Display panel and display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display panel and a display device, the display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area, the non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area being provided with a first barrier structure; the display panel further comprising a substrate and a metal layer; the metal layer is located on one side of the substrate, and the metal layer extends to the non-display area; the first barrier structure comprises a first protective layer and a second protective layer; the metal layer comprises a first metal layer, in the first barrier structure, the first protective layer overlaps the first metal layer, and the distance between at least part of the second protective layer and the bottom of at least part of the first protective layer and the substrate is equal; in the thickness direction of the display panel, the area of the region where the first protective layer and the first metal layer overlap is greater than the area of the region where the first protective layer, the second protective layer and the first metal layer overlap. By reducing the height of the first barrier structure, the step difference of the metal trace across this position is reduced, greatly avoiding the risk of metal trace breakage.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing display panels, the encapsulation layer also includes an organic encapsulation layer. Because organic encapsulation materials have characteristics such as large ink volume or strong capillary flow, they are prone to overflow during printing or coating. Therefore, they typically form long, raised strips in non-display areas, resembling a dam structure, and are called banks. However, if the bank is too high, subsequent traces passing through it are prone to breakage, affecting the display panel's performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a display panel and a display device.

[0004] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a display panel, the display panel including a display area and a non-display area, the non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area being provided with a first barrier structure; the display panel further includes a substrate and a metal layer; the metal layer is located on one side of the substrate, the metal layer extending to the non-display area;

[0005] The first retaining wall structure includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer; the metal layer includes a first metal layer. In the first retaining wall structure, the first protective layer and the first metal layer overlap, and the bottom of at least a portion of the second protective layer and at least a portion of the first protective layer are equidistant from the substrate.

[0006] In the thickness direction of the display panel, the area where the first protective layer and the first metal layer overlap is larger than the area where the first protective layer, the second protective layer, and the first metal layer overlap.

[0007] In a second aspect, a display device includes a display panel as described in any of the first aspects.

[0008] The technical solution provided in this disclosure has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0009] The display panel disclosed herein features an overlapping first protective layer and a first metal layer within a first retaining wall structure. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the overlapping area of ​​the first protective layer and the first metal layer is larger than the overlapping area of ​​the first protective layer, the second protective layer, and the first metal layer. This disclosure reduces the thickness of the overlapping layers of the first protective layer, the second protective layer, and the first metal layer, thus lowering the height of the first retaining wall structure in the thickness direction of the display panel. When a metal trace passes through the first retaining wall structure, the relatively lower height of the first retaining wall structure results in a smaller step difference when the metal trace crosses that position, greatly reducing the risk of metal trace breakage. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 The following are provided for embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from BB';

[0014] Figure 3 The following are provided for embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from CC';

[0015] Figure 4 A cross-sectional structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 12 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 13 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 14 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 15 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 16 The embodiments provided in this disclosure provide along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from DD';

[0028] Figure 17 Another method provided for embodiments of this disclosure is along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from BB';

[0029] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 19 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this disclosure, the solutions disclosed herein will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0033] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this disclosure, but this disclosure may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some, and not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0034] In the manufacturing process of display panels, to control the film-forming boundary of the planarization layer during thin-film encapsulation and to prevent the flow of the planarization layer, a long, strip-shaped protrusion, similar to a dam structure, is usually formed by a protective layer in the non-display area, called a bank. The display panel includes multiple metal layers in this area. To prevent the metal layers from being corroded in subsequent processes, such as by the developing solution during development, a protective layer is usually used to protect the metal layers and prevent corrosion, which would affect the quality of the display panel. However, if the height of the bank formed by the stacked metal layers and protective layers is too high, subsequent traces passing through the bank are prone to breakage, affecting the display effect of the display panel. For example, when fabricating touch traces, if the bank height is too high, the photoresist layer formed on the bank is relatively thin. After exposure, there is no photoresist layer to protect the metal layers, making the touch traces prone to breakage during etching, affecting the touch effect.

[0035] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a display panel. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The following are provided for embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from BB'. Figure 3 The following are provided for embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from CC'. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figures 1-4 The display panel includes a display area AA and a non-display area NA. The non-display area NA surrounds the display area AA and is provided with a first barrier structure 10. The display panel also includes a substrate 110 and a metal layer 120. The metal layer 120 is located on one side of the substrate 110 and extends to the non-display area NA.

[0036] The first barrier structure 10 includes a first protective layer 101 and a second protective layer 102; the metal layer 120 includes a first metal layer 121. In the first barrier structure 10, the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 overlap. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the area of ​​the overlap between the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 is larger than the area of ​​the overlap between the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the first metal layer 121.

[0037] The following is based on Figures 1-4As an example, the structure of the display panel will be explained in detail. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The film layer diagrams of the left and right bezels (01) of the display panel are shown. Figure 3 A simplified illustration of the lower step area 02 of the display panel is provided. The solution provided in this embodiment is also applicable to different areas of the display panel bezel. The left and right bezels 01 and the lower step area 02 are both located in the non-display area. The left and right lower bezels include peripheral circuits, such as VSR (Vertical Shift Register) circuits, signal lines, such as the negative power supply signal line PVEE, and detection lines such as crack detection lines. The lower step area 02 can be used to bond the control chip IC, and various signal lines are electrically connected to the control chip IC here. It also includes peripheral circuits such as Demux circuits (multiplexing circuits).

[0038] The display panel includes a substrate 110, which can be a rigid substrate, such as glass. The substrate 110 can also be a flexible substrate, for example, the material of which may include one or more combinations of polymer resins selected from polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, and cellulose acetate propionate. This disclosure does not specifically limit the material of the substrate 110.

[0039] The display panel can be divided into a display area AA and a non-display area NA. The display area NA surrounds the display area AA, and the non-display area NA is provided with a first barrier structure 10, which has a certain height. For the purpose of describing the components in the non-display area NA, Figure 1 The proportion of the non-display area NA on the entire display panel has been enlarged. Figure 1 The ratio of the display area AA to the non-display area NA does not represent their proportion in the actual object.

[0040] The display panel includes a driving circuit layer 24, a first insulating layer 206 (PLN), and a pixel definition layer 208 (PDL). The driving circuit layer 24 includes a storage capacitor 21 and a transistor 22. Figure 2 The example uses only one storage capacitor 21 and one transistor 22, where transistor 22 is a thin-film transistor.

[0041] The display area AA includes multiple sub-pixels and is capable of full-color display. In this embodiment of the invention, the display panel may also adopt other self-emissive display technologies, such as any one of the following: Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel, Micro Light Emitting Diode (Micro-LED) display panel, and Quantum Light Emitting Diode (QLED) display panel. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the choice of display panel. Figure 2 This is just an illustration using an OLED display panel as an example.

[0042] Each sub-pixel includes an electrically connected light-emitting device 23 and a pixel driving circuit. The light-emitting device 23 includes a first electrode 207, a light-emitting layer 209, and a second electrode 210 arranged opposite each other. For example, the first electrode 207 can be the anode, and the second electrode 210 the cathode; however, the positions of the cathode and anode can be interchanged depending on the pixel circuit configuration. The pixel driving circuit is located in the driving circuit layer 24 of the display panel. The pixel driving circuit includes a storage capacitor 21 and a transistor 22; the number of transistors can be increased depending on the pixel circuit configuration. A pixel driving circuit is the smallest repeating unit of the circuit structure that drives the corresponding light-emitting element to emit light, such as a 2T1C circuit, a 7T1C circuit, or a 7T2C circuit. The specific working principle is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be elaborated here.

[0043] The driving circuit layer 24 includes multiple sub-film layers, such as display signal lines including power supply voltage signal lines, scan lines and data lines, as well as different structures of thin film transistors and storage capacitors in the pixel driving circuit, and peripheral circuits located in the non-display area NA are all formed by different sub-film layers in the driving circuit layer 24.

[0044] The display panel also includes an encapsulation layer, which includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 212 (CVD1), an organic encapsulation layer 213 (IJP), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 214 (CVD2), which are stacked to form a thin film encapsulation (TFE) structure.

[0045] The display panel also includes multiple touch electrodes, which can be single-layered or double-layered. They can be formed using transparent metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or metal mesh formed by metal wires. The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the way the touch electrodes are set.

[0046] The touch electrode configuration in this embodiment is illustrated using mutual capacitance as an example. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display panel includes touch electrodes 2151 and touch traces 2152. The first direction is the X-direction, and the second direction is the Y-direction, which intersect. The touch electrodes 2151 include first touch electrodes 21511 and second touch electrodes 21512. The first touch electrodes 21511, extending along the X-direction, are arranged along the Y-direction, comprising multiple first touch electrodes 21511, and adjacent first touch electrodes 21511 are interconnected by a metal layer of the same thickness. The second touch electrodes 21512, extending along the Y-direction, are arranged along the X-direction, comprising multiple second touch electrodes 21512, and adjacent second touch electrodes 21512 are connected by a bridge structure. Based on this, the two sets of intersecting touch electrodes form a mutually capacitive touch structure. The touch traces 2152 can be located in the same film layer as the touch electrodes 2151 or in the same film layer as the bridge structure; this embodiment does not specifically limit this. Touch electrodes 2151 and touch traces 2152 within the display area AA are electrically connected. Touch traces 2152 extend along both the first direction X and the second direction Y to the non-display area NA. The non-display area includes left and right bezels 01 and a lower step area 02. The lower step area 02 includes a terminal connection area 03, located on the side furthest from the first retaining wall structure 10 and away from the display area AA. Touch traces 2152 are switched at the terminal connection area 03, thereby connecting to the control chip IC of the display panel. The control chip can receive touch signals transmitted by touch traces 2152, perform calculations, transmit the results to the devices in the display area AA for display, and provide necessary signals to various signal lines.

[0047] The aforementioned organic encapsulation layer 213 is located between the first inorganic encapsulation layer 212 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 214. The first inorganic encapsulation layer 212 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 214 can be prepared using processes such as chemical vapor deposition. In the thin-film encapsulation process, the purpose of setting the organic encapsulation layer is to flatten the display panel, for example, by using inkjet printing (IJP) to lay the organic encapsulation layer. Organic encapsulation materials can spread and level quickly. Due to the large ink volume or strong capillary flow, organic encapsulation materials are prone to overflowing from the edges of the display panel. Therefore, if the organic encapsulation layer overflows during preparation, it will greatly reduce the effect of thin-film encapsulation and shorten the lifespan of the display panel. Therefore, a first barrier structure 10 is provided in the non-display area NA to prevent the organic encapsulation material from overflowing. Normally, setting the first barrier structure 10 can prevent the organic encapsulation material from overflowing. However, to improve encapsulation reliability, enhance the encapsulation effect on the display panel, improve the performance of the display panel, and extend the lifespan of the display panel, a second barrier structure 20 can also be set to further prevent the organic encapsulation material from overflowing.

[0048] Optionally, a second barrier structure 20 is provided in the non-display area NA. The second barrier structure 20 is located on the side of the first barrier structure 10 closest to the display area AA. The second barrier structure 20 also has a certain height to prevent liquid organic encapsulation material from overflowing. It is worth noting that there can be multiple second barrier structures 20. This embodiment only provides one second barrier structure 20 as an example. In different application scenarios, the number of second barrier structures 20 can be set according to actual needs. This embodiment does not limit the number of second barrier structures 20. The height of the first barrier structure 10 can be higher than or equal to the height of the second barrier structure 20. In some optional embodiments, the height of the second barrier structure 20 can also be higher than the first barrier structure 10. This embodiment does not impose many restrictions on the second barrier structure 20. It can be designed according to actual needs. This embodiment mainly improves the first barrier structure 10.

[0049] The display panel also includes metal layers located on one side of the substrate 110. The display area AA includes multiple metal layers, such as the film layer containing the first electrode 207 of the light-emitting device 23, the film layer containing the second electrode 210, and multiple metal layers in the driving circuit layer 24. The metal layers in the driving circuit layer 24 include a first source-drain metal layer 201 (gate metal layer) forming the gate, a storage capacitor layer MC forming the storage capacitor, a second source-drain metal layer M2 forming the source, drain, and power signal traces of the pixel circuit, and a third source-drain metal layer that can also form signal traces. Figure 2 (not shown in the image), etc. Since the metal layers vary depending on the circuit design, the examples provided are not intended to limit the metal layers in display panels.

[0050] The display panel also includes an active layer (POLY), a gate insulating layer (203) located on the side of the active layer 201 facing away from the substrate 110, a capacitor insulating layer (IMD) located on the side of the gate metal layer 201 facing away from the substrate 110, an interlayer insulating layer (204) located on the side of the capacitor metal layer MC facing away from the substrate, an organic insulating layer (205) located on the side of the second source / drain metal layer M2 facing away from the substrate 110, and a first insulating layer (206) located on the side of the organic insulating layer 205 facing away from the substrate 110. Both the organic insulating layer 205 and the first insulating layer 206 can function as planarization layers. The display panel also includes a pixel definition layer (208) located on the side of the film layer containing the first electrode 207 facing away from the substrate 110, a first inorganic encapsulation layer (212) located on the side of the film layer containing the second electrode 210 facing away from the substrate 110, an organic encapsulation layer (213), a second inorganic encapsulation layer (214), a touch layer (215), etc. Additionally, a buffer layer and an inorganic insulating layer (not shown in the figure) are disposed between the second inorganic encapsulation layer and the touch layer (215).

[0051] Metal layer 120 extends from display area AA to non-display area NA, forming a barrier structure in the non-display area. Here, metal layer 120 does not refer to a specific metal layer, but rather to at least one of the metal layers 120 extending to non-display area NA. When multiple metal layers extend from display area AA to non-display area NA, the metal layer includes multiple metal layers, such as the structure corresponding to the left and right bezels of the display panel; when only one metal layer extends from display area AA to display area NA, the metal layer includes a single metal layer, such as the structure corresponding to the lower step area 02 of the display panel. The number of metal layers and the corresponding film layers can be determined according to different embodiments.

[0052] In different application scenarios, for example, if the second source / drain metal layer M2 in the driving circuit layer 24 extends to the non-display area NA, then the metal layer 120 includes the second source / drain metal layer M2. If the first electrode is the anode and the anode metal layer extends to the non-display area NA, then the metal layer 120 includes the anode metal layer. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific function and number of the metal layer 120.

[0053] Therefore, the first barrier structure 10 has a certain height to prevent the material forming the organic encapsulation layer 213 from overflowing (the figure includes the first barrier structure 10 and the second barrier structure 20; the second barrier structure 20 can basically prevent material overflow. If only the first barrier structure 10 is provided, then the first barrier structure 10 will block the encapsulation material). Reference Figure 4 The first barrier structure 10 includes a first protective layer 101 and a second protective layer 102, and the metal layer 120 includes a first metal layer 121. In the first barrier structure 10, the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 overlap, which not only protects the first metal layer 121 from corrosion during subsequent manufacturing processes, but also increases the height of the first barrier structure 10, thus providing a better barrier effect. Additionally, see reference... Figure 3 The position of the second protective layer 102 is such that the distance between the bottom of at least part of the second protective layer and at least part of the first protective layer and the substrate is equal. Under the influence of some manufacturing processes, the second protective layer 102 can also play a certain protective role for the first metal layer 121.

[0054] In the prior art, the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the first metal layer 121 all overlap in the thickness direction of the display panel, resulting in an excessively high first barrier structure 10. During subsequent fabrication, the metal traces experience significant step differences when passing through the first barrier structure 10, making them prone to breakage and affecting the display panel's performance. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 3To capture a schematic diagram of the non-display area touch trace 2152 crossing the first barrier structure 10 and the second barrier structure 20, Figure 3 The touch trace 2152 is located on the side of the second inorganic packaging layer 214 opposite to the substrate 110, and the touch trace 2152 is a metal trace. The touch trace 2152 needs to cross the first barrier structure 10 and the second barrier structure 20. At the terminal connection area 03, it is electrically connected to the underlying metal layer 120 through a via to switch to the driving circuit layer. For example, this metal layer is a source / drain metal layer, so that the control chip IC can transmit data between the touch trace 2152 and the touch electrode.

[0055] When the touch trace 2152 needs to cross the first barrier structure 10, the height of the first barrier structure 10 is too high, and the step difference generated when the touch trace 2152 passes through the first barrier structure 10 is large. The touch trace 2152 located on the first barrier structure 10 away from the surface of the substrate 110 will be relatively thin and more prone to breakage.

[0056] In the embodiments of this disclosure, reference is made to Figure 4 In the thickness direction of the display panel, the area where the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 overlap is larger than the area where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the first metal layer 121 overlap. This can be understood as follows: at the first barrier structure 10, there is no area where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the first metal layer 121 all overlap; the area with the highest height of the first barrier structure 10 is the area where the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 overlap. Therefore, by reducing the number of overlapping film layers in the first barrier structure 10, the height of the first barrier structure 10 is reduced, the step difference with areas outside the first barrier structure 10 is reduced, and the problem of metal traces easily breaking due to excessive step differences when passing through the first barrier structure 10 is avoided, thus improving the display effect and lifespan of the display panel.

[0057] It should be noted that the embodiments provided in this disclosure... Figure 4 This is only one possible implementation method. Various other first barrier structures formed by different membrane layer combinations also meet the above requirements. Subsequent embodiments will provide explanations and illustrations, but do not represent the only possible implementation. Figure 4 One structure meets the requirements. The thickness, length, and proportional relationship of each film layer do not represent the actual dimensions in the product, but are only for illustration. In addition, the protective layer provided in this embodiment protects the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102. In some scenarios, the first barrier structure 10 of the display panel may only be provided with the first protective layer 101, and the first metal layer 121 may only be protected by the first protective layer 101.

[0058] It is understood that the metal layer 120 mentioned in the above embodiments only includes the first metal layer 121, that is, there is no metal layer 120 between the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102. For example, it is applied to the lower step area 02 of the display panel, with fewer overall film layers and a shorter barrier structure. In other application scenarios, a metal layer 120 is provided between the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102, for example, it is applied to the left and right bezels 01 of the display panel. The metal layer 120 extending to the non-display area NA includes the first metal layer 121 and the second metal layer 122. Similarly, there is the problem that the first barrier structure 10 is too high, which can easily lead to the breakage of metal traces passing through it. Therefore, the height of the first barrier structure can be reduced by decreasing the thickness of the overlap of the first protective layer, the second protective layer and the first metal layer, thus avoiding the risk of metal trace breakage. The specific details will be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0059] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4 The first protective layer 101 covers the end of the first metal layer 121, and at least part of the first protective layer 101 overlaps with the first metal layer 121.

[0060] For example, the metal layer 120 typically extends from the display area AA to the non-display area NA and terminates at the non-display area NA, thus exposing the end of the metal layer 120. During subsequent fabrication of other film layers, the exposed metal layer is susceptible to corrosion, affecting the yield of the display panel. This embodiment provides a first metal layer 121 that terminates at the location of the first barrier structure 10, thereby covering the exposed end of the first metal layer 121 with the first protective layer 101, preventing corrosion of the end. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first protective layer 101 overlaps with the first metal layer 121, improving the structural stability between the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 and preventing situations where the first protective layer 101 cannot effectively cover the end of the first metal layer 121. In this embodiment, the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 overlap in the thickness direction of the display panel, and there is no area where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the first metal layer 121 all overlap. Therefore, the area of ​​the first protective layer 101 and the first metal layer 121 is larger than the area of ​​the overlapping area of ​​the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the first metal layer 121. This reduces the height of the first barrier structure 10, reduces the step difference with the area outside the first barrier structure 10, and avoids the problem that metal traces are prone to breakage due to excessive step difference when passing through the first barrier structure 10, thereby improving the display effect and lifespan of the display panel.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first protective layer 101 can be a first insulating layer 206, such as a PLN, and the second protective layer 102 can be a pixel definition layer 208, such as a PDL, both of which can protect the ends of the first metal layer 121. When a second metal layer 122 is present, the protective layer can also protect the ends of the second metal layer 122.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific materials of the first protective layer and the second protective layer are not limited in the embodiments disclosed herein, and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0063] As mentioned above, a second metal layer can be disposed between the first protective layer and the second protective layer. The structure of disposing of the second metal layer will be described in detail below. Optionally, in some embodiments, Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 5 The metal layer 120 also includes a second metal layer 122. The second metal layer 122 is located on the side of the first metal layer 121 and the first protective layer 101 away from the substrate 110; in a direction parallel to the display panel, the second metal layer 122 extends away from the display area AA, and in a direction perpendicular to the display panel, it overlaps with the first protective layer 101.

[0064] For example, the second metal layer 122 is located on the side of the first metal layer 121 and the first protective layer 101 that faces away from the substrate 110, such as... Figure 5 As shown, in a direction parallel to the display panel, the second metal layer 122 extends towards the non-display area NA in a direction away from the display area AA, and overlaps with the first protective layer 101 in a direction perpendicular to the panel. The first metal layer 121 and the second metal layer 122 are electrically connected and together serve as signal traces, reducing the resistance in the signal traces and helping to reduce the problem of excessive voltage drop in the signal traces. In some embodiments, reference continues to... Figure 5 The second protective layer 102 covers the end of the second metal layer 122, and the second protective layer 102 does not overlap with the first protective layer 101 and / or the first metal layer 121.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second metal layer 122 terminates at the position of the first barrier structure 10. Therefore, to prevent the end of the second metal layer 122 from being exposed, the second protective layer 102 covers the end of the second metal layer 122 to prevent corrosion. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the second protective layer 102 does not overlap with the first protective layer 101, or the second protective layer 102 does not overlap with the first metal layer 121, or the second protective layer 102 does not overlap with either the first protective layer 101 or the first metal layer 121. Compared to the prior art, where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, the first metal layer 121, and the second metal layer 122 all overlap in the direction perpendicular to the display panel, in this embodiment, at least one film layer does not overlap with the other three film layers. The film layers mentioned here refer to the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, the first metal layer 121, and the second metal layer 122. That is, the second protective layer 102 does not overlap with the first protective layer 101 and / or the first metal layer 121. This reduces the height of the first barrier structure 10, reduces the step difference between the first barrier structure 10 and the non-first barrier structure 10 areas, avoids the problem that metal traces are prone to breakage due to excessive step difference when passing through the first barrier structure 10, and improves the display effect and lifespan of the display panel.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the first protective layer extends relatively short, and the overall structure occupies a smaller area. In some other embodiments, the first protective layer also extends relatively long, which is also applicable to the method provided in this application. For example, in the left and right bezel areas of the display panel, various signal traces are arranged, such as negative power signal lines (PVEE), as well as some detection lines such as crack detection lines, etc. These signal traces are also formed by metal structures, and the first protective layer extends relatively long, covering the metal structure forming the signal traces. Optionally, in some embodiments, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 6 The second protective layer 102 covers the end of the second metal layer 122. The first protective layer 101 includes a first region S1 extending in a direction away from the first metal layer 121. In the first region S1, the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 at least partially overlap.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first protective layer 101 extends relatively far away from the display area AA. Besides covering the end of the first metal layer 121 and partially overlapping it, the first protective layer 101 extends in a direction away from the first metal layer 121, forming a first region S1. Within the first region S1, the first protective layer 101 covers the metal structure away from the first metal layer 121. For example, the covered metal structure is a signal trace 1211 used to transmit other signals. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the signal trace 1211. The second metal layer 122 covers at least part of the first protective layer 101 in a direction away from the display area AA. If, according to the prior art, a second protective layer is provided on the second metal layer 122 to protect it, then there will be an area where the first metal layer 121, the first protective layer 101, the second metal layer 122, and the second protective layer 102 all overlap, resulting in a high first barrier structure 10. However, in this embodiment, the second protective layer covers the end of the second metal layer 122, see [reference needed]. Figure 6 In the aforementioned film layers, the first metal layer 121, the first protective layer 101, and the second metal layer 122 overlap, and the first protective layer 101, the second metal layer 122, and the second protective layer 102 also overlap. There are no locations where all four film layers overlap. Therefore, this reduces the height of the first retaining wall structure 10 to some extent, reduces the step difference between the first retaining wall structure 10 and the non-first retaining wall structure 10 areas, and avoids the problem of metal traces easily breaking due to excessive step differences when passing through the first retaining wall structure 10. Furthermore, the above solution is also applicable to other embodiments. For example, Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 7 , Figure 7 The second metal layer 122 also extends away from the first metal layer 121, forming the first region S1, but it does not cover the signal trace 1211. Instead, it ends before the signal trace 1211, and the second protective layer 102 covers the end of the second metal layer 122. The same approach applies to the above scheme and can bring the same beneficial effect, avoiding the overlapping of the four film layers and reducing the height of the first retaining wall structure 10.

[0068] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4 The maximum thickness of the second protective layer 102 is less than or equal to the sum of the maximum thicknesses of the first protective layer 101 and the second metal layer 122.

[0069] For example, the purpose of this embodiment is to reduce the height of the first retaining wall structure 10 and avoid overlapping of the various metal layers and protective layers. This would prevent metal traces from easily breaking when passing through the first retaining wall structure 10 due to the large difference in thickness between the area in which the traces pass and the area outside the first retaining wall structure 10. Therefore, this embodiment limits the highest point of the first retaining wall structure 10; that is, the sum of the maximum thicknesses of the first protective layer 101 and the second metal layer 122 is the highest height of the first retaining wall structure 10. The thickness of the remaining film layers in the first retaining wall structure 10 is less than or equal to the sum of the maximum thicknesses of the first protective layer 101 and the second metal layer 122. For example, the maximum thickness of the second protective layer 102 is less than or equal to the sum of the maximum thicknesses of the first protective layer 101 and the second metal layer 122, to avoid the second protective layer 102 being too thick, which would result in an excessively high height for the first retaining wall structure 10.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 8 The first barrier structure 10 further includes a third protective layer 103; the third protective layer 103 is located on the side of the second protective layer 102 and the second metal layer 122 facing away from the substrate 110. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the third protective layer 103 overlaps with the second protective layer 102 and / or the first protective layer 101.

[0071] For example, the first barrier structure 10 further includes a third protective layer 103, which is located on the side of the second protective layer 102 and the second metal layer 122 facing away from the substrate 110. The height of the first barrier structure 10 can be adjusted by setting the third protective layer 103. Considering the function of the first barrier structure 10, in order to prevent the organic encapsulation material in the display area AA from overflowing and affecting the lifespan of the display panel, a first barrier structure 10 with a certain height is provided. An encapsulation layer needs to be set on the side of the first barrier structure 10 facing away from the substrate. Setting the third protective layer 103 can play a planarization role, making the film layers of the display panel more tightly packed.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the third protective layer 103 overlaps with the second protective layer 102, and also overlaps with the first protective layer 101. However, there is no area where the three layers intersect, which reduces the height of the first barrier structure 10 to some extent. The height of the first barrier structure 10 can be adjusted by the third protective layer 103 itself. Therefore, this embodiment can both fulfill its original function of preventing the organic encapsulation material from overflowing and avoid the first barrier structure 10 from being too high, thus preventing the metal traces from breaking.

[0073] Optionally, the third protective layer 103 may also adopt the following structure: Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 9 The third protective layer 103 overlaps with the second protective layer 102, but not with the first protective layer 101, further reducing the height of the first retaining wall structure 10. There is no area where the first, second, and third protective layers 101, 102, and 103 all overlap, and it also serves to flatten the surface. Optionally, the third protective layer 103 can overlap with the first protective layer 101, but not with the second protective layer 102. The specific positions of each protective layer can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0074] In some embodiments, Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 10 The metal layer 120 also includes a third metal layer 123. The third metal layer 123 is located on the side of the second metal layer 122 facing away from the substrate 110. The third protective layer 103 covers the ends of the third metal layer 123.

[0075] Exemplarily, the metal layer 120 further includes a third metal layer 123, which is located on the side of the second metal layer 122 facing away from the substrate 110, such as... Figure 10 As shown, in a direction parallel to the display panel, the third metal layer 123 extends towards the non-display area NA in a direction away from the display area AA to meet the display panel's requirement for the third metal layer 123. For example, in some application scenarios, the third metal layer 123 can be disposed on the same layer as the anode metal layer. In the non-display area of ​​the display panel, such as the left and right bezel areas, the cathode metal layer needs to overlap with other metal layers below through the anode metal layer to enable the negative power signal line PVEE to provide a cathode power signal to the cathode metal layer. The third metal layer 123 terminates at the position of the first barrier structure 10. Therefore, by having the third protective layer 103 cover the end of the third metal layer 123, the end of the third metal layer 123 can be prevented from being exposed and corroded. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 do not overlap. Compared with the prior art, where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102 and the third protective layer 103 all overlap to form an excessively high first barrier structure 10, the height of the first barrier structure 10 is reduced to a certain extent in this embodiment. Therefore, the possibility of metal traces breaking when passing through the first barrier structure 10 can be reduced.

[0076] It should be noted that the embodiments provided in this disclosure... Figure 10 This is only one possible implementation method. Various other first barrier structures formed by different membrane layer combinations also meet the above requirements. Subsequent embodiments will provide explanations and illustrations, but do not represent the only possible implementation. Figure 10One structure meets the requirements. The thickness, length, and proportional relationship of each film layer do not represent the actual dimensions in the product, but are for illustrative purposes only.

[0077] In different embodiments, the third protective layer and the third metal layer have various optional configurations. Optionally, in some embodiments, Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 11 The first retaining wall structure 10 also includes a third protective layer 103; the metal layer 120 also includes a third metal layer 123.

[0078] The third metal layer 123 is located on the side of the second metal layer 122 and the second protective layer 102 facing away from the substrate 110. In a direction parallel to the display panel, the third metal layer 123 extends away from the display area AA and covers the second protective layer 102. The third protective layer 103 covers the end of the third metal layer 123 and does not overlap with the first protective layer 101 and / or the second protective layer 102.

[0079] In this embodiment, the third metal layer 123 is located on the side of the second metal layer 122 and the second protective layer 102 that faces away from the substrate 110, such as... Figure 11 As shown, in a direction parallel to the display panel, the third metal layer 123 extends towards the non-display area NA in a direction away from the display area AA, and covers the second protective layer 102. The third metal layer 123 terminates at the position of the first barrier structure 10. The termination position of the third metal layer 123 does not overlap with the second protective layer 102. To prevent the end of the third metal layer 123 from being exposed and corroded, the end of the third protective layer 123 is covered by the third protective layer 103. Thus, in the thickness direction of the display panel, the third protective layer 103 does not overlap with the first protective layer 101, or the third protective layer 103 does not overlap with the second protective layer 102, or all three of the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the third protective layer 103 do not overlap, that is, the third protective layer 103 does not overlap with the first protective layer 101 and / or the second protective layer 102. Compared with the prior art, where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102 and the third protective layer 103 overlap to form an excessively high first retaining wall structure 10, the present invention greatly reduces the height of the first retaining wall structure 10, thus reducing the possibility of metal wires breaking when passing through the first retaining wall structure 10.

[0080] It should be noted that the embodiments provided in this disclosure... Figure 11 This is only one possible implementation method. Various other first barrier structures formed by different membrane layer combinations also meet the above requirements. Subsequent embodiments will provide explanations and illustrations, but do not represent the only possible implementation. Figure 11One structure meets the requirements. The thickness, length, and proportional relationship of each film layer do not represent the actual dimensions in the product, but are for illustrative purposes only.

[0081] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 10 The first retaining wall structure 10 also includes a fourth protective layer 104, which overlaps with the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102 and the third protective layer 103.

[0082] For example, the first barrier structure 10 further includes a fourth protective layer 104, which can both protect the film layers located on its side near the substrate 110 and adjust the height of the first barrier structure 10. (See reference...) Figure 10 The fourth protective layer 104 is located on the side of the third protective layer 103 away from the substrate 110. The fourth protective layer 104 overlaps with the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the third protective layer 103. However, there is no area in the first barrier structure 10 where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, the third protective layer 103, and the fourth protective layer 104 overlap.

[0083] Similarly, refer to Figure 11 The fourth protective layer 104 is located on the side of the third metal layer 123 and the third protective layer 103 facing away from the substrate 110. The fourth protective layer 104 overlaps with the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the third protective layer 103. However, there is no overlapping area between the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, the third protective layer 103, and the fourth protective layer 104 in the first barrier structure 10. Therefore, reducing the height of the first barrier structure 10 can reduce the possibility of metal traces breaking when passing through the first barrier structure 10 and improve the service life of the display panel.

[0084] As mentioned above, the film layer structure varies in different areas of the non-display area of ​​the display panel. For example, in the lower step area, the touch traces need to be replaced to make them electrically connected to the driving circuit layer. In this case, there are fewer metal layers extending to the lower step area, such as only the first metal layer. However, there are more metal layers extending to the left and right bezels, such as including both the first and second metal layers. Protecting the ends of the first metal layer requires a first protective layer, and protecting the ends of the second metal layer requires a second protective layer. Since the protective layer needs to be fabricated as a whole and then etched, it is possible that only the first metal layer area includes both the first and second protective layers. Optionally, in some embodiments, refer to... Figure 4 The second protective layer 102 is in contact with the first protective layer 101, and the second protective layer 102 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101 away from the display area AA.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first protective layer 101 is in contact with the second protective layer 102, and the second protective layer 102 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101 away from the display area AA. This increases the width of the first barrier structure 10 in the width direction of the display panel, improving its blocking ability. Furthermore, it is known that the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the display panel, thereby reducing the thickness of the first barrier structure 10. This avoids the overlapping of various metal layers and protective layers, which would cause metal traces to easily break when passing through the first barrier structure 10 due to the large step difference between this area and the non-first barrier structure 10 area. Additionally, increasing the width of the first barrier structure 10 in the width direction of the display panel further enhances its blocking ability.

[0086] Optionally, the present disclosure does not limit the positional relationship between the first protective layer, the second protective layer and the first metal layer. The accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes, and the specific arrangement can be set according to actual needs.

[0087] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4 The farthest distance between the side of the second protective layer 102 away from the substrate 110 and the substrate 110 is equal to the farthest distance between the side of the first protective layer 101 away from the substrate 110 and the substrate 110.

[0088] For example, since the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 are located on the same plane, when the above-mentioned film layer is prepared, the farthest distance h1 between the side of the second protective layer 102 facing away from the substrate 110 and the substrate 110 is equal to the farthest distance h2 between the side of the first protective layer 101 facing away from the substrate 110 and the substrate 110. At this time, the surface of the first protective layer 101 facing away from the substrate 110 is flush with the surface of the second protective layer 102 facing away from the substrate 110. This is equivalent to the surface of the first barrier structure 10 facing away from the substrate 110 being relatively flat. When the metal trace passes through this area, there is no step difference on the surface of the first barrier structure 10, reducing the possibility of metal trace breakage.

[0089] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4 The first retaining wall structure 10 also includes a third protective layer 103; the third protective layer 103 covers the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 and covers at least part of the first metal layer 121.

[0090] For example, the first barrier structure 10 further includes a third protective layer 103. The third protective layer 103 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, and the second metal layer 122 facing away from the substrate 110. The third protective layer 103 covers the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 and covers at least part of the first metal layer 121. By setting the third protective layer 103, the height of the first barrier structure 10 can be adjusted, and the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 can be protected. Considering the function of the first barrier structure 10, in order to prevent the organic encapsulation material in the display area AA from overflowing and affecting the service life of the display panel, the first barrier structure 10 is set with a certain height. Therefore, the height of the first barrier structure 10 can also be adjusted by the third protective layer 103. The third protective layer 103 can also play a planarization role, making the contact between the film layers of the display panel tighter, and can also cover the underlying metal layer and protective layer, thus protecting the underlying film layers.

[0091] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the third protective layer 103 overlaps with the second protective layer 102, and the third protective layer 103 overlaps with the first protective layer 101, but there is no area where the three overlap. This reduces the height of the first barrier structure 10 to a certain extent, effectively preventing the organic encapsulation material from overflowing, avoiding the first barrier structure 10 from being too high, preventing the metal traces from breaking, and also protecting other film layers.

[0092] In some embodiments, Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 12 and Figure 13 The metal layer 120 also includes a second metal layer 122; the second metal layer 122 is located on the side of the first metal layer 121, the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 away from the substrate 110, and the third protective layer 103 covers at least a portion of the second metal layer 122.

[0093] For example, the metal layer further includes a second metal layer 122, which is located on the side of the first metal layer 121, the first protective layer 101, and the second protective layer 102 that faces away from the substrate 110, such as... Figure 12As shown, in a direction parallel to the display panel, the second metal layer 122 extends towards the non-display area NA in a direction away from the display area AA, to meet the display panel's requirement for the second metal layer 122. The third protective layer 103 can cover the ends of the second metal layer 122, preventing the ends of the second metal layer 122 from being exposed and corroded in subsequent processes. Furthermore, the third protective layer 103 covers at least a portion of the second metal layer 122, providing a planarization effect, and its thickness can be adjusted to regulate the thickness of the first barrier structure 10.

[0094] It is understood that the present disclosure does not impose specific limitations on the structure of the second retaining wall structure at point 20, and can be implemented as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the second retaining wall structure 20 is higher than the first retaining wall structure 10, and includes a first protective layer 101, a first metal layer 121, a second metal layer 122, and a third protective layer 103. In some other embodiments, the second retaining wall structure 20 may be lower than the first retaining wall structure, and also include the first metal layer 121, the second metal layer 122, and the third protective layer 103. As explained above in the embodiments of this disclosure, there are no specific limitations on the height relationship between the first and second retaining wall structures; only actual needs need to be met. Therefore, there are many different structures for the second retaining wall structure, which will not be listed here.

[0095] In some embodiments, Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 14 The first metal layer 121 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 away from the substrate 110, and the third protective layer 103 covers the end of the first metal layer 121.

[0096] For example, the first metal layer 121 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 facing away from the substrate 110. The first metal layer 121 ends at the position of the first barrier structure 10. Therefore, by having the third protective layer 103 cover the end of the first metal layer 121, the end of the first metal layer 121 can be prevented from being exposed and corroded. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 do not overlap. Therefore, there is no area where the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, the third protective layer 103, and the first metal layer 121 all overlap, as is the case in the prior art. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this disclosure reduce the height of the first barrier structure 10, reduce the step difference between the first barrier structure 10 and the non-first barrier structure 10 areas, avoid the problem that metal traces are prone to breakage due to excessive step difference when passing through the first barrier structure 10, and improve the display effect and lifespan of the display panel.

[0097] In some embodiments, see continue to see Figure 14 The first metal layer 121 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101 facing the substrate 110, and the first protective layer 101 covers the end of the first metal layer 121.

[0098] For example, the first metal layer 121 is located on the side of the first protective layer 101 facing the substrate 110. The first metal layer 121 ends at the position of the first barrier structure 10, and the first protective layer 101 covers the end of the first metal layer 121, which can prevent the end of the first metal layer 121 from being exposed and corroded. Although the first metal layer 121 overlaps with the first protective layer 101, neither of them overlaps with the second protective layer 102. This reduces the height of the first barrier structure 10 to a certain extent, reduces the step difference between the first barrier structure 10 and the non-first barrier structure 10 area, and avoids the problem that metal traces are prone to breakage due to excessive step difference when passing through the first barrier structure 10, thereby improving the display effect and lifespan of the display panel.

[0099] In some embodiments, Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 15 The first barrier structure 10 also includes a fourth protective layer 104, which is located on the side of the third protective layer 103 away from the substrate 110 and covers at least a portion of the third protective layer 103.

[0100] For example, the first barrier structure 10 further includes a fourth protective layer 104, which can both protect the film layers located on its side near the substrate 110 and adjust the height of the first barrier structure 10. (See reference...) Figure 15 The fourth protective layer 104 is located on the side of the third protective layer 103 facing away from the substrate 110, and the fourth protective layer 104 covers at least a portion of the third protective layer 103. The first barrier structure 10 provided in this embodiment does not have an overlapping area between the first protective layer 101, the second protective layer 102, the third protective layer 103, and the fourth protective layer 104. Therefore, reducing the height of the first barrier structure 10 can reduce the possibility of metal traces breaking when passing through the first barrier structure 10, and improve the service life of the display panel. Furthermore, the height of the first barrier structure 10 can be adjusted using the fourth protective layer 104 to prevent the first barrier structure 10 from being unable to effectively prevent the liquid organic encapsulation material in the display area from overflowing.

[0101] In some embodiments, the metal layer includes an anode metal layer and / or at least one source / drain metal layer.

[0102] The anode metal layer is located on the side of the source / drain metal layer that is away from the substrate.

[0103] For example, Figure 16The embodiments provided in this disclosure provide along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from DD'. Figure 17 Another method provided for embodiments of this disclosure is along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure taken from BB'. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The images are taken from a display panel provided in the same embodiment, with each film layer corresponding to the others. Referring to the accompanying drawings, the metal layer 120 extending from the display area AA to the non-display area NA of the display panel includes a first metal layer 121, a second metal layer 122, and a third metal layer 123. The first metal layer 121 is a second source / drain metal layer M2, the second metal layer 122 is a third source / drain metal layer M3, and the third metal layer 123 is disposed on the same layer as the anode metal layer. The anode metal layer is located on the side of each source / drain metal layer facing away from the substrate 110. The second source / drain metal layer M2 can be used to fabricate the source, drain, and power signal traces of the pixel circuit, and the third source / drain metal layer M3 can also be used to fabricate signal traces of the pixel circuit. In some scenarios, the cathode metal layer needs to be connected to the underlying anode metal layer through vias, and then connected to other underlying metal layers through the anode metal layer, to achieve the purpose of the negative power signal line PVEE providing a cathode power signal to the cathode metal layer.

[0104] Furthermore, the display area of ​​this embodiment also includes a first source / drain metal layer 202 for fabricating the gate of the pixel circuit; it also includes an active layer 201, a gate insulating layer 203, an interlayer insulating layer 204, an organic insulating layer 205 (BPL), a first insulating layer 206 (PLN), a pixel definition layer 208 (PDL), a light-emitting layer 209, a cathode metal layer 210 (cathode), a first inorganic encapsulation layer 212 (CVD1), an organic encapsulation layer 203 (IJP), a second inorganic encapsulation layer 214 (CVD2), a touch layer 215, an optical adhesive layer 216, and a support layer 217. In some optional embodiments, the display panel also includes other film layer structures. For example, a buffer layer and an inorganic insulating layer are disposed between the second inorganic encapsulation layer and the touch layer. Not all of these are shown in the figures. The above embodiments are only illustrative examples, showing only partial structures or partial film layers related to the embodiments of this disclosure. Other omitted structures or film layers are not described in detail here. Specific film layers can be set according to actual conditions.

[0105] refer to Figure 17In the non-display area provided in this embodiment, the metal layer 120 includes a first metal layer 121, a second metal layer 122, and a third metal layer 123. Specifically, the first metal layer 121 is a second source / drain metal layer M2, the second metal layer 122 is a third source / drain metal layer M3, and the third metal layer 123 is an anode metal layer. The first protective layer 101 is an organic insulating layer 205, the second protective layer 102 is a first insulating layer 206, and the third protective layer 103 is a pixel definition layer 208. In the non-display area, the ends of the second source / drain metal layer M2 are covered by the organic insulating layer 205, and the ends of the third source / drain metal layer M3 are covered by the first insulating layer 206. The anode metal layer is located on the side of the second source / drain metal layer M2 and the third source / drain metal layer M3 facing away from the substrate 110. The ends of the anode metal layer are covered by the pixel definition layer 208. The organic insulating layer 205 does not overlap with the first insulating layer 206, which reduces the number of overlapping film layers in the first barrier structure, thereby reducing the height of the first barrier structure, reducing the step difference between the first barrier structure and the non-first barrier structure area, avoiding the problem that metal traces are prone to breakage due to excessive step difference when passing through the first barrier structure, and improving the display effect and lifespan of the display panel.

[0106] in, Figure 17 The location shown is on the left and right edges. In this structure, no holes are drilled at this position to allow the touch traces to connect electrically to the underlying metal layer. However, in some other application scenarios, such as... Figure 18 The structure shown. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in this embodiment. Holes can also be drilled at the left and right edges of the display panel to allow touch traces to overlap with the underlying metal layer through the vias. It should be noted that the film layer thicknesses provided in this embodiment do not represent the actual thicknesses of each film layer in the display panel; the accompanying drawings only illustrate the positions of each film layer.

[0107] For example, Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to... Figure 19 The diagram shows the structure of the touch trace switching area of ​​the display panel, including a first barrier structure 10 and a second barrier structure 20. In this area, the touch trace 2152 needs to be electrically connected to the metal layer M3 through a hole, so that the control chip IC can transmit data between the touch trace 2152 and the touch electrode. Figure 19 It can both demonstrate the drilling and rerouting of touch traces in the lower stepped area of ​​the display panel to the metal layer M3, and also comply with... Figure 18 The touch control traces were replaced by drilling holes in the left and right edges of the screen to the M3.

[0108] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are only one optional membrane layer design scheme. Various other membrane layer combinations can be used to form a first retaining wall structure that meets the above requirements. The thickness, length, and proportional relationship of each membrane layer do not represent the actual dimensions in the product, but are only for illustration. The specific meaning of each membrane layer can be found in the reference [reference needed]. Figure 16 The explanation of each membrane layer can be designed according to actual needs.

[0109] In some embodiments, at least one of the first protective layer and the second protective layer is an organic film layer.

[0110] For example, continue to refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The first protective layer 101 can be an organic film layer, such as an organic insulating layer 205, serving to insulate and protect the display panel. It can be prepared using an organic film layer, as organic materials possess certain toughness and stress crack resistance, effectively protecting the display panel. The second protective layer 102 can also be an organic film layer, such as the first insulating layer 206, which can both flatten the film layer, making the display panel smoother and reducing unevenness, and provide protection. Both the first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 can be organic film layers, working together to flatten the film layer and protect the panel. The first protective layer 101 and the second protective layer 102 can include acrylic polymers, silicone polymers, etc., and can be formed using inkjet printing, spraying, or other methods.

[0111] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 15 The first retaining wall structure 10 also includes a support column 140. The support column 140 is located on the side of the fourth protective layer 104 opposite to the substrate 110.

[0112] For example, the first barrier structure 10 is further provided with a support column 140, which supports the film layer in the panel and enhances the strength of the display panel. The support column 140 may include acrylic polymer, silicone polymer, etc., and may also be formed on the side of the fourth protective layer 104 away from the substrate 110 by inkjet printing, spraying, or other methods.

[0113] This disclosure also provides a display device, including a display panel as described in any of the above-described display panel embodiments. Therefore, this display device possesses the technical features of the display panel provided in the embodiments of this disclosure and can achieve the beneficial effects of the display panel provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Similarities can be found in the above description of the display panel provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0114] For example, Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 19 As shown, the display device provided in this embodiment includes the display panel 100 provided in any of the above embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 19 The provided embodiments only use mobile phones as an example to illustrate the display device. It is understood that the display device provided in the embodiments of this application can be any electronic product with display function, including but not limited to the following categories: mobile phones, televisions, laptops, desktop monitors, tablets, digital cameras, smart bracelets, smart glasses, in-vehicle displays, medical devices, industrial control equipment, touch interactive terminals, etc. The embodiments of this invention do not make any special limitations in this regard.

[0115] The display device provided in this disclosure includes the above-described display panel, and therefore can solve the same technical problems as the above-described display panel embodiments and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0116] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0117] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement it. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area, the non-display area surrounding the display area and having a first barrier structure; the display panel also includes a substrate and a metal layer; the metal layer is located on one side of the substrate and extends into the non-display area; The first retaining wall structure includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer; the metal layer includes a first metal layer. In the first retaining wall structure, the first protective layer and the first metal layer overlap, and the bottom of at least a portion of the second protective layer and at least a portion of the first protective layer are equidistant from the substrate. In the thickness direction of the display panel, the first protective layer and the first metal layer overlap, and there is no area where the first protective layer, the second protective layer and the first metal layer all overlap.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protective layer covers the end of the first metal layer.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal layer further includes a second metal layer; The second metal layer is located on the side of the first metal layer and the first protective layer away from the substrate; in a direction parallel to the display panel, the second metal layer extends away from the display area, and in a direction perpendicular to the display panel, it overlaps with the first protective layer.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second protective layer covers the end of the second metal layer, and the second protective layer does not overlap with the first protective layer and / or the first metal layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second protective layer covers the end of the second metal layer, and the first protective layer includes a first region extending in a direction away from the first metal layer, in which the first protective layer and the second protective layer at least partially overlap.

6. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first retaining wall structure also includes a third protective layer; The third protective layer is located on the side of the second protective layer and the second metal layer that faces away from the substrate; In the thickness direction of the display panel, the third protective layer overlaps with the second protective layer and / or the first protective layer.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metal layer further includes a third metal layer; The third metal layer is located on the side of the second metal layer away from the substrate; the third protective layer covers the end of the third metal layer.

8. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The maximum thickness of the second protective layer is less than or equal to the sum of the maximum thicknesses of the first protective layer and the second metal layer.

9. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first retaining wall structure further includes a third protective layer; the metal layer further includes a third metal layer; The third metal layer is located on the side of the second metal layer and the second protective layer away from the substrate; in a direction parallel to the display panel, the third metal layer extends away from the display area and covers the second protective layer, the third protective layer covers the end of the third metal layer, and the third protective layer does not overlap with the first protective layer and / or the second protective layer.

10. The display panel according to claim 6 or 9, characterized in that, The first retaining wall structure also includes a fourth protective layer, which overlaps with the first protective layer, the second protective layer and the third protective layer.

11. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second protective layer is in contact with the first protective layer, and the second protective layer is located on the side of the first protective layer away from the display area.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, characterized in that, The farthest distance between the second protective layer and the substrate on the side facing away from the substrate is equal to the farthest distance between the first protective layer and the substrate on the side facing away from the substrate.

13. The display panel according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first retaining wall structure further includes a third protective layer; the third protective layer covers the first protective layer and the second protective layer and covers at least a portion of the first metal layer.

14. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The metal layer further includes a second metal layer; the second metal layer is located on the side of the first metal layer, the first protective layer and the second protective layer away from the substrate, and the third protective layer covers at least a portion of the second metal layer.

15. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first metal layer is located on the side of the first and second protective layers away from the substrate, and the third protective layer covers the end of the first metal layer.

16. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first metal layer is located on the side of the first protective layer facing the substrate, and the first protective layer covers the end of the first metal layer.

17. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first barrier structure further includes a fourth protective layer located on the side of the third protective layer away from the substrate, and the fourth protective layer covers at least a portion of the third protective layer.

18. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal layer includes an anode metal layer and / or at least one source / drain metal layer; The anode metal layer is located on the side of the source / drain metal layer that is away from the substrate.

19. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first protective layer and the second protective layer is an organic film layer.

20. The display panel according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first retaining wall structure also includes supporting columns; The support pillar is located on the side of the fourth protective layer away from the substrate.

21. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-20.

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