Display panel, display device, and method of manufacturing display panel

Abstract

A display panel having a plurality of sub-pixels is provided. The display panel includes: a black matrix layer; an adhesive layer on the black matrix layer; and a cover on a side of the adhesive layer remote from the black matrix layer. The adhesive layer extends substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area including a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area. The adhesive layer comprises an optically clear adhesive and particles distributed throughout the optically clear adhesive. The light transmittance of the adhesive layer is in a range of 40% to 80%.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to display technology, and in particular to a display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing a display panel. Background Art

[0002] A flexible display device is a bendable or deformable display device having a flexible display panel. Examples of flexible display devices include flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display devices, flexible electrophoretic display (EPD) devices, and flexible liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. As a new generation of display devices, flexible display devices are thinner and lighter, with high contrast, high responsiveness, and high brightness. They also provide full color and a wide viewing angle. Flexible display devices are widely used in mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, car displays, laptops, wall-mounted TVs, and various military applications. The flexible display device includes a flexible array substrate. The base substrate of the flexible array substrate can be made of a flexible material such as plastic. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a display panel comprising a plurality of sub-pixels; wherein the display panel comprises: a black matrix layer; a black adhesive layer on the black matrix layer; and a cover on a side of the black adhesive layer away from the black matrix layer; wherein the black adhesive layer extends substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area comprising a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area; the black adhesive layer comprises an optically transparent adhesive and particles distributed throughout the optically transparent adhesive; and the transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in the range of 40% to 80%.

[0004] Optionally, the light transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in a range of 48% to 71%.

[0005] Optionally, the display panel does not have any polarizer.

[0006] Optionally, the display panel also includes: a base substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors on the base substrate; a first planarization layer on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors away from the base substrate; an anode on a side of the first planarization layer away from the base substrate; a pixel definition layer on a side of the anode away from the base substrate, wherein the orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer on the base substrate covers the orthographic projection of the black matrix layer on the base substrate; a light-emitting layer on a side of the anode away from the first planarization layer; a cathode on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the anode; a first inorganic encapsulation layer on a side of the cathode away from the light-emitting layer; an organic encapsulation layer on a side of the first inorganic encapsulation layer away from the cathode; and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on a side of the organic encapsulation layer away from the first inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0007] Optionally, the display panel further includes: a passivation layer on a side of the multiple thin film transistors away from the base substrate; a relay electrode on a side of the first planarization layer away from the passivation layer; and a second planarization layer on a side of the relay electrode away from the first planarization layer.

[0008] Optionally, the display panel further includes: a first outer coating layer; and a second outer coating layer; wherein the first outer coating layer is on a side of the black matrix layer away from the black adhesive layer; the second outer coating layer is on a side of the black adhesive layer close to the black matrix layer; and the black adhesive layer adheres the cover to the second outer coating layer.

[0009] Optionally, the display panel does not have any color filter; and in the sub-pixel area, the second overcoat layer is in direct contact with the first overcoat layer.

[0010] Optionally, the display panel further includes: a color filter, which is on the black matrix layer and extends into the hole defined by the black matrix layer; the orthographic projection of the color filter on the base substrate covers the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer on the base substrate; and the orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer on the first outer coating layer also covers the orthographic projection of the color filter on the first outer coating layer.

[0011] Optionally, an orthographic projection of the color filter on the base substrate covers an orthographic projection of the hole defined by the black matrix layer on the base substrate.

[0012] Optionally, the color filter is between the first outer coating layer and the second outer coating layer; the color filter is in direct contact with the first outer coating layer and in direct contact with the second outer coating layer; and the black matrix layer is in direct contact with the first outer coating layer and in direct contact with the second outer coating layer.

[0013] Optionally, the display panel also includes: a buffer layer; a plurality of touch electrode bridges on the buffer layer; a touch insulation layer on a side of the plurality of touch electrode bridges away from the buffer layer; and a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes on a side of the touch insulation layer away from the buffer layer, the electrode blocks of each second touch electrode in the plurality of second touch electrodes being electrically connected through the plurality of touch electrode bridges, and adjacent electrode blocks of each second touch electrode in the plurality of second touch electrodes respectively extending through the touch insulation layer to be connected to corresponding touch electrode bridges in the plurality of touch electrode bridges; wherein the first outer coating is on a side of the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes away from the touch insulation layer.

[0014] Optionally, the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are grid electrodes comprising grid lines; each grid of the grid electrode surrounds at least one sub-pixel; and the orthographic projection of the black matrix layer on the base substrate covers the orthographic projection of the grid lines on the base substrate.

[0015] Optionally, the multiple sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel of a first color, a second sub-pixel of a second color, a third sub-pixel of a third color, and a fourth sub-pixel of the third color; each first grid of the grid electrode surrounds the first sub-pixel; each second grid of the grid electrode surrounds the second sub-pixel; and each third grid of the grid electrode surrounds the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel.

[0016] Optionally, the color filter includes a first color filter block of the first color, a second color filter block of the second color, a third color filter block of the third color, and a fourth color filter block of the third color; each first grid of the grid electrode surrounds a first area having the first color filter block; each second grid of the grid electrode surrounds a second area having the second color filter block; and each third grid of the grid electrode surrounds a third area having the third color filter block and the fourth color filter block.

[0017] Optionally, the black adhesive layer has a thickness ranging from 10 μm to 100 μm.

[0018] Optionally, the particles have an average diameter in the range of 10 nm to 500 nm.

[0019] Optionally, the particles comprise a light absorbing black material.

[0020] Optionally, the black material includes carbon or a black metal oxide material.

[0021] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display device including a display panel described herein or manufactured by the method described herein, and an integrated circuit connected to the display panel.

[0022] On the other hand, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display panel having multiple sub-pixels, comprising: forming a black matrix layer; forming a black adhesive layer on the black matrix layer; and forming a cover on a side of the black adhesive layer away from the black matrix layer; wherein the black adhesive layer is formed to extend substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area including a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area; the black adhesive layer includes an optically transparent adhesive and particles distributed throughout the optically transparent adhesive; and the transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in the range of 40% to 80%. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The following drawings, in accordance with various disclosed embodiments, are examples only for illustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display area in a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a black adhesive layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 Aperture diffraction due to the presence of the black matrix layer is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 The unexpected result of using a black adhesive layer OAL to eliminate color separation is shown.

[0029] Figure 6A is a plan view of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6B It is along Figure 6A Cross-sectional view along line AA'.

[0031] Figure 6C It is along Figure 6A Cross-sectional view along line BB'.

[0032] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Schematic diagram of multiple grids in .

[0034] Figure 7C It is along Figure 7A Cross-sectional view along line CC'.

[0035] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Schematic diagram of multiple grids in .

[0037] Figure 8C It is along Figure 8A Cross-sectional view along line D-D'.

[0038] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Schematic diagram of multiple grids in .

[0040] Figure 9C It is along Figure 9A Cross-sectional view of the CC' line in FIG.

[0041] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display area in a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] 11A to 11D A method of manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. It should be noted that the following description of some of the embodiments presented herein is for illustration and description purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed.

[0044] The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing a display panel, which substantially avoid one or more problems caused by limitations and shortcomings of the prior art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a display panel. In some embodiments, the display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels. The display panel includes: a black matrix layer; a black adhesive layer on the black matrix layer; and a cover on a side of the black adhesive layer away from the black matrix layer. Optionally, the black adhesive layer extends substantially throughout the entire display area of ​​the display panel, including the sub-pixel area and the inter-sub-pixel area. Optionally, the black adhesive layer comprises an optically transparent adhesive and opaque particles distributed throughout the optically transparent adhesive. Optionally, the transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in the range of 40% to 80%.

[0045] In some embodiments, a display panel includes a first overcoat layer; a black matrix layer on the first overcoat layer, defining a subpixel area; a second overcoat layer on a side of the black matrix layer remote from the first overcoat layer; a black adhesive layer on a side of the second overcoat layer remote from the black matrix layer; and a cover glass on a side of the black adhesive layer remote from the second overcoat layer. Optionally, the black adhesive layer extends substantially throughout the entire display area of ​​the display panel, including the subpixel area and the inter-subpixel area. Optionally, the black adhesive layer comprises an optically clear adhesive and opaque particles distributed throughout the optically clear adhesive. Optionally, the black adhesive layer adheres the cover glass to the second overcoat layer. Optionally, an orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer on the first overcoat layer overlaps an orthographic projection of the black matrix layer on the first overcoat layer.

[0046] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels sp. The cover CG covers the rest of the display panel and serves as an outer surface of the display panel, such as a touch surface of the display panel. Under the cover CG, the display panel includes a black adhesive layer OAL. Figure 1 As shown, the black adhesive layer OAL extends over the entire display panel. The display panel further includes a black matrix layer BM below the black adhesive layer OAL.

[0047] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display area in a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a display area DA of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The display area DA includes a sub-pixel region SR and an inter-sub-pixel region ISR.

[0048] As used herein, the term "display area" refers to the area of ​​the display panel that actually displays the image. Optionally, the display area may include a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area. The sub-pixel area refers to the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel, for example, the area corresponding to the pixel electrode in a liquid crystal display or the area corresponding to the light-emitting layer in an organic light-emitting display. The inter-sub-pixel area refers to the area between adjacent sub-pixel areas, for example, the area corresponding to the black matrix in a liquid crystal display or the area corresponding to the pixel definition layer in an organic light-emitting display. Optionally, the inter-sub-pixel area is the area between adjacent sub-pixel areas in the same pixel. Optionally, the inter-sub-pixel area is the area between two adjacent sub-pixel areas in two adjacent pixels.

[0049] As used herein, a sub-pixel region refers to the light-emitting region of a sub-pixel, for example, a region corresponding to a pixel electrode in a liquid crystal display, a region corresponding to a light-emitting layer in an organic light-emitting diode display panel, or a region corresponding to a light-transmitting layer in the present disclosure. Optionally, a pixel may include multiple separate light-emitting regions corresponding to multiple sub-pixels in the pixel. Optionally, the sub-pixel region is the light-emitting region of a red sub-pixel. Optionally, the sub-pixel region is the light-emitting region of a green sub-pixel. Optionally, the sub-pixel region is the light-emitting region of a blue sub-pixel. Optionally, the sub-pixel region is the light-emitting region of a white sub-pixel.

[0050] As used herein, the inter-subpixel region refers to the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions, for example, the region corresponding to the black matrix in a liquid crystal display, the region corresponding to the pixel definition layer in an organic light emitting diode display panel, or the black matrix in the present display panel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is the region between adjacent sub-pixel regions in the same pixel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is the region between two adjacent sub-pixel regions in two adjacent pixels. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is the region between the sub-pixel region of a red sub-pixel and the sub-pixel region of an adjacent green sub-pixel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is the region between the sub-pixel region of a red sub-pixel and the sub-pixel region of an adjacent blue sub-pixel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is the region between the sub-pixel region of a green sub-pixel and the sub-pixel region of an adjacent blue sub-pixel.

[0051] In some embodiments, the display panel includes a first overcoat layer OC1; a black matrix layer BM on the first overcoat layer; a second overcoat layer OC2 on a side of the black matrix layer BM away from the first overcoat layer OC1; a black adhesive layer OAL on a side of the second overcoat layer OC2 away from the black matrix layer BM; and a cover CG on a side of the black adhesive layer OAL away from the second overcoat layer OC2. Figure 2As shown, the black adhesive layer OAL extends substantially over the entire display area DA (including the sub-pixel region SR and the inter-sub-pixel region ISR) of the display panel.

[0052] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the black adhesive layer in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 In some embodiments, the black adhesive layer includes an optically clear adhesive OCA and opaque particles OP distributed throughout the optically clear adhesive OCA.

[0053] Various suitable materials and various suitable manufacturing methods can be used to manufacture the black adhesive layer OAL. Examples of suitable optically clear adhesive materials include, but are not limited to, polyacrylics, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); olefin copolymers; polycarbonates; epoxy resins; silicone-based optically clear adhesive materials; or combinations thereof. Examples of suitable opaque particulate materials include light-absorbing black materials, such as inorganic black materials and organic black materials. Examples of inorganic black materials include carbon and black metal oxide materials. Examples of organic black materials include chromium-organic black materials, graphite, and pigmented resins.

[0054] In some embodiments, the black adhesive layer OAL bonds the cover CG to the second overcoat layer OCA2. The orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer OAL on the first overcoat layer OC1 covers the orthographic projection of the black matrix layer BM on the first overcoat layer OC1.

[0055] In some embodiments, the black adhesive layer OAL has a light transmittance in the range of 40% to 90%, for example, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, or 80% to 90%. As used herein, the term "light transmittance" refers to the proportion of incident light at a specified wavelength (e.g., from 400 nm to 780 nm) that passes through the black adhesive layer OAL. Alternatively, the black adhesive layer OAL has a light transmittance in the range of 48% to 71%.

[0056] Optionally, the black adhesive layer OAL has substantially the same light transmittance in the sub-pixel region SR and the inter-sub-pixel region ISR. As used herein, the term "substantially the same" means that the difference between the two values ​​is no more than 10% of a base value (e.g., one of the two values), such as no more than 8%, no more than 6%, no more than 4%, no more than 2%, no more than 1%, no more than 0.5%, no more than 0.1%, no more than 0.05%, and no more than 0.01% of the base value. Optionally, the light transmittance of the black adhesive layer OAL is substantially uniform across the entire display area DA.

[0057] Optionally, the optically clear adhesive OCA (considered alone) has a light transmittance greater than 90%, such as greater than 92%, greater than 94%, greater than 96%, greater than 98%, or greater than 99%.

[0058] Alternatively, the light transmittance of the opaque particles OP is typically relatively very low, for example, less than 50%, less than 60%, less than 70%, less than 80%, less than 90% or less than 95%.

[0059] Optionally, the opaque particles OP are substantially uniformly distributed over the entire display area of ​​the display panel (including the sub-pixel region SR and the inter-sub-pixel region ISR). As used herein, the term "substantially uniformly distributed" refers to having substantially the same number of opaque particles OP per unit area over the entire display area of ​​the display panel. For example, the number of opaque particles OP per unit area in the sub-pixel region SR is substantially the same as the number of opaque particles OP per unit area in the inter-sub-pixel region ISR. In another example, the term "substantially uniformly distributed" refers to having substantially the same number of opaque particles OP per unit area over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, and refers to having substantially the same number of opaque particles OP per unit volume over the entire display area of ​​the display panel. Optionally, the opaque particles OP are randomly and substantially uniformly distributed over the entire display area of ​​the display panel (including the sub-pixel region SR and the inter-sub-pixel region ISR).

[0060] In display panels with metal components (such as touch electrodes, thin-film transistors, and signal lines), light reflection from these metal components can usually be prevented by having a polarizer on the display panel. In cover-film-on-encapsulation (COE) display panels, a black matrix is ​​formed on the display panel. The presence of the black matrix layer causes aperture diffraction. Figure 4 The aperture diffraction caused by the presence of the black matrix layer is shown. In addition, the aperture diffraction causes color separation, which seriously affects the display quality.

[0061] The inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly and surprisingly discovered that the inclusion of a black adhesive layer OAL can effectively eliminate color separation caused by aperture diffraction. Figure 5 The unexpected result of using a black adhesive layer OAL to eliminate color separation is shown. Figure 5As shown, black adhesive layers with transmittances of 71%, 63% and 50% were used, respectively. Even using a black adhesive layer OAL with a transmittance of 71%, color separation was significantly reduced (the color separation index was reduced by 73% from 20.7 to 5.6). As shown in Figure 7, compared with the omnidirectional reflected light observed in the control, not only can the color separation be significantly reduced (for example, greater than 70%, greater than 80% or greater than 90%), but the reflected light is also more narrowly focused along the horizontal direction (for example, unidirectional). In addition, compared with the multi-color reflected light observed in the control, the color spectrum of the reflected light in the display panel with the black adhesive layer OAL is much narrower (for example, monochrome). In addition, it is observed in the present disclosure that extremely low haze levels (for example, less than 10%, less than 7.5% or less than 5%) can be achieved using the black adhesive layer OAL in the present display panel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the display panel does not have any polarizer. Alternatively, the display panel does not have any polarizer.

[0063] The black adhesive layer OAL may have various suitable thicknesses. Optionally, the black adhesive layer OAL has a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, for example, 10 μm to 20 μm, 20 μm to 30 μm, 30 μm to 40 μm, 40 μm to 50 μm, 50 μm to 60 μm, 60 μm to 70 μm, 70 μm to 80 μm, 80 μm to 90 μm, or 90 μm to 100 μm.

[0064] The opaque particles can have a variety of suitable sizes. Optionally, the opaque particles have an average diameter in the range of 10 nm to 500 nm, such as 10 nm to 50 nm, 50 nm to 100 nm, 100 nm to 150 nm, 150 nm to 200 nm, 200 nm to 250 nm, 250 nm to 300 nm, 300 nm to 350 nm, 350 nm to 400 nm, 400 nm to 450 nm, or 450 nm to 500 nm.

[0065] Refer again Figure 2In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a buffer layer BUF; a plurality of touch electrode bridges TBR on the buffer layer BUF; a touch insulating layer TI on a side of the plurality of touch electrode bridges TBR away from the buffer layer BUF; and a plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and a plurality of second touch electrodes on a side of the touch insulating layer TI away from the buffer layer BUF. The electrode blocks of each of the plurality of second touch electrodes are electrically connected via the plurality of touch electrode bridges. Adjacent electrode blocks of each of the plurality of second touch electrodes extend through the touch insulating layer TI to connect to corresponding touch electrode bridges in the plurality of touch electrode bridges. A first overcoat layer OC1 is on a side of the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes away from the touch insulating layer TI.

[0066] In some embodiments, the display panel includes a base substrate BS, a plurality of thin film transistors TFT on the base substrate BS, a passivation layer PVX on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors TFT away from the base substrate BS, a first planarization layer PLX1 on a side of the passivation layer PVX away from the base substrate BS, a relay electrode RE on a side of the first planarization layer PLN1 away from the passivation layer PVX, a second planarization layer PLN2 on a side of the relay electrode RE away from the first planarization layer PLN1, and a second planarization layer PLN2 on a side of the second planarization layer PLN2 away from the first planarization layer PLN1. A pixel definition layer PDL of a sub-pixel aperture, an anode AS on the side of the second planarization layer PLN2 away from the first planarization layer PLN1, a light-emitting layer EL on the side of the anode AD away from the second planarization layer PLN2, a cathode CD on the side of the light-emitting layer EL away from the anode AD, a first inorganic encapsulation layer CVD1 on the side of the cathode CD away from the light-emitting layer EL, an organic encapsulation layer IJP on the side of the first inorganic encapsulation layer CVD1 away from the cathode CD, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2 on the side of the organic encapsulation layer IJP away from the first inorganic encapsulation layer CVS1. Optionally, the display panel is a flexible display panel, and the base substrate BS is a flexible base substrate. Optionally, a buffer layer BUF is on the side of the second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2 away from the organic encapsulation layer IJP and is in direct contact with the second inorganic encapsulation layer CVD2.

[0067] The orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer OAL on the first overcoat layer OC1 covers not only the orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer PDL on the first overcoat layer OC1, but also the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer EL on the first overcoat layer OC1. The orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer PDL on the base substrate BS covers the orthographic projection of the black matrix layer BM on the base substrate BS.

[0068] Figure 6A is a plan view of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B It is along Figure 6ACross-sectional view along line AA'. Figure 6C It is along Figure 6A In some embodiments, the display panel includes a display element and a thin film transistor. Alternatively, for example, in an organic light emitting diode display panel, the display element includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. Alternatively, for example, in a liquid crystal display panel, the display element includes a liquid crystal layer in a plurality of sub-pixels. Figures 6A to 6C In some embodiments, the display panel includes a base substrate BS, a plurality of thin film transistors TFT on the base substrate BS, and a plurality of light emitting elements LE on the base substrate BS and respectively connected to the plurality of thin film transistors TFT.

[0069] In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer EN that encapsulates the plurality of light-emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the display panel includes a buffer layer BUF and a touch insulation layer TI disposed on the buffer layer BUF. The touch structure further includes a plurality of touch electrode bridges. The touch insulation layer TI is positioned between the plurality of touch electrode bridges and the electrode blocks of the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2. The plurality of touch electrode bridges extend through through-holes in the touch insulation layer TI to connect adjacent second electrode blocks in corresponding columns of the plurality of columns of the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2.

[0070] Optionally, the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 are located in the same layer. As used herein, the term "same layer" refers to the relationship between layers formed simultaneously in the same step. In one example, when the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 are formed as a result of one or more steps of the same patterning process performed in a material deposited in the same deposition process, they are in the same layer. In another example, the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2 can be formed in the same layer by simultaneously performing the steps of forming the plurality of first touch electrodes TE1 and the steps of forming the plurality of second touch electrodes TE2. The term "same layer" does not always mean that the thickness of the layer or the height of the layer in a cross-sectional view is the same.

[0071] Refer again Figure 2In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a color filter CF, which is located on the black matrix layer BM and extends into the aperture AP defined by the black matrix layer BM. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the color filter CF on the base substrate BS covers the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer EL on the base substrate BS. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the color filter CF on the base substrate BS covers the orthographic projection of the aperture AP defined by the black matrix layer on the base substrate BS. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer OAL on the first overcoat layer OC1 also covers the orthographic projection of the color filter CF on the first overcoat layer OC1. The color filter CF is located between the first overcoat layer OC1 and the second overcoat layer OC2. The color filter CF is in direct contact with the first overcoat layer OC1 and in direct contact with the second overcoat layer OC2. The black matrix layer BM is in direct contact with the first overcoat layer OC1 and in direct contact with the second overcoat layer OC2.

[0072] In some embodiments, the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are grid electrodes including grid lines. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Schematic diagram of multiple grids in . Figure 7C It is along Figure 7A Cross-sectional view of line C-C' in FIG. 7A to 7C In some embodiments, the display panel includes a plurality of sub-pixels. In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, a third sub-pixel SP3, and a fourth sub-pixel SP4. The plurality of sub-pixels in the array substrate are arranged in an array. In one example, the array of the plurality of sub-pixels includes a repeating array of an S1-S2-S3-S4 format, where S1 represents the first sub-pixel sp1, S2 represents the second sub-pixel sp2, S3 represents the third sub-pixel sp3, and S4 represents the fourth sub-pixel sp4. In another example, the S1-S2-S3-S4 format is a C1-C2-C3-C3' format, where C1 represents the first sub-pixel sp1 of the first color, C2 represents the second sub-pixel sp2 of the second color, C3 represents the third sub-pixel sp3 of the third color, and C3' represents the fourth sub-pixel sp4 of the third color. In another example, the C1-C2-C3-C3′ format is an RBGG format, wherein the first subpixel sp1 is a red subpixel, the second subpixel sp2 is a blue subpixel, the third subpixel sp3 is a green subpixel, and the fourth subpixel sp4 is a green subpixel. Figure 7A Also shown are a plurality of sub-pixel holes SA defined by the pixel definition layer PDL.

[0073] Reference 7A to 7CIn some embodiments, the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are grid electrodes including grid lines ML. Each grid of the grid electrode surrounds at least one subpixel (e.g., 1 or 2 subpixels). The orthographic projection of the black matrix layer BS on the base substrate BS covers the orthographic projection of the grid lines ML on the base substrate BS. Along the direction from the first subpixel to the second subpixel in two directly adjacent subpixels, the line width of each grid line is 10% to 35% (e.g., 10% to 15%, 15% to 20%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 30%, or 30% to 35%) of the width of the black matrix column or black matrix row of the black matrix layer BM. Optionally, along the direction from the first subpixel to the second subpixel in two directly adjacent subpixels, the line width of each grid line is 20% of the width of the black matrix column or black matrix row of the black matrix layer BM. In one example, along the direction from the first subpixel to the second subpixel in two directly adjacent subpixels, the line width of each grid line is 3 μm. In another example, along the direction from the first sub-pixel to the second sub-pixel in two directly adjacent sub-pixels, the width of the black matrix column or the black matrix row of the black matrix layer BM is 14 μm.

[0074] In some embodiments, each first grid MH1 of the grid electrode surrounds the first sub-pixel sp1; each second grid MH2 of the grid electrode surrounds the second sub-pixel sp2; and each third grid MH3 of the grid electrode surrounds the third sub-pixel sp3 and the fourth sub-pixel sp4.

[0075] In some embodiments, the color filter CF includes a first color filter block CFB1 of a first color, a second color filter block CFB2 of a second color, and a third color filter block CFB3 of a third color. Optionally, each first grid MH1 of the grid electrode surrounds a first region having the first color filter block CFB1; each second grid MH2 of the grid electrode surrounds a second region having the second color filter block CFB2; and each third grid MH3 of the grid electrode surrounds a third region having the third color filter block CFB3.

[0076] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Schematic diagram of multiple grids in . Figure 8C It is along Figure 8A Cross-sectional view of line D-D' in FIG. Figures 8A to 8CIn some embodiments, the color filter CF includes a first color filter block CFB1 of a first color, a second color filter block CFB2 of a second color, a third color filter block CFB3 of a third color, and a fourth color filter block CFB4 of a third color. Optionally, each first grid MH1 of the grid electrode surrounds a first region having the first color filter block CFB1; each second grid MH2 of the grid electrode surrounds a second region having the second color filter block CFB2; and each third grid MH3 of the grid electrode surrounds a third region having both the third color filter block CFB3 and the fourth color filter block CFB4.

[0077] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9B yes Figure 9A Schematic diagram of multiple grids in . Figure 9C It is along Figure 9A Cross-sectional view of line E-E' in FIG. Figures 9A to 9C In some embodiments, each first grid MH1 of the grid electrode surrounds the first subpixel sp1; each second grid MH2 of the grid electrode surrounds the second subpixel sp2; each third grid MH3 of the grid electrode surrounds the third subpixel sp3; and each fourth grid MH4 of the grid electrode surrounds the fourth subpixel sp4. Optionally, each first grid MH1 of the grid electrode surrounds a first region having a first color filter block CFB1; each second grid MH2 of the grid electrode surrounds a second region having a second color filter block CFB2; each third grid MH3 of the grid electrode surrounds a third region having a third color filter block CFB3; and each fourth grid MH4 of the grid electrode surrounds a fourth region having a fourth color filter block CFB4.

[0078] In some embodiments, the display panel is free of any color filters. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a display area in a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 , in the sub-pixel region SR, the second overcoat layer OC2 is in direct contact with the first overcoat layer OC1. Instead of a color filter, the second overcoat layer OC2 occupies a space defined by the black matrix layer BM.

[0079] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display device comprising a display panel as described herein or manufactured by the methods described herein, and one or more integrated circuits connected to the display panel. Examples of suitable display devices include, but are not limited to, electronic paper, mobile phones, tablet computers, televisions, monitors, laptops, digital photo frames, GPS devices, and the like. Optionally, the display device is an organic light-emitting diode display device. Optionally, the display device is a liquid crystal display device.

[0080] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display panel. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a black matrix layer; forming a black adhesive layer on the black matrix layer; and forming a cover on a side of the black adhesive layer away from the black matrix layer. Optionally, the black adhesive layer is formed to extend substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area including the sub-pixel area and the inter-sub-pixel area. Optionally, the black adhesive layer comprises an optically transparent adhesive and opaque particles distributed throughout the optically transparent adhesive. Optionally, the black adhesive layer has a light transmittance in the range of 40% to 80%.

[0081] In some embodiments, the method includes forming a first outer coating layer; forming a black matrix layer on the first outer coating layer; forming a second outer coating layer on a side of the black matrix layer away from the first outer coating layer; attaching a black adhesive layer to a side of the second outer coating layer away from the black matrix layer; and providing a cover glass on a side of the black adhesive layer away from the second outer coating layer; and adhering the cover glass to the second outer coating layer via the black adhesive layer. Optionally, the black adhesive layer is formed to extend substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area including the sub-pixel area and the inter-sub-pixel area. Optionally, the black adhesive layer is made of an optically transparent adhesive and opaque particles distributed throughout the optically transparent adhesive. Optionally, the orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer on the first outer coating layer covers the orthographic projection of the black matrix layer on the first outer coating layer.

[0082] In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a color filter in the sub-pixel region. The orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer on the first overcoat layer also covers the orthographic projection of the color filter on the first overcoat layer.

[0083] In some embodiments, the method does not include any steps of forming a color filter. After forming the black matrix layer in the inter-subpixel region, a second outer coating layer is formed so that in the subpixel region, the second outer coating layer is in direct contact with the first outer coating layer. Compared with the manufacturing method of a display panel with a color filter, the manufacturing method of a display panel without a color filter can reduce at least three patterning steps, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing product defects. In addition, compared with the display panel with a color filter, the transmittance in the display panel without any color filter can be further improved, for example, by more than 20%.

[0084] Figures 11A to 11C The method of manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described. Figure 11A A black matrix layer BM is formed on a side of the first overcoat layer OC1 away from the touch insulating layer TI. The black matrix layer BM is formed in the inter-sub-pixel region ISR.

[0085] Reference Figure 11BAfter forming the black matrix layer BM, a second overcoat layer OC2 is formed on the side of the black matrix layer BM and the first overcoat layer OC1 away from the touch insulation layer TI. The second overcoat layer OC2 is formed so that in the sub-pixel region SR, the second overcoat layer OC2 is in direct contact with the first overcoat layer. In the inter-sub-pixel region ISR, the second overcoat layer OC2 is in direct contact with the black matrix layer BM.

[0086] Reference Figure 11C The black adhesive layer OAL is adhered to the outer surface of the second overcoat layer OC2, and is formed to extend substantially over the entire display area DA (including the sub-pixel region SR and the inter-sub-pixel region ISR) of the display panel.

[0087] Reference Figure 11D A cover CG is provided on the side of the black adhesive layer OAL that is away from the second overcoat layer OC2. The cover CG is adhered to the second overcoat layer OC2 through the black adhesive layer OAL.

[0088] Various suitable black materials and various suitable manufacturing methods can be used to manufacture the black matrix layer BM. For example, the black material can be deposited on the substrate (for example, by sputtering, vapor deposition, solution coating, or spin coating); and patterned (for example, by photolithography, such as a wet etching process) to form the black matrix layer BM. Examples of suitable black materials for manufacturing the black matrix layer BM include, but are not limited to, organic or inorganic black materials, such as carbon, metals or metal oxides (for example, molybdenum, chromium, or chromium oxide), chromium-organic black materials, graphite, and pigmented resins. The black matrix layer BM typically has a relatively very low light transmittance, for example, less than 50%, less than 60%, less than 70%, less than 80%, less than 90%, or less than 95%.

[0089] Various suitable flexible materials can be used to manufacture the base substrate BS and the cover CG. Examples of suitable materials for manufacturing the base substrate BS and the cover CG include glass, silicon, quartz, and flexible materials such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyarylate, and fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0090] The first and second outer coatings OC1 and OC2 can be manufactured using various suitable dielectric materials and various suitable manufacturing methods. For example, the insulating material can be deposited on the substrate using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process. Examples of materials suitable for preparing the first and second outer coatings OC1 and OC2 include, but are not limited to, silicon oxide (SiOy), silicon nitride (SiNy, such as Si3N4), silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy), polyacrylates, polysilanes, polyimides, polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0091] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms or exemplary embodiments disclosed. Therefore, the foregoing description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its best mode practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the invention and various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be used in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the terms "the invention," "the present invention," etc. do not necessarily limit the scope of the claims to specific embodiments, and reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the invention, and no such limitation should be inferred. The present invention is limited solely by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the claims may use the terms "first," "second," etc., followed by a noun or element. These terms should be understood as nomenclature and should not be construed as limiting the number of elements to which they refer unless a specific number is provided. Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art may make changes to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, no element or component in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly stated in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel comprising a plurality of sub-pixels; in, The display panel includes: a first outer coating; A black matrix layer is provided on the first outer coating layer; A second outer coating layer is provided on a side of the black matrix layer away from the first outer coating layer; a black adhesive layer disposed on a side of the second outer coating layer facing away from the first outer coating layer; and a cover on a side of the black adhesive layer remote from the black matrix layer; wherein the black adhesive layer extends substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area including a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area; the black adhesive layer comprising an optically clear adhesive and particles distributed throughout the optically clear adhesive; and The light transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in a range of 40% to 80%. 2 . The display panel according to claim 1 , wherein a light transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in a range of 48% to 71%. The display panel according to claim 1 , wherein the display panel does not have any polarizer.

4. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: base substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors on the base substrate; a first planarization layer on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors away from the base substrate; an anode on a side of the first planarization layer away from the base substrate; a pixel definition layer on a side of the anode away from the base substrate, wherein an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer on the base substrate covers an orthographic projection of the black matrix layer on the base substrate; a light emitting layer on a side of the anode away from the first planarization layer; a cathode on a side of the light-emitting layer remote from the anode; a first inorganic encapsulation layer on a side of the cathode away from the light-emitting layer; an organic encapsulating layer on a side of the first inorganic encapsulating layer remote from the cathode; and a second inorganic encapsulating layer on a side of the organic encapsulating layer away from the first inorganic encapsulating layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, further comprising: a passivation layer on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors away from the base substrate; a relay electrode on a side of the first planarization layer away from the passivation layer; as well as a second planarization layer on a side of the relay electrode away from the first planarization layer.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein the display panel does not have any color filter; and In the sub-pixel region, the second overcoat layer is in direct contact with the first overcoat layer.

7. The display panel according to claim 4, further comprising a color filter on the black matrix layer and extending into the hole defined by the black matrix layer; The orthographic projection of the color filter on the base substrate covers the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer on the base substrate; as well as The orthographic projection of the black adhesive layer on the first overcoat layer also covers the orthographic projection of the color filter on the first overcoat layer. 8 . The display panel according to claim 7 , wherein an orthographic projection of the color filter on the base substrate covers an orthographic projection of the hole defined by the black matrix layer on the base substrate.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein the color filter is between the first overcoat layer and the second overcoat layer; the color filter being in direct contact with the first overcoat layer and in direct contact with the second overcoat layer; and The black matrix layer is in direct contact with the first outer coating layer and in direct contact with the second outer coating layer.

10. The display panel according to claim 8, further comprising: buffer layer; a plurality of touch electrode bridges on the buffer layer; a touch insulating layer on a side of the plurality of touch electrode bridges away from the buffer layer; as well as a plurality of first touch electrodes and a plurality of second touch electrodes on a side of the touch insulation layer away from the buffer layer, wherein electrode blocks of respective second touch electrodes in the plurality of second touch electrodes are electrically connected via the plurality of touch electrode bridges, and adjacent electrode blocks of respective second touch electrodes in the plurality of second touch electrodes respectively extend through the touch insulation layer to be connected to corresponding touch electrode bridges in the plurality of touch electrode bridges; The first outer coating layer is on a side of the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes away from the touch insulation layer.

11. The display panel according to claim 10 , wherein the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes are grid electrodes including grid lines; Each grid of the grid electrode surrounds at least one sub-pixel; and The orthographic projection of the black matrix layer on the base substrate covers the orthographic projection of the grid lines on the base substrate.

12. The display panel according to claim 11 , wherein the plurality of sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel of a first color, a second sub-pixel of a second color, a third sub-pixel of a third color, and a fourth sub-pixel of the third color; Each first grid of the grid electrode surrounds the first sub-pixel; Each second grid of the grid electrode surrounds the second sub-pixel; and Each third grid of the grid electrode surrounds the third sub-pixel and the fourth sub-pixel.

13. The display panel according to claim 12, wherein the color filter comprises a first color filter block of the first color, a second color filter block of the second color, a third color filter block of the third color, and a fourth color filter block of the third color; Each first grid of the grid electrode surrounds a first area having the first color filter block; Each second grid of the grid electrode surrounds a second area having the second color filter block; as well as Each third grid of the grid electrode surrounds a third region having the third color filter block and the fourth color filter block. 14 . The display panel of claim 1 , wherein the black adhesive layer has a thickness in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm. 15 . The display panel according to claim 1 , wherein the particles have an average diameter in the range of 10 nm to 500 nm.

16. The display panel of claim 1, wherein the particles comprise a light-absorbing black material. The display panel according to claim 16 , wherein the black material comprises carbon or a black metal oxide material.

18. A display device comprising the display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and an integrated circuit connected to the display panel.

19. A method for manufacturing a display panel having a plurality of sub-pixels, the display panel being as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising: forming a black matrix layer; forming a black adhesive layer on the black matrix layer; as well as forming a cover on a side of the black adhesive layer away from the black matrix layer; wherein the black adhesive layer is formed to extend substantially over the entire display area of ​​the display panel, the display area including a sub-pixel area and an inter-sub-pixel area; the black adhesive layer comprising an optically clear adhesive and particles distributed throughout the optically clear adhesive; and The light transmittance of the black adhesive layer is in a range of 40% to 80%.

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