Display panel and display device

Abstract

The invention discloses a display panel and a display device.The display panel is provided with a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area, and the display panel comprises a substrate, a driving device layer, a planarization layer and a first protection layer; the driving device layer is arranged on one side of the substrate; the planarization layer is arranged on the side, away from the substrate, of the driving device layer, and the planarization layer forms a first step structure on the side, facing the display area, of the edge of the driving device layer; one end of the first protection layer is located on the side, away from the substrate, of the driving device layer, the other end of the first protection layer is located on the side, away from the driving device layer, of the planarization layer, and the first protection layer covers the first step structure; wherein the first protective layer is provided with a protective structure on at least one side in the thickness direction of the display panel. The protection structure is arranged on at least one side of the first protection layer, the circuit protection effect of the non-display area is improved, and water vapor is not prone to intruding into the conductive component area to corrode a circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of displays, and particularly to a display panel and a display device. Background Art

[0002] Flat panel display devices based on technologies such as Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) have been widely used in various consumer electronic products such as mobile phones, TVs, laptop computers, and desktop computers due to advantages such as high image quality, power saving, thin body, and wide application range, and have become the mainstream in display devices.

[0003] However, the circuit protection effect in the non-display area of current OLED display products is poor, and problems such as water vapor intrusion are likely to occur, resulting in circuit corrosion. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a display panel and a display device, aiming to solve the technical problem of water vapor intrusion that is likely to occur in OLED display products.

[0005] In a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a display panel is provided. The display panel has a display area and a non-display area that at least partially surrounds the display area. The display panel includes a substrate, a driving device layer, a planarization layer, and a first protective layer. The driving device layer is disposed on one side of the substrate. The planarization layer is disposed on the side of the driving device layer facing away from the substrate. The planarization layer forms a first stepped structure on the side of the edge of the driving device layer facing the display area. One end of the first protective layer is located on the side of the driving device layer facing away from the substrate, and the other end of the first protective layer is located on the side of the planarization layer facing away from the driving device layer, and the first protective layer covers the first stepped structure. Among them, a protective structure is provided on at least one side of the first protective layer in the thickness direction of the display panel.

[0006] According to the implementation manner of the first aspect of this application, the protective structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is disposed on the side of the driving device layer facing the first protective layer, and the second protrusion is disposed on the side of the planarization layer facing the first protective layer. The first protective layer is formed with a first groove and a second groove, the first protrusion is embedded in the first groove, and the second protrusion is embedded in the second groove.

[0007] According to any of the foregoing implementation manners of the first aspect of this application, the first protrusion is integrally formed with the driving device layer.

[0008] According to any of the foregoing implementation manners of the first aspect of this application, the second protrusion is integrally formed with the planarization layer.

[0009] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the number of the first protrusions and the number of the first grooves are both plural and are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

[0010] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the number of the second protrusions and the number of the second grooves are both plural and are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

[0011] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the protective structure includes a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, the driving device layer is formed with a third groove, the planarization layer is formed with a fourth groove, the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are respectively embedded in the third groove and the fourth groove, and the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are respectively connected to the first protective layer.

[0012] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion and the first protective layer are integrally formed.

[0013] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the number of the third protrusions and the number of the third grooves are both plural and are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

[0014] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the number of the fourth protrusions and the number of the fourth grooves are both plural and are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

[0015] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the protective structure includes a protective layer group, which is arranged on at least one side of the first protective layer in the thickness direction, and the orthographic projection of the first step structure on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the protective layer group on the substrate.

[0016] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the protective layer group includes a second protective layer, which is arranged on the side of the first protective layer facing away from the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the first step structure on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second protective layer on the substrate.

[0017] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the second protective layer is an organic glue layer.

[0018] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the display panel further includes a touch protection layer arranged in the display area, the touch protection layer is located on the side of the planarization layer away from the substrate, and the second protective layer is arranged on the same layer as the touch protection layer.

[0019] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the protective layer group includes a third protective layer, which is arranged on the first protective layer and the side facing the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the first step structure on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the third protective layer on the substrate.

[0020] According to any of the aforementioned embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the third protective layer includes an inorganic layer; and / or the third protective layer includes a metal isolation layer.

[0021] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the display panel further includes a touch function layer disposed in the display area. The touch function layer is located on the side of the driving device layer away from the substrate. The touch function layer includes a first touch conductive layer, a second touch conductive layer, and a touch insulating layer located between the first touch conductive layer and the second touch conductive layer. The first protective layer is made of the same material as the touch insulating layer.

[0022] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the material of the first protective layer includes silicon nitride.

[0023] According to any of the foregoing embodiments of the first aspect of the present application, the planarization layer includes a first planar layer and a second planar layer. Along the direction away from the substrate, the first planar layer, the second planar layer, and the first protective layer are sequentially stacked; a first stepped structure is formed in the first planar layer, and a second stepped structure is formed on the side of the edge of the first planar layer facing the display area in the second planar layer. The first protective layer covers the second stepped structure.

[0024] An embodiment of the second aspect of the present application provides a display device, which includes the display panel of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0025] According to the display panel of the embodiment of the present application, the display panel has a display area and a non-display area provided at at least one end of the display area. The display panel includes a substrate, a driving device layer, a planarization layer, and a first protective layer; the driving device layer is disposed on one side of the substrate; the planarization layer is disposed on the side of the driving device layer away from the substrate, and a first stepped structure is formed on the side of the edge of the driving device layer facing the display area in the planarization layer; the first protective layer is disposed in the non-display area, one end of the first protective layer is located on the side of the driving device layer away from the substrate, and the other end of the first protective layer is located on the side of the planarization layer away from the driving device layer, and the first protective layer covers the first stepped structure; wherein, a protective structure is provided on at least one side of the first protective layer in the thickness direction of the display panel. The protective structure can increase the bonding force between the first protective layer and the adjacent film layer; or reduce the stress on the first protective layer and improve the failure threshold of the first protective layer; or equivalently increase the thickness of the first protective layer and extend the crack propagation path, thereby achieving a dual or multiple protection effect. Even if cracks appear in the first protective layer, the cracks are not likely to penetrate both the first protective layer and the protective structure at the same time and extend to the planarization layer. By providing a protective structure on at least one side of the first protective layer in the present application, the circuit protection effect of the non-display area is improved, and moisture is not likely to invade the conductive component area to corrode the circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] By reading the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, other features, objects, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent. Among them, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar features, and the drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 is one of the partial cross-sectional views of the non-display area of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the non-display area of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 is the second of the partial cross-sectional views of the non-display area of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 is the third of the partial cross-sectional views of the non-display area of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 6 is the fourth of the partial cross-sectional views of the non-display area of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional structure diagram of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0035] 100, display area; 200, non-display area;

[0036] 1, substrate;

[0037] 2, driving device layer; 21, third groove;

[0038] 3, planarization layer; 31, first planar layer; 311, first stepped structure; 32, second planar layer; 322, second stepped structure; 33, fourth groove;

[0039] 4, first protective layer; 41, first groove; 42, second groove;

[0040] 5, protection structure; 51, first protrusion; 52, second protrusion; 53, third protrusion; 54, fourth protrusion;

[0041] 50, protection layer group; 501, second protective layer; 502, third protective layer;

[0042] 6, touch protection layer;

[0043] 7, touch function layer; 71, first touch conductive layer; 72, second touch conductive layer; 73, touch insulating layer. Detailed implementation manners

[0044] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present application will be described in detail below. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer and more understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only configured to explain the present application and are not configured to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is only provided to provide a better understanding of the present application by showing examples of the present application.

[0045] It should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising", "including", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising..." does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the said element.

[0046] It should be understood that when describing the structure of a component, when a layer or a region is referred to as being "above" or "over" another layer or another region, it may mean directly above the other layer or another region, or there may be other layers or regions between it and the other layer or another region. And if the component is flipped, this layer or region will be "below" or "beneath" the other layer or another region.

[0047] The display panel in the present application includes a display area and a non-display area extending from the display area. Specifically, the display area is an area for displaying images, and the non-display area is an area for not displaying images. Further, components for displaying images such as light-emitting elements and pixel array layers are distributed on the display area. Integrated circuits for realizing functions such as signal transmission and driving light-emitting components to emit light are arranged in the non-display area. It should be noted that the non-display area can extend outward from one side edge of the display area, but is not limited thereto. The non-display area can also extend outward from multiple side edges of the display area.

[0048] Generally, some conductive components are centrally arranged in the non-display area, such as GIP traces (GIP: Gate in Panel), ESD protection circuits (ESD: Electro-Static Discharge), etc. The protective layer for the conductive components in the non-display area is relatively less tight than the encapsulation structure in the display area. And according to different products, the thickness of the protective layer will also be different. When the thickness of the protective layer is relatively thin, its external force failure threshold is relatively low, and it is prone to failure under the influence of external force, or break at the boundary of the stepped structure existing in the display panel layer structure, resulting in water vapor penetrating through the protective layer into the conductive component area, causing the problem of corrosion of the conductive components.

[0049] For example, in some wearable products, the TP (touch panel) of the wearable product is self-capacitive, and the TP-SiN layer in it is thinner than that of the mutual-capacitive type. Therefore, the external force failure threshold of the wearable product TP-SiN is much lower than that of the mutual-capacitive product. It is found in the environmental test of the wearable product that the above problems are likely to occur, and the environmental test performance of the wearable product is poor.

[0050] To solve the above problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a display panel and a display device. The following will describe the embodiments of the display panel and the display device with reference to the drawings.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 1 which is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided by the first aspect embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 are partial cross-sectional views of the non-display area of the display panels of three implementation manners provided by the first aspect embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the non-display area of the display panel provided by the first aspect embodiment of the present application.

[0052] The embodiments of the present application provide a display panel, and the display panel can be an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel.

[0053] Such as Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present application provides a display panel. The display panel has a display area 100 and a non-display area 200 that at least partially surrounds the display area 100. The display panel includes a substrate 1, a driving device layer 2, a planarization layer 3, and a first protective layer 4. The driving device layer 2 is disposed on one side of the substrate 1. The planarization layer 3 is disposed on the side of the driving device layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The planarization layer 3 forms a first stepped structure 311 on the side of the edge of the driving device layer 2 facing the display area 100. One end of the first protective layer 4 is located on the side of the driving device layer 2 away from the substrate 1, and the other end of the first protective layer 4 is located on the side of the planarization layer 3 away from the driving device layer 2, and the first protective layer 4 covers the first stepped structure 311. Wherein, a protective structure 5 is disposed on at least one side of the first protective layer 4 in the thickness direction of the display panel.

[0054] According to the display panel of the embodiment of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the display panel includes a display area 100 and a non-display area 200. The conductive component is located in the non-display area 200. The non-display area 200 may specifically refer to the bonding area of the display panel. For example, the non-display area 200 may specifically refer to the lower border of the display panel. For example, the conductive component may be disposed in the planarization layer 3.

[0055] As Figure 2 shown, in the non-display area 200, the extension distance of the planarization layer 3 is less than the extension distance of the driving device layer 2. Therefore, the boundary of the planarization layer 3 is retracted relative to the upper surface of the driving device layer 2, thereby forming a first stepped structure 311. In the embodiment of the present application, the first protective layer 4 completely covers the first stepped structure 311, which can effectively prevent water vapor from invading. The two ends of the first protective layer 4 also extend toward the boundary of the display area 100 and the driving device layer 2 respectively, thereby forming a continuous protective layer structure. The first protective layer 4 will also be correspondingly stepped at the first stepped structure 311. Due to the presence of the first protective layer 4, it can effectively block water vapor from entering the interior of the planarization layer 3 from the gap between the planarization layer 3 and the driving device layer 2, and block water vapor from directly penetrating the planarization layer 3 into the conductive component area to corrode the circuit.

[0056] Optionally, the first stepped structure 311 includes at least one side surface extending in the thickness direction and an upper surface extending perpendicular to the thickness direction. The first protective layer 4 covering the first stepped structure 311 means that the first protective layer 4 not only covers the upper surface of the planarization layer 3 away from the driving device layer 2, but also covers the outer peripheral side surface of the planarization layer 3.

[0057] When the thickness of the first protective layer 4 is relatively thin, its failure threshold is relatively low. During testing or use, the first protective layer 4 itself is prone to cracks, fractures, etc., especially at the boundary of the planarization layer 3, that is, the area of ​​the first stepped structure 311 mentioned above. The stress on the first protective layer 4 is relatively large, and the probability of cracks and fractures in this area is higher; the first protective layer 4 may also fall off or peel off from adjacent layers, especially from the driving device layer 2 or the planarization layer 3; the above situations are likely to lead to water vapor intrusion, causing circuit corrosion and affecting the quality of the display panel.

[0058] A protective structure 5 is provided on at least one side of the first protective layer 4 in the thickness direction of the display panel, which means that the protective structure 5 can be provided on the side of the first protective layer 4 facing the substrate 1, or on the side of the first protective layer 4 facing away from the substrate 1, or, the protective structure 5 is provided on both sides of the first protective layer 4.

[0059] The protective structure 5 can increase the bonding force between the first protective layer 4 and the adjacent film layer; or reduce the stress on the first protective layer 4 and increase the failure threshold of the first protective layer 4; or it is equivalent to increasing the thickness of the first protective layer 4 in disguised form, extending the crack extension path, thereby achieving a double or multiple protection effect. Even if cracks appear in the first protective layer 4, the cracks are not likely to penetrate the first protective layer 4 and the protective structure 5 at the same time to extend to the planarization layer 3. The present application improves the circuit protection effect of the non-display area 200 by arranging the protective structure 5 on at least one side of the first protective layer 4, and water vapor is not likely to invade the conductive component area to corrode the circuit.

[0060] Exemplarily, the side surface of the first stepped structure 311 is perpendicular to the upper surface of the driving device layer 2 , and the upper surface of the first stepped structure 311 is parallel to the upper surface of the driving device layer 2 .

[0061] Optionally, the side surface of the first stepped structure 311 may also be inclined or have a certain curvature.

[0062] Combined with reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some optional embodiments, the protective structure 5 includes a first protrusion 51 and a second protrusion 52. The first protrusion 51 is arranged on the side of the driving device layer 2 facing the first protective layer 4, and the second protrusion 52 is arranged on the side of the planarization layer 3 facing the first protective layer 4. The first protective layer 4 is formed with a first groove 41 and a second groove 42. The first protrusion 51 is embedded in the first groove 41, and the second protrusion 52 is embedded in the second groove 42.

[0063] Since the planarization layer 3 is formed with a first stepped structure 311, the above-mentioned second protrusion 52 is disposed on the side of the planarization layer 3 facing the first protective layer 4, which means that the second protrusion 52 can be disposed not only on the upper surface of the planarization layer 3, but also on the side surface at the boundary of the planarization layer 3. When the number of the second protrusions 52 is plural, a plurality of second protrusions 52 can be disposed on both the upper surface and the side surface of the planarization layer 3.

[0064] In these alternative embodiments, by providing a structure in which the first protrusion 51 and the first groove 41 cooperate with each other, and the second protrusion 52 and the second groove 42 cooperate with each other, the bonding force between the first protective layer 4 and the driving device layer 2, and between the first protective layer 4 and the planarization layer 3 can be effectively increased, so that the connection between the first protective layer 4 and the driving device layer 2 and the planarization layer 3 is closer, and the risk of cracks or peeling in the first protective layer 4 is reduced.

[0065] Optionally, the first protrusion 51 is integrally formed with the driving device layer 2 to improve the connection strength between the first protrusion 51 and the driving device layer 2 and simplify the manufacturing process of the first protrusion 51.

[0066] Optionally, the second protrusion 52 is integrally formed with the planarization layer 3 to improve the connection strength between the second protrusion 52 and the planarization layer 3 and simplify the manufacturing process of the second protrusion 52.

[0067] Optionally, the number of the first protrusions 51 and the first grooves 41 is plural and they are arranged in one-to-one correspondence to improve the bonding force between the driving device layer 2 and the first protective layer 4.

[0068] Optionally, the number of the second protrusions 52 and the second grooves 42 is plural and they are arranged in one-to-one correspondence to improve the bonding force between the planarization layer 3 and the first protective layer 4.

[0069] In these alternative embodiments, integral forming can simplify the manufacturing processes of the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52. The first protrusion 51 is made of the same material as the top layer of the driving device layer 2, and the second protrusion 52 is made of the same material as the top layer of the planarization layer 3. There is no need to separately form the first protrusion 51 and the second protrusion 52 structures by additionally adding materials and processes, which improves the efficiency. Moreover, the integral forming structure is equivalent to increasing the contact area between the first protective layer 4 and the planarization layer 3 and the driving device layer 2, thereby effectively improving the bonding force between the first protective layer 4 and the underlying film layers. By providing a plurality of first protrusion 51 and second protrusion 52 structures, the bonding force between the first protective layer 4 and the underlying film layers can be further improved. After forming the protrusion structures, when the first protective layer 4 is subsequently prepared, the first protective layer 4 will naturally form grooves that cooperate with the protrusion structures.

[0070] Exemplarily, the first protrusion 51 or the second protrusion 52 can be formed by Plasma technology / electromagnetic pulse impact engraving on the surface of the driving device layer 2 or the planarization layer 3, or can be formed by etching the driving device layer 2 or the planarization layer 3 using a mask, so as to increase the surface roughness. Compared with the recessed structure formed by impact engraving / etching, the protruded structure is the above-mentioned first protrusion 51 or second protrusion 52.

[0071] With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , in some alternative embodiments, the protection structure 5 includes a third protrusion 53 and a fourth protrusion 54. The driving device layer 2 is formed with a third groove 21, and the planarization layer 3 is formed with a fourth groove 33. The third protrusion 53 and the fourth protrusion 54 are respectively embedded in the third groove 21 and the fourth groove 33, and the third protrusion 53 and the fourth protrusion 54 are respectively connected to the first protection layer 4;

[0072] In these alternative embodiments, similar to the structure matching the aforementioned protrusions and grooves, the bonding force between the first protection layer 4 and the driving device layer 2, and between the first protection layer 4 and the planarization layer 3 can also be increased, making the connection between the first protection layer 4 and the driving device layer 2 and the planarization layer 3 more compact, and reducing the risk of cracks or peeling of the first protection layer 4.

[0073] Optionally, the third protrusion 53, the fourth protrusion 54, and the first protection layer 4 are integrally formed.

[0074] Optionally, the number of the third protrusions 53 and the third grooves 21 is multiple and they are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

[0075] Optionally, the number of the fourth protrusions 54 and the fourth grooves 33 is multiple and they are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

[0076] In these alternative embodiments, integral formation can simplify the preparation process of the third protrusion 53 and the fourth protrusion 54; the arrangement of multiple third protrusions 53 and fourth protrusions 54 structures can further improve the bonding force between the first protection layer 4 and the underlying film layer.

[0077] Exemplarily, the third groove 21 and the fourth groove 33 can be respectively formed by patterning the driving device layer 2 and the planarization layer 3. When the first protection layer 4 is prepared subsequently, the first protection layer 4 will naturally form the groove third protrusion 53 and the fourth protrusion 54 that match the third groove 21 and the fourth groove 33.

[0078] Exemplarily, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, multiple first protrusions 51 and multiple third protrusions 53 are alternately arranged, and multiple second protrusions 52 and multiple fourth protrusions 54 are alternately arranged.

[0079] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 as well, Figure 6 which is a partial cross-sectional view of the non-display area in the fourth implementation manner of the display panel provided by the first aspect of this application.

[0080] With reference to Figures 4 to 6 in some alternative embodiments, the protection structure 5 includes a protection layer group 50, the protection layer group 50 is disposed on at least one side of the first protection layer 4 in the thickness direction, and the orthographic projection of the first stepped structure 311 on the substrate 1 is located within the orthographic projection of the protection layer group 50 on the substrate 1.

[0081] In these alternative embodiments, the protection layer group 50 is a layered structure. As Figure 4 shown, the protection layer group 50 may be disposed only on the side of the first protection layer 4 away from the substrate 1. In this case, since the orthographic projection of the first stepped structure 311 on the substrate 1 is located within the orthographic projection of the protection layer group 50 on the substrate 1, the protection layer group 50 also covers the boundary formed by the first protection layer 4 at the first stepped structure 311, thereby providing support and protection to the first protection layer 4 on the outside, reducing the stress on the first protection layer 4, and increasing the failure threshold of the first protection layer 4.

[0082] Optionally, as Figure 4 shown, the protection layer group 50 includes a second protection layer 501, the second protection layer 501 is disposed on the side of the first protection layer 4 away from the substrate 1, and the orthographic projection of the first stepped structure 311 on the substrate 1 is located within the orthographic projection of the second protection layer 501 on the substrate 1. The second protection layer 501 covers the boundary formed by the first protection layer 4 at the first stepped structure 311, and provides support and protection to the first protection layer 4 on the outside, reducing the stress on the first protection layer 4, and increasing the failure threshold of the first protection layer 4.

[0083] Optionally, the second protection layer 501 is an organic glue layer. The organic glue layer is made of organic materials and has a relatively thick thickness, which can provide stress support to the first protection layer 4 to balance the tensile stress and compressive stress received by the first protection layer 4, and has a good protection effect.

[0084] As Figure 5 shown, the protection layer group 50 may also be disposed only on the side of the first protection layer 4 facing the substrate 1. In this case, it is equivalent to adding an additional layer of protection between the first protection layer 4 and the driving device layer 2 and the planarization layer 3 respectively, increasing the protection thickness and extending the crack propagation path, thereby achieving a dual or multiple protection effect. Even if cracks appear in the first protection layer 4, the cracks are not likely to penetrate both the first protection layer 4 and the protection layer group 50 at the same time to extend to the planarization layer 3.

[0085] Optionally, as Figure 5As shown, the protective layer group 50 includes a third protective layer 502. The third protective layer 502 is disposed on one side of the first protective layer 4 facing the substrate 1. The orthographic projection of the first stepped structure 311 on the substrate 1 is located within the orthographic projection of the third protective layer 502 on the substrate 1.

[0086] In these alternative embodiments, the combination of the third protective layer 502 and the first protective layer 4 increases the protective thickness and extends the crack propagation path, thereby achieving a dual or multiple protective effect. Even if cracks appear in the first protective layer 4, it is not easy for the cracks to penetrate both the first protective layer 4 and the third protective layer 502 simultaneously and extend to the planarization layer 3.

[0087] Optionally, the third protective layer 502 may include an inorganic layer, which has the advantages of strong compactness and good water vapor barrier effect, and can effectively block the passage of water vapor.

[0088] Optionally, the third protective layer 502 may include a metal isolation layer, which can also achieve the effects of water vapor prevention and increased protective thickness. Among them, the metal isolation layer may be specifically formed by a single metal, such as titanium (Ti).

[0089] As Figure 6 shown, protective layer groups 50 may also be respectively disposed on both sides of the first protective layer 4, and this solution has the advantages of the above two solutions at the same time.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 which is a schematic partial cross-sectional structure diagram of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] Optionally, as Figure 7 shown, the display panel further includes a touch protection layer 6 disposed in the display area 100. The touch protection layer 6 is located on the side of the planarization layer 3 facing away from the substrate 1, and the second protective layer 501 is disposed on the same layer as the touch protection layer 6.

[0092] In these alternative embodiments, the touch protection layer 6 is disposed on the side of the touch function layer 7 away from the substrate 1 for protecting the touch function layer 7. "Same-layer setting" means that during fabrication, the same material is used to fabricate and form in the same process step. The second protection layer 501 and the touch protection layer 6 are set in the same layer, that is, the second protection layer 501 and the touch protection layer 6 are fabricated and formed using the same material in the same process step. During fabrication, the heights of the forming surfaces of the non-display area 200 and the display area 100 may be different, and the above same-layer setting does not limit the second protection layer 501 and the touch protection layer 6 to be in the same plane; the second protection layer 501 and the touch protection layer 6 being set in the same layer enables the second protection layer 501 and the touch protection layer 6 to be fabricated synchronously; specifically, when fabricating the touch protection layer 6 on the touch function layer 7 in the display area 100, the material of the touch protection layer 6 can be simultaneously used to fabricate the second protection layer 501 in the non-display area 200, simplifying the fabrication process and technology and improving efficiency.

[0093] Exemplarily, the touch protection layer 6 is a touch adhesive layer, and its material can be OC (photoresist), and the second protection layer 501 is formed by the touch adhesive layer extending into the non-display area 200.

[0094] As Figure 7 shown, in some alternative embodiments, the display panel further includes a touch function layer 7 disposed in the display area 100. The touch function layer 7 is located on the side of the driving device layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The touch function layer 7 includes a first touch conductive layer 71, a second touch conductive layer 72, and a touch insulating layer 73 located between the first touch conductive layer 71 and the second touch conductive layer 72. The first protection layer 4 is made of the same material as the touch insulating layer 73.

[0095] In these alternative embodiments, the touch function layer 7 can achieve human-computer interaction when the user touches the display panel. When fabricating the touch function layer 7 in the display area 100, specifically when fabricating the touch insulating layer 73 of the touch function layer 7, the material for fabricating the touch insulating layer 73 can be used to fabricate the first protection layer 4 in the non-display area 200, simplifying the fabrication process and technology and improving efficiency.

[0096] Optionally, the first protection layer 4 is made of an inorganic material. The inorganic material has the advantages of strong compactness and good water vapor proof effect, and can effectively block the passage of water vapor.

[0097] Optionally, the material of the first protection layer 4 includes silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0098] Please refer to Figures 2 to 6, in some alternative embodiments, the planarization layer 3 includes a first planar layer 31 and a second planar layer 32. Along the direction away from the substrate 1, the first planar layer 31, the second planar layer 32, and the first protective layer 4 are sequentially stacked; a first stepped structure 311 is formed on the first planar layer 31, and a second stepped structure 322 is formed on the side of the edge of the first planar layer 31 facing the display area 100 of the second planar layer 32, and the first protective layer 4 covers the second stepped structure 322.

[0099] In these alternative embodiments, the planarization layer 3 is not an integral structure. The aforementioned first stepped structure 311 is specifically formed at the boundary of the first planar layer 31, and the extension distance of the boundary of the second planar layer 32 facing the non-display area 200 is less than that of the first planar layer 31. Therefore, a second stepped structure 322 will be formed on the boundary of the second planar layer 32 relative to the upper surface of the first planar layer 31. To prevent water vapor from invading, the first protective layer 4 also completely covers the second stepped structure 322, and the first protective layer 4 will also be correspondingly stepped at the second stepped structure 322. The aforementioned protective structure 5 can also be applied to this embodiment, improving the circuit protection effect of the non-display area 200 and making it difficult for water vapor to invade the conductive component area to corrode the circuit.

[0100] An embodiment of the second aspect of the present application provides a display device, which includes the display panel of any of the above embodiments. Since the display device provided by the embodiment of the second aspect of the present application includes the display panel of any of the above embodiments of the first aspect, the display device provided by the embodiment of the second aspect of the present application has the beneficial effects of the display panel of any of the above embodiments of the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0101] The display device in the embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, devices with display functions such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (Personal Digital Assistant, abbreviated as: PDA), tablet computers, e-books, televisions, access control systems, smart landline phones, consoles, etc.

[0102] According to the embodiments of the present application as described above, these embodiments do not elaborate on all details and do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Obviously, many modifications and variations can be made according to the above description. The purpose of selecting and specifically describing these embodiments in this specification is to better explain the principle and practical application of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can make good use of the present application and its modifications based on the present application. The present application is only limited by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: The display panel has a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area, and the display panel includes: substrate; A driving device layer, disposed on one side of the substrate; A planarization layer is disposed on a side of the driving device layer away from the substrate, and a first step structure is formed on a side of an edge of the driving device layer facing the display area. a first protective layer, wherein one end of the first protective layer is located at a side of the driving device layer away from the substrate, the other end of the first protective layer is located at a side of the planarization layer away from the driving device layer, and the first protective layer covers the first stepped structure; Wherein, the first protective layer is provided with a protective structure on at least one side of the display panel in the thickness direction.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion is arranged on a side of the driving device layer facing the first protective layer, the second protrusion is arranged on a side of the planarization layer facing the first protective layer, the first protective layer is formed with a first groove and a second groove, the first protrusion is embedded in the first groove, and the second protrusion is embedded in the second groove; Preferably, the first protrusion and the driving device layer are integrally formed; Preferably, the second protrusion is integrally formed with the planarization layer; Preferably, the first protrusions and the first grooves are both multiple in number and are arranged in one-to-one correspondence; Preferably, the number of the second protrusions and the number of the second grooves are both plural and arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective structure includes a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion, the driving device layer is formed with a third groove, the planarization layer is formed with a fourth groove, the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are respectively embedded in the third groove and the fourth groove, and the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are respectively connected to the first protective layer; Preferably, the third protrusion, the fourth protrusion and the first protective layer are integrally formed; Preferably, the number of the third protrusions and the number of the third grooves are both multiple and arranged in one-to-one correspondence; Preferably, the fourth protrusions and the fourth grooves are both plural in number and are arranged in one-to-one correspondence.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective structure comprises a protective layer group, which is arranged on at least one side of the first protective layer in the thickness direction, and the orthographic projection of the first stepped structure on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the protective layer group on the substrate.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The protective layer group comprises a second protective layer, the second protective layer is arranged on a side of the first protective layer away from the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the first stepped structure on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second protective layer on the substrate; Preferably, the second protective layer is an organic glue layer; Preferably, the display panel further comprises a touch protection layer arranged in the display area, the touch protection layer is located on a side of the planarization layer away from the substrate, and the second protection layer is arranged in the same layer as the touch protection layer.

6. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The protective layer group includes a third protective layer, which is arranged on the first protective layer and a side facing the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the first stepped structure on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the third protective layer on the substrate.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third protective layer comprises an inorganic layer; and / or, The third protection layer includes a metal isolation layer.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a touch function layer disposed in the display area, the touch function layer is located on a side of the drive device layer away from the substrate, the touch function layer includes a first touch conductive layer, a second touch conductive layer and a touch insulating layer located between the first touch conductive layer and the second touch conductive layer, and the first protective layer and the touch insulating layer are made of the same material; Preferably, the material of the first protective layer includes silicon nitride.

9. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The planarization layer includes a first planarization layer and a second planarization layer. The first planarization layer, the second planarization layer and the first protective layer are stacked in sequence in a direction away from the substrate. The first stepped structure is formed on the first planarization layer, and the second planarization layer has a second stepped structure formed on a side of an edge of the first planarization layer toward the display area, and the first protective layer covers the second stepped structure.

10. A display device, characterized in that: A display panel comprising any one of claims 1 to 9.

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