Display panel, folding screen and folding screen device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of display, and provides a display panel, a folding screen and a folding screen device. The display panel is applied to the folding screen device, first display driving chips and second display driving chips of the folding screen device are arranged along a longer first side of the folding screen device, the first side is perpendicular to a rotating shaft of the folding screen device, the first side is adjacent to a shorter second side of the folding screen device; a first gate driver of the folding screen device is arranged along the second side; the display panel comprises: a plurality of scanning signal lines and a first wire array, the plurality of scanning signal lines are connected with the first gate driver and are perpendicular to the rotating shaft; a first end of the first wire array is connected with the first display driving chip, and a second end of the first wire array is connected with a data signal line of a first folding sub-region in a first display region. The display panel can increase the charging time of a pixel unit, and can also make the wire between the scanning signal line and the DDIC avoid the folding region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, specifically to a display panel, a foldable screen, and a foldable screen device. Background Technology

[0002] As screen sizes increase, the number of pixel units in the display panel increases, and consequently, the number of rows and columns of these pixel units also increases.

[0003] In typical display panels, the gate driver is arranged along the long side of the panel, while the scan signal lines can be arranged perpendicular to the long side (and also perpendicular to the hinge). The DDIC, however, can be arranged along the short side of the panel, making the data signal lines perpendicular to the scan signal lines to drive each pixel unit. When the scan signal lines can be arranged parallel to the long side, the number of scan signal lines increases as the screen size increases. Furthermore, with the demand for high refresh rates, the refresh time of each frame is getting shorter, and the charging time for each scan signal line to the connected column of pixels is correspondingly shorter.

[0004] The increasingly shorter charging time will place higher and higher demands on the display panel manufacturing process, pushing the industry to its limits. The technical difficulty is too great, and it is not conducive to cost savings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a display panel, a foldable screen, and a foldable screen device that can increase the charging time of pixel units and enable the traces between the scan signal lines and the DDIC to avoid the folded area.

[0006] In a first aspect, a display panel is provided for use in a foldable screen device. The foldable screen device includes a first display driver chip, a second display driver chip, and a first gate driver. The first and second display driver chips are arranged along a first side of the foldable screen device, the first side being perpendicular to the hinge of the foldable screen device. The first side and a second side of the foldable screen device are adjacent sides, and the first side is longer than the second side. The first display driver chip is located on the first side of the hinge and is used to output data signals to a first display area of ​​the display panel located on the first side. The second display driver chip is located on the second side of the hinge and is used to output data signals to a second display area of ​​the display panel located on the second side. The first gate driver is arranged along the second side. The display panel includes a plurality of scan signal lines connected to the first gate driver and perpendicular to the hinge. The display panel also includes a first trace array. A first end of the first trace array is connected to the first display driver chip, and a second end of the first trace array is connected to a data signal line of a first folded sub-region in the first display area. The first folded sub-region is a sub-region in the first display area that bends when the foldable screen device is folded.

[0007] The first side mentioned above is the long side of the foldable screen device, and the second side is the short side. Arranging the first gate driver along the short side reduces the number of scan signal lines, thereby increasing the charging time of each row of pixel units, which in turn reduces the process requirements of the display panel and helps to reduce costs. At the same time, by setting a first wiring array in the display panel to connect the data signal lines between the DDIC and the first folding sub-region, the folding area can be avoided, meeting the folding requirements.

[0008] In some possible implementations, the first trace array includes multiple first traces that do not intersect each other, and each first trace is a loop with an opening.

[0009] By using an open-loop connection between the DDIC and the data signal line in the folded sub-region, the connection between the data signals in the DDIC and the folded sub-region can be realized, thus avoiding the folded area and meeting the folding requirements.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first trace includes a first sub-side, a second sub-side, and a third sub-side; the two ends of the second sub-side are respectively connected to the first end of the first sub-side and the first end of the third sub-side; the second end of the first sub-side is connected to the first display driver chip, and the second end of the third sub-side is connected to the data signal line of the first folded sub-region.

[0011] It should be noted that these three sub-sides can be integrated into a single structure, making them easy to manufacture.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the first and second sub-sides are straight lines, the second sub-side is curved, and the concave direction of the second sub-side is opposite to the direction of the opening.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the first, second, and third sub-edges are all straight lines, and the first and second sub-edges are perpendicular, as are the third and second sub-edges.

[0014] Different shapes of primary traces can adapt to the layout and wiring requirements of different display panels, and can be flexibly selected as needed. Traces with small corners can also be used to ensure signal integrity.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the first trace is U-shaped.

[0016] That is, the first routing line includes a first sub-side, a second sub-side, and a third sub-side. The first and third sub-sides are parallel, and the second sub-side is arc-shaped, with the concave direction of the arc opposite to the direction of the opening of the ring.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the first trace is U-shaped.

[0018] That is, the first, second, and third sub-sides are all straight lines, and the first and second sub-sides are perpendicular to each other, as are the third and second sub-sides.

[0019] Different shapes of primary traces can adapt to the layout and wiring requirements of different display panels, and can be flexibly selected as needed. Traces with small corners can also be used to ensure signal integrity.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the display panel further includes: a second wiring array; a first end of the second wiring array is connected to a second display driver chip, and a second end of the second wiring array is connected to a data signal line of a second folded sub-region in the second display area, wherein the second folded sub-region is a sub-region in the second display area that bends when the foldable screen device is folded.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the second trace array includes multiple second traces that do not intersect each other, and the second traces have the same shape as the first traces.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the first display area further includes a first edge sub-region, which is a sub-region in the first display area that is far from the pivot and close to the second side; the display panel further includes: a third trace array; the first end of the third trace array is connected to the first display driver chip, and the second end of the third trace array is connected to the data signal line of the first edge sub-region; the third trace array includes multiple third traces, which do not intersect each other.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the third trace has the same shape as the first trace; or, the third trace is a straight line.

[0024] When the third trace uses the same shape as the first trace, different shapes can adapt to the layout and wiring requirements of different display panels, and can be flexibly selected as needed. A trace with small corners can also be used to maintain signal integrity.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the second display area further includes a second edge sub-region, which is a sub-region in the second display area that is far from the pivot and close to the second side; the display panel further includes: a fourth trace array; the first end of the fourth trace array is connected to the second display driver chip, and the second end of the fourth trace array is connected to the data signal line of the second edge sub-region; the fourth trace array includes a plurality of fourth traces, which are identical in shape and do not intersect each other.

[0026] In some possible implementations, the fourth trace has the same shape as the second trace; or, the fourth trace is a straight line.

[0027] When the fourth trace uses the same shape as the first trace, different shapes can adapt to the layout and wiring requirements of different display panels, and can be flexibly selected as needed. A trace with small corners can also be used to maintain signal integrity.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the foldable screen device also includes a second gate driver, with the first gate driver and the second gate driver arranged along different second sides. The first row of scan signal lines is any row of a plurality of scan signal lines. The first row of scan signal lines includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is located in a first display area and is connected to the first gate driver. The second segment is located in a second display area and is connected to the second gate driver. The first segment and the second segment are not connected.

[0029] When using a half-screen display, such as when the first display area is on and the second display area is off, taking the first row of scan signal lines as an example, the first segment, driven by the first gate driver, transmits scan signals to the pixel units connected to the first segment. Since the pixel units connected to the second segment are disconnected from the first segment, the load on the first scan line for the first gate driver is reduced by half compared to the traditional scenario where the load spans the entire screen. With this significantly reduced load, the power consumption of the pixel units connected to the first scan line can be minimized. In other words, using this solution, when the first display area is on and the second display area is off, the second display driver chip in the second display area can enter a deep sleep state, achieving maximum power reduction.

[0030] Correspondingly, if the first display area is off and the second display area is in a half-screen display state, the first display driver chip of the first display area can also enter a deep sleep state to minimize power consumption.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a foldable screen, including any of the display panels described in the first aspect.

[0032] Thirdly, an electronic device is provided, which includes any of the display panels described in the first aspect.

[0033] Fourthly, an electronic device is provided, which includes any of the foldable screens described in the second aspect.

[0034] In some possible implementations, the electronic device is a foldable screen device.

[0035] By using a first wiring array within the display panel to connect the data signal lines of the DDIC and the first folding sub-area, the folding area can be avoided, thus meeting the folding requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interface of the foldable screen device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interface of an example foldable screen device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the gate driver and DDIC in a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 This is another example of the arrangement of gate driver and DDIC in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a trace array with reference to data signal lines in a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of different trace shapes in the trace array provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 10 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 11 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 12 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 13 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 14 This is another example of a wiring array arrangement in a display panel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a scanning signal line in a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a scanning signal line and trace array in a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Icon labels:

[0053] In traditional techniques:

[0054] Display panel: 200;

[0055] Left half of the screen: 210;

[0056] Right half of the screen: 220;

[0057] Shaft: 230;

[0058] Fold line: 240;

[0059] Folded area: 250;

[0060] DDIC: 260;

[0061] Data signal line 261;

[0062] Gate driver: 270;

[0063] Scan signal lines: 271;

[0064] Pixel unit: 280;

[0065] In this application:

[0066] Display panel: 500;

[0067] First gate driver: 510a; Second gate driver: 510b; Scan signal line: 511;

[0068] First paragraph: 511a;

[0069] Second paragraph: 511b;

[0070] DDIC: 520;

[0071] First DDIC: 521-1;

[0072] Second DDIC: 521-2;

[0073] Data signal line: 521;

[0074] Fan-out wiring: 522;

[0075] Pixel unit: 530;

[0076] Fold line: 540;

[0077] Folded area: 550;

[0078] First folded sub-region: 551; Second folded sub-region: 552; First edge sub-region: 553; Second edge sub-region: 554; First wiring array: 560;

[0079] First route: 561;

[0080] First sub-edge: 561A;

[0081] Second sub-edge: 561B;

[0082] Third sub-edge: 561C;

[0083] First via: 562;

[0084] Second wiring array: 570;

[0085] Second route: 571;

[0086] Second via: 572;

[0087] Third wiring array: 580;

[0088] Third route: 581;

[0089] Fourth wiring array: 590;

[0090] Fourth route: 591. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this text is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" refers to two or more than two.

[0092] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0093] The display panel provided in this application embodiment can be applied to terminal devices with foldable screens, such as mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, in-vehicle devices, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) devices, laptops, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), netbooks, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on the specific type of terminal device.

[0094] For example, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The terminal device 100 may include a processor 110, an external memory interface 120, an internal memory 121, a universal serial bus (USB) interface 130, a charging management module 140, a power management module 141, a battery 142, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 150, a wireless communication module 160, an audio module 170, a speaker 170A, a receiver 170B, a microphone 170C, a headphone jack 170D, a sensor module 180, buttons 190, a motor 191, an indicator 192, a camera 193, a display screen 194, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 195, etc. The sensor module 180 may include a pressure sensor 180A, a gyroscope sensor 180B, a barometric pressure sensor 180C, a magnetic sensor 180D, an accelerometer sensor 180E, a distance sensor 180F, a proximity sensor 180G, a fingerprint sensor 180H, a temperature sensor 180J, a touch sensor 180K, an ambient light sensor 180L, a bone conduction sensor 180M, etc.

[0095] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device 100. In other embodiments of this application, the terminal device 100 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0096] It is understood that the interface connection relationships between the modules illustrated in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a structural limitation on the terminal device 100. In other embodiments of this application, the terminal device 100 may also adopt different interface connection methods or a combination of multiple interface connection methods as described in the above embodiments.

[0097] It should be noted that the display panel provided in this application embodiment is applied to a terminal device with a foldable screen. Hereinafter referred to as a foldable screen device. The display panel, along with the copper foil and foam located below the display panel, and the polarizer, touch layer, optical adhesive, and cover plate located above the display panel, are integrated to form the screen of the foldable screen device. The screen on the foldable screen device can be bent, realizing the folding function of the foldable screen device.

[0098] Typically, foldable devices have a large screen. They also feature a hinge located below the screen. While the screens on either side of the hinge are a single, integrated screen, they can functionally be considered two halves, referred to as the left and right halves, or top and bottom halves, depending on the holding direction. These two halves can jointly display the interface of the same application, for example... Figure 2 As shown in Figure (a); it can also display the interfaces of different applications separately, for example Figure 2 As shown in Figure (b), it is also possible to display only one half of the screen while the other half is closed. The rotation of the folding screen device's axis can drive the left and / or right half of the screen (the upper and / or lower half of the screen) to rotate, realizing the unfolding or closing of the folding screen device. When the folding screen device switches between the unfolded and closed states, the two half-screens can fold along a folding line parallel to the rotation axis, as detailed in [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown in Figures (a) and (b) in the text. Figure 3 Figure (a) shows a schematic diagram of the folding screen device in a semi-folded state between the folded and closed states. As can be seen from the figure, the left half screen 210 and the right half screen 220 can be folded along the folding line 240 under the action of the pivot 230. Figure 3 Figure (b) shows a schematic diagram of the foldable screen device in its unfolded state. It should be noted that the folding line 240 is not an actual line, but a virtual line introduced to clearly illustrate the folded state of the screen for ease of description. The area surrounding the folding line 240 can be referred to as the folding area 250 of the screen, for example... Figure 3 As shown in Figure (b), when a foldable screen device is in a closed (folded) or semi-folded state, the folded area 250 of the screen will bend, while the non-folded area of ​​the screen will not bend. Foldable screen devices typically use flexible screens to meet the bending requirements.

[0099] Typically, the display driver integrated circuit (DDIC) 260 of a foldable screen device is arranged along the short side of the foldable screen device, that is, along one side parallel to the hinge 230, for example... Figure 3 As shown in Figure (b) of the document.

[0100] exist Figure 3 In Figure (b), the display panel 200 has a display area. The display panel 200 also includes a gate driver on array (GOA) 270, a scan signal line 271, and multiple pixel units 280. The multiple pixel units 280 are located within the display area of ​​the display panel 200 and are arranged in an array. The gate driver and scan signal line can be referred to as a GOA scan circuit. Generally, pixel units 280 located in the same column are connected by a single scan signal line 271. Figure 4 The scan signal lines shown (including G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, and G10) are connected to the gate driver 270; the pixel units 280 located in the same row are also connected to the gate driver 270 via a data signal line 261. Figure 4 The data signal lines shown (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7) are connected to DDIC 260. When the display panel 200 is operating, the gate driver 270 sequentially outputs scan signals to each scan signal line 271, thereby scanning multiple pixel units 280 line by line. When the gate driver 270 outputs scan signals, DDIC 260 outputs data signals to each data signal line 261. Based on this, when a scan signal line 271 receives a scan signal and a data signal line 261 receives a data signal, the pixel unit 280 connected to this scan signal line 271 and this data signal line 261 can operate and emit light. After the gate driver 270 scans all pixel units 280 of the display panel 200 line by line once, the display panel 200 displays one frame of image. When the foldable screen device is operating, the display panel 200 can display images at a certain refresh rate. The refresh rate refers to the number of frames of image displayed per second by the display panel 200.

[0101] As screen sizes increase, the number of pixel units 280 in the display panel 200 also increases, and consequently, the number of rows and columns of these pixel units also increases. In common display panels 200, [the following is a list of pixel units]... Figure 4 For example, the gate driver 270 is arranged along the long side (X-direction side) of the display panel 200, and the scan signal lines 271 can be arranged perpendicular to the long side (and also perpendicular to the pivot). Then the DDIC 260 can be arranged along the short side (Y-direction side) of the display panel 200, making the data signal lines 261 and scan signal lines 271 perpendicular, thus driving each pixel unit 280. When the scan signal lines 271 can be arranged parallel to the long side, the number of scan signal lines 271 will increase as the screen size increases. Furthermore, with the demand for high refresh rates, the refresh time of each frame is getting shorter, and the charging time of each scan signal line 271 for the connected column of pixel units 280 will correspondingly decrease.

[0102] For example, in a display panel with 2344 (RGB) × 2156 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the charging time for each row of pixels is approximately 3.8 microseconds (µs). However, in a display panel with 2214 (RGB) × 3250 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, the charging time for each row of pixels is approximately 2.51 microseconds (µs). With the refresh rate remaining constant, as the number of scan lines increases from 2156 to 3250, the charging time for each row of pixels decreases from 3.8 µs to approximately 2.51 µs. This gradually decreasing charging time places increasingly higher demands on the manufacturing process of the display panel, pushing industry limits and presenting significant technical challenges, which is also detrimental to cost savings.

[0103] Based on this, the present application provides a display panel, which can be found in the following embodiments: Figure 5 As shown. This display panel 500 can be applied to the foldable screen device 100. Figure 5 In this configuration, the fold line 540 of the display panel 500 is parallel to the short side, the first gate driver 510a is arranged along the short side, and the DDIC 520 is arranged along the long side. The arrangement of the first gate driver 510a along the short side ensures that the scan signal lines 511 are arranged parallel to the long side. Thus, without changing the size and resolution of the display panel 500, the number of scan signal lines 511 is reduced compared to... Figure 4 The arrangement of the center gate driver along the long side has been reduced, improving the charging time for each row of 530 pixel units. It should be noted that... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The number of pixel units 530, rows, and columns shown are illustrative and may vary in actual numbers. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The quantities shown are numerous, and the specific values ​​are related to the size and resolution of the display panel; this application does not limit the specific values ​​in its embodiments.

[0104] When the first gate driver 510a is arranged along the short side, the charging time of each row of pixel units 530 can be extended, reducing the process requirements for the display panel. In this case, the DDIC 520 is arranged accordingly along the long side. Specifically, foldable screen devices can use multiple cascaded DDICs to achieve data signal transmission, for example... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 5 This example illustrates the use of two DDICs 520 to transmit data signals to the pixel units of the left and right halves of the screen, respectively. In practice, more DDICs can be used for either the left or right half of the screen; this embodiment does not limit this. Taking the left half of the screen as an example, if the fan-out trace 522 between the data signal line 521 and the DDIC uses... Figure 5The diagram shows a fanout routing configuration. Using fanout routing results in a larger footprint and requires the routing to be implemented on the printed circuit board, which cannot meet the bending requirements of foldable screen devices. In other words, fanout routing cannot be implemented in the folding area, for example... Figure 5 The traces in the fan-out area connected by S5 and S6.

[0105] Based on this, the display panel provided in this application includes an internally configured fanout array area (FIAA), which can be simply referred to as a wiring array in this application, used to connect the data signal lines 521 and DDIC 520 in the folded area. Specifically, taking the first wiring array 560 configured in the left half of the display panel 500 as an example, the first wiring array 560 includes multiple first wirings 561 with the same or similar shapes. The shape of the first wirings 561 can be a ring with an opening. Figure 6 Figures (a) and (b) illustrate a square ring with one open side, exemplified by the first trace 561. Each first trace 561 is spaced apart and does not intersect with others. The first end of each first trace 561 is connected to a pin of the first DDIC 520-1, and the second end of each first trace 561 is connected to a data signal line within the first folded sub-region 551 of the left half of the screen (first display area). It should be noted that the connection between the first trace 561 and the data signal line 521 can be either coupled or soldered.

[0106] By using a first wiring array within the display panel to connect the data signal lines of the DDIC and the first folding sub-area, the folding area can be avoided, thus meeting the folding requirements.

[0107] Optionally, a second wiring array 570, similar to the first wiring array 560, can be set in the right half of the display panel 500. Optionally, the second wiring array 570 includes multiple second wirings 571 with the same or similar shapes. The shapes of the second wirings 571 can be the same as, different from, or similar to the shapes of the first wirings 561. Optionally, when the shapes of the second wirings 571 are the same as those of the first wirings 561, the second wiring array 570 and the first wiring array 560 can be symmetrically arranged, which facilitates design and manufacturing. Figure 6Figure (b) illustrates an example where the second trace 571 and the first trace 561 have the same shape. Each second trace 571 is also spaced apart and does not intersect. The first end of each second trace 571 is connected to a pin of the second DDIC 520-2, and the second end of each second trace 571 is connected to a data signal line within the second folded sub-area 552 of the right half of the screen (second display area). It should be noted that the connection between the second trace 571 and the data signal line 521 can be either coupled or soldered.

[0108] The above Figure 5 and Figure 6 The distribution and number of data signal lines 521 shown are for illustrative purposes only. In reality, the number of data signal lines 521 is much greater than shown, and their arrangement is also much denser. Correspondingly, the number of first traces 561 in the first trace array 560 and the number of second traces 571 in the second trace array 570 are also greater, and their arrangement is even denser. Figure 7 The schematic diagram shows the first routing array 560 and the second routing array 570 of the data signal line 521, which is omitted. It should be noted that... Figure 7 The number of the first trace 561 and the number of the second trace 571 in the second trace array 570 are only examples, intended to illustrate the actual arrangement of the first trace 561 and the second trace 571.

[0109] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application involve Figure 6 In the accompanying drawings, DDIC520-1 and DDIC520-2 are shown outside the display panel area to illustrate the distribution of the trace array. In the actual structure, DDIC520-1 and DDIC520-2 are located below the display panel (opposite to the display screen). That is, in the perspective view of the display panel, DDIC520-1 and DDIC520-2 are located within the projection area of ​​the display panel plane and are arranged along the long side. Therefore, the data signal lines can be distributed throughout the entire display panel area and bend at the edges towards the bottom of the display panel to connect DDIC520-1 and DDIC520-2.

[0110] Optionally, Figure 7 Figure (a) shows an example of the first trace array 560 using same-layer wiring, that is, in the first trace array, multiple first traces 561 do not intersect each other, and the projections of multiple first traces in the plane direction toward the display panel do not intersect each other.

[0111] Optionally, the first wiring array 560 can also be layered for wiring; see details below. Figure 7Example from Figure (b). Each first trace 561 is distributed across different layers via a first via 562. Taking a first trace array distributed on a flexible circuit board structure with two wiring layers as an example, a portion of the first traces 561 are distributed on the first layer of the flexible circuit board structure, and another portion of the first traces 561 are arranged on the second layer of the flexible circuit board structure through the first via 562 penetrating between the first and second layers, thereby achieving distributed layer wiring. In this case, the projections of multiple first traces onto the plane of the display panel intersect each other, which can reduce the size difference of each first trace, making it easier to reduce the difference in data signals transmitted by multiple first traces, and also reducing the overall layout area of ​​the first trace array 560.

[0112] Optionally, the position of the first via 562 described above is only an example. In fact, the position of the first via 562 can also be distributed at any position of the first trace, as long as the multiple first traces do not intersect and meet the requirements of electromagnetic compatibility and signal integrity.

[0113] Optionally, the second trace 571 in the second trace array 570 described above can also refer to the form of the first trace 561 and be distributed in different layers through the second via 572, which will not be elaborated here.

[0114] It should be noted that the above Figure 6 The square ring with one open side mentioned above can also be described as a "U" shape. Taking the square ring with the first trace 561 as the open side as an example, it includes the first sub-side 561A, the second sub-side 561B, and the third sub-side 561C. For details, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 As shown in Figure (a). The two ends of the second sub-side 561B are respectively connected to the first end of the first sub-side 561A and the first end of the third sub-side 561C. The second end of the first sub-side 561A is connected to the first display driver chip 520-1. The second end of the third sub-side 561C is connected to the data signal line of the first folded sub-region 551.

[0115] Optionally, the second sub-side 561B and the first sub-side 561A can be perpendicular to each other or nearly perpendicular, for example, with an angle of approximately 90 degrees ± 10. The second sub-side 561B and the third sub-side 561C can be perpendicular to each other or nearly perpendicular, for example, with an angle of approximately 90 degrees ± 10. Figure 8 Figure (a) in the figure shows an example of two objects being perpendicular to each other.

[0116] Alternatively, you may also see Figure 9As shown, the DDIC occupies the display area of ​​the display panel. In this case, the end of the data signal line connected to the DDIC needs to make way for the space where the DDIC is located, so that the data signal line located in the middle sub-area of ​​the first display area can be connected to the DDIC. That is, there is no need to place the data signal line below the DDIC, and the data signal line cannot be placed to the edge of the screen. Figure 9 For example, no data signal lines need to be laid out in the areas on the left and right sides of the DDIC. The structure where the data signal lines are distributed can be connected to the data signal lines without bending. Although the display area is reduced, it is easier to install.

[0117] As the display area becomes increasingly larger, the endpoints of data signal lines need to extend closer to the screen edge to capture a larger display area. When the DDIC is distributed along the screen edge, to facilitate the connection between the DDIC and the data signal lines, the first trace does not need to make way for the DDIC, allowing for full utilization of existing space to arrange the data signal lines and increasing the display area. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown.

[0118] The shape of the first trace 561 described above is merely an example; in reality, the shape of the first trace 561 can also be found in [reference needed]. Figure 8 The shapes shown in other figures. Optionally, the included angles between the second sub-side 561B and the first sub-side 561A, and between the second sub-side 561B and the third sub-side 561C, can also be chamfered, for example... Figure 8 The rounded corner setting is shown in Figure (b).

[0119] Optionally, the second sub-side 561B can also be arc-shaped, with the concave direction and the opening direction of the arc opposite, for example... Figure 8 As shown in Figure (c). When the second sub-side 561B is arc-shaped, the annular opening can also be described as a "U" shape. The first sub-side 561A and the third sub-side 561C in this U-shape can be of equal length, or the first sub-side 561A can be shorter than the third sub-side 561C, or the first sub-side 561A can be longer than the third sub-side 561C, as long as the process tolerance is met and normal connection is ensured.

[0120] Alternatively, the shape of the first trace can also be seen in Figure 8 As shown in Figure (d), it is a ring with one side open.

[0121] Different shapes of primary traces can adapt to the layout and wiring requirements of different display panels, and can be flexibly selected as needed. Traces with small corners, such as chamfered or curved shapes, can be used to ensure signal integrity.

[0122] Accordingly, the above-mentioned Figure 8The specific shapes of the first and second trace arrays obtained from the shapes of the first traces shown in Figures (a) to (d) can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 7 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown.

[0123] The above Figure 8 The shapes of the first traces shown can all achieve a double-layer distribution, that is, each first trace is distributed in two layers through vias, which is convenient for arrangement and can reduce the layout area of ​​the first trace array.

[0124] For ease of description, the sub-region closest to the short edge of the screen is referred to as the edge sub-region. See [link to documentation] for details. Figure 13 As shown in Figure (a), the sub-region near the short side of the screen in the first display area is the first edge sub-region 553, and the sub-region near the other short side of the screen in the second display area is the second edge sub-region 554. It should be noted that the sub-region between the edge sub-region and the folded sub-region can be called the middle sub-region.

[0125] Typically, in the corner areas of the screen, i.e., the edge sub-area, the data signal lines and DDIC can use a fan-out routing method, for example... Figure 13 Figure (b) shows an example. In some embodiments, the edge sub-region may also be implemented using an annular trace array with openings inside the display panel, for example... Figure 13 As shown in Figure (c). Figure 13 Figure (c) illustrates an example of a third trace array 580 formed by multiple third traces 581 in a square ring with an opening, located in the lower left corner of the screen. The first end of the third trace array 580 is connected to the first display driver chip 520-1, and the second end is connected to the data signal line 521 in the first edge sub-region 553. These multiple third traces 581 have the same or similar shapes, different sizes, and do not intersect each other. This routing method can increase the display area compared to fan-out routing; the specific principle is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0126] Optionally, the lower right corner of the screen can also be illustrated using a fourth trace array 590 formed by multiple fourth traces 591 as an open square ring. The first end of the fourth trace array 590 is connected to the second display driver chip 520-2, and the second end of the fourth trace array 590 is connected to the data signal line 521 in the second edge sub-region 554. These multiple fourth traces 590 have the same or similar shapes, different sizes, and do not intersect each other. This routing method can increase the display area compared to traditional fan-out routing; the specific principle is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0127] It should be noted that the shapes of the third trace 581 and the fourth trace 591 can be the same or different. The shapes of the third trace 581 and the fourth trace 591 can be the same as or different from the shapes of the first trace 561 and the second trace 571, or they can be partially the same and partially different.

[0128] Figure 14 The example shown uses the third trace 581 in the third trace array 580 and the fourth trace 591 in the fourth trace array 590 as square rings with openings. The trace shapes of the third trace 581 and the fourth trace 591 can be found in the previous descriptions of the first trace 561 and the second trace 571, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the shapes of the first trace 561, the second trace 571, the third trace 581, and the fourth trace 591 can all be different, which will also not be repeated here.

[0129] Based on the above embodiments, common scanning signal lines are metal lines arranged line by line, typically running across the left and right sides of the screen. For example... Figure 5 G1-G7 are shown in the diagram. In this embodiment, each row of scan signal lines is divided into two segments, each connected to a different gate driver. That is, in a foldable screen device, a second gate driver can also be set on a second side other than the second side where the first gate driver is located, for outputting scan signals to the scan signal lines arranged in the second display area. Taking the first row of scan signal lines in any row as an example, the first row of scan signal lines 511 may include a first segment 511a set in the first display area and a second segment 511b set in the second display area. Although the first segment 511a and the second segment 511b are referred to as the first row of scan signal lines, they are not two parts with an integral structure, but rather two scan signal lines that are not connected to each other. It is only in full-screen display that the two segments of the same row of scan signal lines can be used to simultaneously output scan signals to the pixel units in the same row. Specifically, one end of the first segment 511a can be connected to the first gate driver 510a to transmit the scan signal output by the first gate driver 510a to the pixel unit 530 in the first display area; one end of the second segment 511b can be connected to the second gate driver 510b to transmit the scan signal output by the second gate driver 510b to the pixel unit 530 in the second display area.

[0130] In such Figure 15In the display panel shown, when using a half-screen display, for example, the first display area is displayed while the second display area is off. Taking the first row scan signal line 511 as an example, the first segment 511a, driven by the first gate driver 510a, transmits scan signals to the pixel units connected to the first segment 511a. Since the pixel units connected to the second segment 511b are disconnected from the first segment 511a, the load connected to the first row scan signal line 511 is lower for the first gate driver compared to... Figure 5 The situation shown is reduced by half. With a significantly reduced load, the power consumption of the pixel units connected to the first scan line signal 511 can be minimized. In other words, using... Figure 15 The technical solution allows the second DDIC520-2 in the second display area to enter a deep sleep state when the first display area is on and the second display area is off, thereby minimizing power consumption.

[0131] Correspondingly, if the first display area is off and the second display area is in a half-screen display state, the first DDIC520-1 of the first display area can also enter a deep sleep state to minimize power consumption.

[0132] Figure 16 A schematic diagram is shown illustrating a display panel employing a trace array and segmented scanning signal lines. The technical effects of this embodiment are as described above and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that... Figure 16 The number of rows of pixel units shown is for illustrative purposes only, as is their location. It should be understood that multiple rows of pixel units, as well as scan signal lines (not shown), should be located below the trace array.

[0133] This application also provides a foldable screen, including any of the display panels described in the above embodiments.

[0134] The display panel is used in a foldable screen device, which includes a first display driver chip, a second display driver chip, and a first gate driver. The first and second display driver chips are arranged along a first side of the foldable screen device, which is perpendicular to the hinge of the foldable screen device. The first side and the second side of the foldable screen device are adjacent to each other, and the first side is longer than the second side. The first display driver chip is located on the first side of the hinge and is used to output data signals to a first display area of ​​the display panel located on the first side. The second display driver chip is located on the second side of the hinge and is used to output data signals to a second display area of ​​the display panel located on the second side. The first gate driver is arranged along the second side. The display panel includes a plurality of scan signal lines, which are connected to the first gate driver and are perpendicular to the hinge. The display panel also includes a first trace array. A first end of the first trace array is connected to the first display driver chip, and a second end of the first trace array is connected to a data signal line of a first folded sub-region in the first display area. The first folded sub-region is a sub-region in the first display area that bends when the foldable screen device is folded.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first trace array includes a plurality of first traces, the plurality of first traces do not intersect each other, and each first trace is a ring with an opening.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first trace includes a first sub-side, a second sub-side, and a third sub-side; the two ends of the second sub-side are respectively connected to the first end of the first sub-side and the first end of the third sub-side; the second end of the first sub-side is connected to the first display driver chip, and the second end of the third sub-side is connected to the data signal line of the first folded sub-region.

[0137] In some embodiments, the first sub-side and the second sub-side are straight lines, the second sub-side is arc-shaped, and the concave direction of the second sub-side is opposite to the direction of the opening.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first sub-side, the second sub-side, and the third sub-side are all straight lines, and the first sub-side and the second sub-side are perpendicular, and the third sub-side and the second sub-side are perpendicular.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first trace is U-shaped.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first trace is U-shaped.

[0141] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes: a second wiring array; a first end of the second wiring array is connected to a second display driver chip, and a second end of the second wiring array is connected to a data signal line of a second folded sub-region in the second display area, wherein the second folded sub-region is a sub-region in the second display area that bends when the foldable screen device is folded.

[0142] In some embodiments, the second trace array includes a plurality of second traces that do not intersect each other, and the second traces and the first traces have the same shape.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first display area further includes a first edge sub-region, which is a sub-region in the first display area that is far from the pivot and close to the second side; the display panel further includes: a third trace array; a first end of the third trace array is connected to the first display driver chip, and a second end of the third trace array is connected to the data signal line of the first edge sub-region; the third trace array includes a plurality of third traces, which do not intersect each other.

[0144] In some embodiments, the third trace has the same shape as the first trace; or, the third trace is a straight line.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second display area further includes a second edge sub-region, which is a sub-region in the second display area that is far from the pivot and close to the second side; the display panel further includes: a fourth trace array; the first end of the fourth trace array is connected to the second display driver chip, and the second end of the fourth trace array is connected to the data signal line of the second edge sub-region; the fourth trace array includes a plurality of fourth traces, which have the same shape and do not intersect each other.

[0146] In some embodiments, the fourth trace has the same shape as the second trace; or, the fourth trace is a straight line.

[0147] In some embodiments, the foldable screen device further includes a second gate driver, the first gate driver and the second gate driver are respectively arranged along different second sides, the first row of scan signal lines is any row of scan signal lines among a plurality of scan signal lines, the first row of scan signal lines includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment is located in a first display area and is connected to the first gate driver, the second segment is located in a second display area and is connected to the second gate driver, and the first segment and the second segment are not connected.

[0148] This application also provides a foldable screen device, including any of the display panels or foldable screens described in the above embodiments.

[0149] The foregoing has provided a detailed example of the display panel provided in this application. It is understood that the corresponding foldable screen device, in order to achieve the above functions, includes the hardware structure corresponding to each function. The principles and beneficial effects of the above-described display panel, foldable screen, and foldable screen device can be found in the description of the embodiments of the aforementioned display device, and will not be repeated here.

[0150] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed structures can be implemented in other ways. For example, the structural embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, or indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0151] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0152] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel for use in a foldable screen device, characterized in that, The foldable screen device includes a first display driver chip, a second display driver chip, and a first gate driver; The first display driver chip and the second display driver chip are arranged along a first side of the foldable screen device. The first side is perpendicular to the pivot of the foldable screen device. The first side and the second side of the foldable screen device are adjacent sides. The first side is longer than the second side. The first display driver chip is located on the first side of the rotating shaft, and is located in the opposite direction to the display screen of the display panel and distributed along the edge of the first side, for outputting data signals to the first display area of ​​the display panel located on the first side; The second display driver chip is located on the second side of the rotating shaft, and is located in the opposite direction to the display panel and distributed along the edge of the first side, for outputting data signals to the second display area of ​​the display panel located on the second side; The first gate driver is arranged along the second side; The display panel includes: a plurality of scan signal lines, the plurality of scan signal lines being connected to the first gate driver, and the plurality of scan signal lines being perpendicular to the rotating shaft; The display panel further includes: a first wiring array and a second wiring array; The first end of the first wiring array is connected to the first display driver chip, and the second end of the first wiring array is connected to the data signal line of the first folded sub-region in the first display area. The first folded sub-region is the sub-region in the first display area that bends when the foldable screen device is folded. The first end of the second wiring array is connected to the second display driver chip, and the second end of the second wiring array is connected to the data signal line of the second folded sub-region in the second display area. The second folded sub-region is the sub-region in the second display area that bends when the foldable screen device is folded. The first trace array includes multiple first traces that do not intersect each other, each first trace being an open ring, and the first traces are distributed across two layers via vias. The second trace array includes multiple second traces that do not intersect each other, the second traces having the same shape as the first traces, and the second traces are distributed across two layers via vias. The first display area further includes a first edge sub-region, which is a sub-region in the first display area that is far from the pivot and close to the second side; The display panel further includes: a third trace array, a first end of the third trace array being connected to the first display driver chip, a second end of the third trace array being connected to the data signal line of the first edge sub-region, the third trace array including a plurality of third traces, the plurality of third traces not intersecting each other, and the third traces having the same shape as the first traces; The second display area further includes a second edge sub-region, which is a sub-region in the second display area that is far from the pivot and close to the second edge; The display panel further includes: a fourth trace array, the first end of the fourth trace array being connected to the second display driver chip, the second end of the fourth trace array being connected to the data signal line of the second edge sub-region, the fourth trace array including a plurality of fourth traces, the plurality of fourth traces having the same shape and not intersecting each other, the fourth traces having the same shape as the second traces.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first trace includes a first sub-edge, a second sub-edge, and a third sub-edge; The two ends of the second sub-side are respectively connected to the first end of the first sub-side and the first end of the third sub-side; The second end of the first sub-side is connected to the first display driver chip, and the second end of the third sub-side is connected to the data signal line of the first folded sub-region.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sub-side and the second sub-side are straight lines, the second sub-side is arc-shaped, and the concave direction of the second sub-side is opposite to the direction of the opening.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first sub-side, the second sub-side, and the third sub-side are all straight lines, and the first sub-side and the second sub-side are perpendicular to each other, and the third sub-side and the second sub-side are perpendicular to each other.

5. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first trace is U-shaped.

6. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first trace is U-shaped.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The foldable screen device further includes a second gate driver. The first gate driver and the second gate driver are respectively arranged along different second sides. The first row of scan signal lines is any row of scan signal lines among the plurality of scan signal lines. The first row of scan signal lines includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is located in the first display area and is connected to the first gate driver. The second segment is located in the second display area and is connected to the second gate driver. The first segment and the second segment are not connected.

8. A foldable screen, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A foldable screen device, characterized in that, include: The display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, or the foldable screen as described in claim 8.

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