Display panel and display device

Abstract

The invention relates to a display panel and a display device, the display panel comprises a display area, the display area comprises a first circuit area, pixel circuit units and shift register units in the first circuit area are alternately arranged along a second direction, each pixel circuit unit comprises at least two pixel circuits arranged along the first direction, and the first direction and the second direction intersect; the display area further comprises a plurality of driving signal lines extending in the first direction, the driving signal lines are electrically connected with the pixel circuits, the shifting register units and the driving signal lines are correspondingly arranged, and the shifting register units and the corresponding driving signal lines are electrically connected through output signal lines. The output signal line is connected in series with an electrostatic protection unit. The influence of static electricity on the driving signal line on the shift register is solved, and the risk that the shift register unit is damaged by the static electricity is reduced.

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] Borderless video walls, due to their borderless technology, can achieve near-unlimited splicing effects, making them highly valuable in applications such as home televisions and public information displays. Borderless video walls typically use shift registers embedded within the gaps between corresponding display area pixels for arrangement. However, due to their structural design, static electricity can easily damage the internal shift registers of borderless video walls.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the electrostatic protection effect of the shift register inside the frameless splicing display screen has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a display panel and a display device for improving the electrostatic protection effect of the shift register inside the frameless splicing display screen.

[0005] This disclosure provides a display panel, including: a display area; the display area includes a plurality of circuit areas arranged along a first direction, the circuit areas including a first circuit area, the first circuit area including a plurality of pixel circuit units and a shift register circuit, the shift register circuit including a plurality of cascaded shift register units, in the first circuit area, the pixel circuit units and shift register units are alternately arranged along a second direction, the pixel circuit unit including at least two pixel circuits arranged along the first direction, the first direction and the second direction intersect; the display area also includes a plurality of driving signal lines extending along the first direction, the driving signal lines being electrically connected to the pixel circuits, the shift register units being correspondingly arranged to the driving signal lines, and the shift register units and their corresponding driving signal lines being electrically connected through output signal lines; an electrostatic discharge protection unit is connected in series on the output signal lines.

[0006] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure also provides a display device, which includes the display panel provided in this disclosure.

[0007] The technical solution provided in this disclosure has the following advantages compared with the prior art: The display panel disclosed herein includes: a display area; the display area includes multiple circuit areas arranged along a first direction, the circuit area including a first circuit area, the first circuit area including multiple pixel circuit units and a shift register circuit, the shift register circuit including multiple cascaded shift register units, in the first circuit area, the pixel circuit units and shift register units are alternately arranged along a second direction, the pixel circuit unit including at least two pixel circuits arranged along the first direction, the first direction and the second direction intersect; the display area also includes multiple drive signal lines extending along the first direction, the drive signal lines are electrically connected to the pixel circuits, the shift register units are correspondingly arranged with the drive signal lines, and the shift register units and their corresponding drive signal lines are electrically connected through output signal lines; an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection unit is connected in series on the output signal lines. By setting an ESD protection unit between the shift register units and their corresponding drive signal lines, when static electricity in the horizontal direction of the display panel is transmitted along the drive signal lines to the output signal lines electrically connected to them, the static electricity entering the display panel can be discharged at the ESD protection unit due to the setting of the ESD protection unit on the output signal lines, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the shift register units.

[0008] Correspondingly, the display device provided in this disclosure also has the above-mentioned technical effects. Attached Figure Description

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a partial circuit connection diagram of the display area in related technologies; Figure 2 The figure shown is a plan view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the circuit connection of the first circuit area in the middle; Figure 4 As shown Figure 3 Cross-sectional view along line B-B'; Figure 5 As shown Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view along B-B'; Figure 6 As shown Figure 3Another cross-sectional view along B-B'; Figure 7 As shown Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view along B-B'; Figure 8 The figure shown is a planar schematic diagram of a via provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 9 The figure shown is a planar schematic diagram of another via provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 10 As shown Figure 2 Another circuit connection diagram for the first circuit area in the middle; Figure 11 The figure shown is a plan view of a display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a partial circuit connection diagram of the display area in related technologies. Please refer to it. Figure 1The display area AA' includes pixel circuits 20', scan lines 30', and cascaded shift register units 10'. Pixel circuits 20' are electrically connected to scan lines 30', and shift register units 10' are electrically connected to their corresponding scan lines 30' via output signal lines 40'. The previous-level shift register unit 10' is electrically connected to the next-level shift register unit 10' via cascading lines 50'. In related designs, the output signal lines 40' or cascading lines 50' are typically fabricated using a second metal layer. The output signal lines 40' are electrically connected to the scan lines 30'; that is, the output signal lines 40' located on the second metal layer and the scan lines 30' located on the first metal layer are directly connected via vias, thereby driving the pixel circuits. At this time, if static electricity enters from the left or right sides of the display panel, there is a risk that the static electricity will be conducted along the scan line 30' through the output signal line 40' to the shift register unit 10' connected to it. Alternatively, if the output signal line 40' and the cascade line 50' are collinear, that is, when part of the cascade line 50' is multiplexed as the output signal line 40', there is a risk that static electricity will be conducted along the scan line 30' through the cascade line 50' to the shift register unit 10' connected to it, which may easily damage the shift register unit 10'.

[0015] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides a display panel for reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge damage to shift register units.

[0016] Figure 2 The figure shown is a plan view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 Please refer to the circuit connection diagram of the first circuit area. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This disclosure provides a display panel 100, including: a display area AA, the display area AA including a plurality of circuit areas 11 arranged along a first direction D1, and the circuit areas 11 including a first circuit area 12. Please refer to... Figure 3 The first circuit area 12 includes multiple pixel circuit units 21 and a shift register circuit 13. The pixel circuit units 21 are used to control the emission of sub-pixels in the display area AA to realize image display. The shift register circuit 13 is used to control the timing activation of the pixel circuit units 21. The shift register circuit 13 includes multiple cascaded shift register units 10. In the first circuit area 12, the pixel circuit units 21 and the shift register units 10 are arranged alternately along the second direction D2. The pixel circuit unit 21 includes at least two pixel circuits 20 arranged along the first direction D1. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 intersect. Figure 3 The arrangement and number of pixel circuits 20 and shift register units 10 are only shown in the illustration and do not represent the actual number of pixel circuits 20 and shift register units 10 in the display panel 100.

[0017] Understandably, the display area AA also includes other types of circuits such as data driving circuits and electrostatic discharge protection circuits. For the sake of simplicity in the diagram, Figure 3 Other circuits besides pixel circuit unit 21 and shift register circuit 13 are not shown.

[0018] The display area AA also includes multiple drive signal lines 30 extending along the first direction D1. The drive signal lines 30 are electrically connected to the pixel circuit 20. The shift register unit 10 is correspondingly set with the drive signal lines 30, and the shift register unit 10 and its corresponding drive signal line 30 are electrically connected through the output signal line 40. An electrostatic protection unit 00 is connected in series on the output signal line 40.

[0019] Specifically, the pixel circuits 20 in the display panel are arranged in an array, and each driving signal line 30 is electrically connected to a corresponding row of pixel circuits 20. The shift register circuit 13 includes multiple shift register units 10 cascaded along the second direction D2. Each shift register unit 10 corresponds one-to-one with each driving signal line 30, and each shift register unit 10 is connected to its corresponding driving signal line 30 through an output signal line 40. For example, the driving signal line 30 can be a scan driving signal line, which transmits a scan signal to the pixel circuit 20 connected to it, controlling the switching transistors in the pixel circuit 20 to turn on, thereby allowing data signals on the data signal line to be written into the pixel circuit 20 to realize the illumination of the display panel 100. After the clock signal is triggered, the scan signal sequentially activates each row of pixel circuits 20, enabling them to receive data signals on the data signal line.

[0020] In this embodiment, the output signal line 40 connects the shift register unit 10 and the drive signal line 30. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection unit 00 is connected in series on the output signal line 40. That is, an ESD protection unit 00 is provided between the shift register unit 10 and its corresponding drive signal line 30. When static electricity enters the display panel 100 in the horizontal direction and is transmitted along the drive signal line 30 to the output signal line 40, the ESD protection unit 00 on the output signal line 40 allows the static electricity entering the display panel 100 to be released at the ESD protection unit 00, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the shift register unit 10. Thus, when the shift register unit 10 is located in the display area AA of the seamless splicing display screen, by connecting the ESD protection unit 00 in series on the output signal line 40 connecting the shift register unit 10 and the drive signal line 30, the risk of static electricity in the drive signal line 30 entering the shift register unit 10 through the output signal line 40 can be reduced, thereby reducing the risk of the shift register unit 10 being electrostatically damaged.

[0021] Figure 4 As shown Figure 3Please refer to the cross-sectional view along line B-B'. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In a display panel 100 provided in this disclosure, the output signal line 40 includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42 that are mutually cut off. The first segment 41 is electrically connected to the drive signal line 30, and the second segment 42 is electrically connected to the shift register unit 10. An electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 is connected in series between the first segment 41 and the second segment 42. The electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 includes a connecting line 43 located on a different film layer from the output signal line 40, a first via 01 connecting the first segment 41 and the connecting line 43, and a second via 02 connecting the second segment 42 and the connecting line 43.

[0022] Specifically, the output signal line 40 includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42 that are mutually cut off. The first segment 41 is electrically connected to the drive signal line 30, and the second segment 42 is electrically connected to the shift register unit 10. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection unit 00 is connected in series between the first segment 41 and the second segment 42, thereby realizing the ESD protection unit 00 connected in series on the output signal line 40. The ESD protection unit 00 includes a connecting line 43, a first via 01, and a second via 02. The connecting line 43 and the output signal line 40 are located on different film layers. The first segment 41 and the connecting line 43 are electrically connected through the first via 01, and the second segment 42 and the connecting line 43 are electrically connected through the second via 02. The first via 01 and the second via 02 have relatively high resistance, which facilitates the release of static electricity. This reduces the risk of static electricity in the drive signal line 30 entering the shift register unit 10 through the output signal line 40, thereby reducing the risk of the shift register unit 10 being electrostatically damaged.

[0023] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 This disclosure provides a display panel 100, which includes a first metal layer M1, a second metal layer M2, and a first insulating layer 60 located between the first metal layer M1 and the second metal layer M2; a drive signal line 30 is located in the first metal layer M1, and an output signal line 40 is located in the second metal layer M2. The drive signal line 30 and the output signal line 40 are connected through a third via 03.

[0024] Specifically, the display panel 100 includes a first metal layer M1, a second metal layer M2, and a first insulating layer 60 located between the first metal layer M1 and the second metal layer M2. To reduce wiring complexity, the drive signal line 30 and the output signal line 40 are typically disposed on different metal layers. The drive signal line 30 is located on the first metal layer M1, and the output signal line 40 is located on the second metal layer M2. The drive signal line 30 and the output signal line 40 are connected through a third via 03, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the drive signal line 30 and the output signal line 40.

[0025] Meanwhile, the drive signal line 30 and the output signal line 40 are connected through the third via 03. The third via 03 can further release static electricity, thereby reducing the risk of static electricity in the drive signal line 30 entering the shift register unit 10 through the output signal line 40, thus reducing the risk of the shift register unit 10 being electrostatically damaged.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 4 In one alternative embodiment provided in this disclosure, the connecting line 43 is located in the first metal layer M1.

[0027] Specifically, the connecting line 43 and the output signal line 40 are located on different film layers. The driving signal line 30 is located on the first metal layer M1, and the output signal line 40 is located on the second metal layer M2. The driving signal line 30 and the output signal line 40 are connected through the third via 03. That is, the connecting line 43 and the driving signal line 30 are set on the same layer, but the connecting line 43 and the output signal line 40 are not located on the same film layer. At this time, the protection path of the via resistor in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 is: second metal layer M2 - first metal layer M1 - second metal layer M2. If the driving signal line 30 introduces static electricity, it will be transmitted along the path of driving signal line 30 (first metal layer M1), third via 03, first line segment 41 (second metal layer M2), electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 (second via 02 - connecting line 43 (first metal layer M1) - first via 01), second line segment 42 (second metal layer M2), and shift register unit 10. The introduction of via resistors in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 allows static electricity in this path to be preferentially discharged in the first via 01 and the second via 02, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the shift register unit 10.

[0028] Meanwhile, the first metal layer M1 can be reused to make the connecting line 43, eliminating the need to set up a separate film layer to make the connecting line 43, which helps to reduce the process and reduce production costs.

[0029] Figure 5 As shown Figure 3 For another cross-sectional view along line B-B', please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5In another optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the connecting line 43 is located in the third metal layer MC. At this time, the first via 01 and the second via 02 are located between the second metal layer M2 and the third metal layer MC. Correspondingly, the protection path of the via resistor in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 is: second metal layer M2 - third metal layer MC - second metal layer M2. If static electricity is introduced into the drive signal line 30, it will be transmitted along the path of drive signal line 30 (first metal layer M1), third via 03, first line segment 41 (second metal layer M2), electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 (second via 02 - connecting line 43 (third metal layer MC) - first via 01), second line segment 42 (second metal layer M2), and shift register unit 10. Due to the introduction of the via resistor in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00, the static electricity in this path can be preferentially discharged in the first via 01 and the second via 02, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the shift register unit 10.

[0030] In the two embodiments described above, except for the film layer where the connecting line 43 is located, the other connection methods are the same. The output signal line 40 includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42. The connecting line 43 is connected to the first segment 41 through a first via 01, and the connecting line 43 is connected to the second segment 42 through a second via 02. The via itself has resistance, which can convert some of the static electricity into heat energy for dissipation, thus weakening the destructive force of static electricity. Furthermore, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes the first via 01 and the second via 02, which can form a dual discharge channel, further reducing the peak value of the static voltage. That is, the static electricity entering the display panel 100 from the driving signal line 30 is discharged through the via resistance in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00, and will not affect the output signal line 40 or the shift register unit 10 connected to the driving signal line 30, thereby reducing the risk of the shift register unit 10 being damaged by static electricity. The connecting line 43, the first via 01, and the second via 02 in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 can be manufactured using existing semiconductor manufacturing processes without the need for additional processes, thus reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, the connecting line 43 can be flexibly arranged on different film layers to avoid occupying the wiring space of other signal lines in the display panel 100 and to adapt to different design requirements.

[0031] Thus, by adopting a connection line 43 located on a different film layer than the output signal line 40, and cooperating with the path design of the connection line 43 connecting the first via 01 and the first line segment 41, and the connection line 43 connecting the second via 02 and the second line segment 42, the electrostatic discharge can be achieved through the via resistance in this path, thereby reducing the risk of the shift register unit 10 being damaged due to static electricity in the drive signal line 30.

[0032] Figure 6 As shown Figure 3 For another cross-sectional view along B-B', please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 6This disclosure provides a display panel 100, which further includes a third metal layer MC located between a first metal layer M1 and a second metal layer M2. A first insulating layer 60 includes a first sub-insulating layer 61 located between the first metal layer M1 and the third metal layer MC and a second sub-insulating layer 62 located between the third metal layer MC and the second metal layer M2. An electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 further includes a first connecting portion 44 and a second connecting portion 45 located in the third metal layer MC. A first via 01 includes a first sub-via 011 connecting the first line segment 41 and the first connecting portion 44, and a second sub-via 012 connecting the first connecting portion 44 and the connecting line 43. A second via 02 includes a third sub-via 021 connecting the second line segment 42 and the second connecting portion 45, and a fourth sub-via 022 connecting the second connecting portion 45 and the connecting line 43.

[0033] In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the third metal layer MC can be a capacitor metal layer, and the electrostatic protection unit 00 includes a connecting line 43, a first connecting part 44, and a second connecting part 45. The connecting line 43 is located in the first metal layer M1, and the first connecting part 44 and the second connecting part 45 are located in the third metal layer MC. The output signal line 40 includes a first line segment 41 and a second line segment 42, which are located in the second metal layer M2. The drive signal line 30 is located in the first metal layer M1, and the drive signal line 30 and the output signal line 40 are connected through a third via 03, which passes through the first sub-insulating layer 61 and the second sub-insulating layer 62. In the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00, the first connecting part 44 is connected to the first line segment 41 through a first sub-via 011, which passes through the second sub-insulating layer 62. The first connecting part 44 is connected to the connecting line 43 through a second sub-via 012, which also passes through the first sub-insulating layer 61. The connecting line 43 is connected to the second connecting part 45 through a third sub-via 021, which passes through the second sub-insulating layer 62. The second connecting part 45 is connected to the second line segment 42 through a fourth sub-via 022, which is located in the first sub-insulating layer 61. In this embodiment, the protection path of the via resistance in the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 is: second metal layer M2 - third metal layer MC - first metal layer M1 - third metal layer MC - second metal layer M2. If static electricity is introduced into the drive signal line 30, it will be transmitted along the path of drive signal line 30 (first metal layer M1), third via 03, first line segment 41 (second metal layer M2), electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 [first sub-via 011 - first connection part 44 (third metal layer MC) - second sub-via 012 - connection line 43 (first metal layer M1) - fourth sub-via 022 - second connection part 45 (third metal layer MC) - third sub-via 021 - second line segment 42 (second metal layer M2)], and shift register unit 10. Because the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 includes first sub-via 011, second sub-via 012, third sub-via 021, and fourth sub-via 022, the number of vias increases. The superimposed resistance of multiple vias can further discharge static electricity. Furthermore, the increased electrostatic discharge protection path further improves the electrostatic discharge protection effect and reduces the risk of damage to the shift register unit 10. Thus, by setting multiple vias in the electrostatic protection unit 00, the via resistance can be further increased, thereby improving the electrostatic protection effect.

[0034] Figure 7 As shown Figure 3 For another cross-sectional view along B-B', please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 7This disclosure provides a display panel 100, which further includes a third metal layer MC located between a first metal layer M1 and a second metal layer M2. A first insulating layer 60 includes a first sub-insulating layer 61 located between the first metal layer M1 and the third metal layer MC and a second sub-insulating layer 62 located between the third metal layer MC and the second metal layer M2. An electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 further includes a first connecting portion 44 located in the third metal layer MC. A first via 01 includes a first sub-via 011 connecting the first line segment 41 and the first connecting portion 44, and a second sub-via 012 connecting the first connecting portion 44 and the connecting line 43. The second line segment 42 and the connecting line 43 are directly connected through the second via 02.

[0035] In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the drive signal line 30 is located in the first metal layer M1, the transmission signal line includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42, the first segment 41 and the second segment 42 are located in the second metal layer M2, and the electrostatic protection unit 00 includes a connecting line 43 and a first connecting part 44, wherein the connecting line 43 is located in the first metal layer M1 and the first connecting part 44 is located in the third metal layer MC. In this embodiment, the first line segment 41 is connected to the first connecting part 44 through the first sub-via 011, which is located in the second sub-insulating layer 62. The first connecting part 44 is connected to the connecting line 43 through the second sub-via 012, which is located in the first sub-insulating layer 61. The connecting line 43 is directly connected to the second line segment 42 through the second via 02, which passes through the first sub-insulating layer 61 and the second sub-insulating layer 62. That is, in the same electrostatic protection unit 00, multiple vias are provided on the side closer to the drive signal line 30, and a single via is provided on the side closer to the shift register unit 10. When the drive signal line 30 introduces static electricity, the number of vias in the electrostatic protection unit 00 on the side closer to the drive signal line 30 is greater. More vias are provided on the side relatively farther from the shift register unit 10, allowing most of the static electricity to be discharged at the first sub-via 011 and the second sub-via 012. Then, secondary static electricity discharge occurs at the second via 02 on the side relatively closer to the shift register unit 10, which facilitates electrostatic discharge protection for the shift register unit 10. Furthermore, the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 has only one via on the side closer to the shift register unit 10, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective protection. Thus, by providing multiple vias on the side of the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 relatively close to the drive signal line 30, most of the static electricity is discharged at a location relatively far from the shift register unit 10. By providing only one via on the side of the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 relatively close to the shift register unit 10, the manufacturing process is simplified and production costs are reduced while maintaining effective electrostatic discharge.

[0036] Please combine Figures 3 to 7This disclosure provides a display panel 100, wherein the number of first vias 01 is greater than or equal to two, and / or the number of second vias 02 is greater than or equal to two.

[0037] Optionally, the number of first vias 01 can be two, or the number of second vias 02 can be two, or the number of first vias 01 and the number of second vias 02 can be two, or the number of first vias 01 can be three, or the number of first vias 01 can be two and the number of second vias 02 can be three, or the number of first vias 01 and the number of second vias 02 can be three, etc., and so on. They are not listed here. It is sufficient to satisfy that the number of at least one of the first vias 01 and the second vias 02 is greater than or equal to two. In this way, by setting multiple vias, as much static electricity as possible can be discharged, which greatly reduces the risk of the shift register unit 10 being damaged.

[0038] Please continue to refer to this. Figures 3 to 7 This disclosure provides a display panel 100 in which the number of first vias 01 is greater than the number of second vias 02.

[0039] In one alternative embodiment provided in this disclosure, please refer to Figure 7 The output signal line 40 includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42. The first segment 41 is connected to the connecting line 43 through a first via 01. The first segment 41 is also connected to the drive signal line 30. The second segment 42 is connected to the connecting line 43 through a second via 02. The second segment 42 is also connected to the shift register unit 10. The number of first vias 01 is greater than the number of second vias 02. That is, the number of first vias 01 that are relatively far away from the shift register unit 10 is greater than the number of second vias 02 that are relatively close to the shift register unit 10. Static electricity is transmitted from the drive signal line 30 to the output line. The static electricity needs to travel through the drive signal line 30, the first segment 41, the first via 01, the connecting line 43, the second via 02, and the second segment 42. The more first vias 01 on the side relatively far from the shift register unit 10, the more static electricity is discharged at that distance, thus better preventing static electricity from propagating to the transmission signal line and improving the electrostatic discharge protection for the shift register unit 10. Therefore, by setting the number of first vias 01 to be greater than the number of second vias 02, most of the static electricity can be discharged at a relatively far distance from the shift register unit 10, effectively preventing static electricity from propagating to the transmission signal line and improving the electrostatic discharge protection for the shift register unit 10.

[0040] Figure 8 The diagram shown is a planar schematic of a via provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Please refer to it. Figures 3 to 8The present disclosure provides a display panel 100 in which the area S1 of the vertical projection pattern of the first via 01 on the display panel 100 is smaller than the area S2 of the vertical projection pattern of the second via 02 on the display panel 100.

[0041] In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the area S1 of the vertical projection pattern of the first via 01 on the display panel 100 is smaller than the area S2 of the vertical projection pattern of the second via 02 on the display panel 100. The resistance of the via is inversely proportional to the vertical projection area of ​​the via on the display panel 100; the smaller the area, the greater the via resistance. Therefore, when the area S1 of the vertical projection pattern of the first via 01 is smaller than the area S2 of the vertical projection pattern of the second via 02, the via resistance of the first via 01 is greater than that of the second via 02. That is, in the same electrostatic discharge protection unit 00, the via resistance of the first via 01, which is relatively closer to the drive signal line 30, is greater. Since static electricity is transmitted from the drive signal line 30 to the transmission signal line, the greater the via resistance of the first via 01, the more static electricity is discharged from the first via 01 on the side relatively farther away from the shift register unit 10. This results in a better effect of preventing static electricity from being transmitted to the transmission signal line and a better electrostatic discharge protection effect for the shift register unit 10. Thus, by setting the area S1 of the vertical projection pattern of the first via 01 on the display panel 100 to be smaller than the area S2 of the vertical projection pattern of the second via 02 on the display panel 100, the via resistance of the first via 01 on the side closer to the drive signal line 30 is greater. Most of the static electricity can be discharged at a position relatively far from the shift register unit 10, effectively preventing the transmission of static electricity to the transmission signal line and improving the electrostatic protection effect on the shift register unit 10.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 This disclosure provides a display panel 100, wherein the line width of the connecting line 43 is the same as the line width of the output signal line 40.

[0043] In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the output signal line 40 includes a first segment 41 and a second segment 42 that are mutually cut off. The first segment 41 is electrically connected to the connecting line 43 through a first via 01, and the second segment 42 is electrically connected to the connecting line 43 through a second via 02. By setting the linewidth H1 of the connecting line 43 to be the same as the linewidth H2 of the output signal line 40, the etching process parameters of the connecting line 43 and the output signal line 40, such as etching time and temperature, can be uniformly optimized during the manufacturing process, reducing linewidth deviation, facilitating hole connection, and reducing process difficulty. Thus, by setting the linewidth H1 of the connecting line 43 to be the same as the linewidth H2 of the output signal line 40, connection is facilitated and process difficulty is reduced.

[0044] Figure 9The diagram shown is a planar schematic of another via provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Please refer to it. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 This disclosure provides a display panel 100 in which the line width H1 of the connecting line 43 is smaller than the line width H2 of the output signal line 40.

[0045] In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the line width H1 of the connecting line 43 is set to be smaller than the line width H2 of the output signal line 40. That is, the line width H1 of the connecting line 43 is set to be smaller than the line width H2 of the first segment 41, and the line width H1 of the connecting line 43 is set to be smaller than the line width H2 of the second segment 42. The smaller the line width H1 of the connecting line 43, the greater the resistance of the connecting line 43. Therefore, reducing the line width H1 of the connecting line 43 can further increase the resistance of the electrostatic discharge unit 00, thereby improving the electrostatic discharge effect of the electrostatic discharge unit 00 and reducing the risk of electrostatic breakdown of the shift register unit 10. Thus, by setting the line width H1 of the connecting line 43 to be smaller than the line width H2 of the output signal line 40, the resistance of the connecting line 43 can be increased, the electrostatic discharge effect can be improved, and the electrostatic protection effect on the shift register unit 10 can be improved.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 This disclosure provides a display panel 100, wherein a shift register unit 10 is electrically connected to a next-level shift register unit 10 via a cascading line 50.

[0047] Specifically, the display area AA also includes a cascading line 50, which is used to transmit shift signals from the previous stage shift register unit 10 to the next stage shift register unit 10. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the output signal line 40 is connected to the corresponding shift register unit 10 and the drive signal line 30, and the cascade line 50 is connected to the previous shift register unit 10 and the next shift register unit 10. That is, the output signal line 40 and the cascade line 50 are not collinear and are independent of each other. Since the output signal line 40 is connected to the drive signal line 30, the output signal line 40 is located in the second metal layer M2, and the drive signal line 30 is located in the first metal layer M1. In order to reduce the influence of static electricity in the drive signal line 30 on the shift register unit 10, an electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 is provided on the output signal line 40 to reduce the risk of the shift register unit 10 being damaged. The cascade line 50 is only used to connect the shift register unit 10 and does not need to be connected to the signal lines of other metal layers. Therefore, the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 does not need to be set on the cascade line 50. Thus, when the cascade line 50 and the output signal line 40 are not designed to be co-linear, the electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 can be set only on the output signal line 40. While achieving electrostatic discharge protection, the process can be reduced and the production cost can be lowered.

[0048] Figure 10 As shown Figure 2 Please refer to another circuit connection diagram for the first circuit area. Figure 2 and Figure 10 This disclosure provides a display panel 100, in which a cascade line 50 is multiplexed as an output signal line 40; an electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 is connected in series on the cascade line 50 between the drive signal line 30 and the next-level shift register unit 10.

[0049] In one optional embodiment provided in this disclosure, the cascade line 50 is multiplexed as an output signal line 40, that is, the output signal line 40 and the cascade line 50 are designed to be collinear. In this embodiment, since the output signal line 40 is connected to the drive signal line 30, and the cascade line 50 is multiplexed as an output signal line 40, there is also a risk of static electricity being introduced into the cascade line 50 by the drive signal line 30. Since the cascade line 50 connects the previous stage shift register unit 10 to the next stage shift register unit 10, in order to reduce the impact of static electricity on the next stage shift register unit 10, an electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 can also be provided between the cascade line 50 and the next stage shift register unit 10 to reduce the risk of the next stage shift register unit 10 being electrostatically damaged. Thus, when the output signal line 40 and the cascade line 50 are collinear, an electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 can be set between the output signal line 40 and the drive signal line 30 to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge damage to the previous stage shift register unit 10. Similarly, an electrostatic discharge protection unit 00 can also be set between the cascade line 50 and the corresponding next stage shift register unit 10 to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge damage to the next stage shift register unit 10.

[0050] Figure 11 The figure shown is a plan view of a display device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Please refer to it. Figure 11 This disclosure provides a display device 200, which includes a display panel 100 as described above.

[0051] In some other embodiments of this disclosure, the display device 200 may further include at least two display panels 100, or the display device 200 may further include four display panels 100 arranged in an array. This disclosure does not limit the actual number of display panels 100 included. Since the display panels 100 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve extremely narrow bezels or bezel-less displays, when at least two such display panels 100 are spliced ​​together, the entire display device 200 can present a highly coherent and unified image, which can effectively improve the display effect of seamless splicing large-screen display devices.

[0052] The display device 200 provided in this embodiment can be any electronic device with display function, such as a touch screen, mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, e-reader, or television, or it can be a large-size seamless splicing display device such as a giant advertisement or a command center screen. The display device 200 provided in this embodiment has the beneficial effects of the display panel 100 provided in this embodiment. For details, please refer to the specific description of the display panel 100 in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0053] Understandable, Figure 10 The shape of the display device 200 is illustrated using only a right-angled rectangle structure as an example. In some other embodiments of this disclosure, the display device 200 may also be circular, elliptical or any other feasible shape, and this disclosure does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 by, The display panel comprises: a display area; the display area comprises a plurality of circuit areas arranged along a first direction, the circuit areas comprise a first circuit area, the first circuit area comprises a plurality of pixel circuit units and a shift register circuit, the shift register circuit comprises a plurality of shift register units connected in cascade, in the first circuit area, the pixel circuit units and the shift register units are arranged alternately along a second direction, the pixel circuit units comprise at least two pixel circuits arranged along the first direction, the first direction and the second direction intersect; the display area further comprises a plurality of driving signal lines extending along the first direction, the driving signal lines are electrically connected with the pixel circuit units, the shift register units are correspondingly arranged with the driving signal lines, and the shift register units and the driving signal lines corresponding thereto are electrically connected through an output signal line; the output signal line is connected in series with an electrostatic protection unit.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein the output signal line comprises a first line segment and a second line segment which are mutually cut off, the first line segment is electrically connected with the driving signal line, the second line segment is electrically connected with the shift register unit, and the electrostatic protection unit is connected in series between the first line segment and the second line segment; the electrostatic protection unit comprises a connection line located in a different film layer from the output signal line, a first via hole connecting the first line segment and the connection line, and a second via hole connecting the second line segment and the connection line.

3. The display panel of claim 2, wherein the display panel comprises a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a first insulating layer located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer; the driving signal line is located in the first metal layer, the output signal line is located in the second metal layer, and the driving signal line is connected with the output signal line through a third via hole.

4. The display panel of claim 3, wherein the connection line is located in the first metal layer.

5. The display panel of claim 4, wherein the display panel further comprises a third metal layer located between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, the first insulating layer comprises a first sub-insulating layer located between the first metal layer and the third metal layer, and a second sub-insulating layer located between the third metal layer and the second metal layer; the electrostatic protection unit further comprises a first connection part and a second connection part located in the third metal layer; the first via hole comprises a first sub-via hole connecting the first line segment and the first connection part, and a second sub-via hole connecting the first connection part and the connection line; the second via hole comprises a third sub-via hole connecting the second line segment and the second connection part, and a fourth sub-via hole connecting the second connection part and the connection line.

6. The display panel of claim 4, wherein The display panel further comprises a third metal layer between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, and the first insulating layer comprises a first sub-insulating layer between the first metal layer and the third metal layer and a second sub-insulating layer between the third metal layer and the second metal layer. The electrostatic protection unit further comprises a first connecting part of the third metal layer, and the first via comprises a first sub-via connecting the first line segment and the first connecting part and a second sub-via connecting the first connecting part and the connecting line. The second line segment and the connecting line are directly connected through the second via.

7. The display panel of claim 2, wherein The number of the first vias is greater than or equal to two, and / or the number of the second vias is greater than or equal to two.

8. The display panel of claim 2, wherein The number of the first vias is greater than the number of the second vias.

9. The display panel of claim 2, wherein The area of the vertical projection pattern of the first vias is less than the area of the vertical projection pattern of the second vias.

10. The display panel of claim 2, wherein The line width of the connecting line is the same as the line width of the output signal line.

11. The display panel of claim 2, wherein The line width of the connecting line is less than the line width of the output signal line.

12. The display panel of claim 1, wherein The shift register unit is electrically connected with a next stage shift register unit through a cascade line.

13. The display panel of claim 12, wherein The cascade line is multiplexed as the output signal line; The electrostatic protection unit is connected in series on the cascade line between the driving signal line and the next stage shift register unit.

14. A display device comprising: The display device comprises the display panel of any one of claims 1-13.

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