Display panel, display device, mask plate and display panel manufacturing method

Abstract

This invention provides a display panel, a display device, a photomask, and a method for manufacturing a display panel. The display panel includes a substrate; a main display area and a first display area; a touch electrode layer including a first touch electrode disposed in the main display area and a second touch electrode disposed in the first display area; and touch electrode lines electrically connected to the first touch electrode. The display panel can be applied to a first display device or a second display device. The first display device has a first display area, and the second display device has a second display area. The first display area and the second display area are different. The first display area includes the main display area and the first display area, and the second display area includes the main display area but does not include the first display area. The touch electrode layer is formed using the same photomask. In the second display device, the touch electrode lines are not electrically connected to the second touch electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a display panel and a display device using the same, and more particularly to a display panel, display device and manufacturing method thereof capable of sharing a mask template, and the mask template used in the manufacturing process. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, display devices are widely used in many electronic products, such as mobile phones, tablets, watches, and automobiles.

[0003] For display devices within the same series, which have the same size and resolution, the only difference is often the size of the notch (aperture), such as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. Manufacturing display devices within the same series with different notches requires developing different photomasks, increasing costs.

[0004] In addition, in display devices with different opening areas, if the touch electrode layer is shared, a large area of ​​floating touch electrode layer will be retained in the display device with a larger opening area. Since these floating touch electrode layers are not electrically connected to other circuits, charge accumulation will occur, which will lead to light leakage at the edge of the opening area.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a display panel and display device that can share a mask template, reduce production costs, improve production efficiency, and improve display quality is one of the problems that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel, a display device and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a mask used in the manufacturing process. The mask for the touch electrode layer can be shared between display devices with different openings, thereby reducing production costs, improving production efficiency, and effectively avoiding light leakage near the openings, thus improving display quality.

[0007] A display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate; a main display area disposed on the substrate; a first display area disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the main display area; a touch electrode layer including a first touch electrode disposed on the main display area and a second touch electrode disposed on the first display area; and touch electrode lines electrically connected to the first touch electrode. The display panel can be applied to a first display device or a second display device, wherein the first display device has a first display area, the second display device has a second display area, and the first display area is different from the second display area. The first display area includes the main display area and the first display area, and the second display area includes the main display area but does not include the first display area. The touch electrode layer is formed using the same photomask. In the second display device, the touch electrode lines are not electrically connected to the second touch electrode.

[0008] The aforementioned display panel, wherein the display panel further comprises:

[0009] A secondary display area is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the main display area;

[0010] An opening is provided on the substrate and is adjacent to the first display area and the second display area;

[0011] The second display device has a second non-display area, the second non-display area including the opening and the first display area; and

[0012] They share the same electrode wires;

[0013] In the second display device, at least a portion of the common electrode line is disposed along the edge of the second non-display area within the second non-display area, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line.

[0014] The aforementioned display panel further includes: a planarization layer disposed on the substrate; wherein a common electrode line is disposed between the substrate and the planarization layer, and the second touch electrode is disposed on the planarization layer.

[0015] The aforementioned display panel further includes: an insulating layer disposed on the touch electrode layer; and a pixel electrode layer disposed on the insulating layer; wherein, in the second display device, the planarization layer is provided with a first opening, the first opening exposing a portion of the common electrode line, the pixel electrode layer extending to the first opening, and the second touch electrode electrically connected to the common electrode line through the pixel electrode layer in the first opening.

[0016] In the aforementioned display panel, the insulating layer is provided with a second opening, the second opening exposes a portion of the second touch electrode, and the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening and the second opening and contacts the common electrode line and the second touch electrode.

[0017] The aforementioned display panel, wherein the first display device and the second display device have the same size and / or the same resolution.

[0018] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: any of the display panels described above.

[0019] A method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: providing a substrate having a main display area and a first display area disposed adjacent to each other; forming a touch electrode layer and touch electrode lines on the substrate, the touch electrode layer including a first touch electrode disposed in the main display area and a second touch electrode disposed in the first display area; the touch electrode lines being electrically connected to the first touch electrode; the display panel can be applied to a first display device or a second display device, the first display device having a first display area, the second display device having a second display area, and the first display area being different from the second display area, the first display area including the main display area and the first display area, and the second display area including the main display area but not including the first display area; wherein the touch electrode layer is formed using the same photomask; in the second display device, the touch electrode lines are electrically connected to the first touch electrode and not electrically connected to the second touch electrode.

[0020] In the above method, the display panel further includes a secondary display area and an opening, wherein the secondary display area is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the main display area;

[0021] The opening is disposed on the substrate and is adjacent to the first display area and the second display area. The second display device has a second non-display area, which includes the opening and the first display area.

[0022] The method further includes:

[0023] A common electrode line is formed; wherein, in the second display device, at least a portion of the common electrode line is disposed along the edge of the second non-display area within the second non-display area, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line.

[0024] The method described above further includes: forming a planarization layer on the common electrode line; wherein the common electrode line is disposed between the substrate and the planarization layer, and the second touch electrode is disposed on the planarization layer.

[0025] The method described above further includes: forming an insulating layer on the touch electrode layer; forming a pixel electrode layer on the insulating layer; wherein, in the second display device, the planarization layer is provided with a first opening, the first opening exposing a portion of the common electrode line; the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line through the pixel electrode layer in the first opening.

[0026] In the above method, the insulating layer is provided with a second opening, the second opening exposes a portion of the second touch electrode, and the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening and the second opening and contacts the common electrode line and the second touch electrode.

[0027] A photomask according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to manufacture any of the display panels described above. The photomask includes: a main body portion having a first region and a second region adjacent to each other. The first region includes a first pattern for forming a first touch electrode, and the second region includes a second pattern for forming a second touch electrode.

[0028] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the middle.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross section along the B-B' axis.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the middle.

[0035] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0036] 100: Display panel

[0037] 101: Substrate

[0038] 102: Main display area

[0039] 103: First display area

[0040] 104: Second display area

[0041] 105: Opening

[0042] 106: First non-display area

[0043] 107: Second non-display area

[0044] 108: Touch electrode layer

[0045] 1081: First touch electrode

[0046] 1082: Second touch electrode

[0047] 109: Touch electrode wire

[0048] 110: Shared electrode wire

[0049] 111: Flattening layer

[0050] 112: Insulation layer

[0051] 113: Pixel electrode layer

[0052] 114: First Opening

[0053] 115: Second opening

[0054] 200: First display device

[0055] 200': Second display device

[0056] AA1: First display area

[0057] AA2: Second display area Detailed Implementation

[0058] The structural and working principles of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1-3As shown, the display panel 100 of the present invention includes a substrate 101, a main display area 102, a first display area 103, a second display area 104, and an opening 105.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the display panel 100, the main display area 102, the first display area 103, the second display area 104, and the opening 105 are all disposed in the substrate 101.

[0061] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 100 can be applied to either the first display device 200 or the second display device 200'. The first display device 200 and the second display device 200' have the same size and / or the same resolution. The first display device 200 has a first display area AA1, and the second display device 200' has a second display area AA2, wherein the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are different.

[0062] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the first display device 200 has a first display area AA1 and a first non-display area 106 (notch). The first display area AA1 and the first non-display area 106 are correspondingly arranged. The first display area AA1 is composed of a main display area 102 and a first display area 103.

[0063] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the second display device 200' has a second display area AA2 and a second non-display area 107 (notch). The second display area AA2 and the second non-display area 107 are correspondingly arranged. The second display area AA2 is composed of a main display area 102 and a secondary display area 104.

[0064] In other words, the area where the first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 overlap corresponds to the main display area 102, and the area where the first non-display area 106 and the second non-display area 107 overlap corresponds to the opening 105.

[0065] Depend on Figures 1 to 3 It can be seen that the display areas formed by the first display area AA1 of the first display device 200 and the second display area AA2 of the second display device 200' are different. Correspondingly, the first non-display area 106 of the first display device 200 and the second non-display area 107 of the second display device 200' are also different, that is, the projection of the first non-display area 106 onto the substrate 101 is different from the projection of the second non-display area 107 onto the substrate 101.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first non-display area 106 of the first display device 200 may include a second display area 104 and an opening 105. The second non-display area 107 of the second display device 200' may include a first display area 103 and an opening 105.

[0067] For example Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the first non-display area 106 of the first display device 200 can be covered by a first light-shielding layer (not shown in the figure), and the second non-display area 107 of the second display device 200' can be covered by a second light-shielding layer (not shown in the figure). Correspondingly, the first light-shielding layer exposes the first display area AA1, and the second light-shielding layer exposes the second display area AA2.

[0068] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As shown, from another perspective, the first light-shielding layer used in the first display device 200 covers the opening 105 and the second display area 104, while the second light-shielding layer used in the second display device 200' covers the opening 105 and the first display area 103. That is, the second display area 104 is covered by the first light-shielding layer when used in the first display device 200, and is used as a display area when used in the second display device 200'. The first display area 103 is used as a display area when used in the first display device 200, and is covered by the second light-shielding layer when used in the second display device 200'.

[0069] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the middle. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view along line B-B'. (Combined with...) Figures 1 to 4As shown, for touch-type display devices, in the first display device 200 and the second display device 200', the display panel 100 is further provided with a touch electrode layer 108. The touch electrode layer 108 includes a first touch electrode 1081 disposed in the main display area 102 and a second touch electrode 1082 disposed in the first display area 103. For the first display device 200, the first display area 103 is used as a display area. The second touch electrode 1082 in the first display area 103, like the first touch electrode 1081 in the main display area 102, needs to be connected to the corresponding touch electrode line 109 (not shown) to receive touch sensing signals during the touch sensing phase. For the second display device 200', the first display area 103 is covered by a light-shielding layer and is not used as a display area. The second touch electrode 1082 in the first display area 103 is not electrically connected to the touch electrode line 109. In order to share the mask of the touch electrode layer 108 among different display devices, when the display panel 100 is applied to the first display device 200 and the second display device 200' respectively, the touch electrode layer 108 is formed using the same mask.

[0070] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of region A in the middle. (Combined with...) Figures 1-6 As shown, the display panel 100 is also provided with a common electrode line 110, wherein the common electrode line 110 is provided in the non-display area of ​​the display device.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in the second display device 200', at least a portion of the common electrode line 110 is disposed around the second non-display area 107 and located within the second non-display area 107. That is, the common electrode line 110 is disposed along the inner edge of the second non-display area 107, thereby at least a portion of the common electrode line 110 is located in the first display area 103 and the opening area 105.

[0072] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, in the first display device 200, at least a portion of the common electrode line 110 is disposed around the first non-display area 106 and located within the first non-display area 106. That is, the common electrode line 110 is disposed along the inner edge of the first non-display area 106, thereby at least a portion of the common electrode line 110 is located in the second display area 104 and the opening area 105.

[0073] Preferably, the common electrode line 110 is electrically connected to ground (GND) potential to shield the display panel 100 from external electromagnetic interference and electrical noise.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, a common electrode line 110 is disposed on the substrate 101 of the display panel 100. The common electrode line 110 is, for example, made of a second metal layer M2. A planarization layer 111 covers the common electrode line 110, such that the common electrode line 110 is disposed between the substrate 101 and the planarization layer 111. A second touch electrode 1082 is disposed on the planarization layer 111, and an insulating layer 112 is disposed on the second touch electrode 1082. The second touch electrode 1082 is, for example, made of a first transparent conductive layer. The insulating layer 112 may include multiple layers, with a portion of the insulating layer 112 disposed between the second touch electrode 1082 and the planarization layer 111, and another portion of the insulating layer 112 disposed on the second touch electrode 1082. This invention uses the above-described insulating layer structure as an example only and is not limited thereto.

[0075] A pixel electrode layer 113 is further disposed on the insulating layer 112. The pixel electrode layer 113 is made of a second transparent conductive layer, for example. The first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer may be the same or different film layers, such as ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0076] To achieve an electrical connection between the second touch electrode 1082 and the common electrode line 110, a first opening 114 is provided in the planarization layer 111, exposing a portion of the common electrode line 110. Similarly, a second opening 115 is provided in the insulating layer 112, exposing a portion of the second touch electrode 1082. The pixel electrode layer 113 extends to the first opening 114 and contacts the common electrode line 110, achieving an electrical connection between the pixel electrode layer 113 and the common electrode line 110. The pixel electrode layer 113 continues to extend to the second opening 115 and contacts the second touch electrode 1082, achieving an electrical connection between the pixel electrode layer 113 and the second touch electrode 1082. Thus, the second touch electrode 1082 is electrically connected to the common electrode line 110 through the pixel electrode layer 113.

[0077] Based on the above, in the display device 200' with a large opening area, the large area of ​​the touch electrode layer in the first display area 103 is electrically connected to the common electrode line 110, so that the originally floating touch electrode layer is electrically connected to the ground potential, which will not cause charge accumulation and thus avoid light leakage at the edge of the opening area.

[0078] The above example uses two display devices. In the case of multiple display devices, the overlapping area of ​​the display areas of the multiple display devices corresponds to the main display area. Within each display device, the display areas other than the main display area are defined as secondary display areas. The overlapping area of ​​the non-display areas of the multiple display devices corresponds to an opening. The non-display area of ​​each display device consists of the opening and the secondary display areas of the other display devices.

[0079] Of course, the specific structure of the display panel, the display device, and the other film layers between them will not be described in detail here.

[0080] Regarding the manufacturing method of the display panel of the present invention, combined with Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the manufacturing method of the display panel 100 includes the following steps:

[0081] First, a substrate 101 is provided, which has a main display area 102, a first display area 103, a second display area 104 and an opening 105 arranged adjacent to each other.

[0082] Next, a touch electrode layer 108 and a touch electrode line 109 are formed on the substrate 101. The touch electrode layer 108 includes a first touch electrode 1081 disposed in the main display area 102 and a second touch electrode 1082 disposed in the first display area 103. The touch electrode line 109 is electrically connected to the first touch electrode 1081.

[0083] In this invention, the display panel 100 can be applied to a first display device 200 or a second display device 200'. The first display device 200 has a first display area AA1, and the second display device 200' has a second display area AA2. The first display area AA1 and the second display area AA2 are different. The first display area AA1 includes a main display area 102 and a first display area 103. The second display area AA2 includes the main display area 102 but does not include the first display area 103. However, the second display area AA2 includes the main display area 102 and a second display area 104.

[0084] For the first display device 200, the first display area 103 is used as a display area, and the second touch electrode 1082 in the first display area 103 is electrically connected to the corresponding touch electrode line 109. For the second display device 200', the first display area 103 is covered by a light-shielding layer and is not used as a display area, and the second touch electrode 1082 in the first display area 103 is not electrically connected to the touch electrode line 109.

[0085] In order to share the mask of the touch electrode layer 108 among different display devices, when the display panel 100 is applied to the first display device 200 and the second display device 200' respectively, the touch electrode layer 108 is formed using the same mask.

[0086] Then, a common electrode line 110 is formed on the substrate 101, at least a portion of the common electrode line 110 is disposed in the non-display area of ​​the display device.

[0087] A planarization layer 111 is then formed on the common electrode line 110. The common electrode line 110 is formed between the substrate 101 and the planarization layer 111, and a first opening 114 is formed in the first opening 114.

[0088] A second touch electrode 1082 is formed on the planarization layer 111, and an insulating layer 112 is formed on the touch electrode layer 108, with a second opening 115 formed in the insulating layer 112.

[0089] Finally, a pixel electrode layer 113 is formed on the insulating layer 112.

[0090] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, for the second display device 200', the planarization layer 111 of the display panel 100 is provided with a first opening 114, and the first opening 114 exposes a portion of the common electrode line 110. The pixel electrode layer 113 extends to the first opening 114, thereby, in the first opening 114, the pixel electrode layer 113 contacts the common electrode line 110 and is electrically connected to the common electrode line 110.

[0091] Furthermore, since the insulating layer 112 has a second opening 115 that exposes a portion of the second touch electrode 1082, the pixel electrode layer 113 continues to extend from the first opening 114 to the second opening 115 and contacts the portion of the second touch electrode 1082 exposed by the second opening 115, thus achieving an electrical connection between the pixel electrode layer 113 and the second touch electrode 1082. Therefore, the second touch electrode 1082 is electrically connected to the common electrode line 110 through the pixel electrode layer 113.

[0092] Of course, the specific structures in the display panel and display device, as well as the manufacturing methods of other film structures, will not be described in detail here.

[0093] In the manufacturing process of the display panel 100, the formation of the touch electrode layer requires a photomask. This invention also provides a photomask for manufacturing the display panel. Combined with... Figures 1-5 As shown, the photomask template of the present invention includes:

[0094] The main body has a first region and a second region adjacent to each other. The first region includes a first pattern for forming a first touch electrode, and the second region includes a second pattern for forming a second touch electrode.

[0095] According to embodiments of the present invention, for different display devices of the same size and resolution, the same photomask can be used to form touch electrode layers in the main display area and the corresponding secondary display area to form touch electrodes respectively. The overlapping area of ​​the display areas of multiple display devices corresponds to the main display area, and within each display device, the display areas other than the main display area are defined as secondary display areas. The overlapping area of ​​the non-display areas of multiple display devices corresponds to an opening, and the non-display area of ​​each display device can be composed of the opening and the secondary display areas of other display devices. Thus, different display devices can be formed by setting corresponding light-shielding layers. This reduces the number of photomask layers required between different types of display devices, saving production costs and improving production efficiency. It also avoids light leakage in the opening area, improving display quality.

[0096] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized by, include: One substrate; A main display area is disposed on the substrate; A primary display area is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the main display area; The touch electrode layer includes a first touch electrode disposed in the main display area and a second touch electrode disposed in the secondary display area; The touch electrode wire is electrically connected to the first touch electrode; The display panel can be applied to a first display device or a second display device. The first display device has a first display area, and the second display device has a second display area. The first display area is different from the second display area. The first display area includes the main display area and the first display area. The second display area includes the main display area but does not include the first display area. The touch electrode layer is formed using the same photomask; in the second display device, the touch electrode line is not electrically connected to the second touch electrode.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes: A secondary display area is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the main display area; An opening is provided on the substrate and is adjacent to the first display area and the second display area; The second display device has a second non-display area, the second non-display area including the opening and the first display area; and They share the same electrode wires; In the second display device, at least a portion of the common electrode line is disposed along the edge of the second non-display area within the second non-display area, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line.

3. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The display panel further includes: A planarization layer is disposed on the substrate; wherein The common electrode line is disposed between the substrate and the planarization layer, and the second touch electrode is disposed on the planarization layer.

4. The display panel of claim 3, wherein, The display panel further includes: An insulating layer is disposed on the touch electrode layer; and A pixel electrode layer is disposed on the insulating layer; In the second display device, the planarization layer is provided with a first opening, the first opening exposes a portion of the common electrode line, the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line through the pixel electrode layer in the first opening.

5. The display panel of claim 4, wherein, The insulating layer is provided with a second opening, the second opening exposes a portion of the second touch electrode, and the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening and the second opening and contacts the common electrode line and the second touch electrode.

6. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The first display device and the second display device have the same size and / or the same resolution.

7. A display device, characterized by comprising: include: A display panel as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A manufacturing method of a display panel, characterized by, include: A substrate is provided, the substrate having a main display area and a primary display area disposed adjacent to each other; A touch electrode layer and touch electrode lines are formed on the substrate. The touch electrode layer includes a first touch electrode disposed in the main display area and a second touch electrode disposed in the first display area. The touch electrode line is electrically connected to the first touch electrode; The display panel can be applied to a first display device or a second display device. The first display device has a first display area, and the second display device has a second display area. The first display area is different from the second display area. The first display area includes the main display area and the first display area. The second display area includes the main display area but does not include the first display area. The touch electrode layer is formed using the same photomask; in the second display device, the touch electrode line is electrically connected to the first touch electrode and not electrically connected to the second touch electrode.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The display panel further includes a secondary display area and an opening, wherein the secondary display area is disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the main display area; The opening is disposed on the substrate and is adjacent to the first display area and the second display area. The second display device has a second non-display area, which includes the opening and the first display area. The method further includes: Forming a common electrode line; In the second display device, at least a portion of the common electrode line is disposed along the edge of the second non-display area within the second non-display area, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further includes: A planar layer is formed on the common electrode line; wherein The common electrode line is disposed between the substrate and the planarization layer, and the second touch electrode is disposed on the planarization layer.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further includes: An insulating layer is formed on the touch electrode layer; A pixel electrode layer is formed on the insulating layer; In the second display device, the planarization layer is provided with a first opening, the first opening exposing a portion of the common electrode line; the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening, and the second touch electrode is electrically connected to the common electrode line through the pixel electrode layer in the first opening.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The insulating layer is provided with a second opening, the second opening exposes a portion of the second touch electrode, and the pixel electrode layer extends to the first opening and the second opening and contacts the common electrode line and the second touch electrode.

13. A mask plate for manufacturing any one of the display panels according to claims 1-6, characterized in that, The mask template includes: The main body has a first region and a second region adjacent to each other. The first region includes a first pattern for forming the first touch electrode, and the second region includes a second pattern for forming the second touch electrode.

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