Light emitting substrate, display apparatus, and method of fabricating light emitting substrate
The light emitting substrate with inorganic second substrate and precise connecting lines addresses manufacturing challenges in Mini LED displays, enhancing alignment and reducing defects for consistent brightness and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-02
AI Technical Summary
The integration of Mini LEDs into glass substrates faces challenges such as laser etching affecting LTPS driving circuits, low yield due to sputter layer detachment, precision limitations in 3D printing, and high costs and breakage risks in side wiring processes, leading to uneven brightness and manufacturing defects.
A light emitting substrate design featuring a first substrate with connecting lines and signal lines, a flexible printed circuit, and a second substrate made of inorganic material, with precise alignment and simplified fabrication processes to enhance durability and reduce defects.
The solution improves alignment accuracy, reduces manufacturing defects, and lowers production costs by simplifying the fabrication process, ensuring consistent brightness and higher yield in Mini LED displays.
Smart Images

Figure CN2024121008_02042026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
LIGHT EMITTING SUBSTRATE, DISPLAY APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF FABRICATING LIGHT EMITTING SUBSTRATETECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to display technology, more particularly, to a light emitting substrate, a display apparatus, and a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate.BACKGROUND
[0002] Mini LED technology, characterized by its ability to deliver higher brightness, better contrast ratios, and improved energy efficiency, has emerged as a leading solution in the display industry. The integration of Mini LEDs into glass substrates, combined with advanced circuit designs, has allowed for the creation of displays that are thinner, lighter, and more robust.SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a light emitting substrate, comprising a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines; a flexible printed circuit and / or a second substrate on the first substrate; and one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines electrically connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit together; wherein the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit; the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines; the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit; a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate; a second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate; and a third portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the first substrate closer to the one or more signal lines, and on a side of the one or more signal lines closer to the first substrate.
[0004] Optionally, the light emitting substrate comprises both the second substrate and the flexible printed circuit; wherein the second substrate is on the first substrate; the flexible printed circuit is on a side of the second substrate closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate; the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate; and the one or more signal lines are attached to the second substrate.
[0005] Optionally, the second substrate is made of an inorganic insulating material; and a ratio of a thickness of the second substrate to a thickness of the first substrate is in a range of 0.6 to 1.0.
[0006] Optionally, the second substrate has a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm.
[0007] Optionally, along a plane intersecting the first substrate, the second substrate, the one or more signal lines, and the one or more connecting lines, the one or more signal lines and the one or more connecting lines are in contact with each other along a first distance; wherein the first substrate includes a first surface on which the third portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed, a second surface on which the second portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed; the first substrate includes a chamfer portion between the first surface and the second surface, the chamfer portion having a chamfered edge; along a plane intersecting the first substrate, the second substrate, the one or more signal lines, and the one or more connecting lines, a second distance between an orthographic projection of an edge of the second substrate on the first surface and a line between the first surface and the chamfer portion is less than the first distance; and along a plane intersecting the first substrate, the second substrate, the one or more signal lines, and the one or more connecting lines, a third distance between a line between the first surface and the chamfer portion and an orthographic projection of the second surface on a plane containing the first surface is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance.
[0008] Optionally, an alignment accuracy a1 between the first substrate and the second substrate is ±5μm; a grinding accuracy a2 of the first substrate is ±15μm; a grinding accuracy a3 of the second substrate is ±15μm; and the second distance is ≥
[0009] Optionally, the light emitting substrate further comprises a second conductive adhesive layer; wherein the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit through the second conductive adhesive layer.
[0010] Optionally, the light emitting substrate further comprises an adhesive layer attaching the second substrate to the first substrate.
[0011] Optionally, the light emitting substrate further comprises an under layer on a side of the one or more signal lines away from the second substrate; wherein the under layer partially covers the one or more signal lines; the light emitting substrate comprises a plurality of slits; the under layer comprises a plurality of barriers; the plurality of slits and the plurality of barriers are alternately arranged; the one or more signal lines comprise one or more terminal leads connected to the one or more connecting lines; and a respective slit of the plurality of slits exposes a respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads.
[0012] Optionally, along a direction across the plurality of barriers and the plurality of slits, a respective barrier of the plurality of barriers has a width greater than 15 μm.
[0013] Optionally, the one or more signal lines comprise one or more bonding leads configured to bond to the flexible printed circuit; a respective bonding lead of the one or more bonding leads is on an opposite end of a respective signal line of the one or more signal lines with respect to the respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads; and an orthographic projection of the under layer on a base substrate is non-overlapping with an orthographic projection of the one or more bonding leads on the base substrate.
[0014] Optionally, the light emitting substrate comprises the flexible printed circuit on the first substrate; and an adhesive layer attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate; wherein the one or more signal lines are on a side of the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the flexible printed circuit.
[0015] Optionally, the one or more signal lines SL are in direct contact with the one or more connecting lines.
[0016] Optionally, the light emitting substrate further comprises a first conductive adhesive layer; wherein the one or more signal lines are connected to the one or more connecting lines through the first conductive adhesive layer.
[0017] Optionally, the second portion and the third portion of the one or more connecting lines are in direct contact with the first substrate.
[0018] Optionally, the light emitting substrate further comprises a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines; wherein the protective layer comprises a sealing portion in contact with the second substrate and in contact with the one or more connecting lines; and the sealing portion is at least partially on a lateral side of the second substrate.
[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a light emitting substrate, comprising a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines; a second substrate on the first substrate; a flexible printed circuit on a side of the second substrate away from the first substrate; one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit PC together; wherein the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines; the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit; the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate away from the first substrate; a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate; a second portion of the one or more connecting lines is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate; a third portion of the one or more connecting lines is attached to a lateral side of the second substrate; and a fourth portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the one or more signal lines away from the second substrate.
[0020] Optionally, the second substrate includes a first surface on which the one or more signal lines and the fourth portion of the one or more connecting lines are placed, and a second surface on which the third portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed; the second substrate comprises a chamfer portion between the first surface and the second surface, the chamfer portion having a chamfered edge; the first substrate includes a third surface on which the second portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed; and the second surface and the third surface are substantially even.
[0021] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display apparatus, comprising the light emitting substrate described herein or fabricated by a method described herein, and one or more integrated circuits connected to the light emitting substrate.
[0022] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate, comprising providing a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines; attaching a flexible printed circuit and / or a second substrate on the first substrate; and forming one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit together; wherein the one or more signal lines are formed on a side of the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit; the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines; the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit; a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate; a second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate; and a third portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the first substrate closer to the one or more signal lines, and on a side of the one or more signal lines closer to the first substrate.
[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0024] The following drawings are merely examples for illustrative purposes according to various disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a related display panel.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a related display panel.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a zoom-in view of a region of a related display panel.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a microscopic image of a related display panel.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a microscopic image of a related display panel.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a microscopic image of a related display panel.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a scanning electron microscope image of a related display panel.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a microscopic image of a related display panel.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a microscopic image of a related display panel.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a zoom-in view of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a zoom-in view of a first substrate in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 15 illustrates connections between the one or more connecting lines and one or more terminal leads on a second substrate in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 22 is a zoom-in view of a second substrate in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] The disclosure will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of some embodiments are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.
[0048] As Mini & Micro light emitting diode (LED) technology advances towards higher resolution and higher pixels per inch, the product substrates are transitioning from printed circuit boards to glass substrates. Since glass substrates cannot be drilled through and the products are zero-bezel, a side wiring process is required to route the front signal lines to the back, where a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) can be bonded to drive the display.
[0049] Currently, the side wiring process is achieved through sputtering combined with laser etching to form the side circuits or by using 3D printing of silver lines. The sputtering and laser etching method faces several issues. First, to reduce costs, the products are shifting to Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon (LTPS) driving circuits on glass substrates to drive the LEDs. However, the laser used in the etching process can affect the thin film transistor) characteristics of the LTPS driving circuit, resulting in uneven LED brightness when the product is lit, which cannot be resolved. Second, the side wiring process has a relatively low yield due to issues like sputter layer detachment.
[0050] The 3D printing of silver lines method is limited by the precision requirements of the printing equipment, making it difficult to print irregular patterns. Additionally, due to limitations in the bonding process and materials, it cannot accommodate high-precision, longer FPC bonding. Therefore, to implement the 3D printing method for side circuits, a bridge circuit needs to be attached to the back to connect the 3D printed lines with the FPC. In this process, since the 3D printed silver lines need to climb over the edge of the bridge circuit substrate, there is a risk of silver line breakage, which requires an additional layer to be printed before the 3D silver line to alleviate the slope at the edge of the bridge circuit substrate. The process is complex and prone to defects, as the bridge needs to be attached and an additional layer printed before the silver line, with each step requiring curing. The bridge substrate has a high coefficient of thermal expansion, leading to silver line breakage during subsequent heating processes or reliability testing. Due to the thermal expansion coefficient of the bridge substrate and touch panel requirements, a 20 μm thick substrate must be used, which is very expensive to produce. Additionally, its very thin thickness leads to high losses during the manufacturing process.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a related display panel. Referring to FIG. 1, the related display panel includes a first substrate SUB1 having a plurality of light emitting elements LE and a plurality of circuit signal lines PDC, a second substrate SUB2 on the first substrate SUB1, and a flexible printed circuit FPC on a side of the second substrate SUB2 away from the first substrate SUB1. The related display panel further includes one or more connecting lines CL connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC and the flexible printed circuit FPC together. A first portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is on the first substrate SUB1 and is connected to the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC. A second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to lateral sides of the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. A third portion of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the second substrate SUB2 and / or the flexible printed circuit FPC away from the first substrate SUB1.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a related display panel. FIG. 3 is a zoom-in view of a region of a related display panel. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the related display panel includes one or more fanout lines FOL connecting to the one or more connecting lines CL, and connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a microscopic image of a related display panel. In the related display panel, the second substrate SUB2 is typically made of a polyimide material. Referring to FIG. 4, after the polyimide-based second substrate is formed, bubbles form, causing a protective layer covering signal lines to crack. FIG. 4 shows one or more cracks CRK in the related display panel.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a microscopic image of a related display panel. Referring to FIG. 5, the polyimide-based second substrate in the related display panel sometimes contains a foreign object FO, causing damages to the related display panel. FIG. 5 shows cracks in the signal lines and the protective layer.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a microscopic image of a related display panel. Referring to FIG. 6, after the polyimide-based second substrate is formed and the underlayer printing is completed, a thickness of the underlayer affects the printing of the one or more connecting lines, leading to non-uniform line widths. In some cases, line breaks LB occur in the one or more connecting lines.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a scanning electron microscope image of a related display panel. FIG. 7 shows one or more cracks CRK in the signal lines, caused by bubbles or foreign objects.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the one or more connecting lines CL passes through a region having the first substrate SUB1 and into a region having the second substrate SUB2. The one or more connecting lines CL have a slope when transitioning from the region having the first substrate SUB1 and into the region having the second substrate SUB2. The slope affects the morphology of the one or more connecting lines CL, and impacts the line printing of the one or more connecting lines CL.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a microscopic image of a related display panel. Referring to FIG. 8, the one or more connecting lines CL have a first line width w1 in the region having the first substrate SUB1, and a second line width w2 in the region having the second substrate SUB2. The first line width w1 and the second line width w2 are different from each other. In one example, the first line width w1 is less than the second line width w2.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a microscopic image of a related display panel. Referring to FIG. 9, due to the slope when the one or more connecting lines CL transition from the region having the first substrate SUB1 and into the region having the second substrate SUB2, one or more line breaks occurs in the one or more connecting lines CL when transitioning from the region having the first substrate SUB1 and into the region having the second substrate SUB2.
[0060] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, inter alia, a light emitting substrate, a display apparatus, and a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the light emitting substrate includes a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines; a flexible printed circuit and / or a second substrate on the first substrate; and one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit together. Optionally, the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit. Optionally, the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines. Optionally, the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit. Optionally, a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate. Optionally, a second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate. Optionally, a third portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the first substrate closer to the one or more signal lines, and on a side of the one or more signal lines closer to the first substrate.
[0061] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12, the display panel in some embodiments includes a first substrate SUB1 having a plurality of light emitting elements LE, a plurality of circuit signal lines PDC, and a bonding pad CP. The bonding pad CP is connected to the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC. The plurality of circuit signal lines PDC are connected to the plurality of light emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second substrate SUB2 on the first substrate SUB1, and a flexible printed circuit FPC on a side of the second substrate SUB2 closer to the first substrate SUB1 and on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the second substrate SUB2.
[0062] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes one or more connecting lines CL and one or more signal lines SL connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC and the flexible printed circuit FPC together. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting lines CL are connected to the bonding pad CP, and are connected to the one or more signal lines SL; the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the one or more connecting lines CL, and are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0063] In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are on a side of the second substrate SUB2 closer to the first substrate SUB1 and on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the second substrate SUB2. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are in direct contact with the one or more connecting lines CL.
[0064] In some embodiments, a first portion P1 of the one or more connecting lines CL is on the first substrate SUB1 and is connected to the bonding pad CP; a second portion P2 of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate SUB1; a third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the one or more signal lines SL, and on a side of the one or more signal lines SL closer to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL are in direct contact with the first substrate SUB1.
[0065] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a conductive adhesive layer CAL. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC through the conductive adhesive layer CAL.
[0066] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an adhesive layer AL attaching the second substrate SUB2 to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the adhesive layer AL is non-conductive.
[0067] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a protective layer PL covering the one or more connecting lines CL. The protective layer PL is made of an insulating material.
[0068] In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 is made of an inorganic insulating material. The inventors of the present disclosure discover that, by having a second substrate SUB2 made of an inorganic insulating material, various issues (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9) associated with the related display panel in which the second substrate SUB2 is made of an organic insulating material (e.g., polyimide) can be obviated. In one particular example, the second substrate SUB2 is made of glass.
[0069] In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 has a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, a ratio of a thickness of the second substrate SUB2 to a thickness of the first substrate SUB1 is in a range of 0.6 to 1.0, e.g., 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, or 0.9 to 1.0. In one particular example, the thickness of the first substrate SUB1 is 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second substrate SUB2 is 0.3 mm.
[0070] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a first substrate; forming one or more connecting lines on the first substrate; providing a second substrate; forming one or more signal lines on the second substrate; bonding a flexible printed circuit to the second substrate; and attaching the second substrate to the first substrate, thereby connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines.
[0071] In some embodiments, forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate.
[0072] In some embodiments, connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines comprises attaching the second substrate to the first substrate, thereby connecting the one or more signal lines to a conductive material printed on the first substrate that is not cured; and curing the conductive material subsequently, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines using a cured conductive material and connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines.
[0073] In some embodiments, attaching the second substrate to the first substrate includes forming an adhesive layer to attach the second substrate and / or the one or more signal lines to the first substrate.
[0074] In some embodiments, bonding the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate includes forming a conductive adhesive layer to bond the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate.
[0075] In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines.
[0076] The inventors of the present disclosure discover several issues related to the related display panel. For example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too fragile, making the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer prone to damage, which affects the yield. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too thin, leading to wrinkles and bubbles during application, which impacts the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too thin, so that the thermal properties and thermal expansion coefficient affect the precision in the process of attaching the second substrate to the first substrate. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may demand stringent requirements on the material for making the second substrate, resulting in high costs.
[0077] The inventors of the present disclosure discover that the display panel of the present disclosure overcomes several issues in the related display panel. For example, the present disclosure greatly simplifies the process of preparing the second substrate, shortening the production cycle and reducing material costs. In fabricating the second substrate in the related display panel, the fabrication process typically includes forming the one or more signal lines on the second substrate, forming the protective layer covering the one or more signal lines, cutting, laser stripping, applying thermosetting adhesive coating to the second substrate, applying a protective film, applying a carrier film, punching the film material, and storing in refrigerator. In contrast, the fabricating process according to the present disclosure includes providing the second substrate, forming the one or more signal lines on the second substrate, forming the protective layer covering the one or more signal lines, cutting, and glass grinding. The fabricating process of the second substrate according to the present disclosure is greatly simplified.
[0078] The fabrication process of forming the display panel is also greatly simplified in the present disclosure. In fabricating the related display panel, the fabrication process typically includes providing the first substrate, attaching a polyimide-based second substrate to the first substrate, defoaming the polyimide-based second substrate, curing the polyimide-based second substrate, printing the under layer, curing the under layer, printing the one or more connecting lines, curing the one or more connecting lines, and bonding the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate. In contrast, the fabricating process according to the present disclosure includes providing the first substrate, printing the one or more connecting lines, providing the second substrate, bonding the flexible printing circuit to the second substrate, attaching the second substrate to the first substrate, and curing the one or more connecting lines.
[0079] The inventors of the present disclosure discover that the present disclosure greatly improves the alignment accuracy between the first substrate and the second substrate. In fabricating the related display panel, the polyimide-based second substrate flexible, and the alignment accuracy is ±40μm. In the present disclosure, both the first substrate and the second substrate are made of rigid materials, allowing an alignment accuracy of ±5μm to be achieved. This improved alignment precision enhances the capability of the side-wiring process to produce finer lines.
[0080] In fabricating the related display panel, subsequent to applying the protective film to the second substrate, small bubbles may remain. These bubbles cannot be easily eliminated during the defoaming process, and they tend to enlarge during subsequent heating steps, leading to damage to the protective layer on the polyimide-based second substrate.
[0081] In fabricating the related display panel, if foreign objects are introduced during the protective film application, they can cause damage to the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer. This type of defect can significantly impact the product's lifespan. Since the defect may not immediately cause a direct line break, it is difficult to detect during the manufacturing process.
[0082] FIG. 13 is a zoom-in view of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 13, along a plane intersecting the first substrate SUB1, the second substrate SUB2, the one or more signal lines SL, and the one or more connecting lines CL, the one or more signal lines and the one or more connecting lines are in contact with each other along a first distance d1. In some embodiments, the first distance d1 is greater than 50μm in order to minimize a resistance between the one or more signal lines SL and the one or more connecting lines CL (e.g., less than 1Ω) .
[0083] In some embodiments, a second distance d2 denotes a safety distance for alignment accuracy between the second substrate SUB2 and the first substrate SUB1. The safety distance ensures that the second substrate SUB2 does not protrude beyond the edge of the first substrate SUB1, maintaining the integrity of the seamless splicing.
[0084] FIG. 14 is a zoom-in view of a first substrate in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the first substrate SUB1 includes a first surface S1 on which a third portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is placed, a second surface S2 on which a second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is placed. In some embodiments, the first substrate SUB1 includes a chamfer portion CMP between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, wherein the chamfer portion CMP has a chamfered edge. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, along a plane intersecting the first substrate SUB1, the second substrate SUB2, the one or more signal lines SL, and the one or more connecting lines CL, a second distance d2 is a distance between an orthographic projection of an edge of the second substrate SUB2 on the first surface S1 and a line between the first surface S1 and the chamfer portion CMP. In some embodiments, the second distance d2 is greater than 5μm, considering the alignment accuracy of ±5μm between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2.
[0085] In some embodiments, an alignment accuracy a1 between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 is ±5μm; a grinding accuracy a2 of the first substrate SUB1 is ±15μm; and a grinding accuracy a3 of the second substrate SUB2 is ±15μm. In some embodiments, the second distance d2 may be expressed as In one example, d2 ≥ 21.8 μm.
[0086] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, along a plane intersecting the first substrate SUB1, the second substrate SUB2, the one or more signal lines SL, and the one or more connecting lines CL, a third distance d3 is a distance between a line between the first surface S1 and the chamfer portion CMP and an orthographic projection of the second surface S2 on a plane containing the first surface S1. In some embodiments, the third distance d3 is in a range of 10 to 50μm, e.g., 10 to 20μm, 20 to 30μm, 30 to 40μm, or 40 to 50μm. By having the third distance d3, the strength and durability of the first substrate SUB1 can be enhanced and the risk of chipping at the edges can be mitigated. This ensures that the chamfering not only protects the edges from damage but also maintains the integrity of the one or more connecting lines CL near the edges.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the protective layer PL includes a sealing portion SP in contact with the second substrate SUB2 and in contact with the one or more connecting lines CL to ensure a complete seal of the one or more connecting lines CL. In some embodiments, the sealing portion SP is at least partially on a lateral side of the second substrate SUB2.
[0088] As discussed above, in fabricating the related display panel, the second substrate is first attached to the first substrate, and subsequently one or more connecting lines are printed on the second substrate using one or more terminal leads as a reference. In the present disclosure, the second substrate is made of an inorganic material instead of an organic material, alignment precision between the first substrate and the second substrate are significantly enhanced. FIG. 15 illustrates connections between the one or more connecting lines and one or more terminal leads on a second substrate in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the one or more terminal lead TL on the second substrate SUB2 are connected to the one or more signal lines on the second substrate SUB2, respectively. In a process of fabricating the present display panel, in some embodiments, a conductive material is first printed on the first substrate SUB1 to form one or more uncured connecting lines, the second substrate SUB2 is then attached to the first substrate SUB1 by aligning the one or more terminal leads TL with the one or more uncured connecting lines, thereby connecting the one or more terminal leads TL with the one or more uncured connecting lines. Subsequently, the one or more uncured connecting lines are cured to form one or more connecting lines CL. Compared to the process of fabricating the related display panel, the one or more connecting lines CL according to the present disclosure does not has a slope transitioning from a region having the first substrate SUB1 to a region having the second substrate SUB2, significantly reducing occurrence of defects such as line breaks and non-uniformity of line widths.
[0089] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a portion in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. FIG. 17 may be a cross-section along an A-A’ line in FIG. 16. Referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, in some embodiments, the display panel includes a second substrate SUB2, one or more signal lines SL on the second substrate SUB2, and an under layer UNL on a side of the one or more signal lines SL away from the second substrate SUB2. The under layer UNL covers the one or more signal lines SL except for one or more terminal leads TL, which are connected to the one or more connecting lines. Optionally, a respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads TL is part of a respective signal line of the one or more signal lines SL.
[0090] In some embodiments, a length of a respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads TL is greater than 60 μm, e.g., greater than 70 μm, greater than 80 μm, greater than 90 μm, or greater than 100 μm.
[0091] In some embodiments, the display panel includes a plurality of slits SLT; the under layer UNL includes a plurality of barriers BR; and the plurality of slits SLT and the plurality of barriers BR are alternately arranged. A respective slit of the plurality of slits SLT exposes a respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads TL. The plurality of barriers BR function to prevent deformation and short circuit of the one or more uncured connecting lines under pressure before the one or more uncured connecting lines are cured to form the one or more connecting lines. In some embodiments, along a direction across the plurality of barriers BR and the plurality of slits SLT, a respective barrier of the plurality of barriers BR has a width w greater than 15 μm, e.g., greater than 20 μm, greater than 25 μm, greater than 30 μm, or greater than 35 μm.
[0092] In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL further include one or more bonding leads BL. A respective bonding lead of the one or more bonding leads BL is on an opposite end of a respective signal line of the one or more signal lines SL with respect to a respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads TL. The one or more bonding leads BL are configured to bond to the flexible printed circuit. In some embodiments, an orthographic projection of the under layer UNL on a base substrate is non-overlapping with an orthographic projection of the one or more bonding leads on the base substrate.
[0093] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 18, the display panel in some embodiments includes a first substrate SUB1 having a plurality of light emitting elements LE, a plurality of circuit signal lines PDC, and a bonding pad CP. The bonding pad CP is connected to the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC. The plurality of circuit signal lines PDC are connected to the plurality of light emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a flexible printed circuit FPC on the first substrate SUB1.
[0094] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes one or more connecting lines CL and one or more signal lines SL connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC and the flexible printed circuit FPC. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting lines CL are connected to the bonding pad CP, and are connected to the one or more signal lines SL; the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0095] In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are on a side of the flexible printed circuit FPC closer to the first substrate SUB1 and on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the flexible printed circuit FPC. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are in direct contact with the one or more connecting lines CL.
[0096] In some embodiments, a first portion P1 of the one or more connecting lines CL is on the first substrate SUB1 and is connected to the bonding pad CP; a second portion P2 of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate SUB1; a third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the one or more signal lines SL, and on a side of the one or more signal lines SL closer to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL are in direct contact with the first substrate SUB1.
[0097] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an adhesive layer AL attaching the flexible printed circuit FPC to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the adhesive layer AL is non-conductive.
[0098] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a protective layer PL covering the one or more connecting lines CL. The protective layer PL is made of an insulating material.
[0099] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a first substrate; forming one or more connecting lines on the first substrate; providing a flexible printed circuit; forming one or more signal lines on the flexible printed circuit; and attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate, thereby connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines.
[0100] In some embodiments, forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate.
[0101] In some embodiments, connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines comprises attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate, thereby connecting the one or more signal lines to a conductive material printed on the first substrate that is not cured; and curing the conductive material subsequently, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines using a cured conductive material and connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines.
[0102] In some embodiments, attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate includes forming an adhesive layer to attach the flexible printed circuit and / or the one or more signal lines to the first substrate.
[0103] In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines.
[0104] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 19, the display panel in some embodiments includes a first substrate SUB1 having a plurality of light emitting elements LE, a plurality of circuit signal lines PDC, and a bonding pad CP. The bonding pad CP is connected to the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC. The plurality of circuit signal lines PDC are connected to the plurality of light emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second substrate SUB2 on the first substrate SUB1, and a flexible printed circuit FPC on a side of the second substrate SUB2 closer to the first substrate SUB1 and on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the second substrate SUB2.
[0105] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes one or more connecting lines CL and one or more signal lines SL connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC and the flexible printed circuit FPC together. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting lines CL are connected to the bonding pad CP, and are connected to the one or more signal lines SL; the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the one or more connecting lines CL, and are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0106] In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are on a side of the second substrate SUB2 closer to the first substrate SUB1 and on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the second substrate SUB2. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a first conductive adhesive layer CAL1. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the one or more connecting lines CL through the first conductive adhesive layer CAL1.
[0107] In some embodiments, a first portion P1 of the one or more connecting lines CL is on the first substrate SUB1 and is connected to the bonding pad CP; a second portion P2 of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate SUB1; a third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the one or more signal lines SL, and on a side of the one or more signal lines SL closer to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL are in direct contact with the first substrate SUB1.
[0108] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second conductive adhesive layer CAL2. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC through the second conductive adhesive layer CAL2.
[0109] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an adhesive layer AL attaching the second substrate SUB2 to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the adhesive layer AL is non-conductive.
[0110] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a protective layer PL covering the one or more connecting lines CL. The protective layer PL is made of an insulating material.
[0111] In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 is made of an inorganic insulating material. The inventors of the present disclosure discover that, by having a second substrate SUB2 made of an inorganic insulating material, various issues (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9) associated with the related display panel in which the second substrate SUB2 is made of an organic insulating material (e.g., polyimide) can be obviated. In one particular example, the second substrate SUB2 is made of glass.
[0112] In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 has a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, a ratio of a thickness of the second substrate SUB2 to a thickness of the first substrate SUB1 is in a range of 0.6 to 1.0, e.g., 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, or 0.9 to 1.0. In one particular example, the thickness of the first substrate SUB1 is 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second substrate SUB2 is 0.3 mm.
[0113] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a first substrate; forming one or more connecting lines on the first substrate; providing a second substrate; forming one or more signal lines on the second substrate; bonding a flexible printed circuit to the second substrate; and attaching the second substrate to the first substrate, thereby connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines.
[0114] In some embodiments, forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate.
[0115] In some embodiments, connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines comprises forming a first conductive adhesive layer to connect the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines. Optionally, prior to connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines, the method further includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, curing the conductive material thereby forming the one or more connecting lines. The inventors of the present disclosure discover that, by first curing the conductive material thereby forming the one or more connecting lines, the one or more connecting lines is less prone to deformation.
[0116] In some embodiments, attaching the second substrate to the first substrate includes forming an adhesive layer to attach the second substrate and / or the one or more signal lines to the first substrate.
[0117] In some embodiments, bonding the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate includes forming a second conductive adhesive layer to bond the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate.
[0118] In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines.
[0119] The inventors of the present disclosure discover several issues related to the related display panel. For example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too fragile, making the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer prone to damage, which affects the yield. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too thin, leading to wrinkles and bubbles during application, which impacts the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too thin, so that the thermal properties and thermal expansion coefficient affect the precision in the process of attaching the second substrate to the first substrate. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may demand stringent requirements on the material for making the second substrate, resulting in high costs.
[0120] The inventors of the present disclosure discover that the display panel of the present disclosure overcomes several issues in the related display panel. For example, the present disclosure greatly simplifies the process of preparing the second substrate, shortening the production cycle and reducing material costs. In fabricating the second substrate in the related display panel, the fabrication process typically includes forming the one or more signal lines on the second substrate, forming the protective layer covering the one or more signal lines, cutting, laser stripping, applying thermosetting adhesive coating to the second substrate, applying a protective film, applying a carrier film, punching the film material, and storing in refrigerator. In contrast, the fabricating process according to the present disclosure includes providing the second substrate, forming the one or more signal lines on the second substrate, forming the protective layer covering the one or more signal lines, cutting, and glass grinding. The fabricating process of the second substrate according to the present disclosure is greatly simplified.
[0121] The fabrication process of forming the display panel is also greatly simplified in the present disclosure. In fabricating the related display panel, the fabrication process typically includes providing the first substrate, attaching a polyimide-based second substrate to the first substrate, defoaming the polyimide-based second substrate, curing the polyimide-based second substrate, printing the under layer, curing the under layer, printing the one or more connecting lines, curing the one or more connecting lines, and bonding the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate. In contrast, the fabricating process according to the present disclosure includes providing the first substrate, printing the one or more connecting lines, providing the second substrate, bonding the flexible printing circuit to the second substrate, attaching the second substrate to the first substrate, and curing the one or more connecting lines.
[0122] The inventors of the present disclosure discover that the present disclosure greatly improves the alignment accuracy between the first substrate and the second substrate. In fabricating the related display panel, the polyimide-based second substrate flexible, and the alignment accuracy is ±40μm. In the present disclosure, both the first substrate and the second substrate are made of rigid materials, allowing an alignment accuracy of ±5μm to be achieved. This improved alignment precision enhances the capability of the side-wiring process to produce finer lines.
[0123] In fabricating the related display panel, subsequent to applying the protective film to the second substrate, small bubbles may remain. These bubbles cannot be easily eliminated during the defoaming process, and they tend to enlarge during subsequent heating steps, leading to damage to the protective layer on the polyimide-based second substrate.
[0124] In fabricating the related display panel, if foreign objects are introduced during the protective film application, they can cause damage to the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer. This type of defect can significantly impact the product's lifespan. Since the defect may not immediately cause a direct line break, it is difficult to detect during the manufacturing process.
[0125] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 20, the display panel in some embodiments includes a first substrate SUB1 having a plurality of light emitting elements LE, a plurality of circuit signal lines PDC, and a bonding pad CP. The bonding pad CP is connected to the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC. The plurality of circuit signal lines PDC are connected to the plurality of light emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a flexible printed circuit FPC on the first substrate SUB1.
[0126] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes one or more connecting lines CL and one or more signal lines SL connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC and the flexible printed circuit FPC together. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting lines CL are connected to the bonding pad CP, and are connected to the one or more signal lines SL; the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the one or more connecting lines CL, and are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0127] In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are on a side of the flexible printed circuit FPC closer to the first substrate SUB1 and on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the flexible printed circuit FPC. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a first conductive adhesive layer CAL1. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the one or more connecting lines CL through the first conductive adhesive layer CAL1.
[0128] In some embodiments, a first portion P1 of the one or more connecting lines CL is on the first substrate SUB1 and is connected to the bonding pad CP; a second portion P2 of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate SUB1; a third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the first substrate SUB1 closer to the one or more signal lines SL, and on a side of the one or more signal lines SL closer to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL are in direct contact with the first substrate SUB1.
[0129] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an adhesive layer AL attaching the flexible printed circuit FPC to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the adhesive layer AL is non-conductive.
[0130] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a protective layer PL covering the one or more connecting lines CL. The protective layer PL is made of an insulating material.
[0131] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a first substrate; forming one or more connecting lines on the first substrate; providing a flexible printed circuit; forming one or more signal lines on the flexible printed circuit; and attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate, thereby connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines.
[0132] In some embodiments, forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate.
[0133] In some embodiments, connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines comprises forming a first conductive adhesive layer to connect the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines. Optionally, prior to connecting the one or more signal lines to the one or more connecting lines, the method further includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, curing the conductive material thereby forming the one or more connecting lines.
[0134] In some embodiments, attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate includes forming an adhesive layer to attach the flexible printed circuit and / or the one or more signal lines to the first substrate.
[0135] In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines.
[0136] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 21, the display panel in some embodiments includes a first substrate SUB1 having a plurality of light emitting elements LE, a plurality of circuit signal lines PDC, and a bonding pad CP. The bonding pad CP is connected to the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC. The plurality of circuit signal lines PDC are connected to the plurality of light emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second substrate SUB2 on the first substrate SUB1, and a flexible printed circuit FPC on a side of the second substrate SUB2 away from the first substrate SUB1.
[0137] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes one or more connecting lines CL and one or more signal lines SL connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines PDC and the flexible printed circuit FPC together. In some embodiments, the one or more connecting lines CL are connected to the bonding pad CP, and are connected to the one or more signal lines SL; the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the one or more connecting lines CL, and are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC.
[0138] In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are on a side of the second substrate SUB2 away from the first substrate SUB1. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are in direct contact with the one or more connecting lines CL.
[0139] In some embodiments, a first portion P1 of the one or more connecting lines CL is on the first substrate SUB1 and is connected to the bonding pad CP; a second portion P2 of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate SUB1; a third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the second substrate SUB2; a fourth portion P4 of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the one or more signal lines SL away from the second substrate SUB2. Optionally, the second portion P2 is direct contact with the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the third portion P3 is in direct contact with the second substrate SUB2.
[0140] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a conductive adhesive layer CAL. In some embodiments, the one or more signal lines SL are connected to the flexible printed circuit FPC through the conductive adhesive layer CAL. Optionally, the flexible printed circuit FPC is on a side of the conductive adhesive layer CAL away from the one or more signal lines SL.
[0141] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an adhesive layer AL attaching the second substrate SUB2 to the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the adhesive layer AL is non-conductive.
[0142] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a protective layer PL covering the one or more connecting lines CL. The protective layer PL is made of an insulating material.
[0143] FIG. 22 is a zoom-in view of a second substrate in a display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 includes a first surface S1 on which the one or more signal lines and a fourth portion of the one or more connecting lines CL are placed, and a second surface S2 on which a third portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is placed. In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 includes a chamfer portion CMP between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, wherein the chamfer portion CMP has a chamfered edge. In some embodiments, the first substrate SUB1 includes a third surface S3 on which the second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is placed. In some embodiments, the second surface S2 and the third surface S3 are substantially (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or 100%) even. The inventors of the present disclosure discover that, by having the second surface S2 and the third surface S3 substantially even, the one or more connecting lines CL according to the present disclosure does not has a slope transitioning from a region having the first substrate SUB1 to a region having the second substrate SUB2, significantly reducing occurrence of defects such as line breaks and non-uniformity of line widths.
[0144] In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 is made of an inorganic insulating material. The inventors of the present disclosure discover that, by having a second substrate SUB2 made of an inorganic insulating material, various issues (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 4 to FIG. 9) associated with the related display panel in which the second substrate SUB2 is made of an organic insulating material (e.g., polyimide) can be obviated. In one particular example, the second substrate SUB2 is made of glass.
[0145] In some embodiments, the second substrate SUB2 has a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, a ratio of a thickness of the second substrate SUB2 to a thickness of the first substrate SUB1 is in a range of 0.6 to 1.0, e.g., 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, or 0.9 to 1.0. In one particular example, the thickness of the first substrate SUB1 is 0.5 mm, and the thickness of the second substrate SUB2 is 0.3 mm.
[0146] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a first substrate; providing a second substrate; attaching the second substrate to the first substrate; grinding the first substrate and the second substrate so that surfaces of lateral sides of the first substrate and the second substrate are substantially even; forming one or more signal lines on the second substrate; forming one or more connecting lines on the first substrate and the second substrate, the one or more connecting lines connected to the one or more signal lines; and bonding a flexible printed circuit to the second substrate;
[0147] In some embodiments, forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate and the second substrate includes printing a conductive material (e.g., silver paste) on the first substrate, thereby forming the one or more connecting lines on the first substrate and the second substrate.
[0148] In some embodiments, forming the one or more connecting lines includes forming a first portion P1 of the one or more connecting lines CL on the first substrate SUB1 and connected to the bonding pad CP; forming a second portion P2 of the one or more connecting lines CL attached to a lateral side of the first substrate SUB1; forming a third portion P3 of the one or more connecting lines CL attached to a lateral side of the second substrate SUB2; and forming a fourth portion P4 of the one or more connecting lines CL on a side of the one or more signal lines SL away from the second substrate SUB2. Optionally, the second portion P2 is direct contact with the first substrate SUB1. Optionally, the third portion P3 is in direct contact with the second substrate SUB2.
[0149] In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching the second substrate to the first substrate. In some embodiments, attaching the second substrate to the first substrate includes forming an adhesive layer to attach the second substrate to the first substrate.
[0150] In some embodiments, bonding the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate includes forming a conductive adhesive layer to bond the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate.
[0151] In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines.
[0152] The inventors of the present disclosure discover several issues related to the related display panel. For example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too fragile, making the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer prone to damage, which affects the yield. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too thin, leading to wrinkles and bubbles during application, which impacts the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may be too thin, so that the thermal properties and thermal expansion coefficient affect the precision in the process of attaching the second substrate to the first substrate. In another example, the second substrate in a related display panel may demand stringent requirements on the material for making the second substrate, resulting in high costs.
[0153] The inventors of the present disclosure discover that the display panel of the present disclosure overcomes several issues in the related display panel. For example, the present disclosure greatly simplifies the process of preparing the second substrate, shortening the production cycle and reducing material costs. In fabricating the second substrate in the related display panel, the fabrication process typically includes forming the one or more signal lines on the second substrate, forming the protective layer covering the one or more signal lines, cutting, laser stripping, applying thermosetting adhesive coating to the second substrate, applying a protective film, applying a carrier film, punching the film material, and storing in refrigerator. In contrast, the fabricating process according to the present disclosure includes providing the second substrate, forming the one or more signal lines on the second substrate, forming the protective layer covering the one or more signal lines, cutting, and glass grinding. The fabricating process of the second substrate according to the present disclosure is greatly simplified.
[0154] The fabrication process of forming the display panel is also greatly simplified in the present disclosure. In fabricating the related display panel, the fabrication process typically includes providing the first substrate, attaching a polyimide-based second substrate to the first substrate, defoaming the polyimide-based second substrate, curing the polyimide-based second substrate, printing the under layer, curing the under layer, printing the one or more connecting lines, curing the one or more connecting lines, and bonding the flexible printed circuit to the second substrate. In contrast, the fabricating process according to the present disclosure includes providing the first substrate, providing the second substrate, printing and curing the one or more connecting lines, bonding the flexible printing circuit to the second substrate, attaching the second substrate to the first substrate.
[0155] The inventors of the present disclosure discover that the present disclosure greatly improves the alignment accuracy between the first substrate and the second substrate. In fabricating the related display panel, the polyimide-based second substrate flexible, and the alignment accuracy is ±40μm. In the present disclosure, both the first substrate and the second substrate are made of rigid materials, allowing an alignment accuracy of ±5μm to be achieved. This improved alignment precision enhances the capability of the side-wiring process to produce finer lines.
[0156] In fabricating the related display panel, subsequent to applying the protective film to the second substrate, small bubbles may remain. These bubbles cannot be easily eliminated during the defoaming process, and they tend to enlarge during subsequent heating steps, leading to damage to the protective layer on the polyimide-based second substrate.
[0157] In fabricating the related display panel, if foreign objects are introduced during the protective film application, they can cause damage to the one or more connecting lines and the protective layer. This type of defect can significantly impact the product's lifespan. Since the defect may not immediately cause a direct line break, it is difficult to detect during the manufacturing process.
[0158] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display apparatus comprising the display panel described herein or fabricated according to a method described herein, and one or more integrated circuits connected to the display panel. Examples of appropriate display apparatuses include, but are not limited to, an electronic paper, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a notebook computer, a digital album, a GPS, etc. Optionally, the display apparatus is an organic light emitting diode display apparatus. Optionally, the display apparatus is a micro light emitting diode display apparatus. Optionally, the display apparatus is a mini light emitting diode display apparatus. Optionally, the display apparatus is a quantum dots display apparatus.
[0159] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a light emitting substrate. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines; attaching a flexible printed circuit and / or a second substrate on the first substrate; and forming one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit together. Optionally, the one or more signal lines are formed on a side of the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit. Optionally, the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines. Optionally, the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit. Optionally, a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate. Optionally, a second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate. Optionally, a third portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the first substrate closer to the one or more signal lines, and on a side of the one or more signal lines closer to the first substrate.
[0160] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or to exemplary embodiments disclosed. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. The embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its best mode practical application, thereby to enable persons skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the term “the invention” , “the present invention” or the like does not necessarily limit the claim scope to a specific embodiment, and the reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention does not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Moreover, these claims may refer to use “first” , “second” , etc. following with noun or element. Such terms should be understood as a nomenclature and should not be construed as giving the limitation on the number of the elements modified by such nomenclature unless specific number has been given. Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in the embodiments described by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Moreover, no element and component in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the following claims.
Claims
1.A light emitting substrate, comprising:a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines;a flexible printed circuit and / or a second substrate on the first substrate; andone or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines electrically connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit together;wherein the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit;the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines;the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit;a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate;a second portion of the one or more connecting lines is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate; anda third portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the first substrate closer to the one or more signal lines, and on a side of the one or more signal lines closer to the first substrate.2.The light emitting substrate of claim 1, comprising both the second substrate and the flexible printed circuit;wherein the second substrate is on the first substrate;the flexible printed circuit is on a side of the second substrate closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate;the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate; andthe one or more signal lines are attached to the second substrate.3.The light emitting substrate of claim 2, wherein the second substrate is made of an inorganic insulating material; anda ratio of a thickness of the second substrate to a thickness of the first substrate is in a range of 0.6 to 1.0.4.The light emitting substrate of claim 2, wherein the second substrate has a thickness in a range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm.5.The light emitting substrate of claim 2, wherein, along a plane intersecting the first substrate, the second substrate, the one or more signal lines, and the one or more connecting lines, the one or more signal lines and the one or more connecting lines are in contact with each other along a first distance;wherein the first substrate includes a first surface on which the third portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed, a second surface on which the second portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed;the first substrate includes a chamfer portion between the first surface and the second surface, the chamfer portion having a chamfered edge;along a plane intersecting the first substrate, the second substrate, the one or more signal lines, and the one or more connecting lines, a second distance between an orthographic projection of an edge of the second substrate on the first surface and a line between the first surface and the chamfer portion is less than the first distance; andalong a plane intersecting the first substrate, the second substrate, the one or more signal lines, and the one or more connecting lines, a third distance between a line between the first surface and the chamfer portion and an orthographic projection of the second surface on a plane containing the first surface is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance.6.The light emitting substrate of claim 5, wherein an alignment accuracy a1 between the first substrate and the second substrate is ±5μm;a grinding accuracy a2 of the first substrate is ±15μm;a grinding accuracy a3 of the second substrate is ±15μm; andthe second distance is7.The light emitting substrate of claim 2, further comprising a second conductive adhesive layer;wherein the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit through the second conductive adhesive layer.8.The light emitting substrate of claim 2, further comprising an adhesive layer attaching the second substrate to the first substrate.9.The light emitting substrate of claim 2, further comprising an under layer on a side of the one or more signal lines away from the second substrate;wherein the under layer partially covers the one or more signal lines;the light emitting substrate comprises a plurality of slits;the under layer comprises a plurality of barriers;the plurality of slits and the plurality of barriers are alternately arranged;the one or more signal lines comprise one or more terminal leads connected to the one or more connecting lines; anda respective slit of the plurality of slits exposes a respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads.10.The light emitting substrate of claim 9, wherein, along a direction across the plurality of barriers and the plurality of slits, a respective barrier of the plurality of barriers has a width greater than 15 μm.11.The light emitting substrate of claim 9, wherein the one or more signal lines comprise one or more bonding leads configured to bond to the flexible printed circuit;a respective bonding lead of the one or more bonding leads is on an opposite end of a respective signal line of the one or more signal lines with respect to the respective terminal lead of the one or more terminal leads; andan orthographic projection of the under layer on a base substrate is non-overlapping with an orthographic projection of the one or more bonding leads on the base substrate.12.The light emitting substrate of claim 1, comprising:the flexible printed circuit on the first substrate; andan adhesive layer attaching the flexible printed circuit to the first substrate;wherein the one or more signal lines are on a side of the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the flexible printed circuit.13.The light emitting substrate of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the one or more signal lines SL are in direct contact with the one or more connecting lines.14.The light emitting substrate of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a first conductive adhesive layer;wherein the one or more signal lines are connected to the one or more connecting lines through the first conductive adhesive layer.15.The light emitting substrate of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second portion and the third portion of the one or more connecting lines are in direct contact with the first substrate.16.The light emitting substrate of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a protective layer covering the one or more connecting lines;wherein the protective layer comprises a sealing portion in contact with the second substrate and in contact with the one or more connecting lines; andthe sealing portion is at least partially on a lateral side of the second substrate.17.A light emitting substrate, comprising:a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines;a second substrate on the first substrate;a flexible printed circuit on a side of the second substrate away from the first substrate;one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit PC together;wherein the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines;the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit;the one or more signal lines are on a side of the second substrate away from the first substrate;a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate;a second portion of the one or more connecting lines is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate;a third portion of the one or more connecting lines is attached to a lateral side of the second substrate; anda fourth portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the one or more signal lines away from the second substrate.18.The light emitting substrate of claim 17, wherein the second substrate includes a first surface on which the one or more signal lines and the fourth portion of the one or more connecting lines are placed, and a second surface on which the third portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed;the second substrate comprises a chamfer portion between the first surface and the second surface, the chamfer portion having a chamfered edge;the first substrate includes a third surface on which the second portion of the one or more connecting lines is placed; andthe second surface and the third surface are substantially even.19.A display apparatus, comprising the light emitting substrate of any one of claims 1 to 18, and one or more integrated circuits connected to the light emitting substrate.20.A method of fabricating a light emitting substrate, comprising:providing a first substrate having a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of circuit signal lines;attaching a flexible printed circuit and / or a second substrate on the first substrate; andforming one or more connecting lines and one or more signal lines connecting the plurality of circuit signal lines and the flexible printed circuit together;wherein the one or more signal lines are formed on a side of the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit closer to the first substrate and on a side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate and / or the flexible printed circuit;the one or more connecting lines are connected to the one or more signal lines;the one or more signal lines are connected to the flexible printed circuit;a first portion of the one or more connecting lines is on the first substrate;a second portion of the one or more connecting lines CL is attached to a lateral side of the first substrate; anda third portion of the one or more connecting lines on a side of the first substrate closer to the one or more signal lines, and on a side of the one or more signal lines closer to the first substrate.
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