Display panel, manufacturing method thereof, and display device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a display panel and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, relating to the field of display technology. The display panel includes a first region and a second region. The pixel density of the first region is greater than that of the second region. In the second region, each pixel includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel. The first, third, and fourth sub-pixels are located in the same sub-pixel row. The first sub-pixel is located between the third and fourth sub-pixels. The first and second sub-pixels are located in the same sub-pixel column. The first and second sub-pixels are located in adjacent sub-pixel rows. The emission color of the first and second sub-pixels is the same. The emission colors of the first, third, and fourth sub-pixels are all different.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original application with application number 201980000089.2 (filed on January 28, 2019, entitled "Display Panel and Manufacturing Method Thereof, Display Device"). Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel, its manufacturing method, and a display device. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, typical terminal display products (such as AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays) have uniform resolution. For example, QHD (Quarter High Definition) or FHD (Full High Definition) displays both have uniform resolution. However, these types of displays can no longer meet people's needs for display screens. With the development of small and medium-sized displays, terminal display products are trending towards smaller and smaller bezels. Meanwhile, the intelligent functional devices or sensors (such as infrared sensors) that need to be integrated will occupy a large portion of the bezel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display panel is provided, comprising: a first region and a second region, wherein the pixel density of the first region is greater than the pixel density of the second region; in the second region, each pixel includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel, wherein the first sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel are located in the same sub-pixel row, the first sub-pixel is located between the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are located in the same sub-pixel column, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are respectively located in adjacent sub-pixel rows, or the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel share the same sub-pixel driving circuit, the first sub-pixel has the same emission color as the second sub-pixel, and the emission colors of the first sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel are all different.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are both green sub-pixels, the third sub-pixel is a red sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel is a blue sub-pixel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second region includes a plurality of non-light-emitting areas; in the second region, two pixels in the same pixel row are separated by at least one non-light-emitting area.

[0007] In some embodiments, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, a pixel in one pixel row is in the same pixel column as an adjacent pixel in the other pixel row.

[0008] In some embodiments, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, a pixel in one pixel row is in a different pixel column than its adjacent pixel in the other pixel row.

[0009] In some embodiments, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, if a pixel in one pixel row and an adjacent pixel in another pixel row are in different pixel columns, the fourth sub-pixels of the two pixels are in the same sub-pixel column, and the third sub-pixels of the two pixels are in different sub-pixel columns; or, the third sub-pixels of the two pixels are in the same sub-pixel column, and the fourth sub-pixels of the two pixels are in different sub-pixel columns.

[0010] In some embodiments, a green subpixel is a subpixel in the first region that is in the same subpixel column as the green subpixel in the second region.

[0011] In some embodiments, in each pixel of the second region, the light-emitting device of the first sub-pixel of the pixel and the light-emitting device of the second sub-pixel of the pixel are electrically connected to the same sub-pixel driving circuit.

[0012] In some embodiments, in each pixel of the second region, the light-emitting device of the first sub-pixel of the pixel is electrically connected to a sub-pixel driving circuit, and the light-emitting device of the second sub-pixel of the pixel is electrically connected to another sub-pixel driving circuit.

[0013] In some embodiments, each subpixel row includes a plurality of subpixels electrically connected to the same gate line; each subpixel column includes a plurality of subpixels electrically connected to the same data line.

[0014] In some embodiments, the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the red sub-pixel in the second region is larger than the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the red sub-pixel in the first region; the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the green sub-pixel in the second region is larger than the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the green sub-pixel in the first region; and the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the blue sub-pixel in the second region is larger than the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the blue sub-pixel in the first region.

[0015] In some embodiments, in a portion of the pixels of the second region, the opening of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel and the opening of the pixel-defining layer of the fourth sub-pixel are in the same opening row, the opening of the pixel-defining layer of the first sub-pixel is in the next opening row of the opening row of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel, and the opening of the pixel-defining layer of the second sub-pixel is in the previous opening row of the opening row of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel.

[0016] In some embodiments, in a portion of the pixels of the second region, the openings of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel and the pixel-defining layer of the fourth sub-pixel are in the same opening row, the openings of the pixel-defining layer of the first sub-pixel and the pixel-defining layer of the second sub-pixel are between the openings of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel and the pixel-defining layer of the fourth sub-pixel, and the openings of the pixel-defining layer of the first sub-pixel and the pixel-defining layer of the second sub-pixel are in the same opening column.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of each pixel of the second region is equal to the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of each pixel of the first region.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a display panel as described above.

[0019] In some embodiments, the display device further includes a sensor mounted on the back of a second region of the display panel.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display panel as described above is provided, comprising: providing an initial structure, the initial structure including: a substrate and a pixel defining layer on the substrate, the substrate including a first portion for forming a first region and a second portion for forming a second region, the pixel defining layer including a plurality of openings, the opening density of the pixel defining layer on the first portion being greater than the opening density of the pixel defining layer on the second portion; and forming a light-emitting layer on the initial structure using a mask and by a vapor deposition process, a portion of the light-emitting layer being formed in the plurality of openings, wherein the mask includes a plurality of through-holes, a portion of the plurality of through-holes exposing the plurality of openings, and the density of through-holes in the mask corresponding to the first portion being equal to the density of through-holes in the mask corresponding to the second portion.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0023] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the subpixel arrangement of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the subpixel arrangement of a display panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening arrangement of the pixel delimiting layer of the sub-pixels of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening arrangement of the pixel delimiting layer of the sub-pixels of a display panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the circuit structure of a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel in a pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the structure of a stage in the manufacturing process of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another stage in the manufacturing process of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another stage in the manufacturing process of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] It should be understood that the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0036] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as "including" or "contains" mean that the element preceding the word encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as "above," "below," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, this relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0037] In this disclosure, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the specific device and the first or second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other devices without an intermediary device, or it may be not directly connected to the other devices but have an intermediary device.

[0038] All terms used in this disclosure (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0039] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0040] In related technologies, intelligent functional devices or sensors can be placed on the back of the display screen. However, the inventors of this disclosure have discovered that due to the high trace density in the back panel circuit of the display panel, the transmittance of infrared light, for example, is reduced, failing to achieve the purpose of infrared detection. The inventors of this disclosure propose dividing the back panel circuit into different areas, dividing the screen into high-resolution and low-resolution areas, and placing the intelligent functional devices or sensors on the back of the low-resolution area. However, considering the display requirements, when the resolution of the low-resolution area is reduced to a certain extent, if an RGBG subpixel arrangement (R represents red subpixel, G represents green subpixel, and B represents blue subpixel) is used in the low-resolution area, the large pitch between adjacent pixels makes it difficult to display when one pixel borrows a subpixel (e.g., a green subpixel) from another pixel.

[0041] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a display panel to improve the display effect in low-resolution areas.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the subpixel arrangement of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the display panel may include a first region 10 and a second region 20. The pixel density of the first region 10 is greater than that of the second region 20. That is, the number of pixels per unit area of ​​the first region 10 is greater than the number of pixels per unit area of ​​the second region 20. Thus, the resolution of the first region is higher than that of the second region. The first region may be referred to as the high-resolution region (H region for short), and the second region may be referred to as the low-resolution region (L region for short). For example, the PPI (pixels per inch) of the first region may be approximately 400, and the PPI of the second region may be approximately 170 (it has been verified that the human eye can accept a display effect with a minimum PPI of around 170). Of course, the range of PPI of the second region in this embodiment is not limited to 170.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, in the second region 20, each pixel 200 may include a first sub-pixel 201, a second sub-pixel 202, a third sub-pixel 203, and a fourth sub-pixel 204. The first sub-pixel 201, the third sub-pixel 203, and the fourth sub-pixel 204 are located in the same sub-pixel row. For example, the first sub-pixel 201, the third sub-pixel 203, and the fourth sub-pixel 204 are located in the same sub-pixel row 212. The first sub-pixel 201 is located between the third sub-pixel 203 and the fourth sub-pixel 204. The first sub-pixel 201 and the second sub-pixel 202 are located in the same sub-pixel column. The first sub-pixel 201 and the second sub-pixel 202 are respectively located in adjacent sub-pixel rows. For example, the first sub-pixel 201 is in sub-pixel row 212, and the second sub-pixel 202 is in another sub-pixel row 211 adjacent to sub-pixel row 212. Thus, the first sub-pixel 201 and the second sub-pixel 202 are adjacent. In other embodiments, the first sub-pixel 201 and the second sub-pixel 202 share the same sub-pixel driving circuit. For example, the light-emitting devices of the first sub-pixel 201 and the second sub-pixel 202 are electrically connected to the same sub-pixel driving circuit. The light-emitting color of the first sub-pixel 201 is the same as that of the second sub-pixel 202. The light-emitting colors of the first sub-pixel 201, the third sub-pixel 203, and the fourth sub-pixel 204 are all different.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first sub-pixel 201 and the second sub-pixel 202 can both be green sub-pixels G, the third sub-pixel 203 can be a red sub-pixel R, and the fourth sub-pixel 204 can be a blue sub-pixel B. Of course, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel can both be red sub-pixels, the third sub-pixel can be a blue sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel can be a green sub-pixel. Or, for another example, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel can both be blue sub-pixels, the third sub-pixel can be a red sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel can be a green sub-pixel.

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, each subpixel row includes a plurality of subpixels electrically connected to the same gate line (not shown). For example, each subpixel includes a subpixel driving circuit, and the subpixel driving circuits of subpixels in the same subpixel row are electrically connected to the same gate line.

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, each subpixel column includes multiple subpixels electrically connected to the same data line (not shown). For example, each subpixel includes a subpixel driving circuit, and the subpixel driving circuits of subpixels in the same subpixel column are electrically connected to the same data line.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the display panel includes a first region with high resolution and a second region with low resolution. In the second region, each pixel includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel, and a fourth sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel, and the fourth sub-pixel are located in the same sub-pixel row. The first sub-pixel is located between the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are located in the same sub-pixel column. The first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are adjacent to each other. In this way, when the low-resolution second region is displayed, a pixel in the second region does not need to borrow a sub-pixel from another pixel for display, thus improving the display effect of the second region (i.e., the low-resolution region).

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second region 20 may include multiple non-light-emitting areas 230. For example, each non-light-emitting area 230 may occupy an area of ​​2×3 sub-pixels. In this second region 20, two pixels in the same pixel row are separated by at least one non-light-emitting area 230.

[0050] For example, each pixel row includes two adjacent sub-pixel rows. For example, pixel row 210 may include sub-pixel rows 211 and 212. Since each sub-pixel includes a third sub-pixel, a fourth sub-pixel, and a first sub-pixel in one sub-pixel row, and a second sub-pixel in another (e.g., the previous) sub-pixel row, each pixel row may include two adjacent sub-pixel rows.

[0051] For example, when the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel share the same sub-pixel driving circuit, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are electrically connected to the same gate line. In such a case, each pixel row may include a sub-pixel row.

[0052] In some embodiments, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, a pixel in one pixel row is in the same pixel column as its adjacent pixel in the other pixel row. For example, in the second region, each pixel column includes three adjacent sub-pixel columns. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, pixel column 240 may include sub-pixel columns 242, 241, and 243, respectively, containing the first (or second) sub-pixel, third sub-pixel, and fourth sub-pixel of the same pixel. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, a pixel in one pixel row 210 (e.g., referred to as the first pixel) and another pixel in another pixel row 220 that is adjacent to the first pixel (e.g., referred to as the second pixel) are in the same pixel column 240. Additionally, as... Figure 1 As shown, different pixel columns are separated by multiple non-light-emitting areas in the same column.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the first region 10, the subpixel that is in the same subpixel column as the green subpixel G in the second region 20 is the green subpixel G. In other words, the subpixel column containing the green subpixel in the display panel does not contain red or blue subpixels.

[0054] In some embodiments, in each pixel 200 of the second region, the light-emitting device of the first sub-pixel 201 (e.g., the green sub-pixel) of that pixel is connected to a sub-pixel driving circuit. Figure 1 The light-emitting device of the second sub-pixel 202 (e.g., the green sub-pixel) of this pixel is electrically connected to another sub-pixel driving circuit (not shown). Figure 1 Electrical connections (not shown). That is, in the pixels of the second region, the first sub-pixel includes one sub-pixel driving circuit, and the second sub-pixel includes another sub-pixel driving circuit. The light-emitting devices of these two sub-pixels are driven to emit light through different sub-pixel driving circuits.

[0055] In other embodiments, in each pixel 200 of the second region, the light-emitting device of the first sub-pixel 201 (e.g., the green sub-pixel) and the light-emitting device of the second sub-pixel 202 (e.g., the green sub-pixel) of that pixel are electrically connected to the same sub-pixel driving circuit. That is, the light-emitting devices of the first and second sub-pixels of each pixel in the second region are driven to emit light through the same sub-pixel driving circuit. This eliminates the need for a separate sub-pixel driving circuit for each pixel, allowing one sub-pixel driving circuit to drive the light-emitting devices of two sub-pixels of the same color (e.g., the green sub-pixel). This reduces the circuit complexity of the second region and improves its light transmittance.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the subpixel arrangement of each pixel in the first region (i.e., the high-resolution region) is RGBG or BGRG.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the subpixel arrangement of a display panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region 20, a pixel in one pixel row 210 and its adjacent pixel in another pixel row 220 are in different pixel columns. For example, a pixel in pixel row 210 (e.g., referred to as the first pixel) is located in pixel column 240, while the pixel adjacent to the first pixel in pixel row 220 (e.g., referred to as the second pixel) is located in pixel column 250. Therefore, these two adjacent pixels in different pixel rows are in different pixel columns.

[0059] For example, in the second region, each pixel column may include three adjacent sub-pixel columns. It should be noted that different pixel columns may not share common sub-pixel columns, for example... Figure 1 As shown; or, different pixel columns can have common sub-pixel columns, for example, such as Figure 2 The pixel columns 240 and 250 shown have a common sub-pixel column.

[0060] By arranging the subpixels as described above, the pixel rows in the second region (i.e., the low-resolution region) can be staggered. For example, the first row is RGGB, BGGR, and the next row becomes BGGR, RGGB. This can reduce the color fringing effect. Here, color fringing is a visually noticeable undesirable display effect. For example, if a white rectangle, triangle, or slanted border is displayed, colored lines will be seen at the edge of the graphic instead of white lines; this phenomenon is called color fringing.

[0061] In some embodiments, in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, if a pixel in one pixel row and its adjacent pixel in another pixel row are in different pixel columns, the fourth sub-pixels of these two pixels are in the same sub-pixel column, and the third sub-pixels of these two pixels are in different sub-pixel columns. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, in the second region 20, for two adjacent pixels in pixel columns 240 and 250, the fourth sub-pixel (e.g., the blue sub-pixel) of these two pixels is in the same sub-pixel column, while the third sub-pixel (e.g., the red sub-pixel) of these two pixels is in different sub-pixel columns. This can alleviate the color fringing phenomenon.

[0062] In other embodiments, when a pixel in one pixel row and its adjacent pixel in another pixel row are in different pixel columns in two adjacent pixel rows of the second region, the third sub-pixels of these two pixels are in the same sub-pixel column, and the fourth sub-pixels of these two pixels are in different sub-pixel columns. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, in the second region 20, for two adjacent pixels in pixel columns 260 and 270, the third sub-pixel (e.g., the red sub-pixel) of these two pixels is in the same sub-pixel column, while the fourth sub-pixel (e.g., the blue sub-pixel) of these two pixels is in different sub-pixel columns. This can alleviate the color fringing phenomenon.

[0063] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening arrangement of the pixel definition layer (PDL) of the subpixels of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates an implementation where the light-emitting devices of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel do not share a single sub-pixel driving circuit. For example... Figure 3A As shown, subpixels of different colors have different opening shapes in the pixel boundary layer. Figure 3A The diagram shows an opening 311 in the pixel-defining layer of a first sub-pixel (e.g., a green sub-pixel G), an opening 312 in the pixel-defining layer of a second sub-pixel (e.g., another green sub-pixel G), an opening 313 in the pixel-defining layer of a third sub-pixel (e.g., a red sub-pixel), and an opening 314 in the pixel-defining layer of a fourth sub-pixel (e.g., a blue sub-pixel). The openings of the individual sub-pixels included in each pixel (a total of four openings) can form an opening group, for example... Figure 3A The opening groups 301 and 302 are shown.

[0065] Here, the row where the subpixel's opening is located can be defined as the "open row", and the column where the subpixel's opening is located can be defined as the "open column".

[0066] In some embodiments, within a subset of pixels in the second region, the openings of subpixels in the same subpixel row may be in the same opening row. The following examples illustrate this. Figure 3A Taking opening group 301 as an example, in this opening group 301, the opening 313 of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel (e.g., red sub-pixel R) and the opening 314 of the pixel-defining layer of the fourth sub-pixel (e.g., blue sub-pixel B) are in the same opening row. The opening 311 of the pixel-defining layer of the first sub-pixel (e.g., a green sub-pixel G) and the opening 312 of the pixel-defining layer of the second sub-pixel (e.g., another green sub-pixel G) are located between the opening 313 of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel and the opening 314 of the pixel-defining layer of the fourth sub-pixel. The opening 311 of the pixel-defining layer of the first sub-pixel and the opening 312 of the pixel-defining layer of the second sub-pixel are in the same opening column.

[0067] In other embodiments, within a subset of pixels in the second region, the openings of subpixels in the same subpixel row may be located in different opening rows. The following examples illustrate this. Figure 3A Taking opening group 302 as an example, in this opening group 302, the opening of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel (e.g., red sub-pixel R) and the opening of the pixel-defining layer of the fourth sub-pixel (e.g., blue sub-pixel B) are in the same opening row. The opening of the pixel-defining layer of the first sub-pixel (e.g., a green sub-pixel G) is in the next opening row of the opening row of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel (e.g., the red sub-pixel R). The opening of the pixel-defining layer of the second sub-pixel (e.g., another green sub-pixel G) is in the previous opening row of the opening row of the pixel-defining layer of the third sub-pixel (e.g., the red sub-pixel R).

[0068] In some embodiments, the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of each sub-pixel of the second region is equal to the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of each sub-pixel of the first region, which can reduce the probability of color shift.

[0069] Here, the area of ​​the opening is approximately equal to the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel. The opening ratio is the ratio of the light-emitting areas of the RGB sub-pixels in the pixel. Here, the light-emitting area of ​​the green sub-pixel is the sum of the light-emitting areas of the two green sub-pixels in the pixel. For example, in the first region (i.e., the high-resolution region), the opening ratio of the RGB sub-pixels is 1:1.2:1.6 (or 1:1.2:1.8), and in the second region, the opening ratio of the RGB sub-pixels is also 1:1.2:1.6 (or 1:1.2:1.8).

[0070] It should be noted that the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of each pixel in the two regions mentioned here is equal, including but not limited to absolute equality. For example, there may be a certain margin of error, within which the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of the sub-pixels in the second region is substantially equal to the aperture ratio of the pixel boundary layer of the sub-pixels in the first region.

[0071] In some embodiments, the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the red sub-pixels in the second region is larger than the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the red sub-pixels in the first region. The aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the green sub-pixels in the second region is larger than the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the green sub-pixels in the first region. The aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the blue sub-pixels in the second region is larger than the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the blue sub-pixels in the first region. Since the portion of the light-emitting layer within the aperture emits light under the influence of an electric field, by increasing the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the corresponding color sub-pixels in the second region, the light-emitting area of ​​the second region (i.e., the low-resolution region) can be expanded, thereby improving the lifetime and brightness of the second region.

[0072] In other embodiments, the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the red sub-pixel in the second region may be equal to the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the red sub-pixel in the first region. The aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the green sub-pixel in the second region may be equal to the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the green sub-pixel in the first region. The aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the blue sub-pixel in the second region may be equal to the aperture area of ​​the pixel-defining layer of the blue sub-pixel in the first region.

[0073] In some embodiments, Figure 3A The diagram also shows the connection end 350 for each subpixel. For example, the connection ends 350 of subpixels in the same subpixel row are electrically connected to the same gate line (not shown in the diagram).

[0074] Figure 3BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening arrangement of the pixel delimiting layer of a subpixel of a display panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Besides... Figure 3A In addition to the same or similar structures shown, Figure 3B A connector 320 is also shown. For example, this connector can be a wire. The connector 320 is electrically connected to the light-emitting device of a first sub-pixel (e.g., a green sub-pixel G) and the light-emitting device of a second sub-pixel (e.g., another green sub-pixel G), such that the light-emitting devices of the first and second sub-pixels are electrically connected to the same sub-pixel driving circuit. That is, the light-emitting devices of the first and second sub-pixels can share a single sub-pixel driving circuit.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the circuit structure of a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel in a pixel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram shows a first sub-pixel light-emitting device (hereinafter referred to as the first light-emitting device) 410 and a second sub-pixel light-emitting device (hereinafter referred to as the second light-emitting device) 420. For example, both the first and second light-emitting devices can be OLEDs (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes). The anodes of the first and second light-emitting devices 410 and 420 are electrically connected to the electrodes (e.g., source or drain) of the same driving transistor 430. This indicates that the first and second light-emitting devices 410 and 420 are electrically connected to the same sub-pixel driving circuit. It should be noted that although... Figure 4 Other components of the sub-pixel driving circuit are not shown, but those skilled in the art will understand the circuit structure of the sub-pixel driving circuit. Figure 4 As shown, the cathodes of the first light-emitting device 410 and the second light-emitting device 420 are both grounded.

[0077] In this embodiment, the light-emitting device of the first sub-pixel and the light-emitting device of the second sub-pixel of each pixel in the second region share a sub-pixel driving circuit, which can reduce the circuit complexity of the second region and improve the light transmittance of the second region.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, the display device may include a display panel 510. The display panel 510 may include a first region 10 and a second region 20. For example, the subpixel arrangement of the display panel 510 may be as follows: Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the display device may also include a sensor 520 mounted on the back of the second region 20 of the display panel 510. For example, the sensor 520 may include an infrared sensor. It should be noted that the sensor may or may not be electrically connected to the display panel. By mounting the sensor on the back of the low-resolution second region, it is beneficial for light (e.g., infrared light) to pass through the second region with minimal interference from the wiring density of the display panel, allowing the light to be received by the sensor. This improves the detection performance.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, the manufacturing method may include steps S602 to S604. Figures 7 to 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of several stages in the manufacturing process of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 6 as well as Figures 7 to 9 A method for manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, in step S602, an initial structure is provided. This initial structure includes a substrate and a pixel defining layer on the substrate. The substrate includes a first portion for forming a first region and a second portion for forming a second region. The pixel defining layer includes a plurality of openings. The opening density of the pixel defining layer on the first portion is greater than the opening density of the pixel defining layer on the second portion.

[0082] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure in step S602 of the manufacturing process of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, an initial structure is provided. This initial structure may include a substrate 710 and a pixel defining layer 720 on the substrate 710. For example, the substrate may include a substrate layer (not shown) and a structural layer (not shown) on the substrate layer. For example, the substrate layer may include a flexible substrate layer. For example, the structural layer may include a structural layer (e.g., source, drain, gate, semiconductor layer, etc.) or an anode layer, etc., such as a driving transistor. The substrate 710 may include a first portion 711 for forming a first region and a second portion 712 for forming a second region.

[0083] like Figure 7As shown, the pixel defining layer 720 may include a plurality of openings 722. The opening density of the pixel defining layer 720 on the first portion 711 is greater than the opening density of the pixel defining layer 720 on the second portion 712. That is, the number of openings per unit area of ​​the pixel defining layer 720 on the first portion 711 is greater than the number of openings per unit area of ​​the pixel defining layer 720 on the second portion 712.

[0084] In some embodiments, the initial structure may further include a functional layer (not shown) covering the pixel defining layer 720 and the substrate 710. For example, the functional layer may include a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, etc.

[0085] Back Figure 6 In step S604, a light-emitting layer is formed on the initial structure using a mask and a vapor deposition process, a portion of which is formed in multiple openings.

[0086] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of two stages in step S602 during the manufacturing process of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 8 and Figure 9 Describe the process of step S602.

[0087] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, a mask 830 is overlaid on the pixel defining layer 720. For example, this mask could be an FMM (Fine Metal Mask). The mask 830 may include a plurality of vias 833. A portion of the vias 833 exposes the plurality of openings 722. Here, the number of vias 833 is greater than the number of openings 722. Therefore, each opening 722 can be aligned with one via 833, but some vias 833 may not have an opening 722 underneath them. Figure 8 As shown, the density of the through holes in the mask 830 corresponding to the first part 711 (i.e., the first region) is equal to the density of the through holes in the mask 830 corresponding to the second part 712 (i.e., the second region).

[0088] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, a light-emitting layer 840 is formed using the mask 830 and a vapor deposition process. This light-emitting layer covers the mask 830 and fills the plurality of through holes 833 and the plurality of openings 722.

[0089] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, the portion of the light-emitting layer 840 outside the plurality of through holes 833 and the plurality of openings 722 is removed, and the mask 830 is removed, thereby dividing the light-emitting layer 840 into a plurality of parts.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that the manufacturing method of this display panel may also include steps such as forming other functional layers (e.g., electron transport layers and hole blocking layers) and a cathode layer (not shown in the figure). Those skilled in the art will understand the process of forming these layers based on known techniques, and will not describe it in detail here.

[0091] Thus, a method for manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In this manufacturing method, the via density of the mask corresponding to the first region is equal to the via density corresponding to the second region. This eliminates the need to manufacture the two regions of the mask with different via densities, making the manufacturing process more convenient and simpler. This, to a certain extent, ensures mass production capability.

[0092] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0093] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising: A first region and a second region, wherein the pixel density of the first region is greater than the pixel density of the second region; The second region includes at least a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel share the same sub-pixel driving circuit, and the emission color of the first sub-pixel and the emission color of the second sub-pixel are the same; The first sub-pixel includes a first light-emitting device, and the second sub-pixel includes a second light-emitting device. The anodes of the first and second light-emitting devices are electrically connected to the electrodes of the driving transistors of the same sub-pixel driving circuit. The first and second light-emitting devices are electrically connected by connectors. The second region includes connectors of different lengths. In each row of pixels in the second region, connectors of different lengths appear alternately. In two adjacent rows of pixels in the second region, pixels in one row are in different pixel columns than adjacent pixels in another row.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel are electrically connected to the same gate line.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The aperture ratio of each pixel in the second region is equal to the aperture ratio of each pixel in the first region.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein, The opening area of ​​the red sub-pixel in the second region is equal to the opening area of ​​the red sub-pixel in the first region.

5. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein, The opening area of ​​the green sub-pixel in the second region is equal to the opening area of ​​the green sub-pixel in the first region.

6. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein, The opening area of ​​the blue sub-pixel in the second region is equal to the opening area of ​​the blue sub-pixel in the first region.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The opening area of ​​the red sub-pixel in the second region is larger than the opening area of ​​the red sub-pixel in the first region.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The opening area of ​​the green sub-pixel in the second region is larger than the opening area of ​​the green sub-pixel in the first region.

9. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The opening area of ​​the blue sub-pixel in the second region is larger than the opening area of ​​the blue sub-pixel in the first region.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The second region includes multiple non-light-emitting areas, each of which occupies an area of ​​2×3 sub-pixels.

11. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, In the second region, each pixel row includes two adjacent sub-pixel rows.

12. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The second region also includes a third sub-pixel and a fourth sub-pixel that are closest to the connector and are not connected, and the shortest distance between the third sub-pixel and the connector is approximately equal to the shortest distance between the fourth sub-pixel and the connector.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting material of the first sub-pixel is the same as that of the second sub-pixel.

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