Display panel and display device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
Smart Images
Figure CN115528076B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and display device. Background Technology
[0002] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices have advantages over traditional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) such as being lightweight, having a wide viewing angle, and high luminous efficiency.
[0003] Existing technologies typically utilize geometric optics to create a micro-lens pattern (MLP) structure within the OLED screen. This MLP structure focuses the relatively divergent light emitted by the OLED screen towards the top of the screen, thereby improving the OLED screen's efficiency. However, this micro-lens pattern structure usually requires a planarization layer fabricated using an inkjet printing (IJP) process to facilitate subsequent manufacturing processes. Furthermore, to prevent ink overflow during the inkjet printing process, blocking structures such as grooves or barriers are needed around the screen to prevent ink spillage. However, some areas near the edge of the blocking structure where ink doesn't flow can cause stress concentration, posing a risk of metal wire breakage when the display panel is bent. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention provides a display panel to solve the technical problem in existing display panels and devices where stress concentration occurs at the edges where ink cannot flow during inkjet printing to form a flat layer when all the grooves in the microarray structure are hollowed out, posing a risk of metal wire breakage.
[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:
[0006] The present invention provides a display panel, including a display area and a non-display area located on at least one side of the display area;
[0007] The display panel also includes:
[0008] substrate;
[0009] A light-emitting layer is disposed on one side of the substrate, and the light-emitting layer includes a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed in the display area;
[0010] A first refractive layer is disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer away from the substrate. The first refractive layer includes a plurality of openings arranged in an array within the display area and corresponding to a plurality of light-emitting portions, and a first groove distributed within the non-display area; and
[0011] A second refractive layer is disposed on the side of the first refractive layer away from the substrate and fills a plurality of the openings, wherein the refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer;
[0012] The first groove includes a plurality of spaced solid units and a plurality of interconnected microgrooves. The microgrooves are disposed between two adjacent solid units, and the second refractive layer fills the microgrooves and covers the solid units.
[0013] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the first slot includes multiple sets of arrangement arrays arranged sequentially along a direction away from the display area. Each set of arrangement arrays includes multiple solid units and multiple micro trenches arranged sequentially. The multiple solid units in two adjacent sets of arrangement arrays are arranged alternately, and the multiple micro trenches in two adjacent sets of arrangement arrays are arranged alternately.
[0014] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, in a column of the arrays adjacent to the display area in a plurality of arrays, the size of each microgroove gradually decreases along the direction from near the display area to far away from the display area.
[0015] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, along the direction away from the display area, the area of the orthographic projection of the solid units in different groups of the arrangement array on the substrate gradually decreases.
[0016] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the ratio between the distance between two adjacent physical units located in two adjacent groups of the arrangement array and the bottom wall width of the first slot is less than or equal to 1 / 8, and the ratio between the maximum size of each physical unit and the bottom wall width of the first slot is less than or equal to 1 / 4.
[0017] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the distance between two adjacent physical units located in two adjacent groups of the array is less than or equal to 5 micrometers, and the maximum size of each physical unit is less than or equal to 10 micrometers.
[0018] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the number of groups in the arrangement array is greater than or equal to 3.
[0019] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the first groove penetrates the first refractive layer, and in the thickness direction of the display panel, the depth of the first groove is equal to the depth of the microgroove and the height of the solid unit.
[0020] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the first refractive layer further includes a second groove distributed in the non-display area, the second groove being located on the side of the first groove away from the display area;
[0021] The boundary of the second refractive layer is located within the second groove or between the second groove and the first groove.
[0022] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, in the thickness direction of the display panel, the depth of the microgroove is the same as the depth of the opening, and the depth of the first groove is the same as the depth of the second groove.
[0023] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the non-display area includes a bending area and a binding area located on the side of the bending area away from the display area, the binding area being bent to the back of the display area through the bending area; wherein, the first groove and the second groove are disposed between the bending area and the display area.
[0024] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, the display panel further includes:
[0025] An encapsulation layer covering the side of the light-emitting layer away from the substrate; and
[0026] A touch stack is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate. The touch stack includes a first insulating layer, a first touch metal layer, a second insulating layer, a second touch metal layer and a first refractive layer stacked in sequence. Touch electrodes are disposed in the first touch metal layer or the second touch metal layer.
[0027] According to the display panel provided by the present invention, a plurality of spaced micro-solid units and a plurality of interconnected sub-micro-grooves are provided on the side surface of the solid unit away from the substrate, and the sub-micro-grooves are disposed between two adjacent micro-solid units.
[0028] The present invention provides a display device including the above-described display panel.
[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The display panel and display device provided by the present invention include a substrate, a light-emitting layer, a first refractive layer and a second refractive layer. The first refractive layer includes a first groove distributed in the display area. By setting a plurality of spaced solid units and a plurality of interconnected microgrooves in the first groove, the microgrooves are set between two adjacent solid units. The second refractive layer fills the microgrooves and covers the solid units. When the second refractive layer is formed by inkjet printing, the ink can flow through the channels formed by the multiple interconnected microgrooves to the edge of the first groove near the display area by utilizing the capillary action of the microgrooves. This avoids the stress concentration phenomenon caused by the ink not flowing to this position, reduces the risk of metal wire breakage when the display panel is bent, and helps to improve the life of the display panel. Attached Figure Description
[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure along the AA line;
[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the structure at point B in the middle;
[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of the local structure at point C;
[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the AA section;
[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Another enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point D;
[0037] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Figures 8A to 8D This is a schematic diagram of the process structure of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0040] 1. Substrate; AA, display area; NA, non-display area;
[0041] 2. Driving circuit layer; 21. Buffer layer; 22. Thin film transistor array layer; 23. Planarization layer; 24. Anode; 3. Light-emitting layer; 31. Light-emitting part; 4. Pixel definition layer; 5. Encapsulation layer; 6. Touch stack; 7. First refractive layer; 8. Second refractive layer; 9. Third groove;
[0042] 221. Active layer; 222. Gate insulating layer; 223. Gate; 224. Interlayer dielectric layer; 225. Source and drain metal layers;
[0043] 51. First inorganic encapsulation layer; 52. Organic encapsulation layer; 53. Second inorganic encapsulation layer;
[0044] 61. First touch metal layer; 62. Second touch metal layer; 63. Second insulating layer;
[0045] 71. Opening; 72. First slot; 721. Solid unit; 7211. Micro solid unit; 7212. Sub-micro-groove; 722. Micro-groove; 723. Arrangement array; 73. Second slot; 74. Retaining wall. Detailed Implementation
[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the present invention, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" generally refer to the upper and lower positions of the device in actual use or operation, specifically the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings; while "inner" and "outer" refer to the outline of the device.
[0047] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention provides a display panel, which includes a display area AA and a non-display area NA located on at least one side of the display area AA.
[0048] The display panel further includes a substrate 1, a light-emitting layer 3, a first refractive layer 7, and a second refractive layer 8. The light-emitting layer 3 is disposed on one side of the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of light-emitting portions 31 disposed in the display area AA. The first refractive layer 7 is disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer 3 away from the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of openings 71 arranged in an array within the display area AA and corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting portions 31, and a first groove 72 distributed within the non-display area NA. The second refractive layer 8 is disposed on the side of the first refractive layer 7 away from the substrate 1 and fills the plurality of openings 71. The refractive index of the second refractive layer 8 is greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer 7.
[0049] The first groove 72 includes a plurality of spaced solid units 721 and a plurality of interconnected microgrooves 722. The microgrooves 722 are disposed between two adjacent solid units 721. The second refractive layer 8 fills the microgrooves 722 and covers the solid units 721.
[0050] As described in the background art, during the application process, the second refractive layer 8 is formed using an inkjet printing process. To prevent ink from overflowing outside the display panel, the first groove 72 is usually provided in the non-display area NA. However, during inkjet printing, some areas near the edge of the blocking structure close to the display area AA do not flow to the screen (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The area located to the left of the first groove 72 causes stress concentration at this location. In order to reduce the bezel of the display panel, the display panel needs to be bent in the non-display area NA, which poses a risk of metal wire breakage at this location.
[0051] It is understood that, in this embodiment of the invention, multiple spaced solid units 721 and multiple interconnected microgrooves 722 are provided in the first groove 72. The microgrooves 722 are located between two adjacent solid units 721. The second refractive layer 8 fills the microgrooves 722 and covers the solid units 721. The multiple microgrooves 722 form a flow channel for ink to flow. When the second refractive layer 8 is formed by inkjet printing, the ink can flow through the channel formed by the multiple interconnected microgrooves 722 to the edge of the first groove 72 near the display area AA by utilizing the capillary action of the microgrooves 722. This avoids stress concentration at this position due to the lack of ink flow, reduces the risk of metal wire breakage when the display panel is bent, and helps to improve the lifespan of the display panel.
[0052] It should be noted that the display area AA refers to the area in the display panel that emits light for display, while the non-display area NA refers to the area surrounding the display area AA. In this embodiment, the display area AA is surrounded by the non-display area NA. It should be noted that this should not be construed as a limitation on the positions of the display area AA and the non-display area NA; the non-display area NA may exist only on one side of the display area AA or on any of its sides.
[0053] The display panel further includes a driving circuit layer 2, a pixel definition layer 4, an anode 24, a cathode (not shown in the figure), an encapsulation layer 5, and a touch stack 6. The thin-film transistor array layer 22 is disposed between the substrate 1 and the light-emitting layer 3. The pixel definition layer 4 is disposed on the thin-film transistor array layer 22. The anode 24 is disposed on the pixel definition layer 4. The pixel definition layer 4 includes a plurality of pixel openings 71 arranged in an array. The pixel openings 71 expose at least a portion of the anode 24. The light-emitting layer 3 is disposed within the pixel openings 71. The cathode is disposed on the pixel definition layer 4 and the light-emitting layer 3. The encapsulation layer 5 is disposed on the cathode to encapsulate the light-emitting part 31. The touch stack 6 is disposed on the encapsulation layer 5. The first refractive layer 7 is disposed on the touch stack 6.
[0054] The driving circuit layer 2 further includes a buffer layer 21 and a planarization layer 23. The buffer layer 21 is disposed between the thin film transistor array layer 22 and the substrate 1, the planarization layer 23 covers the thin film transistor array layer 22, and the pixel definition layer 4 is disposed on the thin film transistor array layer 22.
[0055] The thin-film transistor array layer 22 further includes thin-film transistor devices disposed on the buffer layer 21. The thin-film transistor devices can be etch-block type, back-channel etch type, or classified into bottom-gate thin-film transistor devices, top-gate thin-film transistor devices, etc., according to the position of the gate 223 and the active layer 221. There are no specific limitations.
[0056] For example, Figure 2 The thin-film transistor device shown is a top-gate thin-film transistor device. This thin-film transistor may include an active layer 221, a gate insulating layer 222, a gate 223, an interlayer dielectric layer 224, and a source-drain metal layer 225. The active layer 221 is disposed on the buffer layer 21, the gate insulating layer 222 is disposed on the active layer 221, the gate 223 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 222, the interlayer dielectric layer 224 is disposed on the gate 223, and the source-drain metal layer 225 is disposed on the interlayer dielectric layer 224. The source-drain metal layer 225 includes a source and a drain. The source and the drain are electrically connected to the active layer 221 through vias penetrating the interlayer dielectric layer 224 and the gate insulating layer 222.
[0057] The encapsulation layer 5 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 51, an organic encapsulation layer 52, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 53, which are sequentially stacked on the pixel definition layer 4. The touch stack 6 is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer 5 away from the substrate 1. The touch stack 6 includes a first insulating layer, a first touch metal layer 61, a second insulating layer 63, a second touch metal layer 62, and a first refractive layer 7, which are sequentially stacked. Touch electrodes are disposed in either the first touch metal layer 61 or the second touch metal layer 62. In this embodiment, the first refractive layer 7 is part of the touch stack 6, that is, the first refractive layer 7 is reused as the insulating layer in the touch stack 6. Therefore, there is no need to provide an additional insulating layer covering the second touch metal layer 62 between the first refractive layer 7 and the second touch metal layer 62, which can reduce the overall thickness of the display panel. The touch stack 6 can adopt a direct cell touch (DOT) method. The touch stack 6 provided in this embodiment of the invention may be mutually capacitive or self-capacitive, but is not limited thereto. The specific type and structure of the touch stack 6 may be selected according to actual needs.
[0058] The first refractive layer 7 is a low refractive index layer, and the second refractive layer 8 is a high refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer is located at least in the display area AA, and the high refractive index layer extends from the display area AA to the non-display area NA. The second refractive layer 8 fills the plurality of openings 71 of the first refractive layer 7 to form a plurality of microlens units. By utilizing the refractive index difference between the first refractive layer 7 and the second refractive layer 8, the light emitted by the light-emitting part 31 converges at the boundary between the first refractive layer 7 and the second refractive layer 8, thereby achieving a light-focusing effect and improving the light emission effect of the corresponding light-emitting part 31, thus improving the light emission efficiency of the display panel. In addition, it enables the light to be emitted from the front as much as possible, improving the viewing angle of the emitted light.
[0059] Specifically, the refractive index of the first refractive layer 7 can be from 1.4 to 1.6, and the material of the first refractive layer 7 may include a light-transmitting organic material with a low refractive index, such as acrylic resin, polyimide resin, polyamide resin, and / or Alq3 [tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum]. The refractive index of the second refractive layer 8 can be from 1.61 to 1.8, and the material of the second refractive layer 8 may include a light-transmitting organic material with a high refractive index, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), 4,4'-bis[N-(3-methylphenyl)-N-phenylamino]biphenyl (TPD), 4,4',4”-tris[(3-methylphenyl)phenylamino]triphenylamine (m-MTDATA), 1,3,5-tris[N,N-bis(2-methylphenyl)-amino]benzene (o-MTDAB), 1,3,5-tris[N,N-bis(3-methylphenyl)-amino]benzene (m-MTDAB). p-MTDAB, 1,3,5-tris[N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl)amino]benzene, 4,4'-bis[N,N-bis(3-methylphenyl)-amino]diphenylmethane (BPPM), 4,4'-dicarbazolyl-1,1'-biphenyl (CBP), 4,4',4”-tris(N-carbazolyl)triphenylamine (TCTA), 2,2',2”-(1,3,5-phenyltriyl)tri-[1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole] (TPBI) and / or 3-(4-biphenyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole (TAZ).
[0060] The second refractive layer 8 may also be doped with nanoparticles such as ZrO2 / TiO2 to adjust the refraction direction of light, thereby improving the emissivity of the light-emitting part 31.
[0061] The first refractive layer 7 further includes a second groove 73 distributed within the non-display area NA, the second groove 73 being located on the side of the first groove 72 away from the display area AA; wherein, the second refractive layer 8 fills the second groove 73, or, the boundary of the second refractive layer 8 terminates within the second groove 73 or between the second groove 73 and the first groove 72.
[0062] The portion of the first refractive layer 7 located between the sidewall of the first groove 72 and the sidewall of the second groove 73 forms a baffle 74. Both the first groove 72 and the second groove 73 are used to prevent ink overflow. Compared to having only one groove, multiple grooves can more precisely control the flow of ink. The first groove 72, located near the display area AA, can serve as the main groove for controlling the overflow of the second refractive layer 8, and the second groove 73 can serve as an auxiliary groove to prevent the second refractive layer 8 from overflowing above the first groove 72. The first groove 72 and the second groove 73 cooperate to ensure that the ink does not overflow outside the non-display area NA.
[0063] Furthermore, the non-display area NA includes a bending area BA1 and a binding area BA2 located on the side of the bending area BA1 away from the display area AA. The binding area BA2 is bent to the back of the display area AA through the bending area BA1, which can reduce the bezel width and achieve a narrow bezel display. The first slot 72 and the second slot 73 are disposed between the bending area BA1 and the display area AA.
[0064] The bending region BA1 is provided with a third groove 9, which penetrates the interlayer dielectric layer 224, the gate insulating layer 222 and the buffer layer 21. The planarization layer 23 fills the third groove 9 to reduce the thickness of the display panel in the bending region BA1, thereby reducing the bending stress of the display panel and giving the display panel better bending characteristics.
[0065] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4The first groove 72 includes multiple sets of arrangement arrays 723 arranged sequentially along the direction away from the display area AA. Each set of arrangement arrays 723 is formed by multiple solid units 721 and multiple microgrooves 722 arranged sequentially. The multiple solid units 721 in two adjacent sets of arrangement arrays 723 are arranged alternately, and the multiple microgrooves 722 in two adjacent sets of arrangement arrays 723 are arranged alternately, so that the formed flow channel is meandering and tortuous. This makes the ink flow path to be tortuous, which can increase the ink flow path length and reduce the ink flow speed compared to a straight flow path. As a result, the final ink flow stop position is more likely to be on the side of the baffle 74 near the display area AA. This means that the boundary of the second refractive layer 8 ends on the side of the baffle 74 near the display area AA, thereby reducing the risk of the second refractive layer 8 overflowing during the inkjet printing stage. This is especially suitable for situations where the display panel adopts a narrow bezel design.
[0066] Specifically, considering the blocking effect of the first groove 72 and the second groove 73, the width of the first groove 72 is greater than or equal to 40 micrometers, the width of the second groove 73 is greater than or equal to 40 micrometers, and the distance between the first groove 72 and the second groove 73 is greater than or equal to 40 micrometers.
[0067] In one column of the arrays 723 adjacent to the display area AA, the size of each microgroove 722 gradually decreases along the direction from near the display area AA to far away from the display area AA. That is, the size of the microgroove 722 on the side near the display area AA is larger than the size on the side far away from the display area AA. The reason for this arrangement is that the microgrooves 722 in the array 723 located at the frontmost side near the display area AA can play a certain role in guiding the flow, making it easier for ink to flow into the first groove 72. In addition, the microgrooves 722 in the array 723 located at the rearmost side away from the display area AA are staggered, which can play a role in restricting the flow of fluid ink, reducing the flow speed of ink, and further reducing the risk of the second refractive layer 8 overflowing during the inkjet printing stage. Furthermore, due to the capillary effect of the array 723, ink can easily flow from the larger microgrooves 722 along the flow channel to the side of the first groove 72 near the display area AA, that is, it can easily flow onto the first refractive layer 7 that is not covered by ink.
[0068] In this embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the distance d1 between two adjacent physical units 721 located in two adjacent groups of the arrangement array 723 to the bottom wall width of the first groove 72 is less than or equal to 1 / 8, and the ratio of the maximum size d2 of each physical unit 721 to the bottom wall width of the first groove 72 is less than or equal to 1 / 4.
[0069] Specifically, the distance d1 between two adjacent physical units 721 located in two adjacent groups of the arrangement array 723 is less than or equal to 5 micrometers, and the maximum size d2 of each physical unit 721 is less than or equal to 10 micrometers.
[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, in order to ensure the capillary effect, the number of groups in the arrangement array 723 is greater than or equal to 3. It should also be noted that the number of groups in the arrangement array 723 can be selected according to its own needs, as long as it is ensured that the multiple microgrooves 722 in two adjacent arrangement arrays 723 are staggered.
[0071] The number of the solid units 721 in each group of the arrangement array 723 is greater than or equal to 3, that is, the solid units 721 are distributed along at least three rows and at least three columns to ensure capillary effect.
[0072] Optionally, the shape of the orthographic projection of the solid unit 721 on the substrate 1 includes one of square, rectangle, rhombus, circle and ellipse. In this embodiment of the invention, the shape of the orthographic projection of the solid unit 721 on the substrate 1 is rhombus.
[0073] The shape of the microgroove 722 in the cross-sectional direction of the display panel can be an inverted trapezoid. This is due to the manufacturing process. The microgroove 722 and the solid unit 721 are formed simultaneously through a photolithography process. The opening 71 is narrower the farther away from the light-emitting part 31, and the narrower the area, the shallower the etching, thus forming the slope of the microgroove 722.
[0074] For multiple entity units 721 in the same group of arrangement arrays 723, the dimensions of the multiple entity units 721 may be the same or different; for multiple entity units 721 in different groups of arrangement arrays 723, the dimensions of the multiple entity units 721 may be the same or different. It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the invention, along the direction away from the display area AA, the area of the orthographic projection of the solid unit 721 in different groups of the arrangement array 723 on the substrate 1 gradually decreases. The reason for this arrangement is that, in the prior art, the position on the first refractive layer 7 not covered by the second refractive layer 8 mainly relies on the arrangement arrays 723 distributed near the display area AA in multiple groups of the arrangement. Therefore, by making the area of the orthographic projection of the solid unit 721 in the arrangement array 723 distributed near the display area AA larger on the substrate 1, and the area of the orthographic projection of the solid unit 721 in the arrangement array 723 distributed away from the display area AA smaller on the substrate 1, the size of the micro-groove 722 in the arrangement array 723 distributed near the display area AA is larger, while the size of the micro-groove 722 in the arrangement array 723 distributed away from the display area AA is smaller. This makes it easier for ink in the flow channel to flow into this position to cover the first refractive layer 7.
[0075] Further, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The solid unit 721 has a plurality of spaced micro solid units 7211 and a plurality of interconnected sub-micro trenches 7212 on the side surface away from the substrate 1. The sub-micro trenches 7212 are disposed between two adjacent micro solid units 7211. The micro solid units 7211 and the sub-micro trenches 7212 also have a capillary effect to supplement the positions on the first refractive layer 7 that are not covered by the second refractive layer 8 in the prior art. The principle can be referred to the above principle of the capillary effect of the solid unit 721 and the micro trenches 722, which will not be described in detail here.
[0076] The first groove 72 may penetrate the first refractive layer 7 or may not completely penetrate the first refractive layer 7. In this embodiment of the invention, the first groove 72 penetrates the first refractive layer 7 to improve the ink blocking effect of the first groove 72. Of course, the second groove 73 may also penetrate the second refractive layer 8 or may not completely penetrate the first refractive layer 7.
[0077] In the thickness direction of the display panel, the depth of the first groove 72 is equal to the depth of the microgroove 722 and the height of the solid unit 721. That is, in this embodiment of the invention, the microgroove 722, the solid unit 721, and the first groove 72 are all formed by the same photolithography process. Furthermore, the microgroove 722, the solid unit 721, the first groove 72, and the second groove 73 are all formed by the same photolithography process.
[0078] Furthermore, in the thickness direction of the display panel, the depth of the micro-groove 722 is the same as the depth of the opening 71, and the depth of the first groove 72 is the same as the depth of the second groove 73. That is, the micro-groove 722, the opening 71, the first groove 72 and the second groove 73 are all formed by the same photolithography process.
[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, the solid unit 721 is made of the same material as the first refractive layer 7, and the solid unit 721 is a protrusion.
[0080] Please see Figure 7 and Figures 8A to 8D This invention also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising the following steps:
[0081] Step S1: Provide a substrate 1.
[0082] Specifically, please refer to Figure 8A The substrate 1 is a flexible material, which includes polyimide.
[0083] Step S2: A light-emitting layer 3 is formed on one side of the substrate 1. The light-emitting layer 3 includes a plurality of light-emitting parts 31 disposed in the display area AA.
[0084] Specifically, please refer to Figure 8B Before forming the light-emitting layer 3, step S2 further includes the following steps:
[0085] Step S21: A buffer layer 21, a thin film transistor array layer 22, a planarization layer 23, an anode 24, and a pixel definition layer 4 are sequentially formed on the substrate 1.
[0086] After forming the light-emitting layer 3, step S2 further includes the following steps:
[0087] Step S22: A cathode, an encapsulation layer 5, and a touch stack 6 are sequentially formed on the pixel definition layer 4 and the light-emitting layer 3.
[0088] Step S3: A first refractive layer 7 is formed on the side of the light-emitting layer 3 away from the substrate 1, and the first refractive layer 7 is patterned to form a plurality of openings 71 located in the display area AA and corresponding to the light-emitting part 31, a first groove 72 located in the non-display area NA, and a plurality of spaced solid units 721 and a plurality of interconnected micro-grooves 722 located in the first groove 72. The micro-grooves 722 are disposed between two adjacent solid units 721, and the second refractive layer 8 fills the micro-grooves 722 and covers the solid units 721.
[0089] Specifically, please refer to Figure 8C Step S3 further includes forming a second slot 73 located in the non-display area NA. The second slot 73 is located on the side of the first slot 72 away from the display area AA, and a baffle 74 is provided between the first slot 72 and the second slot 73.
[0090] Specifically, the material of the first refractive layer 7 is a low refractive index material, and the micro trench 722 and the solid unit 721 are formed by the same process. Furthermore, the micro trench 722, the solid unit 721, the first trench 72, and the second trench 73 are all formed by the same process.
[0091] Step S4: Using inkjet printing, a high refractive index material is printed on the side of the first refractive layer 7 away from the substrate 1 to form the second refractive layer 8, which fills the microgroove 722 and covers the solid unit 721.
[0092] Specifically, please refer to Figure 8D The refractive index of the second refractive layer 8 is greater than that of the first refractive layer 7. The second refractive layer 8 fills the second groove 73 and covers the barrier 74. Alternatively, the boundary of the second refractive layer 8 is located between the second groove 73 and the first groove 72. The material of the second refractive layer 8 is an organic material. During inkjet printing, the organic material flows and stops between the second groove 73 and the first groove 72.
[0093] Understandably, when the inkjet printing forms the second refractive layer 8, the capillary action of the microgrooves 722 allows the ink to flow through the channels formed by multiple interconnected microgrooves 722 to the edge of the first groove 72 near the display area AA. This prevents stress concentration at this location from occurring because the ink has not reached it, reducing the risk of metal wire breakage when the display panel is bent and thus improving the lifespan of the display panel.
[0094] This invention also provides a display device, which includes the display panel described in the above embodiments. The display device includes, but is not limited to, electronic paper, mobile phones, tablet computers, televisions, monitors, laptops, digital photo albums, GPS devices, etc.
[0095] The beneficial effects are as follows: The display panel and display device provided in the embodiments of the present invention include a substrate, a light-emitting layer, a first refractive layer and a second refractive layer. The first refractive layer includes a first groove distributed in the display area. By setting multiple spaced solid units and multiple interconnected microgrooves in the first groove, the microgrooves are set between two adjacent solid units. The second refractive layer fills the microgrooves and covers the solid units. When the second refractive layer is formed by inkjet printing, the ink can flow through the channels formed by the multiple interconnected microgrooves to the edge of the first groove near the display area by utilizing the capillary effect of the microgrooves. This avoids the stress concentration phenomenon caused by the ink not flowing to this position, reduces the risk of metal wire breakage when the display panel is bent, and helps to improve the life of the display panel.
[0096] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the above preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope defined in the claims.
Claims
1. A display panel, characterized in that, Includes a display area and a non-display area located on at least one side of the display area; The display panel also includes: substrate; A light-emitting layer is disposed on one side of the substrate, and the light-emitting layer includes a plurality of light-emitting portions disposed in the display area; A first refractive layer is disposed on the side of the light-emitting layer away from the substrate. The first refractive layer includes a plurality of openings arranged in an array within the display area and corresponding to a plurality of light-emitting portions, and a first groove distributed within the non-display area; and A second refractive layer is disposed on the side of the first refractive layer away from the substrate and fills a plurality of the openings, wherein the refractive index of the second refractive layer is greater than the refractive index of the first refractive layer; The first groove includes a plurality of spaced solid units and a plurality of interconnected micro-grooves. The micro-grooves are disposed between two adjacent solid units. The second refractive layer fills the micro-grooves and covers the solid units. The solid unit has a plurality of spaced micro solid units and a plurality of interconnected sub-micro-grooves on the side surface away from the substrate. The sub-micro-grooves are disposed between two adjacent micro solid units.
2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first slot includes multiple sets of arrays arranged sequentially along a direction away from the display area. Each set of arrays includes multiple solid units and multiple micro trenches arranged sequentially. The multiple solid units in two adjacent sets of arrays are arranged alternately, and the multiple micro trenches in two adjacent sets of arrays are arranged alternately.
3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, In one column of the arrays adjacent to the display area in a plurality of arrays, the size of each microgroove gradually decreases along the direction from the display area to the distance from the display area.
4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the direction away from the display area, the area of the orthographic projection of the solid units in different groups of the arrangement arrays on the substrate gradually decreases.
5. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ratio between the distance between two adjacent physical units located in two adjacent groups of the arrangement array and the bottom wall width of the first groove is less than or equal to 1 / 8, and the ratio between the maximum size of each physical unit and the bottom wall width of the first groove is less than or equal to 1 / 4.
6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distance between two adjacent physical units located in two adjacent groups of the array is less than or equal to 5 micrometers, and the maximum size of each physical unit is less than or equal to 10 micrometers.
7. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of groups in the arrangement array is greater than or equal to 3.
8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first groove penetrates the first refractive layer, and in the thickness direction of the display panel, the depth of the first groove is equal to the depth of the microgroove and the height of the solid unit.
9. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first refractive layer further includes a second groove distributed within the non-display area, the second groove being located on the side of the first groove away from the display area; The boundary of the second refractive layer is located within the second groove or between the second groove and the first groove.
10. The display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the thickness direction of the display panel, the depth of the microgroove is the same as the depth of the opening, and the depth of the first groove is the same as the depth of the second groove.
11. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The non-display area includes a bending area and a binding area located on the side of the bending area away from the display area, the binding area being bent to the back of the display area through the bending area; wherein, the first groove and the second groove are disposed between the bending area and the display area.
12. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel also includes: An encapsulation layer covering the side of the light-emitting layer away from the substrate; and A touch stack is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate. The touch stack includes a first insulating layer, a first touch metal layer, a second insulating layer, a second touch metal layer and a first refractive layer stacked in sequence. Touch electrodes are disposed in the first touch metal layer or the second touch metal layer.
13. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-12.