display substrate 14 and the touch control layer 15 constitute the touch screen 10.

[0077] The structure provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure in which a polarizing layer is laminated on an external touch substrate may also be referred to as a polarizing layer sensor touch (POL Sensor Touch, PST) structure.

[0078] The polarizing layer 20 has a sandwich structure, consisting of two layers of triacetyl cellulose (TAC) sandwiched between a layer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The PVA contains a large amount of iodine, allowing linearly polarized light to pass through in a single direction. The iodine in the PVA is precipitated by water under high temperature and high humidity conditions (e.g., 85°C temperature, 85% humidity) environmental reliability testing). If it comes into contact with the touch layer metal of the touch substrate, such as copper, it undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction and forms copper iodide. In the intervening area, the touch layer structure consists of multiple spaced-apart signal lines, also known as touch traces. This oxidation-reduction reaction can cause adjacent signal lines to short-circuit.

[0079] The flexible printed circuit board 30 refers to a flexible printed circuit board bonded to the touch substrate, ie, a touch flexible printed circuit board (TFPC).

[0080] In the disclosed embodiment, a polarizing layer is formed to cover the touch layer in the display area, a flexible circuit board is formed to cover the touch layer in the binding area, and a protective structure is provided to cover the touch layer in the spacing area, thereby ensuring that no part of the entire touch layer is exposed. This prevents iodine and water vapor in the polarizing layer from corroding the exposed touch layer, solves the problem of short circuit of the signal line of the touch layer, and improves the stability of the display panel.

[0081] The display panel provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure was subjected to an environmental reliability test, and the short circuit caused by corrosion was significantly improved. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the signal line of the display panel provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure after the environmental reliability test, see Figure 4 After the environmental reliability test, the display panel of the embodiment of the present disclosure shows that the signal lines (Rx1, Rx2, Rx3) are not corroded, and the adjacent signal lines (such as Rx1 and Rx2) are kept insulated, thus avoiding the short circuit problem. Figure 1 Compared with the related technology shown in FIG, the short circuit problem of the signal line of the touch layer is solved, and the stability of the display panel is improved.

[0082] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 , the display panel further includes an adhesive layer 50 located between the polarizing layer 20 and the touch layer 15;

[0083] The protection structure 40 includes an adhesive structure 41 and a covering structure 42 .

[0084] The adhesive structure 41 is formed integrally with the adhesive layer 50. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive structure 41 is the portion of the adhesive layer 50 extending from the display area 11 to the spacing area 13 during manufacture.

[0085] The covering structure 42 covers the area in the spacing region 13 that is not covered by the adhesive structure 41 .

[0086] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, part of the touch layer in the spacing area 13 is covered by the adhesive structure. There is a certain gap between the adhesive structure and the flexible circuit board. The touch layer in the gap is covered with the covering structure 42, overcoming the shortcomings of the manufacturing process.

[0087] Exemplarily, the adhesive layer 50 is a thermoplastic optical clear film (OCF) layer, which is a protective layer on the touch layer and also serves to bond the touch screen and the polarizing layer.

[0088] Figure 5Only a portion of the covering structure 42, namely the portion located in the middle layer, is shown. In actual manufacturing, the covering structure 42 can be implemented by extending the flexible circuit board and its associated film layers to the spacer area, or by fabricating a new layer based on the flexible circuit board and its associated film layers as the covering structure. The following describes two scenarios:

[0089] One feasible implementation is to utilize a flexible circuit board and its related film layers to extend to the spaced area to realize the covering structure.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the film layers related to the flexible circuit board include a conductive adhesive and a filling layer.

[0091] Among them, the conductive glue is located between the flexible circuit board 30 and the touch layer 15 and is arranged in the binding area 12, which is used to realize the binding of the flexible circuit board and the touch layer; the leveling layer is located on the side of the flexible circuit board 30 in the binding area 12 away from the display substrate 14, and is used to fill the height difference (step difference) between the surface of the flexible circuit board and the surface of the polarizing layer.

[0092] For example, the conductive adhesive is an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), which is an adhesive layer containing conductive particles. Under high temperature and pressure, the conductive particles rupture, exposing the conductive particles. This creates a conductive connection between the flexible printed circuit board and the display substrate, creating an electrical connection when power is applied. The filler layer is a space film (SF), such as a thin film made of plastic or foam.

[0093] Figure 6 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a touch layer structure provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. The touch layer 15 includes: a touch electrode 141 , a pad 142 , and a signal line 143 connecting the touch electrode 141 and the pad 142 .

[0094] The touch electrodes 141 are located in the display area 11 , the pads 142 are located in the binding area 12 , and the pads 142 are bound to the flexible circuit board 30 via the conductive adhesive 60 . The signal lines 143 located in the spacing area 13 are covered by the protective structure 40 .

[0095] It should be noted that Figure 6 The touch electrodes 141 shown in the figure are strip electrodes. In other embodiments, the touch electrodes 141 may also be electrodes of other shapes, such as block electrodes. In addition, the number of touch electrodes, signal lines, and pads in the figure is only an example and is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0096] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the covering structure 42 is integrally formed with at least one of the flexible circuit board 30, the conductive adhesive 60, and the filler layer 70. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the covering structure 42 is the portion of at least one of the flexible circuit board 30, the conductive adhesive 60, and the filler layer 70 that extends from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13 during fabrication.

[0097] The following is combined with Figures 7 to 10 Some exemplary structures of the covering structure 42 are described below:

[0098] Exemplarily, the covering structure 42 is formed integrally with the conductive adhesive 60, that is, the covering structure 42 is the portion of the conductive adhesive 60 extending from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13. Figure 7 and Figure 8 To explain:

[0099] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The conductive adhesive 60 extends from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13 , and the side of the conductive adhesive 60 and the side of the adhesive structure 41 are connected in the spacing area 13 , thereby completely covering the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0100] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The conductive adhesive 60 extends from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13, and Figure 7 The only difference is that a portion of the conductive adhesive 60 is overlapped on the adhesive structure 41, thereby completely covering the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0101] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated implementation, the width B of the overlapping portion of the conductive adhesive 60 and the adhesive structure 41 in the first direction A ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

[0102] The first direction is the arrangement direction of the display area 11 , the spacing area 13 and the binding area 12 .

[0103] Exemplarily, the width B is 50 nm.

[0104] In this implementation, conductive adhesive extends into the spacing area to cover the touch layer in the spacing area, thereby preventing the touch layer from being exposed and corroded. Using conductive adhesive to achieve the above-mentioned function is, on the one hand, easy to manufacture. A portion of the conductive adhesive covers the portion of the touch layer in the binding area. Here, the portion of the conductive adhesive refers to the portion used to connect the touch layer and the flexible circuit board. This portion of the conductive adhesive is located in the binding area and is adjacent to the spacing area. In both directions parallel and perpendicular to the surface of the touch layer, the conductive adhesive is close to the touch layer in the spacing area to be covered, making it more convenient to extend the conductive adhesive onto the touch layer in the spacing area during manufacture. On the other hand, the conductive adhesive has good adhesion. When covering the touch layer, it can completely seal the touch layer and can overlap with the adhesive structure in the spacing area to completely seal the touch layer.

[0105] In other implementations, the conductive adhesive 60 may be located only in the binding area 12 and not extend to the spacing area 13 . In this case, the touch layer is covered by at least one of the flexible circuit board and the filling layer.

[0106] For example, the covering structure 42 is formed integrally with the flexible circuit board 30, that is, the covering structure 42 is the portion of the flexible circuit board 30 extending from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13. Figure 9 To explain:

[0107] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The flexible circuit board 30 includes a metal layer 31 and an insulating film layer 32 located on the surface of the metal layer 31. The metal layer 31 is bonded to the pad of the touch layer 15 in the binding area 12. The insulating film layer 32 extends from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13. A portion of the insulating film layer 32 is overlapped on the adhesive structure 41, thereby completely covering the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0108] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated implementation, the width C of the overlapping portion of the insulating film layer 32 and the adhesive structure 41 in the first direction A ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

[0109] Exemplarily, the width C is 50 nm.

[0110] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated implementation, in the first direction A, the distance D between the metal layer 31 and the adhesive structure 41 ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

[0111] Exemplarily, the spacing D is 50 nm.

[0112] See also Figure 9 The TPFC 30 further includes an ink layer 33, which is located on the side of the metal layer 31 facing away from the insulating film layer 32 and outside the touch screen 10. By using the ink layer 33 to cover the other side of the metal layer, the bending performance of the TPFC is improved.

[0113] Exemplarily, the metal layer 31 is a copper (Cu) metal layer.

[0114] Exemplarily, the insulating film layer 32 is a polyimide film (PI) layer.

[0115] For example, the covering structure 42 is formed integrally with the filling layer 70, that is, the covering structure 42 is the portion of the filling layer 70 extending from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13. Figure 10 To explain:

[0116] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The filling layer 70 extends from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13 , and a portion of the filling layer 70 overlaps the adhesive structure 41 , thereby completely covering the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0117] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated implementation, the width E of the overlapping portion of the filling layer 70 and the adhesive structure 41 in the first direction A ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

[0118] Exemplarily, the width E is 50 nm.

[0119] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated implementation, in the first direction A, the distance F between the leveling layer 70 and the polarizing layer 20 ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

[0120] Exemplarily, the spacing F is 100 nm.

[0121] The foregoing Figures 7 to 10 The touch layer coverage is achieved by a single film layer. In other embodiments, multiple film layers can also be used to achieve touch layer coverage. Figures 11 to 14 Other exemplary structures of the covering structure 42 are described below:

[0122] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11The insulating film layer 32 and the filling layer 70 of the flexible circuit board 30 extend to the spacing area 13 at the same time, thereby covering the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0123] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12 The conductive adhesive 60 , the insulating film layer 32 of the flexible circuit board 30 , and the filling layer 70 simultaneously extend to the spacing area 13 , thereby covering the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0124] Exemplarily, in the first direction, the width of the conductive adhesive 60 , the insulating film layer 32 , and the filling layer 70 in the spacing region 13 is 100 nm.

[0125] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 13 The conductive adhesive 60, the insulating film layer 32 of the flexible circuit board 30 and the filling layer 70 extend to the spacing area 13 at the same time. Figure 12 The only difference is that Figure 13 The conductive adhesive 60 does not cover the adhesive structure 41 , so that the touch layer in the spacing area is covered on the adhesive structure 41 , and is only attached to the side of the adhesive structure 41 .

[0126] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The top view of the display panel shown is shown in FIG. Figure 14 The boundary of the adhesive structure 41 coincides with the boundary of the conductive adhesive 60 , and the insulating film layer 32 , the filling layer 70 and the adhesive structure 41 overlap, that is, the insulating film layer 32 and the filling layer 70 extend onto the adhesive structure 41 at the same time.

[0127] For example, in the first direction, the width of the conductive adhesive 60 in the spaced region 13 is 50 nm, and the width of the insulating film layer 32 and the filling layer 70 in the spaced region 13 is 100 nm.

[0128] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the illustrated solution, three film layers cover the exposed touch layer in the gap area, creating multiple seals and fully encapsulating the touch layer, thus preventing corrosion from iodine and moisture. Furthermore, because the conductive adhesive's attachment precision is less than that of the flexible circuit board, even if the conductive adhesive attachment process deviates and fails to fully cover the touch layer as designed, the upper flexible circuit board and filler layer can still ensure a seal.

[0129] The insulating film layer is made of transparent, soft material and does not contain corrosive elements; the filling layer 70 is relatively thick, and in addition to having a sealing effect, it can also press down the insulating film layer due to its own heavy weight to make it adhere to the adhesive structure.

[0130] In addition, the filling layer 70 can also protect the spaced area from physical damage caused by external impact.

[0131] Another feasible implementation scheme is to re-manufacture a layer as a covering structure based on the flexible circuit board and its related film layers.

[0132] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 15 The insulating film layer 32 and the filling layer 70 of the flexible circuit board 30 do not extend to the spacing area 13. There is a covering structure 42 above the filling layer 70 and the polarizing layer 20. The covering structure 42 extends to the spacing area 13 to cover the touch layer in the spacing area.

[0133] Exemplarily, the covering structure is made of organic or inorganic transparent materials.

[0134] It can be seen that the first solution has fewer process steps than the second solution, and can solve the signal line short-circuit problem of the touch layer in the related technology without adding new materials and new processes; and the thickness of the entire display panel is smaller, which is conducive to making the display panel lighter and thinner.

[0135] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel further includes a transparent cover plate located on the polarizing layer and the filling layer, and the transparent cover plate is used to realize the packaging of the display panel. Usually, the transparent cover plate is a glass cover plate.

[0136] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a display device, which includes any one of the above-mentioned display panels and a power supply component, wherein the power supply component is used to supply power to the display panel.

[0137] The display device in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be any product or component with a display function, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, television, monitor, laptop computer, digital photo frame, navigator, wearable device, etc. As an example, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure. The display device includes any of the aforementioned display panels, wherein the display area of ​​the display panel includes sub-pixel regions Px arranged in rows and columns. Each data line in the display area can be located between two adjacent columns of sub-pixel regions Px to transmit an input data signal or test signal to each sub-pixel region Px.

[0138] In the disclosed embodiment, a polarizing layer is formed to cover the touch layer in the display area, a flexible circuit board is formed to cover the touch layer in the binding area, and a protective structure is provided to cover the touch layer in the spacing area, thereby ensuring that no part of the entire touch layer is exposed. This prevents iodine and water vapor in the polarizing layer from corroding the exposed touch layer, solves the problem of short circuit of the signal line of the touch layer, and improves the stability of the display panel.

[0139] Figure 17 This is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 17 , the method comprising:

[0140] 1400: Provide a display substrate, wherein the display substrate has a display area, a binding area, and a spacing area located between the display area and the binding area.

[0141] 1401 : A touch layer is fabricated on the surface of the display substrate, wherein the touch layer is continuously disposed in the display area, the spacing area, and at least a portion of the binding area.

[0142] 1402 : A polarizing layer is fabricated on a side of the touch layer in the display area away from the display substrate, and a flexible circuit board is fabricated on the touch layer in the binding area.

[0143] Exemplarily, a polarizing layer is attached to a side of the touch layer in the display area away from the display substrate.

[0144] 1403 : Fabricate a protection structure of the touch layer covering the spaced area in the spaced area.

[0145] Here, step 1403 and step 1402 may have no sequential order, that is, step 1403 and step 1402 are performed simultaneously. Alternatively, step 1403 and step 1402 may have a sequential order, that is, step 1403 is performed after step 1402.

[0146] In the disclosed embodiment, a polarizing layer is formed to cover the touch layer in the display area, a flexible circuit board is formed to cover the touch layer in the binding area, and a protective structure is provided to cover the touch layer in the spacing area, thereby ensuring that no part of the entire touch layer is exposed. This prevents iodine and water vapor in the polarizing layer from corroding the exposed touch layer, solves the problem of short circuit of the signal line of the touch layer, and improves the stability of the display panel.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the protective structure includes an adhesive structure and a covering structure, and forming a protective structure covering the touch layer in the spaced area in the spaced area includes:

[0148] Before manufacturing the polarizing layer, an integrally formed adhesive layer and adhesive structure are manufactured on the touch layer; the adhesive layer is used to protect the touch layer and achieve lamination of the polarizing layer and the touch screen.

[0149] A covering structure is fabricated on the touch layer in the spaced area that is not covered by the adhesive structure.

[0150] Exemplarily, forming a covering structure on the touch layer in the spaced area that is not covered by the adhesive structure includes:

[0151] Before manufacturing the flexible circuit board, a layer of conductive glue is manufactured on the touch layer in the binding area;

[0152] After manufacturing the flexible circuit board, manufacturing a filling layer on the flexible circuit board in the binding area;

[0153] When manufacturing at least one of the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive and the filling layer, a covering structure integrally formed with the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive and the filling layer is manufactured.

[0154] In this implementation, the covering structure is realized by a flexible circuit board and related film layers. When manufacturing the flexible circuit board and related film layers, they are extended from the binding area to the spacing area. At this time, the part located in the spacing area plays the role of covering the touch layer, which is the aforementioned covering structure.

[0155] Below is Figure 13 Taking the manufacturing process of the display panel shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the manufacturing method of the display panel is described in detail:

[0156] Figure 18 This is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 18 , the method comprising:

[0157] 1500: Provide a display substrate, wherein the display substrate has a display area, a binding area, and a spacing area between the display area and the binding area.

[0158] 1501 : A touch layer is fabricated on the surface of the display substrate, wherein the touch layer is continuously disposed in the display area, the spacing area, and at least a portion of the binding area.

[0159] The display substrate and the touch layer located on the surface of the display substrate constitute a touch screen.

[0160] 1502 : Fabricate a polarizing layer on a side of the touch layer in the display area away from the display substrate.

[0161] like Figure 19 As shown, an adhesive layer 50 is coated on the touch layer 15 , and then the polarizing layer 20 is attached via the adhesive layer 50 . Part of the adhesive layer 50 extends from the display area 11 to the spacing area 13 , namely the adhesive structure 41 .

[0162] It should be noted that, when the adhesive layer 50 is coated, due to limitations in process precision, it is difficult to cover only the display area 11 without covering the spacing area 13 , or to cover the entire spacing area 13 .

[0163] 1503 : Making conductive glue on the touch layer in the binding area and the spacing area.

[0164] like Figure 20 As shown, conductive adhesive 60 is applied to the touch layer 15 in the binding area 12 and the spacing area 13. The conductive adhesive covers the binding area 12 and the spacing area 13, and the side edges of the conductive adhesive 60 and the side edges of the adhesive structure 41 are in contact within the spacing area 13. The portion of the conductive adhesive 60 in the spacing area 13 constitutes the covering structure.

[0165] 1504: Make a flexible circuit board on the touch screen using conductive glue.

[0166] like Figure 21 As shown, a flexible circuit board 30 is bonded to the touch screen using conductive adhesive 60. The flexible circuit board 30 includes a metal layer 31 and an insulating film layer 32 located on the surface of the metal layer 31. The metal layer 31 is bonded to the pads of the touch layer 15 in the bonding area 12. The insulating film layer 32 extends from the bonding area 12 to the spacing area 13. A portion of the insulating film layer 32 overlaps the adhesive structure 41, thereby completely covering the touch layer in the spacing area. The portion of the insulating film layer 32 located in the spacing area 13 constitutes the covering structure.

[0167] 1505: Make a fill layer on the flexible circuit board.

[0168] like Figure 13 As shown, a filler layer 70 is attached to the flexible circuit board 30. The filler layer 70 extends from the binding area 12 to the spacing area 13. A portion of the filler layer 70 overlaps the adhesive structure 41, completely covering the touch layer in the spacing area. The portion of the filler layer 70 located in the spacing area 13 constitutes the covering structure.

[0169] For example, in the first direction, the width of the conductive adhesive 60 in the spaced region 13 is 50 nm, and the width of the insulating film layer 32 and the filling layer 70 in the spaced region 13 is 100 nm.

[0170] In the display panel manufacturing method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, three film layers are used to cover the touch layer exposed in the gap area, creating multiple seals. This fully seals the touch layer and prevents corrosion from iodine and water vapor. Furthermore, because the conductive adhesive's attachment precision is less than the flexible circuit board's binding precision, even if the conductive adhesive attachment process deviates and fails to fully cover the touch layer as designed, the upper flexible circuit board and filler layer can still ensure a seal.

[0171] The insulating film layer is made of transparent, soft material and does not contain corrosive elements; the filling layer 70 is relatively thick, and in addition to having a sealing effect, it can also press down the insulating film layer due to its own heavy weight to make it adhere to the adhesive structure.

[0172] In addition, the filling layer 70 can also protect the spaced area from physical damage caused by external impact.

[0173] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: The display panel includes: A display substrate (14) having a display area (11), a binding area (12), and a spacing area (13) located between the display area (11) and the binding area (12); A touch layer (15) is located on the surface of the display substrate (14) and is continuously arranged on the display area (11), the spacing area (13) and at least a portion of the binding area (12); a polarizing layer (20), located on a side of the touch layer (15) away from the display substrate (14) and arranged in the display area (11); a flexible circuit board (30) connected to the touch layer (15) of the binding area (12) and located on the same surface of the touch layer (15) as the polarizing layer (20); a protective structure (40) covering the touch layer (15) in the spacing area (13); an adhesive layer (50) located between the polarizing layer (20) and the touch layer (15); Conductive adhesive (60), located between the flexible circuit board (30) and the touch layer (15) and arranged in the binding area (12); a leveling layer (70) located on a side of the flexible circuit board (30) in the binding area (12) away from the display substrate (14); The protective structure (40) comprises: an adhesive structure (41), wherein the adhesive structure (41) and the adhesive layer (50) are integrally formed; a covering structure (42) covering the touch layer (15) in the spacing area (13) that is not covered by the adhesive structure (41); The covering structure (42) is integrally formed with at least one of the flexible circuit board (30), the conductive adhesive (60), and the filling layer (70); A portion of the covering structure (42) is stacked on the adhesive structure (41), and no portion of the touch layer (15) is exposed.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The touch layer (15) comprises: A touch electrode (141) located in the display area (11); A soldering pad (142) is located in the binding area (12), and the soldering pad (142) is bound and connected to the flexible circuit board (30) via the conductive adhesive (60); Furthermore, a signal line (143) is at least partially located in the spacing area (13) to connect the touch electrode (141) and the pad (142), and the signal line (143) in the spacing area (13) is covered by the protection structure (40).

3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive adhesive (60) extends from the binding area (12) to the spacing area (13), and the covering structure (42) and the conductive adhesive (60) are integrally formed; A portion of the conductive adhesive (60) is superimposed on the adhesive structure (41).

4. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein: The width of the overlapping portion of the conductive adhesive (60) and the adhesive structure (41) in the first direction ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm; The first direction is the arrangement direction of the display area (11), the spacing area (13) and the binding area (12).

5. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein: The flexible circuit board (30) comprises a metal layer (31) and an insulating film layer (32) located between the metal layer (31) and the filling layer, the metal layer (31) is bound to the pad (142) of the touch layer (15) in the binding area (12), the insulating film layer (32) extends from the binding area (12) to the spacing area (13), the covering structure (42) and the insulating film layer (32) are integrally formed, and a portion of the insulating film layer (32) is superimposed on the adhesive structure (41).

6. The display panel according to claim 5, wherein: The width of the overlapping portion of the insulating film layer (32) and the adhesive structure (41) in the first direction ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm; The first direction is the arrangement direction of the display area (11), the spacing area (13) and the binding area (12).

7. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein: In the first direction, the distance between the metal layer (31) and the adhesive structure (41) ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The filling layer (70) extends from the binding area (12) to the spacing area (13), the covering structure (42) and the filling layer (70) are integrally formed, and a portion of the filling layer (70) is superimposed on the adhesive structure (41).

9. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The width of the overlapping portion of the filling layer (70) and the adhesive structure (41) in the first direction ranges from 50 nm to 100 nm; The first direction is the arrangement direction of the display area (11), the spacing area (13) and the binding area (12).

10. A display device, characterized in that: The device comprises a display panel and a power supply component, wherein the display panel is the display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the power supply component is used to supply power to the display panel.

11. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that: The method comprises: A display substrate is provided, wherein the display substrate has a display area, a binding area, and a spacing area between the display area and the binding area; A touch layer is formed on the surface of the display substrate, wherein the touch layer is continuously disposed on the display area, the spacing area and at least a portion of the binding area; A polarizing layer is formed on the side of the touch layer in the display area away from the display substrate, and a flexible circuit board is formed on the touch layer in the binding area; Producing a protective structure of the touch layer covering the spaced area in the spaced area; The protective structure includes a sticky structure and a covering structure, and the protective structure for forming a touch layer covering the spaced area in the spaced area includes: Before manufacturing the polarizing layer, manufacturing an integrally formed adhesive layer and adhesive structure on the touch layer; fabricating a covering structure on the touch layer in the spaced area not covered by the adhesive structure; The step of forming a covering structure on the touch layer in the spaced area that is not covered by the adhesive structure comprises: Before manufacturing the flexible circuit board, a layer of conductive glue is manufactured on the touch layer in the binding area; After manufacturing the flexible circuit board, manufacturing a filling layer on the flexible circuit board in the binding area; When manufacturing at least one of the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive, and the leveling layer, manufacturing a covering structure integrally formed with the flexible circuit board, the conductive adhesive, and the leveling layer; A portion of the covering structure is stacked on the adhesive structure, and no portion of the touch layer is exposed.

Citation Information

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