Display panel and display device

Abstract

This invention relates to a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate, a driver chip, and a backlight structure. The driver chip is electrically connected to the array substrate and used to control voltage signals on the array substrate. The driver chip is disposed on the inner side of the array substrate, and the color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the backlight structure. In this structure, the array substrate can cover the outer sides of the color filter substrate and the driver chip, thereby protecting the structure located on the inner side of the array substrate. Simultaneously, the outer array substrate can improve the flatness of the outer surface of the display panel, enabling an integrated design. Furthermore, by utilizing the outer design of the array substrate, the need to attach a glass cover plate to the outer side of the display panel can be eliminated, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, improving product yield, and reducing the overall thickness of the display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of display technology, and particularly relates to a display panel and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of display panel technology, users' requirements for the integrated effect of display panels have increased dramatically. In liquid crystal displays (LCDs), in order to ensure surface flatness, a cover glass (CG) needs to be attached to the outermost side of the LCD facing the user. However, the use of CG not only increases costs but also causes a certain loss of yield in the attachment process, and also hinders the design of thinner and lighter products. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a display panel and display device that can achieve a thinner and lighter design of the display device while controlling costs, and at the same time improve the product yield.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a display panel is provided, the display panel comprising: an array substrate, a color filter substrate, a driving chip, and a backlight structure;

[0005] The driving chip is electrically connected to the array substrate and is used to control the voltage signal on the array substrate. The driving chip is disposed on the inner side of the array substrate, and the color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the backlight structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the display panel is configured to be located above the camera module, the display panel includes a functional area, and the camera module is located below the functional area;

[0007] The backlight structure is located away from the functional area.

[0008] Furthermore, the display panel is configured to be located above the camera module, the display panel includes a functional area, and the camera module is located below the functional area;

[0009] Both the array substrate and the color filter substrate cover the functional area.

[0010] Furthermore, the display panel includes a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer; the first light-shielding layer is formed on the inner side of the color filter substrate, and a first main through-hole is formed thereon; the second light-shielding layer is formed on the outer side of the array substrate, and a second main through-hole is formed thereon.

[0011] Both the first main through hole and the second main through hole are located in the functional area and both face the camera module; along the thickness direction, the projection of the second main through hole covers the projection of the first main through hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the first main through hole and the second main through hole are concentrically arranged.

[0013] Furthermore, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the first main through hole and the outer contour of the second main through hole is taken as the first distance; along the thickness direction, the minimum distance between the end face of the first light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure and the end face of the second light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure is taken as the second distance.

[0014] The first distance is less than the second distance.

[0015] Furthermore, a second through-hole is also provided on the second light-shielding layer;

[0016] The first light-shielding layer includes a blocking portion and a filtering portion. The blocking portion is configured to block the passage of light, and a first main through-hole is formed in the blocking portion. The filtering portion is configured to allow light of a specific wavelength to pass through, and at least a portion of the filtering portion is exposed through a second auxiliary through-hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the display panel is configured to be located above the camera module, the display panel includes a functional area, and the camera module is located below the functional area;

[0018] The array substrate covers the functional area, and the color filter substrate is located away from the functional area.

[0019] Furthermore, the display panel includes a second light-shielding layer and a third light-shielding layer;

[0020] The second light-shielding layer is formed on the outer side of the array substrate, and the portion of the second light-shielding layer located in the functional area has a through-hole.

[0021] The third light-shielding layer is formed on the inner side of the array substrate.

[0022] Furthermore, at least a portion of the third light-shielding layer is located in the functional area and configured to allow light of a specific wavelength to pass through, with at least a portion of the structure of the third light-shielding layer exposed through the functional via.

[0023] Furthermore, a second main through hole is formed on the second light-shielding layer, and a third main through hole is formed on the third light-shielding layer;

[0024] Both the second main through hole and the third main through hole are located in the functional area and both face the camera module; along the thickness direction, the projection of the second main through hole covers the projection of the third main through hole.

[0025] Furthermore, the second main through hole and the third main through hole are concentrically arranged; and / or,

[0026] The minimum distance between the outer contour of the second main through hole and the outer contour of the third main through hole is taken as the third distance; along the thickness direction, the minimum distance between the end face of the second light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure and the end face of the third light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure is taken as the fourth distance; the third distance is less than the fourth distance.

[0027] Furthermore, the third light-shielding layer includes a functional filter block configured to allow light of a specific wavelength band to pass through;

[0028] Along the thickness direction, the positions of the functional filter block and the functional through hole correspond, and the projection of the functional filter block along the thickness direction covers the projection of the functional through hole along the thickness direction.

[0029] Furthermore, the second light-shielding layer is formed by inkjet printing; and / or,

[0030] The third light-shielding layer is formed by screen printing.

[0031] Furthermore, the display panel also includes a support structure disposed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate.

[0032] Furthermore, the display panel is configured to be located above the camera module, the display panel includes a functional area, the camera module is located below the functional area, the support structure is located in the functional area, and / or, at least a portion of the support structure surrounds the functional area.

[0033] Furthermore, the support structure includes a support column and a support block, wherein the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the support block is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the support column;

[0034] The support block is located further away from the center of the functional area than the support column.

[0035] Furthermore, the array substrate includes a first glass substrate and a metal film layer, the metal film layer including one or more metal trace structures; along the thickness direction, the support pillars face the single-layer metal trace structure, and / or, the support blocks face the multi-layer metal trace structure; and / or,

[0036] The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the support columns and support blocks gradually increases from the center of the functional area outwards.

[0037] Furthermore, the display panel has a cutting line, and the minimum distance L1 between the support structure and the cutting line is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers; and / or,

[0038] The display panel is configured above the camera module and includes a first light-shielding layer formed on the inner side of the color filter substrate, and has a first main through-hole facing the camera module; the minimum distance between the support structure and the first main through-hole is greater than or equal to 30 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers; and / or,

[0039] The display panel also includes a sealing adhesive, which is disposed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate. The minimum distance between the support structure and the sealing adhesive is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers.

[0040] Furthermore, one end of the support structure is located at one of the color filter substrate and the array substrate;

[0041] When the display panel is not subjected to compressive force, the other end of the support structure is spaced apart from the other of the color filter substrate and the array substrate; when the display panel is subjected to compressive force, the other end of the support structure abuts against the other of the color filter substrate and the array substrate.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided, wherein the display panel includes a camera module and the aforementioned display panel, and the display panel is located above the camera module.

[0043] The display panel and display device provided in this application employ a structure in which an array substrate covers the outside of a color filter substrate. This allows the array substrate to protect the structure located inside the array substrate. Simultaneously, the outer array substrate improves the flatness of the outer surface of the display panel, enabling an integrated design. Furthermore, by using the outer design of the array substrate, the need for attaching a glass cover to the outside of the display panel can be eliminated, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, improving product yield, and reducing the overall thickness of the display device.

[0044] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0046] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0047] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display panel design;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display panel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 This is another cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 This is another cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display panel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7 This is another cross-sectional schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 8 This is another structural schematic diagram of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0056] Display device 1

[0057] Display panel 10

[0058] Display area 11

[0059] Non-display area 12

[0060] Function Area 13

[0061] Cutting line 14

[0062] Glass cover 15

[0063] Camera module 20

[0064] Back shell 30

[0065] Mid-frame 40

[0066] Functional Module 50

[0067] Infrared camera module 51

[0068] Infrared light-emitting module 52

[0069] Photosensitive module 53

[0070] Array substrate 100

[0071] First glass substrate 110

[0072] Insulating film layer 120

[0073] First insulating layer 121

[0074] Second insulating layer 122

[0075] Metal film layer 130

[0076] First metal layer 131

[0077] Second metal layer 132

[0078] Light deflection layer 200

[0079] Frame Sealing Adhesive 210

[0080] Color film substrate 300

[0081] Planarization layer 310

[0082] Driver chip 400

[0083] Backlight structure 500

[0084] Backlight panel 510

[0085] Filter Component 520

[0086] First polarizer 600

[0087] Second polarizer 700

[0088] Light-blocking structure 800

[0089] First light-shielding layer 810

[0090] First main through hole 811

[0091] Second light-shielding layer 820

[0092] Second main through hole 821

[0093] Functional through hole 822

[0094] Third light-shielding layer 830

[0095] Functional filter block 831

[0096] First filter block 8311

[0097] Second filter block 8312

[0098] Third filter block 8313

[0099] Third main through hole 832

[0100] Support structure 900

[0101] Support column 910

[0102] Support block 920. Detailed Implementation

[0103] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0104] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0105] This application provides a display panel and a display device. The display device includes a camera module and a display panel, with the display panel positioned above the camera module. The display panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate, a driver chip, and a backlight structure. The driver chip is electrically connected to the array substrate and is used to control voltage signals on the array substrate. The color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the backlight structure. This structure, where the array substrate covers the outer sides of the color filter substrate and the driver chip, protects the structure located inside the array substrate. Simultaneously, the outer array substrate improves the flatness of the display panel's outer surface, enabling an integrated display panel design. Furthermore, by using an outer array substrate design, a glass cover plate can be eliminated from the outer side of the display panel, simplifying the manufacturing process, improving product yield, and reducing the overall thickness of the display device.

[0106] The display panel described in this application may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) device, which can be used in products or components with display functions such as laptops, tablets, televisions, mobile phones, and watches, serving as the display panel for such products or components.

[0107] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 2 to 8 The display panel 10 and display device 1 provided in this application will be described in detail.

[0108] Combination Figures 2-4 As shown, this application provides a display device 1. The display device 1 includes a display panel 10, a camera module 20, a back cover 30, and a mid-frame 40. The display panel 10 covers the end of the camera module away from the back cover 30 to improve the integration of the display device 1 towards the user. The display panel 10 and the camera module 20 are located in receiving holes on the mid-frame 40 and are fixedly connected to the back cover 30, with the mid-frame 40 providing support. Alternatively, the display panel 10 and the camera module 20 can also be fixed to the back cover 30 via the mid-frame 40. Figure 5 As shown, the display panel 10 includes an array substrate 100, a light deflection layer 200, a color filter substrate 300, a driving chip 400, a backlight structure 500, a first polarizer 600, and a second polarizer 700.

[0109] The display panel 10 also includes a display area 11 and a non-display area 12. The camera module 20 is disposed below the non-display area 12. The array substrate 100 extends and covers the camera module 20.

[0110] In display area 11, the light deflection layer 200 is the liquid crystal layer. The backlight structure 500 is located on the side of the display panel 10 furthest from the user. The display panel 10 also includes a light-emitting structure, which in this embodiment is located on the side of the display panel 10 and is used to emit white light. The backlight structure 500 includes a backlight plate 510 and a filter assembly 520. The backlight plate 510 can conduct the white light emitted by the light-emitting structure and improve the uniformity of the white light distribution. The filter assembly 520 can filter the light transmitted from the backlight plate 510 to obtain target light with better uniformity. The filter assembly 520 may include films such as prism sheets and diffusers. The light obtained through the backlight structure 500's conduction and filtering first passes through a first polarizer 600 for preliminary screening. Then, it passes through the color filter substrate 300 to present different colors of light. A liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between an array substrate 100 and a color filter substrate 300. A driver chip 400 is electrically connected to the array substrate 100 and is used to control the voltage signal on the array substrate 100, thereby controlling the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer. When the voltage on the liquid crystal layer changes, the deflection angle of the light emitted from the color filter substrate 300 and passing through the liquid crystal layer changes, thus realizing the presentation of different colors of light. Finally, the light is emitted to the user after final filtering by a second polarizer 700.

[0111] In the non-display area 12, intelligent display is not required. At this time, the light deflection layer 200 can still be a liquid crystal layer or just a vacuum layer. The backlight structure 500 is away from the non-display area 12. Meanwhile, the light blocking structure 800 located in the non-display area 12 can block the light entering the non-display area 12.

[0112] It should be noted that, in order to clearly show the structure and positional relationship between the color film substrate 300 and the array substrate 100, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the structure of the light deflection layer 200 is not shown. In an actual product, the light deflection layer 200 is sandwiched between the color film substrate 300 and the array substrate 100 (as shown in reference Figure 5 ). As shown in Figure 5 , in the actual production process, a sealing glue 210 needs to be set between the color film substrate 300 and the array substrate 100, and liquid crystal is filled in the space surrounded by the sealing glue 210.

[0113] Combined with what is shown in Figures 3-5 , in this embodiment, the driving chip 400 is set on the peripheral side of the color film substrate 300 and in the non-display area 12. The array substrate 100 is on the side away from the backlight structure 500 of the color film substrate 300 and the driving chip 400. At this time, there is a certain step difference and spacing between the driving chip 400 and the color film substrate 300. The array substrate 100 is covered above the driving chip 400 and the color film substrate 300. By using the protection of the array substrate 100 for the structure inside the array substrate 100, meanwhile, the array substrate 100 on the outer side can also improve the flatness of the outer surface of the display panel 10 to achieve the integrated design of the display panel 10. Of course, in other embodiments, the driving chip 400 may not be set on the peripheral side of the color film substrate 300, but is connected to the array substrate 100 through a circuit board, and at least part of the structure of the circuit board is set on the peripheral side of the color film substrate 300. In the above two embodiments, the driving chip 400 is located inside the array substrate​As shown, in one design, the color filter substrate 300 is typically positioned on the side away from the backlight structure 500, and the driver chip 400 and color filter substrate 300 are also positioned on the side of the color filter substrate 300 away from the backlight structure 500. However, in this design, the surfaces of the driver chip 400 and color filter substrate 300 with steps and gaps are exposed on the outside, requiring a glass cover plate 15 to be applied to them to improve the flatness of the outer surface of the display panel 10. Compared with this design, the technical solution of this application not only improves the flatness of the outer surface of the display panel 10 but also eliminates the need to attach a glass cover plate to the outside of the display panel 10, thereby simplifying the process steps, improving product yield, and reducing the overall thickness of the display device 1.

[0114] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a functional area 13 is also provided in the non-display area 12, and the camera module 20 is located below the functional area 13. Additionally, a functional module 50 can be added below the functional area 13 according to design requirements. In other words, external light needs to enter the functional area 13 to be captured by the camera module 20 and other functional modules 50 located below the functional area 13; or, light emitted by a specific functional module 50 located below the functional area 13 needs to be emitted outward through the functional area 13. In this application, the backlight structure 500 is located away from the functional area 13 to avoid the white light emitted by the backlight structure 500 affecting the acquisition of external light by the camera module 20 and other functional modules 50, and also to avoid the white light emitted by the backlight structure 500 affecting the light emitted outward by other functional modules 50.

[0115] The display panel 10 also includes a light-blocking structure 800. The light-blocking structure 800 is disposed in the non-display area 12 and is used to block light in a specific area, preventing external light from entering the interior of the display device 1, thereby preventing the user from seeing the internal structure of the display device 1 through the non-display area 12. Specifically, the light-blocking structure 800 includes a first light-blocking layer 810 and a second light-blocking layer 820. The first light-blocking layer 810 is formed on the inner side of the color filter substrate 300, and the second light-blocking layer 820 is formed on the outer side of the array substrate 100.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first light-shielding layer 810 is formed by a lithography process and is a black matrix layer, which has good light-shielding effect. However, the mask used in the lithography process is costly and difficult to adjust in structure. The second light-shielding layer 820 is formed by an inkjet printing process and the material is black ink. Although its light-shielding effect is inferior to that of the black matrix, by adjusting the software program, the shape and position of the second light-shielding layer 820 can be adjusted, and the operation is flexible. At the same time, during the forming process of the black matrix, the temperature is relatively high. However, the performance of the array substrate is greatly affected by temperature. If the black matrix layer is formed on the array substrate 100, its formation will be damaged. Therefore, the black matrix layer is formed on the color film substrate 300, and the black ink layer is formed on the array substrate 100.

[0117] Meanwhile, a decorative through hole can be formed on the second light-shielding layer 820, and a material that can reflect light or emit light can be filled in the decorative through hole, so that users can observe the decorative through hole from the outside. By designing the shape of the device through hole, the display effect can be achieved. For example, a brand logo can be displayed.

[0118] As Figure 3 shown, in this embodiment, both the array substrate 100 and the color film substrate 300 cover the functional area 13. Both the array substrate 100 and the color film substrate 300 cover the functional area 13 to improve the integration degree of the surface of the display device 1 facing the user. At the same time, the camera module 20 and other functional modules 50 located below the functional area 13 can also be protected.

[0119] Of course, in other embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the color film substrate 300, the first light-shielding layer 810 located above the color film substrate 300, and the first polarizer 600 are all away from the functional area 13. At this time, the array substrate 100 is disposed above the functional area 13 to shield and protect the camera module 20 and other functional modules 50 located below the functional area 13. The installation position of the display panel 10 can be moved downward as a whole, and the overall thickness of the display device 1 is reduced, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the display device 1. At this time, only the second light-shielding layer 820 can be used to adjust the viewing angle of the camera module 20. The thickness of the color film substrate 300 is usually between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. By setting the color film substrate as the structure shown in the figure, that is, away from the functional area 13 and moving the array substrate 100 downward as a whole, the thickness can be reduced by 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm relative to Figure 3 shown structure. In this embodiment, in order to ensure the structural strength and the overall thin and light design, it is preferably to control the thickness of the color film substrate 300 between 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm.

[0120] In as Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, a first main through-hole 811 is formed on the first light-shielding layer 810. A second main through-hole 821 is formed on the second light-shielding layer 820. Both the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821 are located in the functional area 13 and both face the camera module 20. In the above structure, the light-blocking structure 800 not only prevents the user from seeing the internal structure of the display device 1 through the non-display area 12; at the same time, by forming the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821, external light can enter below the non-display area 12 through the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821 and be captured by the camera module 20.

[0121] Furthermore, along the thickness direction, the projection of the second main through-hole 821 overlaps the projection of the first main through-hole 811. This arrangement prevents the second light-shielding layer 820 from obstructing the lens of the camera module 20, thus creating a viewing angle. In this embodiment, the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821 are concentrically arranged. To ensure optimal photographic results, the distance between the outer contours of the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821 needs to be controlled within a suitable range. If the distance is too large, the user can easily see the first light-shielding layer 810 through the second main through-hole 821 on the second light-shielding layer 820. If the distance is too small, it is not conducive to adjusting the viewing angle of the camera module 20. Through extensive experiments, the inventors discovered that when the minimum distance between the outer contours of the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole is greater than or equal to 0.05 mm and less than or equal to 0.13 mm, the above problems can be effectively balanced.

[0122] Meanwhile, since the sizes of both the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821 affect the viewing angle, the inventors discovered through extensive experiments that the minimum distance between the outer contours of the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole is defined as the first distance d1, and the minimum distance between the end face of the first light-shielding layer 810 facing the backlight structure 500 and the end face of the second light-shielding layer 820 facing the backlight structure 500 is defined as the second distance d2. The first distance d1 is smaller than the second distance d2. This configuration ensures that the first and second light-shielding layers 810 and 820 maintain consistency in filtering the range of light entering the camera module 20, while maximizing the amount of external light that can enter the camera module 20 through the viewing angle. Figure 3In the corresponding embodiment, the second distance d2 is the thickness of the array substrate 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first main through-hole 811 and the second main through-hole 821 are circular, and the first distance d1 is the difference between the radii of the two main through-holes 811 and 821. In this embodiment, the diameter of the first main through-hole 811 is taken as 'a', and the diameter of the second main through-hole 821 is taken as 'b'. When the lens of the camera module 20 is reduced, its required viewing angle c also decreases. By controlling the values ​​of a and b, the viewing angle c of the camera module 20 is adjusted, while simultaneously preventing the user from seeing too much of the internal structure of the display device 1 located below the functional area 13 through the first and second main through-holes 811 and 821. In this embodiment, the difference between a and b is 0.2 mm, and half of the difference between a and b is less than the thickness of the array substrate 100.

[0123] As analyzed above, to ensure optimal photographic results, the absolute value of the difference between values ​​a and b needs to be greater than 1.0 mm and less than 3.0 mm. If the absolute value of the difference between values ​​a and b is too large, the user can easily see the first light-shielding layer 810 through the second main through-hole 821 on the second light-shielding layer 820. Although the first light-shielding layer 810 is easily made of light-shielding material, there is still a slight difference in brightness and / or grayscale. Meanwhile, if the absolute value of the difference between values ​​a and b is too small, it is not conducive to adjusting the viewing angle of the camera module 20. In this embodiment, the absolute value of the difference between values ​​a and b is greater than 1.5 mm and less than 2.5 mm.

[0124] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the display panel 10 also includes a support structure 900.

[0125] A support structure 900 is disposed in the non-display area 12 and between the color filter substrate 300 and the array substrate 100 to provide support. When the display panel 10 is compressed, the two ends of the support structure 900 abut against the color filter substrate 300 and the array substrate 100, respectively. The backlight structure 500 is located far from the non-display area 12, resulting in lower structural strength in the non-display area 12. The addition of the support structure 900 between the color filter substrate 300 and the array substrate 100 provides support and reinforcement to the overall structure.

[0126] Specifically, the support structure 900 is located in functional area 13, and at least a portion of the support structure 900 surrounds functional area 13. As analyzed above, to ensure that external light can smoothly pass through the light-blocking structure 800 and enter the camera module 20, a first main through-hole 811 is opened on the first light-shielding layer 810, reducing the overall structural strength. When a user squeezes the display panel 10 located in functional area 13, the display panel 10 is prone to inward and lateral displacement. By placing the support structure 900 in functional area 13, excessive displacement of the display panel 10 can be effectively reduced.

[0127] Furthermore, the support structure 900 includes a support column 910 and a support block 920, with the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the support block 920 being larger than that of the support column 910. The support block 920 is located further away from the center of the functional area 13 than the support column 910. In this embodiment, the support column 910 with a smaller cross-sectional area is arranged around the periphery of the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821, and the support block 920 with a larger cross-sectional area is arranged around the periphery of the support column 910. During actual testing, the inventors found that the display panel 10 at the location of the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821 in the functional area 13 has low strength and is prone to large deformation under external force. If a large-area support structure 900 is directly added near the functional area 13, it is easy to cause a sudden change in the structural strength at the edge of the functional area 13, resulting in a large step difference at the edge of the functional area 13 when the display panel 10 is subjected to compressive force, which is not conducive to the stability of the overall structure. In the structure described above in this application, by defining the positions of the support column 910 and the support block 920, the area occupied by the support column 910 and / or the support block 920 gradually increases in the direction outward from the center of the functional area 13, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the support column 910 and the support block 920 gradually increases in the direction outward from the center of the functional area 13. Through this arrangement, abrupt changes in the structural strength of the display panel 10 near the functional area 13 are avoided, thereby ensuring the stability of the overall structure.

[0128] Furthermore, such as Figure 7As shown, the array substrate 100 includes a first glass substrate 110, an insulating film layer 120, and a metal film layer 130. The insulating film layer 120 and the metal film layer 130 are disposed on one side of the first glass substrate 110 facing the color filter substrate 300. At the same time, the insulating film layer 120 covers the peripheral side of the metal film layer 130. In this embodiment, the insulating film layer 120 includes a first insulating layer 121 and a second insulating layer 122. The metal film layer 130 includes two layers of metal trace structures, namely a first metal layer 131 and a second metal layer 132. The first insulating layer 121 wraps around the peripheral side of the first metal layer 131, and the second insulating layer 122 wraps around the peripheral side of the second metal layer 132. On the side of a part of the first metal layer 131 away from the first glass substrate 110, a second metal layer 132 is further provided to form a multi-layer metal trace structure; on the side of a part of the first metal layer 131 away from the first glass substrate 110, only at least part of the structure of the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 122 are provided to form a single-layer metal trace structure.

[0129] Along the thickness direction H, the projection of at least part of the support structure 900 on the array substrate 100 overlaps with the projection of the metal trace structure on the array substrate 100. In other words, at least part of the support posts 910 and the support blocks 920 face the metal trace structure. Through the above arrangement, when the display panel 10 is subjected to a squeezing force, the functional area 13 undergoes a large deformation. In particular, the areas where the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821 are formed will undergo a large deformation. The deformation amount of the area far from the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821 is small. While each area undergoes an inwardly concave deformation, a certain horizontal displacement will also occur. By arranging at least part of the support posts 910 and the support blocks 920 facing the metal trace structure, when the display panel 10 is squeezed and deformed, at least part of the support blocks 920 and the support posts 910 can abut against the metal traces. The strength of the metal trace structure is greater than the strength of the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 122. By abutting against the metal traces, not only can the problem of excessive depression amount in some areas of the display panel 10 be avoided, but also the local horizontal displacement of the display panel 10 can be reduced or avoided by increasing the lateral friction force through abutting.

[0130] Furthermore, both the support column 910 and the support block 920 face the aforementioned metal trace structure. In this structure, when the display panel 10 is subjected to compressive force, the functional area 13 undergoes significant deformation, particularly the area where the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821 are located. The deformation of areas far from the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821 is smaller. Each area undergoes inward concavity deformation and also experiences a certain degree of horizontal displacement. By aligning the support block 920 and the support column 910 towards the metal trace structure, when the display panel 10 is subjected to compression and deforms, the ends of the support block 920 and the support column 910 facing the metal trace structure can abut against the metal trace. The strength of the metal trace structure is greater than the strength of the first insulating layer 121 and the second insulating layer 122. By abutting against the metal trace, not only can the problem of excessive concavity in some areas of the display panel 10 be avoided, but also the lateral displacement of the display panel 10 can be reduced or prevented by increasing lateral friction.

[0131] Meanwhile, the support column 910 faces the single-layer metal trace structure, and the support block 920 faces the multi-layer metal trace structure. In the above structure, when the display panel 10 deforms, the support block 920 can abut against the multi-layer metal trace structure, that is, against the second metal layer 132, thereby achieving a smaller deformation of the display panel 10 in the area away from the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821; the support column 910 can abut against the single-layer metal trace structure, that is, against the first metal layer 131, thereby achieving a larger deformation of the display panel 10 in the area near the first main through hole 811 and the second main through hole 821, thereby avoiding abrupt changes in the deformation of the display panel 10 near the functional area 13, thus ensuring the stability of the overall structure.

[0132] In other embodiments, some support columns 910 and some support blocks 920 may not have metal wiring structures on their outer sides. However, it must be ensured that in functional area 13, the number of support columns 910 and support blocks 920 with metal wiring structures on their outer sides is greater than the number of support columns 910 and support blocks 920 without metal wiring structures on their outer sides, in order to ensure better stability of the overall structure. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of support columns 910 and support blocks 920 with metal wiring structures on their outer sides can be set according to actual needs.

[0133] like Figure 7As shown, in this embodiment, one end of the support structure 900 is located above the color filter substrate 300. Specifically, a first light-shielding layer 810 is disposed on the color filter substrate 300, and a planarization layer 310 is disposed on the first light-shielding layer 810. The support structure 900 is formed in one of the array substrates 100 above the planarization layer 310. When the display panel 10 is not subjected to pressure, the end of the support structure 900 away from the color filter substrate 300 is spaced apart from the array substrate 100; when the display panel 10 is subjected to pressure, the end of the support structure 900 away from the color filter substrate 300 abuts against the metal trace layer on the array substrate 100.

[0134] Of course, in other embodiments, one end of the support structure 900 may be located above the array substrate 100. When the display panel 10 is not subjected to pressure, the end of the support structure 900 away from the array substrate 100 is spaced apart from the color filter substrate 300; when the display panel 10 is subjected to pressure, the end of the support structure 900 away from the array substrate 100 abuts against the color filter substrate 300.

[0135] like Figure 8 As shown, during the manufacturing process of the display panel 10, a cutting line 14 is provided on the display panel, located outside the functional area 13. The factory can cut the area according to the customer's actual needs. To avoid affecting the support structure 900 when cutting at the cutting line 14, the minimum distance L1 between the support structure 900 and the cutting line 14 must be greater than or equal to 50 micrometers. Simultaneously, to ensure the uniformity of cell thickness between the array substrate 100 and the color filter substrate 300, the distance between the support structure 900 and the cutting line 14 should not be too far. Preferably, this minimum distance L1 needs to be less than or equal to 200 micrometers to ensure an effective support structure 900 between the array substrate 100 and the color filter substrate 300, thus ensuring the uniformity of cell thickness between them.

[0136] Furthermore, if the distance between the first main via 811 and the support structure 900 is too close, the first light-shielding layer 810 cannot completely cover the support structure 900. Light emitted from the backlight structure 500 will then reach the support structure 900 and be reflected, affecting the normal operation of the camera module or other functional modules. Therefore, the minimum distance L2 between the first main via 811 and the support structure 900 needs to be greater than or equal to 30 micrometers to ensure the normal operation of the camera module 20 and other functional modules 50. Simultaneously, to ensure the uniformity of the cell thickness between the array substrate 100 and the color filter substrate 300, the distance between the support structure 900 and the first main via 811 should not be too far. Preferably, this minimum distance L2 needs to be greater than or equal to 200 micrometers to ensure an effective support structure 900 between the array substrate 100 and the color filter substrate 300, thus ensuring the uniformity of the cell thickness between them.

[0137] Furthermore, if the sealant 210 is too close to the support structure 900, the sealant 210 may be applied to the surface of the support structure 900 during the coating process, resulting in uneven thickness of the support structure 900. Therefore, the minimum distance L3 between the sealant 210 and the support structure 900 should be greater than or equal to 50 micrometers to prevent the sealant 210 from being applied to the surface of the support structure 900, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the overall thickness of the support structure 900, and consequently ensuring the uniformity of the cell thickness of the color filter substrate 300 and the array substrate 100. Simultaneously, to ensure the uniformity of the cell thickness between the array substrate 100 and the color filter substrate 300, the distance between the support structure 900 and the sealant 210 should not be too far. Preferably, this minimum distance L3 needs to be greater than or equal to 200 micrometers to ensure an effective support structure 900 between the array substrate 100 and the color filter substrate 300, thus ensuring the uniformity of the cell thickness between them.

[0138] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the color filter substrate 300, the first light-shielding layer 810 located above the color filter substrate 300, and the first polarizer 600 are all located away from the functional region 13. Only the second light-shielding layer 820 is disposed above the functional region 13, and the portion of the second light-shielding layer 820 located in the functional region 13 has a through-hole 822. The light-blocking structure 800 also includes a third light-shielding layer 830, which is formed on the side of the array substrate 100 near the backlight structure 500, and at least a portion of the third light-shielding layer 830 is located in the functional region 13.

[0139] At least a portion of the structure of the third light-shielding layer 830 is exposed through the functional via 822 and configured to absorb certain wavelengths of light, i.e., allowing specific wavelengths of light to be emitted into the interior of the display device 1 through the third light-shielding area and enter the space located below the functional area 13. Alternatively, it allows specific wavelengths of light to be emitted into the exterior of the display device 1 through the third light-shielding area and enter the outside world. Specifically, as... Figure 6As shown, below the functional area 13, not only is a camera module installed, but other functional modules 50 are also installed, such as an infrared camera module 51, an infrared light-emitting module 52, and a photosensitive module 53. In this embodiment, the third light-shielding layer 830 includes a functional filter block 831 configured to allow light of a specific wavelength to pass through. Along the thickness direction H, the functional filter block 831 and the functional through-hole 822 are positioned correspondingly, and the projection of the functional filter block 831 along the thickness direction H covers the projection of the functional through-hole 822 along the thickness direction to filter the light passing through it to the greatest extent. In this embodiment, the functional filter block 831 includes at least a first filter block 8311, a second filter block 8312, and a third filter block 8313. The first filter block 8311 is disposed above the infrared camera module 51 and is used to allow infrared light to pass through, thereby facilitating the infrared camera module 51 to acquire infrared light and thus achieve infrared imaging. In this embodiment, the first filter block 8311 must allow more than 80% of infrared light to pass through to ensure normal light intake of the infrared camera module 51. The second filter block 8312 is disposed above the infrared light-emitting module 52 and is used to allow infrared light to pass through, thereby enabling the light emitted by the infrared light-emitting module 52 to diffuse outward and to achieve functions such as range detection. In this embodiment, the second filter block 8312 must allow more than 85% of infrared light to pass through to ensure that the infrared light-emitting module 52 can emit infrared light that meets the preset brightness. The third filter block 8313 can filter other preset light rays so that the photosensitive module 53 can collect light of a specific wavelength. In this embodiment, the third filter block 8313 must allow more than 35% of light of a specific wavelength to pass through to ensure the detection accuracy of the photosensitive module 53. Further, as... Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a through-hole 832 may also be formed on the third light-shielding layer 830. The third main through-hole 832 is located in the functional area 13 and faces the camera module 20. The second main through-hole 821 and the third main through-hole 832 are concentrically arranged. Furthermore, along the thickness direction, the projection of the second main through-hole 821 covers the projection of the third main through-hole 832. The size of the third main through-hole 832 needs to be the same as the size of the first main through-hole 811 and have the same function. Specifically, the minimum distance from the outer contour of the second main through-hole 821 to the outer contour of the third main through-hole 832 is taken as the third distance d3. Along the thickness direction H, the minimum distance from the end face of the second light-shielding layer 820 facing the backlight structure 500 to the end face of the third light-shielding layer 830 facing the backlight structure 500 is taken as the fourth distance d4. The third distance d3 is less than the fourth distance d4.

[0140] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the third main through hole 832 is circular in shape, and its diameter d is the same as the diameter c of the first main through hole.

[0141] It should be noted that, due to limitations of current technology, inks with certain functionalities can only be formed through screen printing. In other words, the third light-shielding layer 830 is formed through screen printing.

[0142] Specifically, the manufacturing process of the display panel 10 is as follows:

[0143] Step 1000: Provide an array substrate 100 and a color filter substrate 300, and complete the cell assembly process. The array substrate 100 includes a first end face 101 and a second end face 102 disposed opposite each other along the thickness direction, and the color filter substrate 300 is located on the second end face 102. Furthermore, the array substrate 100 is larger than the color filter substrate 300; in other words, the color filter substrate 300 only covers a portion of the second end face 102, and the remaining portion of the second end face 102 is not occupied by the color filter substrate 300, which is used to accommodate the camera module 20.

[0144] Step 2000: Cut and grind to obtain array substrate 100 and color filter substrate 300 units of specific size.

[0145] Step 3000: A first light-shielding layer 810 is formed on the first end face of the array substrate 100 by inkjet printing. The first light-shielding layer 810 has pre-drilled functional through holes 822 and decorative through holes.

[0146] Step 4000: A third light-shielding layer 830 is formed on a portion of the second end face of the array substrate 100 away from the color filter substrate 300 by a screen printing process. The functional filter block 831 of the third light-shielding layer 830 is correspondingly set with the functional through hole 822.

[0147] It should be noted that the reference Figure 3 As shown, in the technical solution where a first light-shielding layer 810 is formed on the inner side of the color filter substrate 300 and a second light-shielding layer 820 is formed on the outer side of the array substrate 100, the first light-shielding layer 810 at least partially allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. Specifically, in addition to the second main through-hole 821, the second light-shielding layer 820 also has a through-hole second auxiliary through-hole. The first light-shielding layer 810 includes a blocking portion and a filtering portion. The blocking portion is configured to block the passage of light, and the first main through-hole is formed in the blocking portion and located on the outer side of the camera module 20. The filtering portion is configured to allow light of a specific wavelength to pass through, and its function is similar to... Figure 4The third light-shielding layer 830 in this embodiment is the same. At least a portion of the light-filtering portion is exposed through the second auxiliary via. Other corresponding functional modules 50 can be disposed below the light-filtering portion. In this case, the blocking portion of the third light-shielding layer can be formed by photolithography, forming at least a portion of the structure of a black matrix layer. The light-filtering portion is formed by screen printing. Of course, the first light-shielding layer 810 can also be a film layer that allows light of a specific wavelength to pass through. In this case, the entire first light-shielding layer 810 is formed by screen printing. Alternatively, the first light-shielding layer 810 can also be a layer that only blocks the passage of light. In this case, the first light-shielding layer 810 is formed by photolithography, forming a black matrix layer.

[0148] In this application, the structural embodiments and method embodiments can complement each other without conflict.

[0149] The methods and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this disclosure. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this disclosure. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel is configured to be located above the camera module, and the display panel includes a display area and a non-display area; the display panel includes a functional area, which is located in the non-display area, and the camera module is located below the functional area; the display panel further includes: Array substrate, color filter substrate, driver chip and backlight structure; The driving chip is electrically connected to the array substrate and is used to control the voltage signal on the array substrate. The driving chip is disposed on the inner side of the array substrate, and the color filter substrate is located between the array substrate and the backlight structure. The display panel further includes a support structure disposed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate; the support structure is located in the functional area, and at least a portion of the support structure surrounds the functional area; The support structure includes a support column and a support block, wherein the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the support block is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the support column; the support block is located further away from the center of the functional area relative to the support column. Multiple support columns are spaced apart to form a ring structure, and there are multiple ring structures arranged concentrically; the ring structure includes gaps formed by the spaced support columns; the projections of the support columns and the gaps do not overlap; The display panel also includes a sealing adhesive, which is disposed between the color filter substrate and the array substrate. The minimum distance between the support structure and the sealing adhesive is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers.

2. The display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The backlight structure is located away from the functional area.

3. The display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the array substrate and the color filter substrate cover the functional area.

4. The display panel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The display panel includes a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer; the first light-shielding layer is formed on the inner side of the color filter substrate, and a first main through-hole is formed thereon; the second light-shielding layer is formed on the outer side of the array substrate, and a second main through-hole is formed thereon. Both the first main through hole and the second main through hole are located in the functional area and both face the camera module; Along the thickness direction, the projection of the second main through hole covers the projection of the first main through hole.

5. The display panel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first main through hole and the second main through hole are concentrically arranged.

6. The display panel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the outer contour of the first main through hole and the outer contour of the second main through hole is taken as the first distance; along the thickness direction, the minimum distance between the end face of the first light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure and the end face of the second light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure is taken as the second distance. The first distance is less than the second distance.

7. The display panel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second light-shielding layer also has a through-hole; The first light-shielding layer includes a blocking portion and a filtering portion. The blocking portion is configured to block the passage of light, and a first main through-hole is formed in the blocking portion. The filtering portion is configured to allow light of a specific wavelength to pass through, and at least a portion of the filtering portion is exposed through a second auxiliary through-hole.

8. The display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The array substrate covers the functional area, and the color filter substrate is located away from the functional area.

9. The display panel as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The display panel includes a second light-shielding layer and a third light-shielding layer; The second light-shielding layer is formed on the outer side of the array substrate, and the portion of the second light-shielding layer located in the functional area has a through-hole. The third light-shielding layer is formed on the inner side of the array substrate.

10. The display panel as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, At least a portion of the third light-shielding layer is located in the functional area and is configured to allow light of a specific wavelength to pass through, with at least a portion of the structure of the third light-shielding layer exposed through the functional via.

11. The display panel as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The second light-shielding layer has a second main through hole, and the third light-shielding layer has a third main through hole; Both the second main through hole and the third main through hole are located in the functional area and both face the camera module; along the thickness direction, the projection of the second main through hole covers the projection of the third main through hole.

12. The display panel as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The second main through hole and the third main through hole are concentrically arranged; and / or, The minimum distance between the outer contour of the second main through hole and the outer contour of the third main through hole is taken as the third distance; along the thickness direction, the minimum distance between the end face of the second light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure and the end face of the third light-shielding layer facing the backlight structure is taken as the fourth distance; the third distance is less than the fourth distance.

13. The display panel as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The third light-shielding layer includes a functional filter block configured to allow light of a specific wavelength band to pass through; Along the thickness direction, the positions of the functional filter block and the functional through hole correspond, and the projection of the functional filter block along the thickness direction covers the projection of the functional through hole along the thickness direction.

14. The display panel as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The second light-shielding layer is formed by inkjet printing; and / or, The third light-shielding layer is formed by screen printing.

15. The display panel as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The array substrate includes a first glass substrate and a metal film layer, the metal film layer including one or more metal trace structures; along the thickness direction, the support pillars face the single-layer metal trace structure, and / or, the support blocks face the multi-layer metal trace structure; and / or, The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the support columns and support blocks gradually increases from the center of the functional area outwards.

16. The display panel as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel has a cutting line, and the minimum distance L1 between the support structure and the cutting line is greater than or equal to 50 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers; and / or, The display panel is configured to be located above the camera module, and includes a first light-shielding layer formed on the inner side of the color filter substrate, and has a first main through hole facing the camera module thereon; the minimum distance between the support structure and the first main through hole is greater than or equal to 30 micrometers and less than or equal to 200 micrometers.

17. The display panel as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the support structure is located at one of the color filter substrate and the array substrate; When the display panel is not subjected to compressive force, the other end of the support structure is spaced apart from the other of the color filter substrate and the array substrate; when the display panel is subjected to compressive force, the other end of the support structure abuts against the other of the color filter substrate and the array substrate.

18. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes a camera module and a display panel as described in any one of claims 1-17, wherein the display panel is located above the camera module.

Images