Flexible electronic paper with peripheral crack detection circuit

Abstract

The application provides a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit, comprising a display area and a peripheral area, the peripheral area is provided with a left crack detection circuit and a right crack detection circuit, the left crack detection circuit and the right crack detection circuit each comprise a plurality of TFTs, the gate terminals of all the TFTs in the left crack detection circuit are connected with a gate test line, the input terminals of part of the TFTs in the left crack detection circuit are connected with a first crack detection line, the input terminals of another part of the TFTs in the left crack detection circuit are connected with a second crack detection line, and the output terminals of the TFTs in the left crack detection circuit and the output terminals of the TFTs in the right crack detection circuit are alternately connected with transverse lines of the display area. The application can identify cracks in the connection inside the display area, and can also identify cracks in the transverse lines connected to the display area, so that the connection of the whole display area is ensured to be normal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic paper technology, and more specifically, to a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, the application of electronic paper, especially flexible electronic paper, is becoming increasingly widespread. Compared with glass-based electronic paper, flexible electronic paper has the advantages of being thinner, lighter, and more flexible, and represents the future trend of high-end electronic paper. However, the manufacturing process of flexible electronic paper is also more complex. In particular, the laser peeling process, in which the flexible substrate is peeled from the glass, can easily cause cracks to extend to the display area, leading to display abnormalities. By designing crack detection circuits in the peripheral circuitry of the electronic paper, defects can be effectively detected, reducing losses.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, a traditional crack detection circuit consists of a detection line encircling the outermost edge of the display area. The circuit determines whether a crack has occurred by checking if this detection line can close automatically to form a loop. If a crack exists, the detection line will break in the middle, failing to form a loop. However, this detection method can only detect structures on the periphery of the display area and cannot identify the connections of the matrix thin-film transistors inside the display area, thus failing to accurately reflect whether cracks have appeared inside the display area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit, which solves the problem that the existing technology cannot identify cracks in the connection of the matrix thin film transistors inside the display area.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems is as follows: a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit, comprising a display area and a peripheral area outside the display area. The peripheral area is provided with a left crack detection circuit and a right crack detection circuit. Both the left and right crack detection circuits include a plurality of TFTs. The gate terminals of all TFTs in the left crack detection circuit are connected to a gate test line. The input terminals of some TFTs in the left crack detection circuit are connected to a first crack detection line, and the input terminals of other TFTs in the left crack detection circuit are connected to a second crack detection line. The gate terminals of all TFTs in the right crack detection circuit are connected to a gate test line. The input terminals of some TFTs in the right crack detection circuit are connected to a second crack detection line, and the input terminals of other TFTs in the right crack detection circuit are connected to a first crack detection line. The output terminals of the TFTs in the left and right crack detection circuits are alternately connected to the horizontal lines of the display area.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: by setting a crack detection circuit, cracks can be identified in the connection of the matrix thin film transistors inside the display area, and cracks can also be identified in the horizontal lines connected to the display area, ensuring the normal wiring inside the entire display area; by controlling the TFT signal, if a crack occurs, the signal cannot be transmitted to the display area, and part of the display area will not light up, thereby realizing the detection, which is convenient to operate and easy to implement.

[0007] Preferably, both the left-side crack detection circuit and the right-side crack detection circuit are located on the IC side below the display area. This separates the crack detection circuit from the IC, ensuring that the entire test will not affect the IC and preventing damage to the IC during the test.

[0008] Preferably, the flexible electronic paper has an FPC on the side of the IC away from the display area. A first pad and a second pad are respectively provided on both sides of the FPC. The gate test line is connected to the FPC, the first crack detection line is connected to the first pad, and the second crack detection line is connected to the second pad. This arrangement of the first pad, the second pad, and the FPC facilitates external wiring and signal control.

[0009] Preferably, the first crack detection line and the second crack detection line are arranged around the display area. This also allows for the identification of the entire peripheral area, ensuring complete crack detection across the entire electronic paper.

[0010] Preferably, one end of the first crack detection line is connected to the first pad, and the other end of the first crack detection line encircles the display area at least once before connecting to the input terminals of a portion of the TFTs in the left crack detection circuit and another portion of the TFTs in the right crack detection circuit; one end of the second crack detection line is connected to the second pad, and the other end of the second crack detection line encircles the display area at least once before connecting to the input terminals of another portion of the TFTs in the left crack detection circuit and another portion of the TFTs in the right crack detection circuit. This allows for detection of the entire perimeter of the display area, ensuring comprehensive detection and preventing cracks in the outer areas from affecting the normal display of the area later.

[0011] Preferably, the first crack detection line is connected to the input terminals of the two TFTs at both ends of the left crack detection circuit and the input terminal of the middle TFT of the right crack detection circuit; the second crack detection line is connected to the input terminal of the middle TFT of the left crack detection circuit and the input terminals of the two TFTs at both ends of the right crack detection circuit. This allows for detection of both the middle and sides of the display area, ensuring comprehensive detection of the entire display area.

[0012] Preferably, the number of connections between the first crack detection line and the input terminals of the TFT of the left crack detection circuit is the same as the number of connections between the second crack detection line and the input terminals of the TFT of the right crack detection circuit. This ensures that the area to be detected is comprehensive, avoiding the problem of alternating detection displays of vertical thin-film transistors that would hinder observation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This refers to electronic paper with a crack detection circuit in existing technology;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a wiring diagram of a flexible electronic paper circuit with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a wiring diagram of the left-side crack detection circuit in a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a wiring diagram of the right-side crack detection circuit in a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of one fault embodiment of a flexible electronic paper with an external crack detection circuit according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing another fault embodiment of the flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Display area; 2. Peripheral area; 3. Left crack detection circuit; 4. Right crack detection circuit; 5. TFT; 6. Gate test line; 7. First crack detection line; 8. Second crack detection line; 9. FPC; 91. IC; 92. First pad; 93. Second pad. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] like Figure 2-5 As shown, this embodiment relates to a flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit, including a display area 1 and a peripheral area 2 outside the display area 1. The peripheral area 2 is provided with a left crack detection circuit 3 and a right crack detection circuit 4. Both the left crack detection circuit 3 and the right crack detection circuit 4 include a plurality of TFTs 5.

[0022] In the left crack detection circuit 3, the gate terminals of all TFT5 are connected to the gate test line 6, the input terminals of some TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 are connected to the first crack detection line 7, and the input terminals of other TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 are connected to the second crack detection line 8.

[0023] In the right crack detection circuit 4, the gate terminals of all TFTs 5 are connected to the gate test line 6, the input terminals of some TFTs 5 in the right crack detection circuit 4 are connected to the second crack detection line 8, and the input terminals of other TFTs 5 in the right crack detection circuit 4 are connected to the first crack detection line 7.

[0024] The output terminals of TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 and the right crack detection circuit 4 are alternately connected to the horizontal lines of the display area 1.

[0025] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the horizontal lines of display area 1 are represented by gate, namely gate1, gate2, ..., gate(2n+3)... The output terminal of TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 is connected to the odd-numbered horizontal lines of display area 1, while the output terminal of TFT5 in the right crack detection circuit 4 is connected to the even-numbered horizontal lines of display area 1, thus achieving an alternating connection effect to ensure complete and comprehensive detection.

[0026] In this embodiment, both the left crack detection circuit 3 and the right crack detection circuit 4 are located on the side of IC91 below the display area 1. Separating the crack detection circuits from IC91 ensures that the entire test will not affect IC91 and prevents damage to IC91 during the test.

[0027] The flexible electronic paper has an FPC9 on the side of IC91 away from the display area 1. A first pad 92 and a second pad 93 are respectively located on both sides of the FPC9. A gate test line 6 is connected to the FPC9, a first crack detection line 7 is connected to the first pad 92, and a second crack detection line 8 is connected to the second pad 93. The first pad 92, the second pad 93, and the FPC9 facilitate external wiring and signal control.

[0028] Furthermore, the first crack detection line 7 and the second crack detection line 8 are arranged around the display area 1. In this way, the entire peripheral area 2 can also be identified, ensuring that crack detection can be performed on the entire electronic paper.

[0029] Specifically, one end of the first crack detection line 7 is connected to the first pad 92, and the other end of the first crack detection line 7 is connected to the input terminal of part of the TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 and the input terminal of another part of the TFT5 in the right crack detection circuit 4 after circling the display area 1 at least once.

[0030] One end of the second crack detection line 8 is connected to the second pad 93, and the other end of the second crack detection line 8 is connected to the input terminal of another part of the TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 and the input terminal of part of the TFT5 in the right crack detection circuit 4 after wrapping around the display area 1 at least once.

[0031] This design allows for the detection of the entire perimeter of the display area 1, ensuring comprehensive detection and preventing cracks in the outer area that could affect the normal display of the area later.

[0032] The first crack detection line 7 is connected to the input terminals of the two ends of the TFT5 of the left crack detection circuit 3 and the input terminal of the middle end of the TFT5 of the right crack detection circuit 4; the second crack detection line 8 is connected to the input terminal of the middle end of the TFT5 of the left crack detection circuit 3 and the input terminals of the two ends of the TFT5 of the right crack detection circuit 4.

[0033] This allows for the detection of both the middle and sides of display area 1, ensuring a comprehensive detection of the display area.

[0034] The number of connections between the first crack detection line 7 and the input terminal of the TFT5 of the left crack detection circuit 3 is the same as the number of connections between the second crack detection line 8 and the input terminal of the TFT5 of the right crack detection circuit 4. This ensures that the area to be detected is comprehensive, avoiding the problem of alternating detection displays of vertical thin-film transistors that would hinder observation.

[0035] See Figure 5 As shown, during the entire crack detection process, if the horizontal line connecting the left crack detection circuit 3 and the right crack detection circuit 4 breaks, the thin-film transistors in that horizontal row will not work and will not display a crack. In practice, usually several horizontal lines on the perimeter break, resulting in a crack. Figure 5 The electronic paper display panel shows both vertical sections that are lit and sections that are not. This indicates that the horizontal lines in the unlit vertical sections are broken and need to be investigated.

[0036] See Figure 6As shown, in another embodiment of this application, its structure is basically the same as described above, except that the output terminals of TFT5 in the left crack detection circuit 3 and the right crack detection circuit 4 are alternately connected to the vertical lines of the display area 1. In this embodiment, if the vertical lines connected to the left crack detection circuit 3 and the right crack detection circuit 4 break, the thin-film transistors in this column will not work and will not display.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by setting a crack detection circuit, cracks can be identified in the connection of the matrix thin-film transistors inside the display area 1, and cracks can also be identified in the horizontal lines connected to the display area 1, ensuring the normal wiring inside the entire display area 1; by controlling the signal of TFT5, if a crack occurs, the signal cannot be transmitted to the display area, and part of the display area 1 will not light up, thereby realizing the detection. The operation is convenient and easy to implement.

[0038] The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or techniques or knowledge in related fields. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

[0039] While the disclosure is as stated above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit, comprising a display area (1) and a peripheral area (2) outside the display area (1), wherein the peripheral area (2) is provided with a left crack detection circuit (3) and a right crack detection circuit (4), wherein the left crack detection circuit (3) and the right crack detection circuit (4) each include a plurality of TFTs (5). All the gate terminals of the TFTs (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) are connected to the gate test line (6). The input terminals of some of the TFTs (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) are connected to the first crack detection line (7). The input terminals of another part of the TFTs (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) are connected to the second crack detection line (8). All the gate terminals of the TFTs (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) are connected to the gate test line (6), the input terminals of some of the TFTs (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) are connected to the second crack detection line (8), and the input terminals of another part of the TFTs (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) are connected to the first crack detection line (7). The output terminals of the TFT (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) and the TFT (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) are alternately connected to the horizontal lines of the display area (1); The output terminal of the TFT (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) is connected to the odd-numbered horizontal lines of the display area (1), and the output terminal of the TFT (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) is connected to the even-numbered horizontal lines of the display area (1).

2. The flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left crack detection circuit (3) and the right crack detection circuit (4) are both located on the side of the IC (91) below the display area (1).

3. The flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flexible electronic paper has an FPC (9) on the side of the IC (91) away from the display area (1). The FPC (9) has a first pad (92) and a second pad (93) on both sides. The gate test line (6) is connected to the FPC (9). The first crack detection line (7) is connected to the first pad (92). The second crack detection line (8) is connected to the second pad (93).

4. A flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first crack detection line (7) and the second crack detection line (8) are set around the display area (1).

5. A flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: One end of the first crack detection line (7) is connected to the first pad (92), and the other end of the first crack detection line (7) is connected to the input terminal of a portion of the TFT (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) and the input terminal of another portion of the TFT (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) after circling the display area (1) at least once. One end of the second crack detection line (8) is connected to the second pad (93), and the other end of the second crack detection line (8) is connected to the input terminal of another part of the TFT (5) in the left crack detection circuit (3) and the input terminal of a part of the TFT (5) in the right crack detection circuit (4) after circling the display area (1) at least once.

6. A flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first crack detection line (7) is connected to the input terminals of the two ends of the TFT (5) of the left crack detection circuit (3) and the input terminal of the middle end of the TFT (5) of the right crack detection circuit (4); The second crack detection line (8) is connected to the input terminal of the middle TFT (5) of the left crack detection circuit (3) and the input terminals of the two TFTs (5) of the right crack detection circuit (4).

7. A flexible electronic paper with a peripheral crack detection circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of connections between the first crack detection line (7) and the input terminal of the TFT (5) of the left crack detection circuit (3) is the same as the number of connections between the second crack detection line (8) and the input terminal of the TFT (5) of the right crack detection circuit (4).

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