Display panel and display device

Abstract

The utility model provides a display panel and a display device, and belongs to the technical field of display. The display panel is provided with a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The display panel comprises a substrate, a touch function layer arranged on the substrate and a first protection layer arranged on the side, away from the substrate, of the touch function layer. The first protection layer comprises a first protection pattern at least located in the display area and a second protection pattern located in the peripheral area; the second protection pattern comprises a first surface and a second surface which are oppositely arranged in the thickness direction, and a third surface which is connected with the first surface and the second surface and is far away from one side of the display area; the second surface is closer to the substrate than the first surface; and a dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of a part of points on the third surface and the second surface is 60-80 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of display technology, and particularly relates to a display panel and a display device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of display technology, flexible display products are becoming more and more popular among users. In order to improve the efficiency of product preparation, in one case, a whole layer can be prepared on a mother substrate to form multiple display panels at the same time, and finally the mother substrate is cut according to the cutting channel to form an independent display panel.

[0003] However, for display panels, water and oxygen from the outside can easily invade the organic film layer at the edge during the cutting process, causing edge peeling. At the same time, water vapor spreads from the edge along the organic film layer to the display area, causing poor GDS (i.e., blackening of the display area). Utility Model Content

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and provides a display panel and a display device.

[0005] In a first aspect, the technical solution adopted to solve the technical problem of the present disclosure is a display panel having a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area; the display panel comprises a base substrate, a touch function layer arranged on the base substrate, and a first protective layer arranged on a side of the touch function layer away from the base substrate;

[0006] The first protection layer includes a first protection pattern at least located in the display area, and a second protection pattern located in the peripheral area; the second protection pattern includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface and away from the display area; the second surface is closer to the base substrate than the first surface;

[0007] The dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface and the second surface is between 60° and 80°.

[0008] In some embodiments, the third surface forms a sawtooth structure; the sawtooth structure includes a plurality of sawtooth portions; inner recesses are formed between adjacent sawtooth portions, and the openings of the inner recesses face away from the base substrate.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of the sawtooth portions are connected to form an integral structure at a first end close to the display area, and a plurality of the sawtooth portions are spaced apart from a second end of the display area.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second protection pattern is a hollow structure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the touch function layer includes a first touch metal layer, a touch insulating layer, and a second touch metal layer which are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the base substrate;

[0012] The second protection pattern wraps the touch insulating layer located in the peripheral area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first protection pattern and the second protection pattern are spaced apart.

[0014] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second protective layer disposed on a side of the first protective layer away from the touch function layer; the touch function layer includes a first touch metal layer, a touch insulating layer, and a second touch metal layer sequentially disposed in a direction away from the base substrate;

[0015] The orthographic projection of the touch insulating layer on the base substrate completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second protection layer on the base substrate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an isolation pillar disposed on the base substrate; the isolation pillar has an orthographic projection on the base substrate and is located between an orthographic projection of the first protection pattern on the base substrate and an orthographic projection of the second protection pattern on the base substrate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a flat layer disposed on a side of the touch function layer away from the first protective layer; the flat layer covers the isolation pillar.

[0018] In some embodiments, the material of the second protection layer is an organic material; and the material of the touch insulating layer is an inorganic material.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first protection pattern is located in the display area, and is connected to the second protection pattern located in the peripheral area to form an integrated structure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second protection layer disposed on a side of the first protection layer away from the touch function layer;

[0021] The second protective layer includes a fourth surface and a fifth surface that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof, and a sixth surface connecting the fourth surface and the fifth surface; the fifth surface is closer to the base substrate than the fourth surface;

[0022] The dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the sixth surface and the fifth surface is between 30° and 45°.

[0023] In some embodiments, a ratio of a maximum thickness of the first protective layer to a maximum thickness of the second protective layer is between 0.166 and 0.375.

[0024] In some embodiments, an average thickness of a portion of the second protective layer corresponding to the sixth surface is between 8 μm and 12 μm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a third protective layer disposed on a side of the second protective layer close to the first protective layer, and / or a fourth protective layer disposed on a side of the second protective layer away from the first protective layer.

[0026] In some embodiments, the material of the second protective layer is an organic material, and the material of the third protective layer is an inorganic material.

[0027] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a display device, which includes a display panel as described in any one of the first aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of peeling off the edge of a display panel in the related art;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the first example in the A-A' direction;

[0031] Figure 4a to Figure 4d They are schematic diagrams of different shapes of sawtooth structures formed on the third surface;

[0032] Figure 4e for Figure 4a Cross-sectional view along the B-B' direction;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a second protection pattern provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the second example in the A-A' direction;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the third example in the A-A' direction;

[0036] Figure 8 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the fourth example in the A-A' direction;

[0037] Fig. 9 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the fifth example in the A-A' direction;

[0038] Fig.10 A simplified diagram of the film layers of the display area provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a method for preparing a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a display motherboard provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present disclosure generally described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure for protection, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present disclosure should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, similar words such as "one", "one" or "the" do not indicate quantity restrictions, but indicate that there is at least one. Similar words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word cover the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Similar words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0043] The "multiple or several" mentioned in this disclosure refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0044] In the related technology, the preparation of the touch function layer is currently mainly divided into two categories: SLOC (Single Layer On Cell, single layer pattern on glass) and MLOC (Multiple Layer On Cell, multi-layer pattern on glass), that is, single-layer touch and multi-layer integrated touch. Among them, the MLOC technology is to make a longitudinal (or horizontal) excitation signal transmitting electrode and a horizontal (or vertical) touch signal receiving electrode on the display modules such as LTPS, TFT, LCD, etc. The electrodes are connected to the touch driver IC through wiring, and the touch position is detected by detecting the change in the coupling capacitance between the longitudinal electrode and the horizontal electrode. FMLOC (flexible multiple layer on cell, flexible multi-layer integrated touch) is to make the touch function layer after the display backplane packaging process is completed, and to apply the MLOC technology to the flexible display substrate to form a flexible touch substrate.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, usually, after applying FMLOC to form the touch function layer, a touch protection layer TOC needs to be formed on the touch function layer to protect the touch function layer and ensure the flatness of its upper surface (i.e., the surface away from the touch function layer), which is conducive to the preparation of subsequent film layers. In addition, an organic protection layer IJP is formed on the entire side of the touch protection layer TOC away from the touch function layer, which is mainly used to reduce the break around the display area opening AAHole (such as the receiving hole for the camera or other sensors), avoid the moire (Mura) caused by the break, and improve the position strength of the AAHole. However, the inventors found that: due to the influence of the hydrophilic properties of the organic protective layer IJP, during the high-temperature and high-humidity reliability test of the product, water vapor from the external environment can easily invade from the cutting channel of the display panel (that is, the edge of the display panel). As an organic material, the organic protective layer IJP can easily release water vapor at high temperatures, resulting in residual water stains between the organic protective layer IJP and the touch protection layer TOC, thereby causing Peeling. The water vapor spreads to the AA area along the contact surface of IJP→TOC→flat layer PLN, causing packaging failure.

[0046] In view of this, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display panel, which reduces the slope angle of the TOC edge and improves the interface adhesion between the TOC and the IJP, thereby reducing the risk of peeling caused by water vapor intrusion during the reliability process.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the first example in the A-A' direction. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the display panel has a display area AA and a peripheral area BB surrounding the display area AA; the display panel at least includes a base substrate 1, a touch function layer TSP arranged on the base substrate 1, and a first protective layer TOC arranged on the side of the touch function layer TSP away from the base substrate 1.

[0048] The touch function layer TSP is a multi-layer film structure with touch function. The first protective layer TOC is mainly used to protect the touch function layer TSP and ensure that it is away from the surface of the substrate 1 (eg Figure 3 The planarization of the first surface S1) shown is beneficial to the preparation of subsequent film layers.

[0049] The first protection layer TOC includes a first protection pattern 21 located at least in the display area AA, and a second protection pattern 22 located in the peripheral area BB; the second protection pattern 22 includes a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 arranged opposite to each other in its thickness direction Y, and a third surface S3 connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 and away from the display area AA; the second surface S2 is closer to the base substrate 1 than the first surface S1; the dihedral angle α formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface S3 and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80°.

[0050] Some points on the third surface S3 may be, for example, intermediate points other than boundary points. Here, "boundary points" refer to points where the third surface S3 is connected to the first surface S1 and the second surface S2.

[0051] The embodiment of the present disclosure ensures that the dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface S3 and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80° by patterning the first protective layer TOC. Figure 1 In the related art shown, the slope angle β of the TOC boundary is greater than 90°, resulting in poor interface adhesion between TOC and IJP. The present disclosure reduces the dihedral angle α of the first protective layer TOC boundary, thereby improving the interface adhesion between the first protective layer TOC and other film layers (such as the second protective layer IJP in contact therewith), thereby reducing the risk of peeling caused by water vapor intrusion during the trust process.

[0052] In some embodiments, Figure 3As shown, the display panel further includes a second protective layer IJP disposed on the side of the first protective layer 2 away from the touch function layer TSP; the material of the second protective layer IJP is an organic material. Optionally, the organic material can be organic ink, and the second protective layer IJP can be prepared by inkjet printing technology.

[0053] The second protective layer IJP is mainly used to reduce the step around the AA opening in the display area (such as the accommodating hole for the camera or other sensors), avoid the moire (Mura) caused by the step, and improve the position strength of the AA opening in the display area.

[0054] The first surface S1 and the third surface S3 of the first protective layer TOC are both in contact with the surface of the second protective layer IJP close to the base substrate 1. The embodiment of the present disclosure reduces the dihedral angle α of the boundary of the first protective layer TOC by patterning the first protective layer TOC, thereby increasing the contact area between the first protective layer TOC and the second protective layer IJP, thereby increasing the adhesion between the two, and further reducing the Peeling risk caused by the release of water vapor from the second protective layer IJP during high temperature and high humidity reliability.

[0055] Figure 4a to Figure 4d They are schematic diagrams of different shapes of sawtooth structures formed on the third surface. Figure 4e for Figure 4a Cross-sectional view along the BB' direction.

[0056] In some embodiments, Figure 4a to Figure 4e As shown, the third surface S3 forms a sawtooth structure; the sawtooth structure includes a plurality of sawtooth portions 31 ; inner recesses 32 are formed between adjacent sawtooth portions 31 , and the openings of the inner recesses 32 face away from the substrate 1 .

[0057] The present embodiment is one of the technical means to form a smaller dihedral angle α. By patterning the edge of the second protective pattern 22 away from the display area AA in a serrated shape, a plurality of uneven serrated portions 31 are formed, so that the dihedral angle α formed between the tangent surface of some points on the third surface S3 and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80° (calculated based on the step meter equipment test phase); at the same time, the design of the plurality of serrated portions 31 increases the contact area between the first protective layer TOC and other film layers (such as the second protective layer IJP in contact therewith), thereby improving the interface adhesion between the first protective layer TOC and other film layers, thereby reducing the risk of peeling caused by water vapor intrusion during the trust process.

[0058] In some embodiments, Figure 4a to Figure 4b As shown, a first end of a plurality of sawtooth portions 31 close to the display area AA is connected to form an integral structure, and a second end of the plurality of sawtooth portions 31 away from the display area AA is spaced apart.

[0059] On the basis of the previous embodiment, the present embodiment further interrupts the second end of the sawtooth portion 31 away from the display area AA, that is, the contact area between the second end of the sawtooth portion 31 and other film layers (such as the second protective layer IJP in contact therewith) is further increased, thereby increasing the interfacial adhesion between the first protective layer TOC and the second protective layer IJP, and reducing the peeling risk caused by the release of water vapor at high temperature and high humidity after the second protective layer IJP is invaded by water vapor.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a second protection pattern provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second protection pattern 22 is a hollow structure.

[0061] The present embodiment is the second technical means for forming a smaller dihedral angle α. By performing a hollow mesh design on the second protective pattern 22, a plurality of through holes are formed, so that the dihedral angle α formed between the cross-section of some points on the third surface S3 corresponding to the hollow structure and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80° (calculated based on the step meter equipment test phase); at the same time, the hollow design increases the contact area between the first protective layer TOC and the second protective layer IJP, thereby improving the interface adhesion between the first protective layer TOC and the second protective layer IJP, thereby reducing the peeling risk caused by the release of water vapor at high temperature and high humidity after the second protective layer IJP is invaded by water vapor.

[0062] Optionally, in addition to designing the second protective pattern 22 with a hollow mesh shape, the second protective pattern 22 can also be designed with a semi-hollow pattern, that is, a blind groove is opened on the third surface S3, which can also reduce the dihedral angle α and improve the adhesion between the first protective layer TOC and the second protective layer IJP.

[0063] Of course, the present disclosure can also perform other pattern designs on the second protective pattern 22 similar to the above-mentioned sawtooth structure and hollow structure. For ordinary technicians in this field, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the actual range (60°~80°) of the dihedral angle α of the present disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also regarded as the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] In some embodiments, the second protection pattern 22 is a combination of a hollow structure and a zigzag structure.

[0065] In some embodiments, the morphology of the third surface S3 of the second protection pattern 22 can be formed by a halftone technique.

[0066] In some embodiments, Figure 3As shown, the first protection pattern 21 is located in the display area AA, and is connected to the second protection pattern 22 located in the peripheral area BB as an integral structure. That is, the first protection layer TOC extends from the display area AA to the peripheral area BB. At this time, the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, that is, the two surfaces of the first protection layer TOC that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction, and the third surface S3, that is, the side of the first protection layer TOC connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2.

[0067] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the touch function layer TSP includes a first touch metal layer TMA, a touch insulating layer TLD and a second touch metal layer TMB arranged in sequence along a direction away from the base substrate 1; the second protection pattern 22 wraps the touch insulating layer TLD located in the peripheral area BB.

[0068] Alternatively, if Figure 3 As shown, the touch insulating layer TLD extends from the display area AA to the peripheral area BB, and there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the edge of the touch insulating layer TLD on the base substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the edge of the second protection pattern 22 away from the display area AA on the base substrate 1 .

[0069] In this embodiment, the second protection pattern 22 wraps the touch insulating layer TLD to protect the touch insulating layer TLD. That is, the touch insulating layer TLD is spaced a certain distance from the edge of the display panel. Therefore, cracks can be avoided during the cutting process of the display panel.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the display panel further includes a planar layer PLN disposed on a side of the touch function layer TSP away from the first protection layer TOC; in the peripheral area BB, the second protection pattern 22 wraps the planar layer PLN and the touch insulation layer TLD.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the peripheral area BB includes a first transition area BB1 surrounding the display area AA, a second transition area BB2 surrounding the first transition area BB1, and a third transition area BB3 surrounding the second transition area BB2. The flat layer PLN located in the second transition area BB2 has a crack dam Crack DAM structure (not shown in the figure), which can prevent small particles and small cracks in the display panel cutting process from spreading into the display area AA.

[0072] In some embodiments, Figure 6 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the second example in the A-A' direction is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the first protection pattern 21 and the second protection pattern 22 are arranged at intervals.

[0073] Optionally, the first protection pattern 21 extends from the display area AA to the peripheral area BB, but is spaced apart from the second protection pattern 22 located in the peripheral area BB. The first protection pattern 21 extends from the display area AA to the peripheral area BB to protect the metal traces located in the peripheral area BB (for example, the touch leads located on the first touch metal layer TMA and / or the second touch metal layer TMB).

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the peripheral area BB includes a first transition area BB1 surrounding the display area AA, a second transition area BB2 surrounding the first transition area BB1, and a third transition area BB3 surrounding the second transition area BB2. The wiring of the metal trace ends at the first transition area BB1, and the first protection pattern 21 extends from the display area AA to the first transition area BB1 and covers the metal trace (for example, the touch electrode and / or the touch lead).

[0075] In this embodiment, the first protection pattern 21 and the second protection pattern 22 are arranged at intervals. Compared with the design of the entire first protection layer TOC, the contact area between the first protection pattern 21 and the second protection pattern 22 and the second protection layer IJP is increased. For example, compared with the design of the entire first protection layer TOC, the side of the first protection pattern 21 and the side of the second protection pattern 22 close to the display area AA are increased, thereby improving the interface adhesion between the first protection pattern 21 and the second protection pattern 22 and the second protection layer IJP, thereby reducing the peeling risk caused by the release of water vapor at high temperature and high humidity after the second protection layer IJP is invaded by water vapor.

[0076] In some embodiments, Figure 7 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the third example in the A-A' direction is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the display panel also includes a second protective layer IJP arranged on the side of the first protective layer TOC away from the touch function layer TSP; the touch function layer TSP includes a first touch metal layer TMA, a touch insulating layer TLD and a second touch metal layer TMB arranged in sequence along a direction away from the base substrate 1; the touch insulating layer TLD is flush with the boundary of the second protective layer IJP away from the display area AA at the boundary away from the display area AA.

[0077] Exemplarily, the orthographic projection of the touch insulating layer TLD on the base substrate 1 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second protection layer IJP on the base substrate 1 .

[0078] Exemplarily, the second protection layer IJP and the touch insulating layer TLD are both laid in a whole layer and aligned with the edge of the base substrate 1. The first protection pattern 21 and the second protection pattern 22 are arranged at intervals, and the second protection layer IJP is in direct contact with the touch insulating layer TLD in the interval area between the two. Due to the influence of the material properties of the two, the adhesion between the second protection layer IJP and the touch insulating layer TLD is greater than the adhesion between the second protection layer IJP and the first protection layer TOC, so compared Figure 3 The design method of the touch insulating layer TLD shown in the figure extends the boundary of the touch insulating layer TLD in this embodiment, improves the adhesion of the second protective layer IJP, and reduces the peeling risk caused by the release of water vapor at high temperature and high humidity after the second protective layer IJP is invaded by water vapor.

[0079] In some embodiments, Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown, the display panel also includes a flat layer PLN arranged on the side of the touch function layer TSP away from the first protective layer TOC; the flat layer PLN located in the second transition area BB2 has a crack dam Crack DAM structure, which can prevent small particles and small cracks in the display panel cutting process from spreading into the display area AA.

[0080] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an isolation pillar Dam disposed on the base substrate 1; the isolation pillar Dam is located in the peripheral area BB, specifically, the orthographic projection of the isolation pillar Dam on the base substrate 1 is located between the orthographic projection of the first protection pattern 21 on the base substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the second protection pattern 22 on the base substrate 1. In this embodiment, the isolation pillar Dam is provided to prevent small particles and small cracks from spreading into the display area AA during the cutting process of the display panel.

[0081] In some embodiments, Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown, the display panel further includes a planar layer PLN disposed on a side of the touch function layer TSP away from the first protection layer TOC; the planar layer PLN covers the isolation pillar Dam.

[0082] A driving circuit layer (not shown in the figure) is usually arranged on the base substrate 1, and the planarization layer PLN can planarize the driving circuit layer to provide a relatively flat surface for other film layers thereon.

[0083] Exemplarily, crack channels are formed between multiple isolation pillars Dam, and there is a step difference between the crack channels and adjacent isolation pillars Dam. The metal film layer (SD layer) is likely to remain at the position of the valley (crack channel), causing the tip to be stressed when the edge is bent or affecting the electrostatic field / ESD test. This embodiment covers the isolation pillar Dam and the crack channel with a flat layer PLN, and utilizes the material properties of the flat layer PLN to balance the influence of the tip force when the edge of the display panel is bent and reduce the influence of the electrostatic test.

[0084] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the touch insulating layer TLD is laid in an entire layer, covering the flat layer PLN, which is beneficial to isolating the water vapor from invading the flat layer PLN and reducing the amount of water vapor in the flat layer PLN, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor released from the flat layer PLN during subsequent high temperature and high humidity trust tests, thereby reducing the risk of peeling.

[0085] Exemplarily, the material of the planar layer PLN is an organic material. For example, the material of the planar layer PLN may include but is not limited to a combination of one or more organic materials such as acrylic, resin, polyimide or benzocyclobutene, and the specific material may be selected according to actual needs.

[0086] Exemplarily, the organic material of the planar layer PLN and the organic material of the second protection layer IJP may be the same as or different from each other.

[0087] In some embodiments, the material of the second protection layer IJP is an organic material; and the material of the touch insulating layer TLD is an inorganic material.

[0088] Exemplarily, the material of the second protective layer IJP may include but is not limited to one or more combinations of resin materials such as acrylic, polyimide, epoxy resin, polyester, photoresist, polyacrylate, polyamide, siloxane, etc.; or elastic materials such as urethane and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0089] For example, the material of the touch insulating layer TLD may include but is not limited to silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0090] It should be noted that the adhesion between organic materials is smaller than the adhesion between organic materials and inorganic materials. Therefore, the material of the touch insulation layer TLD in this embodiment adopts inorganic material, which is beneficial to improve the adhesion between the second protective layer IJP and the touch insulation layer TLD, and reduce the peeling risk caused by the release of water vapor under high temperature and high humidity after the second protective layer IJP is invaded by water vapor.

[0091] In some embodiments, Figure 8 for Figure 2The cross-sectional view of the fourth example in the A-A' direction is Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The difference between the structures shown is that the edge slope angle of the second protective layer IJP is improved, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor released during high temperature and high humidity reliability testing.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the display panel also includes a second protective layer IJP arranged on the side of the first protective layer TOC away from the touch function layer TSP; the second protective layer IJP includes a fourth surface (not shown in the figure) and a fifth surface S5 relatively arranged in its thickness direction Y, and a sixth surface S6 connecting the fourth surface and the fifth surface S5; the fifth surface S5 is closer to the base substrate 1 than the fourth surface; the dihedral angle γ formed between the tangent plane of some points on the sixth surface S6 and the fifth surface S5 is between 30° and 45°.

[0093] Some points on the sixth surface S6 may be, for example, intermediate points other than boundary points. Here, "boundary points" refer to points where the sixth surface S6 is connected to the fourth surface and the fifth surface S5.

[0094] It should be noted that if Figure 1 As shown, in the related art, the IJP is laid out in a whole layer on the mother substrate (that is, it is reused as the IJP on multiple display panels). When cutting the display panel, the higher the thickness of the IJP in the area where the cutting channel is located (the area where the cutting channel is located is also the middle area of ​​the whole layer of the IJP), the greater the amount of water vapor released during the high temperature and high humidity reliability test.

[0095] In this embodiment, the edge of the second protective layer IJP is reasonably designed. The "edge" here refers to the edge of the display panel, which is the position close to the cutting channel during the display panel cutting stage. It ensures that the dihedral angle γ corresponding to the sixth surface S6 is between 30° and 45°, thereby reducing the thickness of the portion of the second protective layer IJP corresponding to the sixth surface S6, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor released at the edge of the second protective layer IJP during the reliability test, thereby reducing the Peeling risk.

[0096] In the process of preparing multiple display panels on the mother substrate disclosed in the present invention, the preparation of the second protective layer IJP is not to align the entire mother substrate with the entire layer, but to design the sixth surface S6 in the cutting channel area to satisfy the dihedral angle γ of 30° to 45°, that is, the second protective layer IJP in the cutting channel area, the second transition area BB2 and the third transition area BB3 is recessed.

[0097] In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the first protective layer TOC is between 2 μm and 3 μm, and the maximum thickness of the second protective layer IJP is between 14 μm and 17 μm.

[0098] In some embodiments, the ratio of the maximum thickness of the first protective layer TOC to the maximum thickness of the second protective layer IJP is between 0.166 and 0.375.

[0099] Exemplarily, the maximum thickness of the first protective layer TOC is between 2 μm and 3 μm, and the maximum thickness of the second protective layer IJP is between 8 μm and 12 μm.

[0100] Optionally, the maximum thickness of the second protective layer IJP is 8 μm, 9 μm, 10 μm, 11 μm, or 12 μm.

[0101] The present disclosure reduces the thickness of the second protective layer IJP as a whole, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor released from the entire second protective layer IJP during the reliability test, thereby reducing the Peeling risk.

[0102] In some embodiments, an average thickness of a portion of the second protection layer IJP corresponding to the sixth surface S6 is between 8 μm and 12 μm.

[0103] Here, the “average thickness” refers to the average value of the thickness of the second protective layer IJP corresponding to at least 10 sampling points in the sixth surface S6 close to the center of the sixth surface S6.

[0104] Exemplarily, the material of the second protective layer IJP is organic ink. The preparation process of the second protective layer IJP is usually implemented by inkjet printing technology, and the material of the second protective layer IJP is a fluid material. Therefore, the characteristics of the sixth surface S6 in this embodiment can be reduced by at least reducing the inkjet printing amount of the second protective layer IJP material in the third transition area BB3, or adjusting the printing path of the print head (for example, compared with the original printing path, aligning the edge of the display panel, moving the edge to a position closer to the display area AA), so as to reduce the thickness of the second protective layer IJP corresponding to the sixth surface S6.

[0105] In some embodiments, Fig. 9 for Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the fifth example in the A-A' direction is Figure 3 , Figure 6 to Figure 8 The difference between the structures shown is that a third protective layer CVD1 and / or a fourth protective layer CVD2 is added.

[0106] Alternatively, if Fig. 9 As shown, the third protective layer CVD1 is disposed on the side of the second protective layer IJP close to the first protective layer TOC. Due to the influence of the material properties of the two, the adhesion between the third protective layer CVD1 and the second protective layer IJP is greater than the adhesion between the second protective layer IJP and the first protective layer TOC, thereby reducing the Peeling risk.

[0107] Alternatively, if Fig. 9 As shown, the fourth protective layer CVD2 is arranged on the side of the second protective layer IJP away from the first protective layer TOC. Due to the influence of the material properties of the two, the fourth protective layer CVD2 is used to isolate water vapor from entering the second protective layer IJP, reducing the peeling risk of the second protective layer IJP during the reliability test.

[0108] In some embodiments, the material of the second protective layer IJP is an organic material, the material of the third protective layer CVD1 is an inorganic material, and the material of the fourth protective layer CVD2 is an inorganic material.

[0109] Since the adhesion between inorganic materials and organic materials is greater than the adhesion between organic materials and organic materials, the third protective layer CVD1 is set to an inorganic material, which reduces the risk of peeling compared to the way the second protective layer contacts the first protective layer TOC. At the same time, the inorganic material isolates water vapor, so the third protective layer CVD1 can isolate water vapor from entering the first protective layer TOC, further reducing the risk of peeling. The fourth protective layer CVD2 is set to an inorganic material, which isolates water vapor from entering the second protective layer IJP, which is conducive to reducing the risk of peeling.

[0110] For example, the material of the third protective layer CVD1 may include, but is not limited to, one or a combination of inorganic materials such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride.

[0111] For example, the material of the fourth protective layer CVD2 may include, but is not limited to, one or a combination of inorganic materials such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride.

[0112] In some embodiments, Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the film layer of the display area provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, such as Fig.10 As shown, the display panel further includes a driving circuit layer 4, a light emitting device 5, and an encapsulation layer 6 sequentially arranged on the base substrate 1; wherein the driving circuit layer 4 includes a pixel driving circuit for driving the light emitting device. The light emitting device 5 of the present disclosure is, for example, an OLED light emitting device.

[0113] Exemplarily, the encapsulation layer 6 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, wherein the multi-layer structure includes a stacked structure of an inorganic layer and an organic layer. For example, the encapsulation layer 6 may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer sequentially arranged in a direction away from the substrate 1.

[0114] Exemplarily, the material of the second protection layer IJP is the same as that of the organic encapsulation layer; the material of the third protection layer CVD1 is the same as that of the first inorganic encapsulation layer; and the material of the fourth protection layer CVD2 is the same as that of the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0115] In some embodiments, Fig.10 As shown, the display panel further includes a color filter layer CF disposed on the side of the second protection layer IJP away from the first protection pattern 21. The color filter layer CF includes a plurality of color filters, and the color filters are disposed one by one corresponding to the light emitting devices 5.

[0116] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a method for preparing a display panel. Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a method for preparing a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, it specifically includes steps S11 to S13.

[0117] S11, providing a substrate 1.

[0118] For example, the material of the substrate 1 may include but is not limited to polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a flexible plastic colorless polyimide (CPI), thermoplastic urethane (TUP) or ultra-thin glass (UTG). The substrate 1 may also be made of a rigid and transparent material such as glass, which can effectively support other film layers thereon. In practical applications, a suitable material can be selected according to actual needs. Exemplarily, the substrate 1 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The substrate 1 of the multi-layer structure may add an inorganic thin film between the layers to act as a buffer layer, and the material of the buffer layer may be a layer or a combination of multiple layers of amorphous silicon (a-Si), silicon nitride (SiNx), and silicon oxide (SiOx).

[0119] S12 , forming a touch function layer TSP on the base substrate 1 .

[0120] In this step, the FMLOC technology can be used to manufacture the touch function layer TSP after the display layer packaging process is completed.

[0121] The touch function layer TSP includes multiple metal layers and a dielectric layer arranged between adjacent metal layers. Exemplarily, the touch function layer TSP includes a touch buffer layer TBL, a first touch metal layer TMA, a touch insulating layer TLD, and a second touch metal layer TMB; wherein the second touch metal layer TMB is generally formed with a touch electrode. The touch electrode can be electrically connected to the connection bridge in the first touch metal layer TMA through a first via hole penetrating the touch insulating layer TLD, and can also be electrically connected to the peripheral metal trace (i.e., touch lead) through a second via hole transmitting the touch buffer layer.

[0122] The preparation process of the touch function layer TSP is generally as follows: depositing a buffer material to form a touch buffer layer TBL → forming a pattern of the first touch metal layer TMA through a composition process → forming a touch insulating layer TLD (including etching a transfer hole to form a first via hole and a part of the second via hole) → etching the touch buffer layer TBL to form another part connected to the second via hole → forming a pattern of the first touch metal layer TMA through a composition process.

[0123] S13 , forming a first protective layer TOC on a side of the touch function layer TSP facing away from the base substrate 1 .

[0124] Among them, the first protection layer TOC includes a first protection pattern 21 located at least in the display area AA, and a second protection pattern 22 located in the peripheral area BB; the second protection pattern 22 includes a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 arranged opposite to each other in its thickness direction, and a third surface S3 connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 and away from the display area AA side; the second surface S2 is closer to the base substrate 1 than the first surface S1; the dihedral angle α formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface S3 and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80°.

[0125] In this step, the preparation of the first protective layer TOC may adopt a mask process, which may specifically include the steps of photoresist coating, exposure, development, etching, photoresist stripping, etc.

[0126] For example, a pattern having the first protective layer TOC may be formed on the side of the touch function layer TSP facing away from the base substrate 1 through a one-time patterning process. Here, “one-time patterning process” refers to a process of forming a patterned layer using one mask.

[0127] Exemplarily, multiple patterning processes can also be used, that is, multiple masks are used to form the pattern of the first protective layer TOC of the present disclosure through multiple etchings, such as the sawtooth structure and hollow structure described above, so that the dihedral angle α corresponding to the final third surface S3 is between 60° and 80°.

[0128] The embodiment of the present disclosure ensures that the dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface S3 and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80° by patterning the first protective layer TOC. Figure 1 In the related art shown, the slope angle β of the TOC boundary is greater than 90°, resulting in poor interface adhesion between TOC and IJP. The present disclosure reduces the dihedral angle α of the first protective layer TOC boundary, thereby improving the interface adhesion between the first protective layer TOC and other film layers (such as the second protective layer IJPIJP in contact therewith), thereby reducing the risk of peeling caused by water vapor intrusion during the trust process.

[0129] In some embodiments, Figure 3 and Fig.10 As shown, after forming the light emitting device 5 and before forming the encapsulation layer 6, a flat layer PLN can also be formed on the side of the light emitting device away from the substrate 1. Exemplarily, the flat layer PLN extends from the display area AA to the second transition area BB2, covering the isolation pillar Dam. Exemplarily, the flat layer PLN located in the second transition area BB2 is reused as a Crack Dam structure.

[0130] In some embodiments, Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, after S13, a second protective layer IJP is formed on the side of the first protective layer TOC away from the touch function layer TSP. The second protective layer IJP includes a fourth surface and a fifth surface S5 arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof, and a sixth surface S6 connecting the fourth surface and the fifth surface S5; the fifth surface S5 is closer to the base substrate 1 than the fourth surface; and the dihedral angle γ formed between the tangent plane of some points on the sixth surface S6 and the fifth surface S5 is between 30° and 45°.

[0131] For example, the second protective layer IJP can be formed by inkjet printing technology. Figure 1The structure shown can reduce the inkjet printing volume of the third transition area BB3 and the second transition area BB2, so that the thickness of the second protective layer IJP located in the third transition area BB3 and the second transition area BB2 is less than the thickness of the second protective layer IJP located in the first transition area BB1; or, adjust the printing path of the print head, for example, compared with the original printing path, align the edge of the display panel and move to a position closer to the display area AA (for example, the center of the third transition area BB3, or the center of the second transition area BB2, or the junction of the second transition area BB2 and the first transition area BB1), so as to reduce the thickness of the second protective layer IJP corresponding to the sixth surface S6, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor released by the entire second protective layer IJP during the reliability test, thereby reducing the risk of peeling. Since the material of the second protective point is a fluid material, the second protective layer IJP can be retracted from the edge of the display panel to the display area AA, and the dihedral angle γ corresponding to the sixth surface S6 is finally measured to be between 30° and 45°.

[0132] Exemplarily, the average thickness of the second protection layer IJP located in the first transition region BB1 and the second transition region BB2 is between 8 μm and 12 μm.

[0133] In some embodiments, the ratio of the maximum thickness of the first protective layer TOC to the maximum thickness of the second protective layer IJP is between 0.166 and 0.375. For example, the maximum thickness of the first protective layer TOC is between 2 μm and 3 μm. The maximum thickness of the second protective layer IJP is between 8 μm and 12 μm.

[0134] The disclosed embodiment can reduce the overall thickness of the second protective layer IJP by controlling the inkjet printing volume of the entire second protective layer IJP, thereby reducing the amount of water vapor released from the entire second protective layer IJP during the reliability test and further reducing the Peeling risk.

[0135] In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides another method for preparing a display panel, which specifically includes steps S21 to S22.

[0136] S21, such as Fig.12 As shown, a base substrate 1, a touch function layer TSP, a first protective layer TOC and a second protective layer IJP are sequentially formed on a supporting substrate to form a display motherboard including a plurality of display panels.

[0137] The display mother panel has a display panel area and a cutting channel area CC surrounding the display panel area. The second protection layer IJP extends from the display panel area to the cutting channel area CC.

[0138] The first protection layer TOC includes a first protection pattern 21 located at least in the display area AA, and a second protection pattern 22 located in the peripheral area BB; the second protection pattern 22 includes a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 arranged opposite to each other in its thickness direction, and a third surface S3 connecting the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 and away from the display area AA; the second surface S2 is closer to the base substrate 1 than the first surface S1; the dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface S3 and the second surface S2 is between 60° and 80°.

[0139] S22, cutting the display motherboard to form a plurality of display panels.

[0140] In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a display device, which includes the display panel of any one of the above embodiments. The display device can be, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, a digital photo frame, a vehicle-mounted device, or any other product with a display function. Other essential components of the display device should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and will not be described in detail here, nor should they be used as limitations to the present disclosure.

[0141] It is to be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of the present disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area; the display panel includes a base substrate, a touch function layer arranged on the base substrate, and a first protective layer arranged on a side of the touch function layer away from the base substrate; The first protection layer includes a first protection pattern at least located in the display area, and a second protection pattern located in the peripheral area; the second protection pattern includes a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface and away from the display area; the second surface is closer to the base substrate than the first surface; The dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the third surface and the second surface is between 60° and 80°.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a second protective layer disposed on a side of the first protective layer away from the touch function layer; the second protective layer is made of an organic material.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third surface forms a sawtooth structure; the sawtooth structure includes a plurality of sawtooth portions; inner recesses are formed between adjacent sawtooth portions, and the openings of the inner recesses face away from the base substrate.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that: A plurality of the sawtooth portions are connected to form an integral structure at a first end close to the display area, and a plurality of the sawtooth portions are spaced apart from a second end of the display area.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second protection pattern is a hollow structure.

6. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The touch function layer comprises a first touch metal layer, a touch insulating layer and a second touch metal layer which are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the base substrate; The second protection pattern wraps the touch insulating layer located in the peripheral area.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first protection pattern and the second protection pattern are arranged at intervals.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that: The display panel further comprises a second protective layer arranged on a side of the first protective layer away from the touch function layer; the touch function layer comprises a first touch metal layer, a touch insulating layer and a second touch metal layer arranged in sequence in a direction away from the base substrate; The touch insulating layer is flush with a boundary of the second protection layer away from the display area at a boundary away from the display area.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that: The display panel further comprises an isolation pillar disposed on the base substrate; The orthographic projection of the isolation pillar on the base substrate is located between the orthographic projection of the first protection pattern on the base substrate and the orthographic projection of the second protection pattern on the base substrate.

10. The display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a flat layer disposed on a side of the touch function layer away from the first protective layer; the flat layer covers the isolation pillar.

11. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that: The material of the second protection layer is an organic material; the material of the touch insulating layer is an inorganic material.

12. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first protection pattern is located in the display area, and is connected with the second protection pattern located in the peripheral area to form an integrated structure.

13. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a second protective layer disposed on a side of the first protective layer away from the touch function layer; The second protective layer includes a fourth surface and a fifth surface that are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction thereof, and a sixth surface connecting the fourth surface and the fifth surface; the fifth surface is closer to the base substrate than the fourth surface; The dihedral angle formed between the tangent plane of some points on the sixth surface and the fifth surface is between 30° and 45°.

14. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that: The ratio of the maximum thickness of the first protective layer to the maximum thickness of the second protective layer is between 0.166 and 0.

375.

15. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that: The average thickness of the portion of the second protective layer corresponding to the sixth surface is between 8 μm and 12 μm.

16. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that: The display panel further includes a third protective layer disposed on a side of the second protective layer close to the first protective layer, and / or a fourth protective layer disposed on a side of the second protective layer away from the first protective layer.

17. The display panel according to claim 16, characterized in that: The material of the second protective layer is an organic material, and the materials of the third protective layer and the fourth protective layer are inorganic materials.

18. A display device, characterized in that: The invention comprises the display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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