Display panel, manufacturing method thereof, and display device

By using magnetic structure and magnetic fluid in the spacer portion of the display panel, the problem of spacer being displaced and scratching the alignment film under external force extrusion is solved, and the display quality and reliability of the display panel are improved.

CN116360163BActive Publication Date: 2025-05-06HKC CORP LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310379014.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-03-31
Publication Date
2025-05-06
Estimated Expiration
2043-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The spacers in the existing display panels are easily displaced when squeezed by external forces, resulting in displacement of the array substrate or color film substrate, and the spacers may scratch the alignment film.

Method used

A display panel is designed, wherein the spacer is composed of a magnetic structure and a receiving cavity, and the spacer is filled with magnetic fluid that is opposite to the magnetic structure, and the magnetic suction matching between the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure is supported.

Benefits of technology

When the display panel is squeezed by external force, the displacement inclination of the spacer portion will cause the magnetic fluid to flow, increase the overlap area between the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure, increase the attractive force, thereby suppressing the larger displacement of the spacer portion, reducing the chance of scratching the alignment film, and improving the display quality and reliability of the display panel.

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Abstract

The present application relates to a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The display panel includes an alignment film, a first substrate, and a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate along a first direction. The alignment film is formed on a side of the first substrate close to the second substrate. The display panel also includes at least one supporting structure, which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The supporting structure includes a spacer and a magnetic structure. The spacer is formed on the second substrate, and the magnetic structure is formed on a side of the alignment film close to the second substrate. The spacer has a receiving cavity, and a magnetic fluid with a magnetic property opposite to that of the magnetic structure is arranged in the receiving cavity, and the volume of the magnetic fluid is smaller than the volume of the receiving cavity. The spacer is supported on the magnetic structure by magnetic attraction of the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure. The display panel, the manufacturing method thereof, and the display device of this solution prevent the spacer from scratching the alignment film.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of display devices, and specifically relates to a display panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, conventional display panels include an array substrate and a color filter substrate aligned therewith, and a plurality of spacers are arranged between the array substrate and the color filter substrate for supporting and spacing the array substrate and the color filter substrate.

[0003] However, most of the spacers in the display area of ​​the existing display panel are configured in a wedge-cone shape. When the display panel is squeezed by external force, the array substrate or the color filter substrate is easily displaced, and the spacer is very likely to move with it and scratch the adjacent alignment film after moving. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a display panel and a manufacturing method thereof and a display device, which prevent the spacing part from scratching the alignment film.

[0005] The first aspect of the present application discloses a display panel, comprising an alignment film, a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate along a first direction, wherein the alignment film is formed on a side of the first substrate close to the second substrate, and the display panel further comprises at least one supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the supporting structure comprises a spacer and a magnetic structure, wherein the spacer is formed on the second substrate, and the magnetic structure is formed on a side of the alignment film close to the second substrate; wherein a accommodating cavity is provided in the spacer, wherein a magnetic fluid having a magnetic property opposite to that of the magnetic structure is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the volume of the magnetic fluid is smaller than the volume of the accommodating cavity; and the spacer is supported on the magnetic structure by magnetic attraction with the magnetic structure through the magnetic fluid.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the inner bottom wall of the accommodating cavity close to the magnetic structure is a plane; and / or the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure on the first substrate, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure on the first substrate.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a support column is disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the support column is supported between an inner top wall and an inner bottom wall of the accommodating cavity.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the support column is located in the central area of ​​the accommodating chamber and is spaced apart from the inner wall of the accommodating chamber; or, the support column is located in the central area of ​​the accommodating chamber and is in contact with two opposite inner walls of the accommodating chamber to separate the accommodating chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber that are independently arranged from each other, the magnetic fluid is disposed in both the first chamber and the second chamber, the volume of the first chamber is greater than the volume of the magnetic fluid in the first chamber, and the volume of the second chamber is greater than the volume of the magnetic fluid in the second chamber.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the magnetic fluid includes magnetic particles, a surfactant and a base carrier liquid.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, along the first direction, the filling height value of the magnetic fluid in the accommodating cavity is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the height value of the accommodating cavity, and less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the height value of the accommodating cavity; and / or, along the first direction, the height value of the accommodating cavity is greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the height value of the spacer, and less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the height value of the spacer.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, along a second direction intersecting with the first direction, the width of the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure on the first substrate is greater than the width of the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate by 2um, and is less than or equal to the width of the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate by 10um.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate is a rectangle, and the longitudinal section of the accommodating cavity along the first direction is a trapezoid or a rectangle.

[0013] The second aspect of the present application discloses a method for manufacturing a display panel, the manufacturing method comprising: forming an alignment film and a magnetic structure in sequence on one side of a first substrate; forming a spacer on one side of a second substrate, and patterning the side of the spacer away from the second substrate to form a groove; filling the groove with a magnetic fluid, the volume of the magnetic fluid being smaller than the volume of the groove; applying a magnetic force on the outer side of the groove to drive the magnetic fluid to move toward the opening of the groove, and to space the magnetic fluid from the bottom of the groove; forming an insulating material layer covering the spacer on the second substrate, and patterning the insulating material layer to form a cover body covering the groove, so that the spacer and the cover body together form a spacer, and the cover body is in contact with the magnetic fluid; wherein the cover body is spaced from the bottom wall of the groove, and forms a closed accommodating cavity with the bottom wall of the groove, and the magnetic fluid is arranged in the accommodating cavity; the magnetic structure and the spacer are connected by magnetic adsorption to support the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0014] A third aspect of the present application discloses a display device, comprising a backlight module and the above-mentioned display panel, wherein the backlight module is arranged on the light incident side of the display panel.

[0015] This application scheme has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first substrate and the second substrate are connected by adsorption through the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure of the spacer, and the display panel is squeezed by an external force, if the spacer is displaced and tilted, the magnetic fluid inside the spacer will flow accordingly, and there is a certain probability that the overlapping area between the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure opposite to the spacer will increase; at this time, because the magnetic properties of the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure are opposite, the mutual attraction between the two increases accordingly, thereby suppressing the spacer from undergoing a larger displacement, and to a certain extent reducing the probability of the spacer leaving the magnetic structure in contact with it and scratching the alignment film, thereby ultimately improving the display quality and reliability of the display panel.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by the practice of the present application.

[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application, and together with the specification are used to explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a display panel according to the first embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the force state of the spacer and the magnetic structure when the spacer described in the first embodiment of the present application is not tilted is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the force state of the spacer and the magnetic structure after being tilted as described in the first embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a display panel according to a second embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a display panel according to a third embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A bottom view schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of the spacing portion described in the third embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 A bottom view schematically shows a partial cross-sectional structure of the spacing portion described in the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of S2 in the method for manufacturing a display panel described in Embodiment 5 of the present application are shown in sequence.

[0029] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of S3 in the method for manufacturing a display panel described in Embodiment 5 of the present application are shown in sequence.

[0030] Fig.13 and Fig.14 Partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of S4 in the method for manufacturing a display panel described in Embodiment 5 of the present application are shown in sequence.

[0031] Figures 15 to 19Partial cross-sectional structural schematic diagrams of another method for forming spacer columns in Example 5 of the present application are shown in sequence.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 10. First substrate; 11. Alignment film; 20. Second substrate; 21. Color filter layer; 30. Liquid crystal molecules; 40. Support structure; 41. Spacer; 41a. Spacer; 41b. Cover; 401. Accommodating cavity; 401a. Inner bottom wall; 401b. Inner side wall; 401c. Inner top wall; 411. Support column; 412. Partition plate; 42. Magnetic structure; 421. Middle part; 422. Edge part; 50. Frame sealing glue; 60. Magnetic fluid; a. First direction, b. Second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be more comprehensive and complete and fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0035] In addition, described feature, structure or characteristic can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical scheme of the present application can be put into practice without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps, etc. can be adopted. In other cases, known methods, devices, realizations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring the various aspects of the application.

[0036] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0037] Embodiment 1

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment of the present invention discloses a display panel. For example, the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, which can be used in electronic devices such as notebooks, mobile phones, and car displays.

[0039] In some embodiments, Figure 1As shown, the display panel further includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20 disposed opposite to the first substrate 10 along a first direction a, and a transparent conductive film (not shown) disposed on a side of the first substrate 10 close to the second substrate 20. The transparent conductive film can be used to form a pixel electrode or a common electrode of the display panel. For example, the transparent conductive film is formed of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO) or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO).

[0040] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown, the display panel also includes a liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and an alignment film 11 for aligning the liquid crystal molecules 30 of the liquid crystal layer. The alignment film 11 is connected to the transparent conductive film on the first substrate 10 close to the second substrate 20.

[0041] It should be understood that the alignment film 11 is a thin film with straight scratches, which serves to guide the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 30. It is formed by using PI (polyimide) coating liquid and a roller on the evaporated transparent conductive film (ITO), and printing parallel grooves on the ITO film. The liquid crystal molecules 30 of the display panel can lie horizontally in the grooves according to the direction of the grooves, so that the liquid crystal molecules 30 are arranged in the same direction.

[0042] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the display panel further includes a color filter layer 21, which is disposed on a side of the second substrate 20 close to the first substrate 10. The color filter layer 21 includes a black matrix and a color filter layer of three colors, RGB (red, green, and blue). A black matrix is ​​disposed between two adjacent color filter layers of different colors, and the black matrix is ​​used to prevent light passing through two adjacent color filter layers of different colors from cross-coloring.

[0043] Of course, in other embodiments, the color filter layer 21 may also include a color filter layer other than RGB (red, green, and blue), that is, the color filter layer may be other colors, which can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0044] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the display panel also includes at least one supporting structure 40, which is arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and is used to support the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20, so that the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are always spaced apart, thereby ensuring that there is a large enough space between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 to set the liquid crystal layer.

[0045] Furthermore, if Figure 1As shown, the display panel further includes a sealant 50, which is connected between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 and is disposed around the liquid crystal layer. For example, the sealant 50 is an epoxy resin adhesive used for sealing the frame of a liquid crystal display device, and has the characteristics of strong bonding force, small shrinkage, and good weather resistance.

[0046] It should be understood that after the sealant 50 is connected to the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 , the liquid crystal layer can be sealed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the display panel includes an out-of-plane area where the self-sealing sealant 50 is away from the liquid crystal layer, a non-display area in the in-plane area between the sealant 50 and the liquid crystal layer, and a display area corresponding to the in-plane area where the liquid crystal layer is arranged, wherein the out-of-plane area is arranged around the non-display area in the in-plane area, and the non-display area in the in-plane area is arranged around the display area in the in-plane area.

[0048] In some embodiments, if the alignment film 11 extends to the out-of-plane region, the support structure 40 may be disposed in the out-of-plane region. Alternatively, the support structure 40 may be directly disposed in the out-of-plane region to support the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the support structure 40 is disposed in the in-plane area.

[0050] For example, when the support structure 40 is disposed in the in-plane area, that is, the support structure 40 is disposed in the non-display area of ​​the in-plane area of ​​the display panel, it can be enclosed and surrounded between the sealant 50 and the liquid crystal layer, and while supporting the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20, it forms a retaining wall disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the sealant 50, thereby preventing the sealant 50 from overflowing and contaminating the liquid crystal layer when the sealant 50 is applied between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. In this case, the support structure 40 can also be called a PS wall.

[0051] It should be understood that when the support structure 40 is a PS wall, the alignment film 11 thereof also extends to the non-display area at the edge of the display surface and outside the surface accordingly.

[0052] For example, when the support structure 40 is disposed at the display area of ​​the in-plane area of ​​the display panel, and there are multiple support structures 40, and the multiple support structures 40 are arranged at intervals, it mainly plays the role of supporting the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 to prevent the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 from being deformed after being subjected to pressure, resulting in the collapse of the space between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. In this case, the support structure 40 can also be called main PS or Sub PS.

[0053] It should be understood that both the main PS and the sub PS are located in the display area of ​​the display surface. The main PS is used to support the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 at all times (when pressed or not pressed); while the sub PS is used to support the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 only when the display panel is pressed.

[0054] In this embodiment, the supporting structure 40 is a main PS, that is, it is used to support the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 both when pressed and when not pressed.

[0055] Furthermore, the support structure 40 includes a spacer 41 and a magnetic structure 42. The spacer 41 is connected to the side of the color filter layer 21 away from the second substrate 20 and is arranged opposite to the black matrix in the color filter layer 21. The magnetic structure 42 is connected to the side of the alignment film 11 close to the second substrate 20. Among them, a magnetic material with a magnetic property opposite to that of the magnetic structure 42 is arranged in the spacer 41, and one end of the magnetic structure 42 away from the alignment film 11 cooperates with the magnetic material in the spacer 41 to be magnetically adsorbed on the surface of the spacer 41, so that the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are connected by magnetic alignment, and then the frame sealant 50 is used to strengthen the connection strength between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0056] It should be understood that when the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are not connected to each other with the sealing glue 50, or after the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are connected to each other with the sealing glue 50, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are easily displaced under the action of external force. When the second substrate 20 is displaced, the spacer 41 will be displaced. When the spacer 41 is displaced, its end close to the first substrate 10 is very likely to scratch the alignment film 11 on the first substrate 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, in order to solve the problem that the end of the spacer 41 close to the first substrate 10 is very easy to scratch the alignment film 11 on the first substrate 10, an accommodating cavity 401 is provided at the end of the spacer 41 away from the second substrate 20, and the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10.

[0058] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown, a magnetic fluid 60 having opposite magnetic properties to the magnetic structure 42 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 401 . The volume of the magnetic fluid 60 is smaller than the volume of the accommodating cavity 401 , and covers the inner bottom wall 401 a of the accommodating cavity 401 close to the magnetic structure 42 .

[0059] It should be understood that if Figures 1 to 3As shown, since the volume of the magnetic fluid 60 is smaller than the volume of the accommodating cavity 401, the magnetic fluid 60 can flow in the accommodating cavity 401. At the same time, the magnetic fluid 60 covers the inner bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401 close to the magnetic structure 42, and then after the partition 41 is tilted, the magnetic fluid 60 has a certain probability of increasing the area of ​​the inner side wall 401b of the accommodating cavity 401.

[0060] The end of the magnetic structure 42 away from the alignment film 11 is magnetically attracted to the spacer 41 through the magnetic fluid 60, so as to connect the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 through magnetic alignment. In other words, the spacer 41 is supported on the magnetic structure 42 by magnetic attraction with the magnetic structure 42 through the magnetic fluid 60.

[0061] In summary, when the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are adsorbed and connected through the magnetic fluid 60 and the magnetic structure 42 of the spacer 41, and the display panel is squeezed by an external force: if the spacer 41 is displaced and tilted, the magnetic fluid 60 inside the spacer 41 will flow accordingly, and there is a certain probability that the overlapping area between the magnetic fluid 60 and the magnetic structure 42 opposite to the spacer 41 will increase; at this time, because the magnetic properties of the magnetic fluid 60 and the magnetic structure 42 are opposite, the mutual attraction between the two increases accordingly, thereby suppressing the spacer 41 from a larger displacement, and to a certain extent reducing the probability of the spacer 41 leaving the magnetic structure 42 in contact with it and scratching the alignment film 11, ultimately improving the display quality and reliability of the display panel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the spacer 41 is in a wedge-cone shape, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the end of the spacer 41 close to the first substrate 10 gradually increases along the first direction a toward the side close to the second substrate 20 .

[0063] It should be understood that when the spacer 41 is formed by the yellow light process, due to process reasons (such as the chamfer formed after the photoresist is exposed and developed), it is easy for the spacer 41 to be formed into a wedge-shaped cone. At this time, the end of the spacer 41 close to the alignment film 11 of the first substrate 10 is very likely to scratch the alignment film 11.

[0064] In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10. As a result, after the spacer 41 is tilted at a certain angle, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the magnetic fluid 60 in the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is not only more likely to be larger than the area of ​​the orthographic projection when the spacer 41 is not tilted, but the orthographic projection of the magnetic fluid 60 in the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is also more likely to still be located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10. Ultimately, after the spacer 41 is tilted, the adsorption area of ​​the magnetic fluid 60 and the magnetic structure 42 is larger than the adsorption area when the spacer 41 is not tilted.

[0065] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the shape of the accommodating cavity 401 can be, for example, spherical, cylindrical, truncated cone, conical, cuboid or prism, etc. The inner bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401 close to the magnetic structure 42 is a plane.

[0066] In this embodiment, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is a rectangular structure, and the longitudinal section of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a is a trapezoid.

[0067] For example, the shape of the accommodating cavity 401 is a prism, and the area of ​​the inner bottom wall 401a of the prism-shaped accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a is larger than the area of ​​the inner top wall 401c. The inner bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401 is closer to the magnetic structure 42 along the first direction a than the inner top wall 401c, so as to increase the magnetic adsorption force between the magnetic fluid 60 inside the accommodating cavity 401 and the magnetic structure 42.

[0068] In some embodiments, the height of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a is greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the height of the spacer 41 , and less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the height of the spacer 41 .

[0069] In this embodiment, the height of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a is 1 / 2 of the total height of the partition 41 along the first direction a, so as to ensure that after a portion of the partition 41 is hollowed out, the partition 41 still has sufficient rigidity to play a supporting role.

[0070] Further, the thickness of the inner bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 um. For example, the thickness of the inner bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401 is 0.6 um, 0.78 um, 0.8 um, 0.9 um, 0.95 um, 1 um, 1.2 um or 1.4 um.

[0071] Further, the thickness of the inner side wall 401b of the accommodating cavity 401 along the second direction b (the second direction b is a direction perpendicular to the first direction a) is in the range of 1-10 um. For example, the thickness of the inner side wall 401b of the accommodating cavity 401 is 1 um, 1.6 um, 2 um, 2.78 um, 3 um, 3.48 um, 4 um, 4.59 um, 5 um, 5.65 um, 6 um, 6.7 um, 7 um, 7.5 um, 8 um, 8.4 um, 9 um or 10 um.

[0072] In some embodiments, along the first direction a, the filling height of the magnetic fluid 60 in the receiving cavity 401 is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the height of the receiving cavity 401 , and less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the height of the receiving cavity 401 .

[0073] In this embodiment, along the first direction a: the filling height value of the magnetic fluid 60 in the accommodating cavity 401 is two-thirds of the height value of the accommodating cavity 401, so as to ensure that after the magnetic fluid 60 is set in the accommodating cavity 401, the magnetic fluid 60 can flow in the accommodating cavity 401, and at the same time, it can not only make it easier for the magnetic fluid 60 to completely cover one of the inner side walls 401b of the accommodating cavity 401 after the partition 41 is tilted, but also it is very likely to ensure that every part of the inner bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401 is always covered with the magnetic fluid 60, thereby increasing the adsorption area of ​​the magnetic fluid 60 and the magnetic structure 42 after the partition 41 is tilted.

[0074] Furthermore, the magnetic fluid 60 has the fluidity of liquid and the magnetism of solid, and is composed of magnetic particles (nano magnetic particles), a base carrier liquid and a surfactant.

[0075] For example, the magnetic fluid 60 has one or more of Fe (iron), Ni (nickel), Co (cobalt), etc. as magnetic particles, one or more of water, organic solvent, oil, etc. as base carrier liquid, and oleic acid, etc. as an active agent to prevent agglomeration.

[0076] In some embodiments, along a second direction b intersecting with the first direction a: the width of the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 41 on the first substrate 10 is greater than the width of the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 by 2um, and is less than or equal to the width of the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 by 10um.

[0077] It should be understood that the magnetic structure 42 includes a middle portion and an edge portion arranged around the middle portion; the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the middle portion on the first substrate 10 is equal to the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10, and the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is located within the orthographic projection of the middle portion on the first substrate 10. Therefore, when the spacer 41 is tilted at a certain angle, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 may be greater than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the middle portion on the first substrate 10, and the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is likely to still be located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10. In turn, the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the magnetic fluid 60 in the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is also greater than the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the middle portion on the first substrate 10, and the orthographic projection is likely to still be located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure 42 on the first substrate 10. Finally, after the spacer 41 is tilted, the adsorption area of ​​the magnetic fluid 60 and the magnetic structure 42 is larger than the adsorption area when the spacer 41 is not tilted.

[0078] For example, the width of the edge portion along the second direction b is in the range of 1-5um. That is, the width of the magnetic structure 42 along the second direction b is greater than the width of the spacer 41 along the second direction b, which is in the range of 1-5um. For example, the width of the edge portion along the second direction b is 1.65um, 1.7um, 1.8um, 1.9um, 2um, 2.6um, 3um, 3.78um, 4um, 4.2um, 4.5um or 5um.

[0079] Furthermore, the magnetic structure 42 is composed of one or more of Fe, Ni, Co elements and their alloys or rare earth elements and their alloys.

[0080] Further, the height of the magnetic structure 42 along the first direction a ranges from 0.5 to 2 um. For example, the height of the magnetic structure 42 is 0.5 um, 0.6 um, 0.72 um, 0.78 um, 1 um, 1.2 um, 1.4 um, 1.59 um, 1.65 um, 1.7 um, 1.85 um, 1.9 um or 2 um.

[0081] Embodiment 2

[0082] Combination Figure 4 As shown, the structure of the display panel in the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the display panel in the first embodiment, except that the shape of the accommodating cavity 401 in the spacer 41 of the display panel in the second embodiment is different from that of the accommodating cavity 401 in the spacer 41 of the display panel in the first embodiment.

[0083] In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity 401 on the first substrate 10 is a rectangular structure, and the longitudinal section of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a is a rectangle.

[0084] For example, the shape of the accommodating cavity 401 is a cube, so that a larger volume of the accommodating cavity 401 can be set without affecting the supporting function of the spacer 41, thereby filling more magnetic fluid 60, so that in normal circumstances or when the spacer 41 is tilted, the attraction between the magnetic structure 42 is greater, further suppressing the displacement of the spacer 41, and more effectively preventing the spacer 41 from scratching the alignment film 11.

[0085] For other structures and working principles of the display panel, please refer to the first embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0086] Embodiment 3

[0087] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the structure of the display panel in the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the display panel in the first and second embodiments, except that the structure of the accommodating cavity 401 in the spacer 41 of the display panel in the third embodiment is different from that of the accommodating cavity 401 in the spacer 41 of the display panel in the first and second embodiments.

[0088] In this embodiment, the spacer 41 further includes a support column 411, which is connected to the inner bottom wall 401a and the inner top wall 401c of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a. This prevents the spacer 41 from scratching the alignment film 11, strengthens the supporting function of the spacer 41, and prevents the spacer 41 from being broken or damaged under the interaction of the external force and the attraction of the magnetic structure 42.

[0089] Furthermore, the support column 411 is disposed in the central area of ​​the accommodating cavity 401 , and the support column 411 and each inner side wall 401 b of the accommodating cavity 401 are spaced apart to reduce the influence of the support column 411 on the flow of the magnetic fluid 60 .

[0090] In this embodiment, the height of the support column 411 is equal to the distance between the inner bottom wall 401a and the inner top wall 401c of the accommodating cavity 401, and the thickness and height thereof are both in the range of 1-10 um.

[0091] For example, the thickness and height values ​​of the support column 411 are 1um, 1.6um, 2um, 2.78um, 3um, 3.48um, 4um, 4.59um, 5um, 5.65um, 6um, 6.7um, 7um, 7.5um, 8um, 8.4um, 9um or 10um.

[0092] For other structures and working principles of the display panel, please refer to the first and second embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0093] Embodiment 4

[0094] Combination Figures 7 and 8 As shown, the structure of the display panel in the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the display panel in the first and second embodiments, except that the structure of the accommodating cavity 401 in the spacer 41 of the display panel in the fourth embodiment is different from that of the accommodating cavity 401 in the spacer 41 of the display panel in the first and second embodiments.

[0095] In some embodiments, the spacer 41 further includes a support column, which is connected to the inner bottom wall 401a and the inner top wall 401c of the accommodating cavity 401 along the first direction a. This prevents the spacer 41 from scratching the alignment film 11, strengthens the supporting function of the spacer 41, and prevents the spacer 41 from being broken or damaged by the interaction of the external force and the attraction of the magnetic structure 42.

[0096] In this embodiment, the support column is located in the central area of ​​the accommodating cavity, and is in contact and connected with two oppositely disposed inner side walls 401b of the accommodating cavity 401 along the second direction b to form a partition plate 412 (for example, when the accommodating cavity 401 is a cube, the two ends of the partition plate 412 along the second direction b are respectively connected to the two oppositely disposed inner side walls 401b of the accommodating cavity 401 of the cube structure).

[0097] The partition plate 412 is connected to the inner bottom wall 401a and the inner top wall 401c of the accommodating chamber 401 along the first direction a, and divides the accommodating chamber 401 into a first chamber and a second chamber that are independently arranged. That is, the partition plate 412 is not limited to being in contact with and connected to the two oppositely arranged inner side walls 401b of the accommodating chamber 401, as long as the accommodating chamber 401 can be divided into two first chambers and a second chamber that are independently arranged.

[0098] It should be understood that the magnetic fluid 60 is disposed in both the first chamber and the second chamber, and the volume of the first chamber is greater than the volume of the magnetic fluid 60 in the first chamber; the volume of the second chamber is greater than the volume of the magnetic fluid 60 in the second chamber.

[0099] In this embodiment, the height of the support column 411 is equal to the distance between the inner bottom wall 401a and the inner top wall 401c of the accommodating cavity 401, and the thickness and height thereof are both in the range of 1-10 um.

[0100] For example, the thickness of the support column 411 is 1um, 1.6um, 2um, 2.78um, 3um, 3.48um, 4um, 4.59um, 5um, 5.65um, 6um, 6.7um, 7um, 7.5um, 8um, 8.4um, 9um or 10um.

[0101] It should be understood that after the partition plate 412 separates the accommodating chamber 401 into a first chamber and a second chamber that are independently arranged, the magnetic fluid 60 in the first chamber and the magnetic fluid 60 in the second chamber do not flow into each other, that is, the magnetic fluid 60 in the first chamber can only flow in the first chamber, and the magnetic fluid 60 in the second chamber can only flow in the second chamber.

[0102] In summary, compared with the spacer 41 in the third embodiment, the spacer 41 in this embodiment can better prevent the spacer 41 from scratching the alignment film 11 while strengthening the supporting function of the spacer 41 to avoid the spacer 41 from breaking or being damaged by the interaction of external force and the attraction of the magnetic structure 42.

[0103] For other structures and working principles of the display panel, please refer to the first and second embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] Embodiment 5

[0105] Combination Figures 9 to 19 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, which is used to manufacture the display panels in Embodiments 1 to 4. The method for manufacturing a display panel includes:

[0106] S1: forming a magnetic structure 42 and an alignment film 11 on one side of the first substrate 10 , wherein the magnetic structure 42 is connected to a side of the alignment film 11 away from the first substrate 10 .

[0107] For example, the magnetic structure 42 is composed of one or more of Fe, Ni, Co elements and alloys thereof or rare earth elements and alloys thereof.

[0108] S2: forming a spacer 41a on one side of the second substrate 20, and exposing, developing, and etching the spacer 41a to form a groove through a yellow light process, that is, a groove is provided on the side of the spacer 41a away from the second substrate 20. For example, the material forming the spacer 41a includes a transparent insulating material. For example, the transparent insulating material is a transparent organic material such as polyimide and resin.

[0109] In this embodiment, if Figures 9 and 10As shown, the method of exposing, developing and etching the spacer 41a to form a groove by yellow light process includes: first forming the entire solid spacer 41a, and then exposing, developing and etching one end of the spacer 41a close to the alignment film 11 to form a groove.

[0110] Of course, in other embodiments, such as Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the method of exposing, developing and etching the spacer 41a to form a groove by a yellow light process may also include: first forming a partially solid and wedge-shaped spacer 41a; then forming another partially cube-shaped spacer 41a at the end of the wedge-shaped spacer 41a away from the second substrate 20, and then exposing, developing and etching the cube-shaped spacer 41a to form a groove of the spacer 41a. The groove formed in this way is easier to form a cube-shaped accommodating cavity 401.

[0111] S3: Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown and Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the groove is filled with magnetic fluid 60, and the volume of the magnetic fluid 60 is smaller than the volume of the groove.

[0112] In order to make the magnetic fluid 60 gather at the opening of the groove so that the magnetic fluid 60 is finally located on the bottom wall 401a of the accommodating cavity 401, it is necessary to apply magnetic force on the outside of the groove to drive the magnetic fluid 60 to move toward the opening of the groove and to space the magnetic fluid 60 from the bottom of the groove.

[0113] In this embodiment, an electromagnetic device is used to apply magnetic force to the two side groove walls of the groove (i.e., the two inner walls 401b of the accommodating cavity 401) along the second direction b to drive the magnetic fluid 60 to move toward the opening of the groove from two opposite sides of the magnetic fluid 60, so that the plane of the magnetic fluid 60 away from the bottom of the groove can be made horizontal.

[0114] S4: Fig.13 and Fig.19 As shown, an insulating material layer covering the spacer 41a is formed on the second substrate 20, and the insulating material layer is patterned to form a cover 41b. The insulating material layer can be formed of the same material as the spacer 41a, and the sealing of the groove is completed by forming the cover 41b. That is, a cover 41b for sealing the groove is formed on the spacer 41a, so that the spacer 41a and the cover 41b together form a spacer 41; wherein the cover 41b is spaced from the bottom groove wall of the groove (that is, the inner top wall 401c of the accommodating cavity 401), and a closed accommodating cavity 401 is formed between the cover 41b and the bottom groove wall of the groove, and the magnetic fluid 60 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 401.

[0115] S5: After aligning the magnetic structure 42 and the spacer 41 , the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are connected by magnetic adsorption to support the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 .

[0116] For other structures and working principles of the display panel, please refer to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 4, which will not be described in detail here.

[0117] Embodiment 6

[0118] The sixth embodiment provides a display device, including a backlight module and the display panel in the first to fifth embodiments.

[0119] In this embodiment, the backlight module is disposed on the light incident side of the display panel to provide a light source for the display panel.

[0120] For example, the display device is, for example, a computer, a television, a mobile phone, a car display screen, or a billboard.

[0121] Regarding other structures of the display panel, please refer to Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 5, which will not be described in detail here.

[0122] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "assembly", "connection" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0123] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. "Multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. And the description of the terms "some embodiments", "exemplarily", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application.

[0124] The schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this specification without contradicting each other.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising an alignment film, a first substrate, and a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate along a first direction, wherein the alignment film is formed on a side of the first substrate close to the second substrate, characterized in that: The display panel further comprises at least one supporting structure, wherein the supporting structure is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; The supporting structure includes a spacer and a magnetic structure, wherein the spacer is formed on the second substrate, and the magnetic structure is formed on a side of the alignment film close to the second substrate; There is a receiving cavity in the spacer, a magnetic fluid having a magnetic property opposite to that of the magnetic structure is arranged in the receiving cavity, and the volume of the magnetic fluid is smaller than the volume of the receiving cavity; The spacer is supported on the magnetic structure by magnetically engaging with the magnetic structure through the magnetic fluid; When the spacer is tilted, the adsorption area between the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure is larger than the adsorption area when the spacer is not tilted.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner bottom wall of the accommodating cavity close to the magnetic structure is a plane; and / or, The orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the magnetic structure on the first substrate, and the orthographic projection area of ​​the accommodating cavity on the first substrate is smaller than the orthographic projection area of ​​the magnetic structure on the first substrate.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support column is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the support column is supported between the inner top wall and the inner bottom wall of the accommodating cavity.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support column is located in the central area of ​​the accommodating cavity and is spaced apart from the inner side wall of the accommodating cavity; or, The support column is located in the central area of ​​the accommodating cavity and contacts the two opposite inner walls of the accommodating cavity to separate the accommodating cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber that are independently arranged from each other. The magnetic fluid is arranged in both the first chamber and the second chamber. The volume of the first chamber is greater than the volume of the magnetic fluid in the first chamber, and the volume of the second chamber is greater than the volume of the magnetic fluid in the second chamber.

5. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The magnetic fluid comprises magnetic particles, a surfactant and a base carrier liquid.

6. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Along the first direction, the filling height of the magnetic fluid in the accommodating cavity is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the height of the accommodating cavity and less than or equal to 2 / 3 of the height of the accommodating cavity; and / or, Along the first direction, the height of the accommodating cavity is greater than or equal to 1 / 3 of the height of the spacer, and less than or equal to 1 / 2 of the height of the spacer.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Along a second direction intersecting with the first direction, a width of an orthographic projection of the magnetic structure on the first substrate is greater than 2um and less than or equal to 10um.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the accommodating cavity on the first substrate is a rectangle, and the longitudinal section of the accommodating cavity along the first direction is a trapezoid or a rectangle.

9. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that: The production method comprises: forming an alignment film and a magnetic structure in sequence on one side of the first substrate; forming a spacer on one side of the second substrate, and patterning a side of the spacer away from the second substrate to form a groove; Filling the groove with a magnetic fluid, wherein the volume of the magnetic fluid is smaller than the volume of the groove; Applying magnetic force on the outer side of the groove to drive the magnetic fluid to move toward the opening of the groove and to space the magnetic fluid from the bottom of the groove; forming an insulating material layer covering the spacer on the second substrate, and patterning the insulating material layer to form a cover body covering the groove, so that the spacer and the cover body together form a spacing portion, and the cover body is in contact with the magnetic fluid; Wherein, the cover body is spaced apart from the inner bottom wall of the groove, and forms a closed accommodating cavity between the cover body and the inner bottom wall of the groove, and the magnetic fluid is arranged in the accommodating cavity; Connecting the magnetic structure and the spacer by magnetic adsorption to support the first substrate and the second substrate; When the spacer is tilted, the adsorption area between the magnetic fluid and the magnetic structure is larger than the adsorption area when the spacer is not tilted.

10. A display device, characterized in that: It comprises a backlight module and a display panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the backlight module is arranged on a light incident side of the display panel.

Citation Information

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