Display panel, display device and method for manufacturing display panel

Abstract

The application discloses a display panel, a display device and a preparation method of the display panel. The display panel comprises a substrate, an encapsulation layer arranged on one side of the substrate, the encapsulation layer comprising a plurality of encapsulation grooves, a first electrode layer arranged on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate, the first electrode layer being provided with a plurality of first electrode openings, the orthographic projection of the first electrode openings overlapping the orthographic projection of the encapsulation grooves in the plane of the substrate, a high-refractive layer comprising a plurality of high-refractive parts, at least a part of each high-refractive part being arranged in the encapsulation groove, the refractive index of the high-refractive part being greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer, an electrochromic layer arranged on the side of the first electrode layer away from the substrate, and a second electrode layer arranged on the side of the electrochromic layer away from the substrate, the second electrode layer and the first electrode layer forming an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer. The display panel, the display device and the preparation method of the display panel disclosed by the application can improve the wetting problem of the electrochromic layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing the display panel. Background Technology

[0002] When privacy settings are required for a display panel, an electrochromic layer is incorporated within it. Different voltages are applied to this layer depending on the panel's operating state, causing it to display different colors. Furthermore, if the display panel also incorporates a microlens structure, a wetting effect can occur at the edges of the electrochromic layer, resulting in indistinct edges in the color-changing areas and negatively impacting the display's overall performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing the display panel, which can improve the wetting problem of the electrochromic layer.

[0004] In a first aspect, a display panel is provided, comprising: a substrate; an encapsulation layer disposed on one side of the substrate; the encapsulation layer including a plurality of encapsulation slots; a first electrode layer disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer opposite to the substrate, the first electrode layer having a plurality of first electrode openings, the orthographic projection of the first electrode openings onto the plane of the substrate overlapping the orthographic projection of the encapsulation slots onto the plane of the substrate; a high refractive index layer including a plurality of high refractive index portions, at least a portion of each high refractive index portion being disposed within an encapsulation slot; the refractive index of the high refractive index portion being greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer; an electrochromic layer, at least a portion of the electrochromic layer being disposed on the side of the first electrode layer opposite to the substrate; a second electrode layer disposed on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the substrate; the second electrode layer and the first electrode layer forming an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a portion of the high refractive index portion protrudes from the side of the first electrode layer away from the substrate by a height of H1, and the thickness of the electrochromic layer is D1, wherein H1≤D1.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, H1 = D1, the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer on the plane where the substrate is located overlaps at least partially with the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench on the plane where the substrate is located, or the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer on the plane where the substrate is located and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench on the plane where the substrate is located are spaced apart.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, H1 < D1, the display panel further includes an optical adhesive layer, the optical adhesive layer includes a plurality of optical adhesive filling portions, the optical adhesive filling portions being disposed on the side of the high refractive index portion away from the substrate.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the display panel further includes a light-emitting functional layer disposed between the substrate and the encapsulation layer. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array, and the orthographic projection of the pixel units on the plane where the substrate is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the high refractive index portion on the plane where the substrate is located.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the orthographic projection of the pixel unit onto the plane of the substrate and the orthographic projection of the electrochromic layer onto the plane of the substrate are spaced apart.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the display panel further includes a third electrode layer, the third electrode layer including a plurality of electrode portions, the electrode portions being disposed on the side of the high refractive index portion away from the substrate, and at least a portion of the electrochromic layer being disposed between the second electrode layer and the electrode portions, the second electrode layer and the electrode portions forming an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the display panel further includes a signal line layer disposed between the second electrode layer and the electrochromic layer. The signal line layer includes a plurality of signal lines, which are electrically connected to the electrode portion.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the voltage between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is U1, and the voltage between the electrode portion and the second electrode layer is U2, wherein U1 > U2.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the orthographic projection of the signal line onto the plane of the substrate partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the plane of the substrate, and the signal line is insulated from the first electrode layer.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer onto the plane where the substrate is located covers the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the plane where the substrate is located and the orthographic projection of the third electrode layer.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the second electrode layer includes a first portion and a second portion; the orthographic projection of the first portion onto the plane where the substrate is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the plane where the substrate is located, and the orthographic projection of the second portion overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode portion.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the electrochromic layer comprises tungsten trioxide.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a display device, including the display panel of the first aspect of this application.

[0018] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a method for fabricating a display panel, comprising: providing a substrate; fabricating an encapsulation layer on one side of the substrate; the encapsulation layer including a plurality of encapsulation trenches; fabricating a first electrode layer on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate, the first electrode layer having a plurality of first electrode openings, the orthographic projection of the first electrode openings onto the plane of the substrate overlapping the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trenches onto the plane of the substrate; fabricating a high refractive index layer on the side of the first electrode layer away from the substrate, patterning the high refractive index layer, and forming high refractive index portions at the encapsulation trenches and the first electrode openings; the refractive index of the high refractive index portions being greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer; fabricating an electrochromic layer on the side of the first electrode layer away from the substrate; fabricating a second electrode layer on the side of the electrochromic layer away from the substrate; the second electrode layer and the first electrode layer forming an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer.

[0019] In the display panel, display device, and display panel fabrication method provided in this application embodiment, the encapsulation layer of the display panel is provided with an encapsulation groove, and the first electrode layer is provided with a first electrode opening. The encapsulation groove and the first electrode opening are positioned correspondingly. A high refractive index portion is disposed at the encapsulation groove, and the high refractive index portion and the encapsulation layer form a microlens structure. This allows the light emitted by the display panel in this application embodiment to exit in a direction closer to the plane perpendicular to the substrate, making it difficult to observe the light emitted by the display panel from a large viewing angle, thus achieving the purpose of preventing eavesdropping. At the same time, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer form an electric field, which can control the color change of the electrochromic layer. The edge of the first electrode opening can be connected to the area that restricts the electric field, thereby making the edge of the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic layer clearer, thereby improving the wetting problem of the electrochromic layer. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Substrate;

[0033] 2. Encapsulation layer; 21. Encapsulation slot;

[0034] 3. First electrode layer; 31. First electrode opening;

[0035] 4. High refractive index layer; 41 High refractive index section;

[0036] 5. Electrochromic layer;

[0037] 6. Second electrode layer; 61. First part; 62. Second part;

[0038] 7. Optical adhesive layer; 71. Optical adhesive filler;

[0039] 8. Optical functional layer; 81. Pixel unit;

[0040] 9. Third electrode layer; 91. Electrode section;

[0041] 10. Signal line layer; 101. Signal line;

[0042] 100. Display device; 200. Display panel. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples thereof.

[0044] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0046] It should be understood that when describing the structure of a component, when referring to a layer or region as being "above" or "on top of" another layer or region, it can mean that it is directly above the other layer or region, or that it contains other layers or regions between it and the other layer or region. Furthermore, if the component is flipped over, that layer or region will be located "below" or "under" the other layer or region.

[0047] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0048] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0049] The applicant discovered that when privacy protection is required in a display panel, an electrochromic layer is placed within the panel, with electrodes on both sides forming an electric field. Depending on the display panel's operating state, the electric field controls the electrochromic layer, making it transparent or colored. To allow light emitted from the pixel units to pass smoothly through the electrochromic layer, considering its fluidity, the layer extends into the corresponding area of ​​the pixel unit. When the pixel unit emits light, the electrochromic layer in that area needs to be transparent; therefore, the electric field in the corresponding area and the non-pixel unit area should be different. However, the edges of the electric field are difficult to perfectly parallel. Electric field lines generated by electrodes in the non-pixel unit area extend into the pixel unit area, causing a slight color change in the electrochromic layer, creating a hazy effect that blocks a small amount of light emitted from the pixel units, thus affecting the display panel's performance.

[0050] Based on the above analysis, the applicant proposes a display panel, a display device, and a display panel. The display panel includes a substrate, an encapsulation layer, a first electrode layer, a high refractive index layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer. The encapsulation layer of the display panel has an encapsulation groove, and the first electrode layer has a first electrode opening. The encapsulation groove and the first electrode opening are positioned correspondingly. A high refractive index portion is disposed at the encapsulation groove. The high refractive index portion and the encapsulation layer form a microlens structure, which allows the light emitted by the display panel in this embodiment to exit in a direction closer to the plane perpendicular to the substrate, making it difficult to observe the light emitted by the display panel at a large viewing angle, thus achieving the purpose of preventing eavesdropping. At the same time, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer form an electric field, which can control the color change of the electrochromic layer. The edge of the first electrode opening can be connected to the area that restricts the electric field, thereby making the edge of the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic layer clearer, thereby improving the wetting problem of the electrochromic layer.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Please see Figure 1This application provides a display panel 200, including: a substrate 1; an encapsulation layer 2 disposed on one side of the substrate 1; the encapsulation layer 2 including a plurality of encapsulation grooves 21; a first electrode layer 3 disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer 2 away from the substrate 1, the first electrode layer 3 having a plurality of first electrode openings 31, the orthographic projection of the first electrode openings 31 on the plane of the substrate 1 overlapping the orthographic projection of the encapsulation grooves 21 on the plane of the substrate 1; a high refractive index layer 4 including a plurality of high refractive index portions 41, at least a portion of each high refractive index portion 41 being disposed within the encapsulation grooves 21; the refractive index of the high refractive index portion 41 being greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer 2; an electrochromic layer 5, at least a portion of the electrochromic layer being disposed on the side of the first electrode layer 3 away from the substrate 1; a second electrode layer 6 disposed on the side of the electrochromic layer 5 away from the substrate 1; the second electrode layer 6 and the first electrode layer 3 forming an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer 5.

[0053] The substrate 1 can be formed of polymer materials such as glass, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyaryl compounds (PAR), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The substrate 1 can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. It is understood that in this embodiment, the light-emitting functional layer is disposed on one side of the substrate 1 for displaying light emission. Exemplarily, the pixel unit 81 can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a micro-light-emitting diode (Micro-LED). For ease of explanation, this embodiment uses an organic light-emitting diode as an example for illustration.

[0054] The encapsulation layer 2 is disposed on the side of the light-emitting functional layer opposite to the substrate 1, and is used to encapsulate the light-emitting functional layer. The encapsulation layer 2 is made of a transparent material, allowing light emitted from the pixel unit 81 to pass through the encapsulation layer 2. The encapsulation layer 2 has multiple encapsulation slots 21, which can either penetrate the encapsulation layer 2 to form through slots or form blind slots. In this embodiment, the encapsulation slot 21 is described as a through slot.

[0055] The first electrode layer 3 is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer 2 facing away from the substrate 1. The first electrode layer 3 has multiple first electrode openings 31, which correspond to the encapsulation groove 21, forming a groove-shaped structure. The high refractive index portion 41 of the high refractive index layer 4 is disposed in this groove-shaped structure. At this time, the high refractive index portion 41 is partially embedded in the encapsulation layer 2. Since the refractive index of the high refractive index portion 41 is greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer 2, the high refractive index portion 41 and the encapsulation layer 2 form a microlens structure. When the light emitted by the pixel unit 81 enters the microlens structure at a large angle, the light will undergo total internal reflection within the microlens structure and exit in a direction closer to the plane perpendicular to the substrate 1, thereby achieving the purpose of large-view privacy protection.

[0056] An electrochromic layer 5 is disposed on the side of the first electrode layer 3 facing away from the substrate 1, and a second electrode layer 6 is disposed on the same side of the electrochromic layer 5 facing away from the substrate 1. Therefore, the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6 can form an electric field, causing the electrochromic layer 5 to change color and block large-angle light that does not enter the high-refractive-index portion 41. This further improves the wide-viewing-angle privacy protection capability of the display panel 200 in this embodiment and also helps to improve the brightness of the display panel 200 at vertical viewing angles. It is understood that the electrochromic layer is disposed between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6. An electrochromic layer 5 may or may not be disposed at the first electrode opening 31. The edge of the first electrode opening 31 corresponds to the edge of the electric field and the edge of the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic layer 5, giving the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic layer 5 a clear edge, thereby alleviating the shading phenomenon of the electrochromic layer 5 and improving the display effect of the display panel 200 in this embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0058] Further, please refer to Figure 2 The display panel 200 also includes a light-emitting functional layer disposed between the substrate 1 and the encapsulation layer 2. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of pixel units 81 arranged in an array. The orthographic projection of the pixel unit 81 on the plane of the substrate 1 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the high refractive index portion 41 on the plane of the substrate 1.

[0059] A light-emitting functional layer is disposed between the substrate 1 and the encapsulation layer 2, including a pixel defining portion with a pixel defining opening and pixel units 81 located in the pixel defining opening. The pixel units 81 are arranged in an array for display light emission of the display panel 200. The pixel units 81 are positioned corresponding to the high refractive index portion 41, so that the light emitted by the pixel units 81 can smoothly enter the high refractive index portion 41 and pass through the microlens structure, which can not only improve the brightness of the display panel 200 at the front viewing angle, but also improve the privacy protection capability of the display panel 200 at large viewing angles.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Further, please refer to Figure 3The orthographic projection of the pixel unit 81 onto the plane of the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the electrochromic layer 5 onto the plane of the substrate 1 are spaced apart. That is, the electrochromic layer 5 does not extend to the side of the pixel unit 81 away from the substrate 1 and does not block the pixel unit 81. Therefore, the display panel 200 of this embodiment has high brightness. At this time, the edge of the electrochromic layer 5, the edge of the pixel unit 81 and the edge of the first electrode layer 3 correspond to each other, so that the edge of the electrochromic layer 5 can be clearly presented and the shading phenomenon is alleviated.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Further, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A portion of the high refractive index portion 41 protrudes from the side of the first electrode layer 3 away from the substrate 1 at a height of H1, and the electrochromic layer 5 has a thickness of D1, where H1≤D1.

[0064] The high refractive index portion 41 protrudes from the surface of the first electrode layer 3 on the side facing away from the substrate 1. After total internal reflection within the high refractive index portion 41, light can exit from the protruding portion. Furthermore, considering that the material of the electrochromic layer 5 has a certain degree of fluidity, the protruding high refractive index portion 41 can restrict the flow of the electrochromic layer 5, thereby reducing the obstruction of the high refractive index layer by the electrochromic layer 5 and thus improving the display brightness of the display panel 200 of this embodiment.

[0065] Further reading Figure 4 H1 = D1, the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer 6 on the plane of the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench 21 on the plane of the substrate 1 overlap at least partially, or the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer 6 on the plane of the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench 21 on the plane of the substrate 1 are spaced apart.

[0066] The height H1 of the high refractive index portion 41 protruding relative to the first electrode layer 3 is equal to the thickness D1 of the electrochromic layer 5. During the fabrication of the electrochromic layer 5, the high refractive index portion 41 occupies part of the original space of the electrochromic layer 5, thus the side of the high refractive index portion 41 facing away from the substrate 1 lacks material of the electrochromic layer 5. Therefore, the electrochromic layer 5 does not affect the light emitted from the high refractive index portion 41, enabling the display panel 200 of this embodiment to possess good brightness.

[0067] Considering that the edge of the electrochromic layer 5 corresponds to the edge of the high refractive index portion 41, the edge of the electrochromic layer 5 remains clear even if a part of the second electrode layer 6 is located on the side of the high refractive index portion 41 away from the substrate 1.

[0068] Since the area of ​​the high refractive index portion 41 facing away from the substrate 1 is not covered by the electrochromic layer 5 material, the second electrode layer 6 can also leave the area of ​​the high refractive index portion 41 facing away from the substrate 1 to further limit the edge of the electric field, thereby making the edge of the electrochromic layer 5 clearer.

[0069] Further reading Figure 5 H1 < D1, the display panel 200 also includes an optical adhesive layer 7, which includes a plurality of optical adhesive filling portions 71, which are disposed on the side of the high refractive index portion away from the substrate 1.

[0070] The height H1 of the high refractive index portion 41 protruding relative to the first electrode layer 3 is less than the thickness D1 of the electrochromic layer 5. An optical adhesive filling portion 71 is provided on the side of the high refractive index portion 41 facing away from the substrate 1, such that the sum of the thickness of the optical adhesive filling portion 71 and the height H1 of the high refractive index portion 41 protruding relative to the first electrode layer 3 is equal to the thickness D1 of the electrochromic layer 5. During the fabrication of the electrochromic layer 5, the high refractive index portion 41 and the optical adhesive filling portion 71 occupy part of the space originally occupied by the electrochromic layer 5. Therefore, there is no material of the electrochromic layer 5 on the side of the high refractive index portion 41 facing away from the substrate 1. Consequently, the electrochromic layer 5 does not affect the light emitted from the high refractive index portion 41 and the transmission through the optical adhesive filling portion 71, which has high light transmittance, thus enabling the display panel 200 of this embodiment to have good brightness.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Further, please refer to Figure 6 The display panel 200 also includes a third electrode layer 9, which includes a plurality of electrode portions 91. The electrode portions 91 are disposed on the side of the high refractive index portion 41 away from the substrate 1. At least a portion of the electrochromic layer is disposed between the second electrode layer 6 and the electrode portions 91. The second electrode layer 6 and the electrode portions 91 form an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer 5.

[0073] The electrode portion 91 of the third electrode layer 9 is disposed on the side with a high refractive index facing away from the substrate 1. At least a portion of the electrochromic layer is disposed between the second electrode layer 6 and the electrode portion 91. The second electrode layer 6 and the electrode portion 91 form an electric field, which can control the color change of the electrochromic layer located between the second electrode layer 6 and the electrode portion 91. At this time, the electrode portion 91 and the second electrode layer 6, and the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6, respectively form parallel field capacitances, so that the electrochromic layer 5 located in the region of the pixel unit 81 facing away from the substrate 1 is in a transparent state, allowing light emitted from the pixel unit 81 to be emitted from this region. At the same time, the electrochromic layer 5 located in the region other than the region of the pixel unit 81 facing away from the substrate 1 displays the corresponding color, which can block light that enters the region at a large angle, achieving the purpose of preventing eavesdropping. At the edges where the two electric fields correspond, parallel electric fields will still be formed relatively strictly. Therefore, the edges of the electric fields correspond to the edges of the color-changing regions of the electrochromic layer 5, making the edges of the color-changing regions of the electrochromic layer 5 clearer, thereby alleviating the shading problem of the electrochromic layer 5.

[0074] Further reading Figure 6 The voltage between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6 is U1, and the voltage between the electrode portion 91 and the second electrode layer 6 is U2, where U1 > U2. Considering that the high refractive index portion 41 protrudes from the first electrode layer 3, the distance between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6 is greater than the distance between the electrode portion 91 and the second electrode layer 6. That is, the thickness of the electrochromic layer 5 at the first electrode layer 3 is greater than the thickness of the electrochromic layer 5 at the electrode portion 91. During the process of controlling the color change of the electrochromic layer 5, the voltage U1 required between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6 is greater than the voltage U2 required between the electrode portion 91 and the second electrode layer 6.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0076] Further, please refer to Figure 7 The display panel 200 also includes a signal line layer 10 disposed between the second electrode layer 6 and the electrochromic layer. The signal line layer 10 includes a plurality of signal lines 101, which are electrically connected to the electrode portion 91.

[0077] Given a fixed voltage for the second electrode layer 6, and considering that the voltage U1 required between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6 is greater than the voltage U2 required between the electrode portion 91 and the second electrode layer 6, the signal voltages corresponding to the first electrode layer 3 and the electrode portion 91 are different. Since the first electrode layer 3 is a single unit, its corresponding signal can be directly included. Because the position of the electrode portion 91 corresponds to the position of the high-refractive-index portion 41, the electrode portion 91 needs to introduce its corresponding signal through the signal line 101. Since the required voltages for multiple electrode portions 91 are the same, the multiple electrode portions 91 can be electrically connected through the signal line 101.

[0078] Further reading Figure 7 The orthographic projection of signal line 101 onto the plane of substrate 1 partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer 3 onto the plane of substrate 1, and signal line 101 is insulated from the first electrode layer 3. When routing signal line 101, the trace of signal line 101 needs to pass through a corresponding portion of the first electrode layer 3. The insulation between signal line 101 and the first electrode layer 3 reduces the risk of crosstalk between them. For example, in the area where signal line 101 is routed, an insulating layer is fabricated before fabricating signal line 101.

[0079] Further reading Figure 7 The orthographic projection of the second electrode layer 6 onto the plane of the substrate 1 covers the orthographic projections of the first electrode layer 3 and the third electrode layer 9 onto the plane of the substrate 1. The second electrode layer 6 is disposed across the entire display surface in this embodiment. Both the first electrode layer 3 and the third electrode layer 9 form a capacitor with the second electrode layer 6, and the second electrode layer 6 can be considered as a common electrode.

[0080] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Further, please refer to Figure 8 The second electrode layer 6 includes a first part 61 and a second part 62; the orthographic projection of the first part 61 onto the plane of the substrate 1 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer 3 onto the plane of the substrate 1, and the orthographic projection of the second part 62 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode portion 91.

[0082] The first portion 61 of the second electrode layer 6 forms an electric field with the first electrode layer 3, controlling a portion of the electrochromic layer 5 to change color. The second portion 62 of the second electrode layer 6 forms an electric field with the electrode portion 91 of the third electrode layer 9, controlling another portion of the electrochromic layer 5 to change color. The electrode voltages of the two electric fields can be controlled independently, improving the accuracy of controlling the electrochromic layer 5 and making the edges of the color-changing areas of the electrochromic layer 5 clearer.

[0083] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the material of the electrochromic layer 5 includes, but is not limited to, tungsten trioxide.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Please see Figure 9 This application also provides a display device 100, which includes the display panel 200 provided in any of the above embodiments. The display device 100 provided in this application can be any product or component with display function, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, television, monitor, laptop computer, digital photo frame, or navigator.

[0086] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Please see Figure 10 This application also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel 200, which can be used to manufacture the display panel 200 of the foregoing embodiments of this application.

[0088] The method for manufacturing the display panel 200 according to an embodiment of this application includes:

[0089] S1, Provide substrate 1.

[0090] Substrate 1 can be fabricated, or the finished product of substrate 1 can be obtained directly.

[0091] S2, Create encapsulation layer 2.

[0092] A packaging material layer is encapsulated on one side of the substrate 1, and the packaging material layer is patterned. The remaining packaging material layer forms a packaging layer 2 with a packaging groove 21.

[0093] S3, Fabricate the first electrode layer 3.

[0094] A first electrode material layer is fabricated on the side of the encapsulation layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The first electrode material layer is patterned to form an electrode layer with a first electrode opening 31. The orthographic projection of the first electrode opening 31 onto the plane of the substrate 1 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench 21 onto the plane of the substrate 1. The first electrode opening 31 and the encapsulation trench 21 form a trench structure.

[0095] S4. Fabricate a high refractive index layer 4.

[0096] A high-refractive-index material layer is fabricated on the side of the first electrode layer 3 facing away from the substrate 1. The high-refractive-index material layer is patterned to form a high-refractive-index layer 4. A portion of the high-refractive-index portion 41 is embedded in the groove structure formed by the first electrode opening 31 and the encapsulation groove 21. The refractive index of the high-refractive-index portion 41 is greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer 2.

[0097] S5, Create the electrochromic layer 5.

[0098] An electrochromic layer 5 is formed on the side of the first electrode layer 3 facing away from the substrate 1. At least a portion of the orthographic projection of the electrochromic layer 5 onto the plane of the substrate 1 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer 3 onto the plane of the substrate 1.

[0099] S6. Fabricate the second electrode layer 6.

[0100] A second electrode layer 6 is fabricated on the side of the electrochromic layer 5 facing away from the substrate 1. The second electrode layer 6 forms an electric field with the first electrode layer 3, and at least a portion of the electrochromic layer 5 is located between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6. The electric field formed by the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 6 can control the color change of the electrochromic layer 5.

[0101] In summary, this application provides a display panel, a display device, and a display panel in general. The display panel includes a substrate, an encapsulation layer, a first electrode layer, a high refractive index layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer. The encapsulation layer of the display panel has an encapsulation groove, and the first electrode layer has a first electrode opening. The encapsulation groove and the first electrode opening are positioned correspondingly. A high refractive index portion is disposed at the encapsulation groove. The high refractive index portion and the encapsulation layer form a microlens structure, which allows the light emitted by the display panel of this application embodiment to be emitted in a direction closer to the plane perpendicular to the substrate, making it difficult to observe the light emitted by the display panel at a large viewing angle, thus achieving the purpose of preventing eavesdropping. At the same time, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer form an electric field, which can control the color change of the electrochromic layer. The edge of the first electrode opening can be connected to the area that limits the electric field, thereby making the edge of the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic layer clearer, thereby improving the wetting problem of the electrochromic layer.

[0102] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: Substrate; An encapsulation layer is disposed on one side of the substrate; the encapsulation layer includes a plurality of encapsulation slots; A first electrode layer is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer opposite to the substrate. The first electrode layer has a plurality of first electrode openings. The orthographic projection of the first electrode openings on the plane where the substrate is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the encapsulation groove on the plane where the substrate is located. A high refractive index layer includes a plurality of high refractive index portions, at least a portion of each high refractive index portion being disposed within the encapsulation groove; the refractive index of the high refractive index portion is greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer; An electrochromic layer, at least a portion of which is disposed on the side of the first electrode layer opposite to the substrate; The second electrode layer is disposed on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the substrate; The second electrode layer forms an electric field with the first electrode layer to control the color change of the electrochromic layer.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the high refractive index portion protrudes from the side of the first electrode layer away from the substrate by a height of H1, and the thickness of the electrochromic layer is D1, where H1≤D1; Preferably, H1 = D1, the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer on the plane where the substrate is located and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench on the plane where the substrate is located at least partially overlap, or the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer on the plane where the substrate is located and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation trench on the plane where the substrate is located are spaced apart; Preferably, H1 < D1, and the display panel further includes an optical adhesive layer, the optical adhesive layer including a plurality of optical adhesive filling portions, the optical adhesive filling portions being disposed on the side of the high refractive index portion away from the substrate.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a light-emitting functional layer disposed between the substrate and the encapsulation layer. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array. The orthographic projection of the pixel units onto the plane where the substrate is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the high refractive index portion onto the plane where the substrate is located. Preferably, the orthographic projection of the pixel unit onto the plane of the substrate and the orthographic projection of the electrochromic layer onto the plane of the substrate are spaced apart.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a third electrode layer, which includes a plurality of electrode portions disposed on the side of the high refractive index portion away from the substrate. At least a portion of the electrochromic layer is disposed between the second electrode layer and the electrode portions. The second electrode layer and the electrode portions form an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a signal line layer disposed between the second electrode layer and the electrochromic layer. The signal line layer includes a plurality of signal lines, which are electrically connected to the electrode portion. Preferably, the voltage between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is U1, and the voltage between the electrode portion and the second electrode layer is U2, wherein U1 > U2.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the signal line onto the plane of the substrate partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the plane of the substrate, and the signal line is insulated from the first electrode layer.

7. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the second electrode layer onto the plane where the substrate is located covers the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the plane where the substrate is located and the orthographic projection of the third electrode layer; Alternatively, the second electrode layer includes a first portion and a second portion; the orthographic projection of the first portion onto the plane where the substrate is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the plane where the substrate is located, and the orthographic projection of the second portion overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode portion.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic layer comprises tungsten trioxide.

9. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, include: Provide substrate; An encapsulation layer is fabricated on one side of the substrate; the encapsulation layer includes multiple encapsulation slots; A first electrode layer is formed on the side of the encapsulation layer opposite to the substrate. The first electrode layer has a plurality of first electrode openings. The orthographic projection of the first electrode openings on the plane where the substrate is located overlaps with the orthographic projection of the encapsulation groove on the plane where the substrate is located. A high refractive index layer is formed on the side of the first electrode layer facing away from the substrate, and the high refractive index layer is patterned to form a high refractive index portion at the encapsulation trench and the opening of the first electrode; the refractive index of the high refractive index portion is greater than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer. An electrochromic layer is formed on the side of the first electrode layer facing away from the substrate; A second electrode layer is formed on the side of the electrochromic layer away from the substrate; the second electrode layer and the first electrode layer form an electric field to control the color change of the electrochromic layer.

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