A display panel and display device

Abstract

This invention provides a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area. A terminal area within the non-display area for connecting a flexible circuit board includes a dam structure located on one side of a substrate. A touch layer is located on one side of the substrate and includes a first touch metal layer, a first organic insulating layer, and a second touch metal layer stacked together. The first touch metal layer is located at least in the display area. The first organic insulating layer extends from the display area to the terminal area and has a first boundary within the terminal area. The first boundary terminates at the surface of the dam structure away from the substrate, or terminates at the side of the dam structure close to the display area. The second touch metal layer extends from the display area to the terminal area, at least partially contacting the dam structure and extending along the surface of the dam structure. By organically integrating the touch insulating layer of the display area and optimizing the crossing morphology of the metal lines in conjunction with the dam structure of the terminal area, the bending reliability of the display panel and the stability of the touch signal connection are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of flexible display technology, the demand for foldable and bendable display devices is increasing. In touch display panels, the touch sensor layer is usually formed directly on the encapsulation layer of the display panel; this structure is called TPOT (Touch Panel On TFE). Traditional TPOT structures often use inorganic insulating layers in the touch sensor layer of the display area. Although these layers have good density, the inorganic materials themselves are brittle under repeated bending, easily causing cracks that extend to the conductive lines, leading to touch function failure and limiting the folding performance of the display area.

[0003] Furthermore, in the terminal area where the touch trace (TM) extends from the display area to the non-display area and connects to the flexible panel connector (FPC), significant steps are formed at the boundaries of organic films (such as planarization layers, touch organic layers, etc.) due to the stacking of multilayer film structures. When metal traces cross these steps, if the taper angle at the step is too large or the coverage is poor, it can easily cause the metal traces to become thinner, break, or have photoresist residue, leading to touch malfunctions such as open circuits and short circuits.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new TPOT structure design that can improve the reliability of the display area folding while improving the connection reliability of the metal lines in critical locations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the present invention provides a display panel and a display device. By setting the touch insulating layer of the display area as an organic material, the folding resistance of the display area is improved, and the boundary morphology of the organic film in the non-display area connection terminal area is further optimized to avoid poor touch control caused by metal wire breakage or residue. This improves the reliability of the touch metal circuit in the terminal area and ensures the integrity of the touch function.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a display panel, including a display area and a non-display area located around the display area; the non-display area includes a terminal area for connecting a flexible circuit board, and the display panel further includes:

[0007] Substrate; the terminal region includes a dam structure located on one side of the substrate;

[0008] The touch layer, located on one side of the substrate, includes a first touch metal layer, a first organic insulating layer, and a second touch metal layer stacked together.

[0009] Wherein, the first touch metal layer is located at least in the display area; the first organic insulating layer extends from the display area to the terminal area and has a first boundary in the terminal area; the first boundary terminates at the surface of the dam structure away from the substrate; or, terminates at the side of the dam structure close to the display area.

[0010] The second touch metal layer extends from the display area to the terminal area, at least partially contacts the dam structure, and extends along the surface of the dam structure.

[0011] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a display device, including the display panel provided in the first aspect.

[0012] In summary, the display panel provided in this application includes a display area and a non-display area located around the display area. The non-display area includes a terminal area for connecting a flexible circuit board. The display panel also includes a substrate and a touch layer. The terminal area includes a dam structure located on one side of the substrate. The touch layer is located on one side of the substrate and includes a first touch metal layer, a first organic insulating layer, and a second touch metal layer stacked together. The first touch metal layer is located at least in the display area. The first organic insulating layer extends from the display area to the terminal area and has a first boundary within the terminal area. The first boundary terminates at the surface of the dam structure away from the substrate, or terminates at the side of the dam structure close to the display area. The second touch metal layer extends from the display area to the terminal area, at least partially contacting the dam structure and extending along the surface of the dam structure. This invention significantly improves the bending reliability of the display panel and the stability of the touch signal connection by organically integrating the touch insulating layer of the display area and optimizing the crossing morphology of the metal lines in conjunction with the dam structure of the terminal area. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the planar structure of a display panel provided in this application;

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of area 1 within the terminal area of ​​the central non-display zone;

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of region 1 within the central display area along the AA' direction;

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of region 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0017] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of region 1 in the display area along the AA' direction;

[0018] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 in the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0019] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 in the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0020] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 in the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0021] Figure 9 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 in the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0022] Figure 10 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of region 1 in the display area along the AA' direction;

[0023] Figure 11 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 in the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0024] Figure 12 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 in the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction;

[0025] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] AA, Display area; NA, Non-display area; PD, Terminal area;

[0028] 210, Substrate; 220, Touch layer; 230, Array layer; 240, Light-emitting device layer; TFE, Thin film encapsulation layer; 260, Dam structure; PLN1, First planarization layer; PLN2, Second planarization layer; 24, Substructure;

[0029] TP-OC1, first organic insulating layer; TP-OC0, second organic insulating layer;

[0030] TM1, First touch metal layer; TM2, Second touch metal layer;

[0031] B1, First boundary; B2, Second boundary; B3, Third boundary; D1, First region; M3, Third metal layer;

[0032] X, first direction; L1, L2, L3, distance; h2, h3, thickness; θ, slope angle. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present application and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present application are shown in the drawings, not the entire structure. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present application without departing from its spirit or scope, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present application is intended to cover modifications and variations of the present application that fall within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the corresponding claims and their equivalents. It should be noted that the implementation methods provided in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other without contradiction.

[0034] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel, including a display area and a non-display area located around the display area; the non-display area includes a terminal area for connecting a flexible circuit board, the display panel further includes a substrate and a touch layer located on one side of the substrate, the terminal area includes a dam structure located on one side of the substrate; the touch layer includes a first touch metal layer, a first organic insulating layer and a second touch metal layer stacked together; wherein, the first touch metal layer is at least located in the display area; the first organic insulating layer extends from the display area to the terminal area and has a first boundary within the terminal area; the first boundary terminates at the surface of the dam structure away from the substrate; or, the first boundary terminates at the side of the dam structure close to the display area; the second touch metal layer extends from the display area to the terminal area, at least partially contacts the dam structure and extends along the surface of the dam structure.

[0035] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention replaces the touch insulating layer of the display area with organic material, utilizes the bending resistance of organic material to improve the folding resistance of the display area, and further optimizes the shape and layout of the organic film boundary of the terminal area connecting the flexible circuit board in the non-display area. This simultaneously improves the reliability of the touch metal circuit in the terminal area, avoids touch failure caused by metal breakage or residue, and ensures the integrity of the touch function of the display panel.

[0036] The above is the core idea of ​​this invention. The technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a display panel provided in this application. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-section along the AA' direction in region 1 of the central display area. Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of region 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction. Figure 5 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of region 1 within the central display area along the AA' direction. Figure 6 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of area 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction. Figure 7 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional schematic diagram of area 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction is shown in the reference diagram. Figures 1-7 This application provides a display panel 200, which includes a display area AA and a non-display area NA located around the display area AA. The display area AA is used to display an image, and it is provided with a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), each pixel unit includes a light-emitting device for emitting light and a pixel driving circuit for driving the light-emitting device. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) The non-display area NA surrounds the display area AA and is used to house peripheral circuits and structures such as driver chips, fan-out lines, power lines, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits. The non-display area NA includes a terminal area PD for connecting to a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). The FPC, as an external signal connection component, transmits various electrical signals, such as drive signals, power supply voltage, and ground voltage generated by external control circuits, to the display panel 200. (Reference) Figure 2 Correspondingly, the terminal area PD is provided with multiple terminal pads arranged at intervals. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Not shown in the diagram), each terminal pad is electrically connected to the corresponding signal line inside the display panel 200. When the flexible circuit board (FPC) is bonded to the terminal area PD, the corresponding pins FPC-PIN on it are electrically connected to the terminal pads one by one, thereby realizing the mechanical fixation and electrical connection between the flexible circuit board (FPC) and the display panel 200, ensuring that external signals can be accurately and stably input to the display area AA to drive the display area AA to display the image normally.

[0038] refer to Figures 1-6 The display panel 200 also includes a substrate 210. The substrate 201 can be a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate. The terminal area PD includes a dam structure 260 located on one side of the substrate 210. The dam structure 260 can be used to block the flow of organic materials, control the cutoff position of the organic materials, and ensure the film thickness of the edge areas of the display area AA and the non-display area NA. In this embodiment, the display panel 200 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display panel (OLED), or a micro LED display panel, etc. The type of display panel is not limited in this embodiment.

[0039] The display panel 200 also includes a touch layer 220, i.e., a TPOT structure, located on one side of the substrate 210. The touch layer 220 includes a first touch metal layer TM1, a first organic insulating layer TP-OC1, and a second touch metal layer TM2, which are stacked together. The first touch metal layer TM1 is located at least in the display area AA. The first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 extends from the display area AA to the terminal area PD and has a first boundary B1 within the terminal area PD; (Refer to...) Figure 4 The first boundary B1 terminates at the surface of the dam structure 260 away from the substrate 210; or, refer to Figure 6 It ends at the side of the dam structure 260 near display area AA. (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 6 The second touch metal layer TM2 extends from the display area AA to the terminal area PD, making at least partial contact with the dam structure 260 and extending along the surface of the dam structure 260. The organic insulating layer can be made of materials such as polyimide or acrylic resin, ensuring flexibility and process feasibility.

[0040] Specifically, this application sets at least one inorganic touch insulating layer in the touch layer 220 within the display area AA in the prior art as the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1. By utilizing the good flexibility and ductility of organic materials, the crack propagation resistance of the display area AA during bending can be significantly improved, preventing cracks from forming in the display area AA and preventing crack propagation from causing breakage of touch traces or pixel circuits, ensuring the integrity of the touch function, and ultimately improving the folding reliability of the display panel 200.

[0041] While optimizing the flexibility of the display area AA, this application also precisely controls the film layer boundaries of the non-display area NA. For example, in the terminal area PD, the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 is precisely controlled to terminate at the first boundary B1 of its extension in the non-display area NA at a pre-set dam structure 260 or at a position adjacent to the display area AA, and the second touch metal layer TM2 is controlled to extend along the surface of the dam structure 260. This termination position setting utilizes the height of the dam structure 260 itself to create a gentle slope between the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 and the dam structure 260, providing a smooth transition foundation for the second touch metal layer TM2. This helps avoid poor climbing when the metal lines cross steep steps between different film layers, thereby effectively preventing touch signal transmission problems such as open circuits, short circuits, or impedance changes at the step differences. This provides a reliable circuit foundation for the stable bonding of the flexible printed circuit board (FPC), ensuring the normal display and touch functions of the display panel.

[0042] It should be noted that the first touch metal layer TM1 can be used to construct a bridge connection between the touch electrodes and the driver chip, responsible for long-distance signal convergence and transmission. Specifically, refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 7 The first touch metal layer TM1 can be patterned into multiple first touch signal leads TP1 (i.e., fan-out traces). These leads are located in the non-display area NA surrounding the display area AA, with one end electrically connected to the touch electrode located at the edge of the display area AA, and the other end extending to the terminal area PD for electrical connection with a flexible circuit board (FPC) or a driver chip (not shown in the figure). Since the first touch metal layer TM1 is located at the bottom of the film layer of the touch layer 230, its trace path is smoother, making it suitable for undertaking long-distance, high-stability signal transmission tasks.

[0043] The second touch metal layer TM2 can be used to form the main touch sensing electrode structure and local bridging, responsible for sensing and collecting touch signals. Within the display area AA, the second touch metal layer TM2 can be patterned into multiple mutually insulated touch driving electrodes (Tx) and touch sensing electrodes (Rx). Simultaneously, to bridge the insulating gaps between different electrode blocks, the second touch metal layer TM2 can also act as a bridging layer at specific locations, cooperating with the underlying first touch metal layer TM1, through vias (such as... Figure 4 and Figure 6 (As shown) this achieves the bridging of dissimilar metal layers, thereby forming a complete touch electrode grid. Meanwhile, reference... Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6Within the non-display area NA, the second touch metal layer TM2 can also be patterned into multiple second touch signal leads TP2 (i.e., fan-out traces). One end of these leads is electrically connected to the touch electrodes located at the edge of the display area AA, and the other end extends to the terminal area PD for electrical connection with a flexible circuit board (FPC) or a driver chip (not shown in the figure). The accompanying drawings of this application mainly illustrate the example of the second touch metal layer TM2 extending to the terminal area PD, at least partially contacting the dam structure 260, and extending along the surface of the dam structure 260. In this embodiment, the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 are stacked one on top of the other, which not only optimizes the electrode layout space within the display area AA and achieves a narrow bezel design, but also ensures the electrical connection reliability of the two metal layers under bending conditions through the buffering effect of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 between them, jointly achieving a high-sensitivity touch function.

[0044] Furthermore, the display panel provided in this application embodiment also includes other film layer structures that work together to achieve the display. For example, the array layer 230 and the light-emitting device layer 240 include multiple pixel circuits (…). Figures 3-7 (Not shown in the image), used to provide driving signals to the light-emitting devices in the light-emitting device layer 240. The pixel circuit can be a 2T1C, 4T1C, 7T1C, 7T2C, 8T1C, 8T2C, etc. circuit structure, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0045] In summary, the display panel provided in this application significantly improves the bending reliability and the stability of the touch signal connection by organically integrating the touch insulation layer of the display area and optimizing the crossing morphology of the metal lines using the dam structure of the terminal area.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the second touch metal layer TM2 has a second boundary B2 within the terminal region PD; in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 210, the first boundary B1 and the second boundary B2 have a height difference; the second touch metal layer TM2 and the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 form a stepped boundary with at least two steps within the terminal region PD. In this embodiment, the first boundary B1 and the second boundary B2 are defined in the vertical direction (…). Figure 4 A height difference exists along the Z-direction, causing the second touch metal layer TM2 and the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 to form a stepped boundary. This gradual height difference design decomposes what might otherwise be a single steep step into multiple gentle steps. This design is beneficial to the second touch metal layer TM2 and / or the second touch metal layer TM2 (refer to...) Figure 7 The deformation experienced when crossing this stepped boundary is smoother, thereby effectively reducing the risk of stress concentration and metal wire breakage, and optimizing the reliability of signal connection.

[0047] Based on the above embodiments, refer to Figure 4 The touch layer 220 includes an inorganic insulating layer 224, which is located on the side of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 away from the first touch metal layer TM1 and close to the substrate 210. The inorganic insulating layer 224 and the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 extend from the display area AA to the terminal area PD, and terminate at the surface of the dam structure 260 away from the substrate 210 in the terminal area PD. This application, without changing the existing film layer process, directly replaces the inorganic layer between the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 with an organic material, retains the existing inorganic insulating layer 224, and sets the thickness of the inorganic insulating layer 224 to be much smaller than that of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1, which is beneficial for improving the bending characteristics of the display area.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the touch layer 220 also includes a second organic insulating layer TP-OC0, located on the side of the first touch metal layer TM1 near the substrate 210. The second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 extends from the display area AA to the terminal area PD, and has a third boundary B3 in the terminal area PD. The third boundary B3 terminates at the surface of the dam structure 260 away from the substrate 210. The first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 at least partially covers the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0, and the first boundary B1 terminates at the surface of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 away from the substrate 210. By introducing the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 and its third boundary B3, and precisely controlling the third boundary B3 to terminate at the top of the dam structure 260, the stability of the underlying structure can be ensured. At the same time, precisely controlling the first boundary B1 to terminate at the surface of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0, the boundaries of the two organic films are misaligned in the vertical and horizontal directions, creating conditions for achieving multi-level gentle slopes. The first boundary B1 of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 and the third boundary B3 of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 cooperate to achieve a more controllable stepped boundary, thereby effectively reducing the risk of stress concentration and metal wire breakage, and optimizing the reliability of the second touch metal layer TM2 in the terminal area PD connection.

[0049] It should be noted that the material of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 can be the same as or different from the material of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1, and this application embodiment does not impose any restrictions.

[0050] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in the terminal area PD, the first boundary B1, the third boundary B3, and the sidewall of the dam structure 260 away from the display area AA are staggered along the first direction (X direction in the figure); and form a stepped boundary with at least two steps. This embodiment of the application, by staggering the morphological feature points of the first boundary B1, the third boundary B3, and the sidewall of the dam structure 260 in the horizontal direction, facilitates the construction of a clear stepped boundary with at least two steps. This structure can minimize the overall step difference, allowing the top second touch metal layer TM2 to continuously cover the gently sloping morphology, thereby greatly improving the crossing reliability of the metal wire and reducing the risk of wire breakage.

[0051] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of area 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display zone along the BB' direction. Figure 9 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of region 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display area along the BB' direction, based on the above embodiment, with reference to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the step has a side surface, and the slope angle formed by the tangent of the side surface and the plane containing the substrate 210 is as follows. Satisfying: 0° < ≤50°. This application's embodiments limit the slope angle of each step's side. The angle is no more than 50°, allowing for precise control over the steepness of the step. Within this angle range, it ensures good coverage and thickness uniformity of the upper second touch metal layer TM2 during sputtering or deposition, while also preventing photoresist residue at the bottom due to excessively steep steps during the photolithography process, thus ensuring product yield from a process perspective.

[0052] Optionally, slope angle The range is 30° to 40°. Furthermore, this application may also specify the slope angle. Further limiting the angle to the optimal range of 30° to 40°, it has been verified that this angle range can ensure the uniformity and low stress of the metal wire coverage to the greatest extent, while also taking into account the original preparation processes of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 and the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0, thus ensuring the feasibility and reliability of the technical solution.

[0053] Figure 10 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of region 1 in the display area along the AA' direction, based on the above embodiment, with reference to... Figure 10The display panel 200 also includes an array layer 230, a light-emitting device layer 240, and a thin-film encapsulation (TFE) layer located between the substrate 210 and the touch layer 220. The array layer 230 includes a first planarization layer PLN1 and a second planarization layer PLN2. Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the terminal area PD, the first planarization layer PLN1 includes at least one substructure 24, and the second planarization layer PLN2 includes a first region D1 covering the substructure 24; the first region D1 and the substructure 24 together constitute at least a portion of the dam structure 260. Embodiments of this application further specify that the dam structure 260 can be formed by stacking the first planarization layer PLN1 and the second planarization layer PLN2 in the film layer of the display panel 200. This structural design can form the dam morphology required in this application without adding additional processes or film layers, thereby greatly reducing production costs and process complexity.

[0054] Specifically, refer to Figure 10 Taking an OLED display panel as an example, the first planarization layer PLN1 located in the array layer 230 is typically used to cover and planarize the underlying pixel driving circuitry (such as transistors TFTs, capacitors, and signal traces), providing a smooth surface for the subsequent fabrication of the anode 241 of the light-emitting device PI. In this process step, in this embodiment, the first planarization layer PLN1 located within the terminal area PD in the non-display area NA is retained and patterned into at least one substructure 24. This substructure 24 has a predetermined height and geometry, serving as the base of the dam structure 260. Subsequently, when fabricating the second planarization layer PLN2, this layer covers the edge of the metal layer M3 within the display area AA, while its material extends to the non-display area NA, covering the substructure 24 formed by the first planarization layer PLN1, forming a first region D1. Because the second planarization layer PLN2 has good leveling properties, it conforms to the contour of the substructure 24 when covering it, forming a surface with a gentler slope. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, this application uses a nested design with two stacked layers to form a dam structure 260 by combining the first region D1 of the first planarization layer PLN1 with the substructure 24 below. This dam structure has a certain height, which can block the lateral flow of subsequent organic materials (such as organic encapsulation layers and touch insulation layers). Moreover, since it is composed of two stacked organic film layers, its sidewall slope is gentler than that of a single-layer structure, providing a slow transition slope for subsequent touch metal traces set across layers.

[0055] The thin-film encapsulation (TFE) layer may include, but is not limited to, one or three optical film layers, such as a first optically transparent layer, a second optically transparent layer and an organic layer stacked in sequence, to isolate water and oxygen and prevent external moisture and oxygen from affecting the light-emitting material of the PI light-emitting device.

[0056] Figure 11 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of region 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display area along the BB' direction, based on the above embodiment, along the first direction ( Figure 11 In the X direction), the distance between the third boundary B3 and the boundary of substructure 24 away from the display area AA is L1, and the distance between the third boundary B3 and the boundary of substructure 24 near the display area AA is L3, and L1 ≥ L3. Wherein, the first direction ( Figure 11 (in the X direction) and Figure 1 The direction from the central display area AA to the non-display area NA is parallel and parallel to the plane of the substrate 210. In this embodiment, by limiting L1 ≥ L3, the third boundary B3 of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 is ensured to be located in a relatively flat area at the top of the substructure 24 or on its side away from the display area AA, thus preventing the third boundary B3 from falling on the steep sidewalls of the substructure 24. This structural design facilitates the smoothness of the third boundary B3's own morphology, providing a smooth substrate for the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 above it, optimizing the stepped boundary morphology, forming a gradual slope reduction, thereby reducing the risk of stress concentration and metal line breakage, and optimizing the reliability of signal connections.

[0057] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 11 As shown, along the first direction (X direction in the figure), the horizontal distance between the first boundary B1 and the third boundary B3 is L2, and satisfies: |L1-L2| / L2≤10%. This embodiment of the application ensures that the first boundary B1 of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 and the third boundary B3 of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0 are within 10% in the horizontal direction by limiting the difference between L1 and L2. Figure 11 The two organic films are basically aligned or maintain a very stable offset in the X direction. For example, L1 ≥ 15 μm and L2 ≥ 15 μm. By precisely controlling the difference between L1 and L2, this application enables the boundary of the two organic films to cooperate in forming a gentle slope with predictable angle and height, thereby avoiding unexpected steep areas caused by excessive misalignment.

[0058] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 11Along the thickness direction of the display panel 200, within the terminal area PD, the thickness h3 of the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 is less than the thickness h2 of the second organic insulating layer TP-OC0. This embodiment of the application further optimizes the morphology at the step difference by limiting the thickness h3 of the upper first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 to be less than the thickness h2 of the lower second organic insulating layer TP-OC0. In the terminal area, thicknesses h2 and h3 refer to the average thickness of that region. When the thinner upper organic layer crosses the boundary of the thicker lower organic layer, it can better conform to the morphology of the lower layer, forming a smoother transition. Therefore, it avoids secondary steep slopes at the lower layer boundary due to excessive upper film thickness, further optimizing the stepped boundary formed by the two organic films.

[0059] Figure 12 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of region 2 within the terminal area of ​​the non-display area along the BB' direction, based on the above embodiment, along the first direction ( Figure 11 In the X-direction, when only the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 is used, the distance between its first boundary B1 and the boundary of the substructure 24 away from the display area AA is L4, and the distance between the first boundary B1 and the boundary of the substructure 24 near the display area AA is L5, satisfying: L4≥L5. This structural design is beneficial to the smoothness of the first boundary B1 itself, providing a smooth base for the second touch metal layer TM2 above it, optimizing the stepped boundary morphology, forming a gradual slope reduction, reducing the risk of stress concentration and metal wire breakage, and optimizing the reliability of signal connection.

[0060] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figures 11-12 In the terminal area PD, the display panel 200 also includes a third metal layer M3, which is located on the side of the dam structure 260 near the substrate 210. The third metal layer M3 includes at least one touch signal line M31. A second touch metal layer TM2 extends to and is connected to the touch signal line M31. By electrically connecting the second touch metal layer TM2 to the touch signal line M31 in the third metal layer M3 at the bottom of the terminal area PD, this application ensures that touch signals from the display area AA can be reliably transmitted to the terminal area PD through the optimized stepped boundary to connect to the flexible printed circuit board (FPC), completing the transmission and feedback of touch signals and realizing the touch function of the display panel.

[0061] In another embodiment of this application, reference is made to Figure 7As shown, the first touch metal layer TM1 from the display area AA can also be set to extend to the touch signal line M31 and be connected to the touch signal line M31, so as to realize the parallel transmission of touch signals from the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 to the terminal area PD to connect to the flexible circuit board (FPC), ensuring the real-time and effective transmission of signals and ensuring the integrity and reliability of the touch function.

[0062] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4 , Figures 6-9 , Figures 11-12 The thickness uniformity variation of the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 at the step-shaped boundary is less than 20%. This embodiment optimizes the gentle slope morphology of the step-shaped boundary within the terminal area PD and ensures that the thickness uniformity variation of the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 in this region is <20%, thereby enabling the touch metal layers crossing the step-shaped boundary to possess excellent continuity and conductivity reliability, thus ensuring the normal transmission of touch signals.

[0063] Based on the above embodiments, continue to refer to 2 and Figure 5 Within the display area AA, the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 are connected via vias in the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1. Alternatively, within the display area AA, the first touch metal layer TM1 and the second touch metal layer TM2 are connected via a bridge structure (not shown in the figure). This connection method allows the first organic insulating layer TP-OC1 provided in this embodiment to be compatible with various existing touch electrode structure designs, such as mutual capacitance or self-capacitance structures, exhibiting good versatility and integrability.

[0064] Based on the above embodiments, refer to Figure 1 The display panel 200 includes a foldable display panel 200 or a flexible display panel 200. The display panel provided in the above embodiments is particularly suitable for high-end application scenarios with stringent requirements for flexibility and reliability, such as foldable or flexible displays. The display area of ​​this display panel has bending reliability, while the non-display area has signal connection reliability, giving it significant practical value and commercial potential.

[0065] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a display device. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (In conjunction with...) Figure 13 As shown, the display device 300 includes any of the display panels 200 provided in the above embodiments. Therefore, the display device 300 also has the beneficial effects of the display panels 200 in the above embodiments. The similarities can be understood with reference to the explanation of the display panels 200 above, and will not be repeated below.

[0066] The display device 300 provided in this embodiment of the invention can be Figure 13 The mobile phone shown can also be any electronic product with display function, including but not limited to the following categories: tablet computer, television, laptop computer, desktop monitor, vehicle display screen, digital camera, smart bracelet, smart glasses, industrial control equipment, medical display screen, touch interactive terminal, etc. The embodiments of the present invention do not make any special limitations on this.

[0067] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly coupled or combined with each other, and can cooperate and be technically driven in various ways. Various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; the non-display area includes a terminal area for connecting a flexible circuit board, and the display panel further includes: Substrate; the terminal region includes a dam structure located on one side of the substrate; The touch layer, located on one side of the substrate, includes a first touch metal layer, a first organic insulating layer, and a second touch metal layer stacked together. Wherein, the first touch metal layer is located at least in the display area; the first organic insulating layer extends from the display area to the terminal area and has a first boundary in the terminal area; the first boundary terminates at the surface of the dam structure away from the substrate; or, terminates at the side of the dam structure close to the display area. The second touch metal layer extends from the display area to the terminal area, at least partially contacts the dam structure, and extends along the surface of the dam structure.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second touch metal layer has a second boundary within the terminal area; In a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first boundary and the second boundary have a height difference; the second touch metal layer and the first organic insulating layer form a stepped boundary with at least two steps in the terminal area.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The touch layer further includes a second organic insulating layer located on the side of the first touch metal layer near the substrate; the second organic insulating layer extends from the display area to the terminal area and has a third boundary in the terminal area; The third boundary terminates at the surface of the dam structure away from the substrate; the first organic insulating layer at least partially covers the second organic insulating layer, and the first boundary terminates at the surface of the second organic insulating layer away from the substrate.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the terminal area, the first boundary, the third boundary, and the sidewall of the dam structure away from the display area are staggered along a first direction; and form a stepped boundary with at least two steps.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step has a side surface, and the slope angle θ formed by the tangent of the side surface and the plane where the substrate is located satisfies: 0°<θ≤50°.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The slope angle θ ranges from 30° to 40°.

7. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an array layer, a light-emitting device layer, and a thin-film encapsulation layer located between the substrate and the touch layer; The array layer includes a first planarization layer and a second planarization layer; In the terminal region, the first planarization layer includes at least one substructure, and the second planarization layer includes a first region covering the substructure; the first region and the substructure together constitute at least a portion of the dam structure.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the distance between the third boundary and the boundary of the substructure away from the display area is L1, and the distance between the third boundary and the boundary of the substructure near the display area is L3, and satisfies: L1≥L3; The first direction is parallel to the direction from the display area to the non-display area, and is also parallel to the plane on which the substrate is located.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the horizontal distance between the first boundary and the third boundary is L2, and satisfies: |L1-L2| / L2≤10%.

10. The display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, L1≥15μm, L2≥15μm.

11. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the thickness direction of the display panel, within the terminal area, the thickness h3 of the first organic insulating layer is less than the thickness h2 of the second organic insulating layer.

12. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thickness uniformity of the second touch metal layer in the longitudinal section across the stepped boundary is less than 20%.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal region also includes a third metal layer, which is located on the side of the dam structure closer to the substrate. The third metal layer includes at least one touch signal line; the second touch metal layer extends to and is connected to the touch signal line.

14. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, Within the display area, the first touch metal layer and the second touch metal layer are connected through vias in the first organic insulating layer; or, they are connected through a bridge structure.

15. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel includes a foldable display panel or a flexible display panel.

16. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-15.

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