Display panel, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The application provides a display panel, a preparation method thereof and a display device, and solves the problem that the hole area of the display panel is prone to water and oxygen intrusion, resulting in low reliability of the display panel. The display panel has a display area, and a hole area is formed in the display area. The display area includes: a plurality of target sub-pixels, at least partially surrounding the hole area; and at least one stop structure, each stop structure surrounding at least one target sub-pixel.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With advancements in science and technology, smart display terminal products are typically equipped with hardware such as front-facing cameras, infrared sensors, and facial recognition modules. To achieve a full-screen display, multiple mounting holes are usually created on the display screen of smart display terminal products to accommodate this hardware. Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays with mounting holes are susceptible to water vapor and oxygen intrusion, resulting in lower reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present application provides a display panel and its manufacturing method and display device to solve the problem that water and oxygen are easily invaded in the hole area of ​​the display panel in the prior art, resulting in low reliability of the display panel.

[0004] A first aspect of this application provides a display panel having a display area, wherein an aperture area is formed within the display area. The display area includes: a plurality of target sub-pixels, at least partially surrounding the aperture area; and at least one stop structure, each stop structure surrounding at least one target sub-pixel. The advantage is that the stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the aperture area can block water vapor and oxygen from entering the sub-pixels through the exposed organic layer at the edge of the aperture area, thereby improving the reliability of the display panel.

[0005] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the aperture region includes a first aperture region and a second aperture region, with multiple target sub-pixels located between the first and second aperture regions. Because the area between adjacent aperture regions (i.e., the region between the first and second aperture regions) is relatively small, the rigidity of this region is insufficient. In related technologies, subsequent module segments need to have a support structure set at the corresponding position on the non-display side of the display panel. By setting a stop structure around the target sub-pixels, the stop structure can provide good support, replacing the support structure of the module segment.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the multiple target sub-pixels include a first sub-pixel group and a second sub-pixel group, with the first sub-pixel group partially surrounding the first aperture region and the second sub-pixel group partially surrounding the second aperture region; at least one stop structure includes multiple stop structures, with adjacent stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the first sub-pixel group connected to each other, and adjacent stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the second sub-pixel group connected to each other. In this case, the multiple stop structures are connected to form a barrier structure, improving the blocking effect on water vapor and oxygen.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the display area also includes multiple central sub-pixels located between the first and second aperture areas, surrounded by multiple target sub-pixels. The pixel spacing between the central sub-pixels and the target sub-pixels is equal, and the aperture area of ​​the central sub-pixels is greater than or equal to the aperture area of ​​the target sub-pixels. When the aperture area of ​​the central sub-pixels equals that of the target sub-pixels, the brightness of this local area is more uniform. Furthermore, the larger aperture area of ​​the central sub-pixels compared to the target sub-pixels helps to improve screen brightness and reduce the brightness difference with other areas of the screen, i.e., regular sub-pixels.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the display area also includes multiple regular sub-pixels surrounding the first aperture area, multiple target sub-pixels, and the second aperture area; the pixel pitch of the regular sub-pixels and the target sub-pixels is equal, and the aperture area of ​​the regular sub-pixels is larger than the aperture area of ​​the target sub-pixels. This allows for the reservation of space for the stop structure.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the display area further includes a pixel definition layer, which includes multiple first pixel openings, with multiple target sub-pixels located within each of the multiple first pixel openings; the pixel definition layer also includes at least one annular through-hole, which surrounds at least one target sub-pixel, with a stop structure located within the annular through-hole. The annular through-hole is formed within the pixel definition layer to accommodate the stop structure.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the display area further includes multiple conventional sub-pixels surrounding the first aperture area, multiple target sub-pixels, and the second aperture area; the pixel definition layer further includes multiple second pixel openings, with the multiple conventional sub-pixels located within the multiple second pixel openings; the display area also includes a support layer superimposed on the pixel definition layer, the support layer at least partially surrounding the multiple second pixel openings, and the support layer and the stop structure being at the same height on the light-emitting side surface of the display panel. In this case, the stop structure can also serve a supporting function, replacing the conventional support layer.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some possible implementations, the material of the stop structure includes either inorganic or metallic materials. Both inorganic and metallic materials are effective at stopping water vapor and oxygen.

[0012] A second aspect of this application provides a method for fabricating a display panel, comprising: fabricating at least one annular via on an array substrate, the array substrate including a pixel definition layer, the pixel definition layer including a plurality of first pixel openings, the annular via penetrating the pixel definition layer and surrounding at least one first pixel opening; fabricating a stop structure within the annular via; and fabricating light-emitting devices within the plurality of first pixel openings to obtain a display panel.

[0013] A third aspect of this application provides a display device, including the display panel provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0014] According to the display panel and its manufacturing method and display device provided in the embodiments of this application, the display panel has a display area, and an aperture area is formed in the display area. The display area includes multiple target sub-pixels and at least one stop structure. The multiple target sub-pixels at least partially surround the aperture area. Each of the at least one stop structure surrounds at least one target sub-pixel. That is, the periphery of the target sub-pixels around the aperture area is provided with a stop structure, which can block water vapor and oxygen in the aperture area, preventing water vapor and oxygen from invading into the interior of the sub-pixel through the exposed organic layer at the edge of the aperture area, thereby improving the reliability of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the first embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the display panel shown.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the second embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the third embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the display panel shown.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the fourth embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the display panel shown.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] As mentioned in the background section, OLED display panels with mounting holes are susceptible to water vapor and oxygen intrusion, leading to display abnormalities. Through careful research, the inventors discovered that the reason water vapor and oxygen can easily penetrate is that the sidewalls of the mounting holes expose an organic layer. Water vapor and oxygen from the environment can easily penetrate into the sub-pixels through this organic layer, causing display abnormalities.

[0026] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a display panel and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device. The display panel has a display area, within which an aperture area is formed. The display area includes multiple target sub-pixels and at least one stop structure. The multiple target sub-pixels at least partially surround the aperture area. Each of the at least one stop structure surrounds at least one target sub-pixel. That is, a stop structure is provided around the target sub-pixels surrounding the aperture area. The stop structure can block water vapor and oxygen from entering the sub-pixel through the exposed organic layer at the edge of the aperture area, thereby improving the reliability of the display panel. Furthermore, compared to conventional barrier structures, the stop structure provided in this application can surround the target sub-pixels to provide better protection. Simultaneously, it can provide better support, replacing the support layer in the module stage.

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the first embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the display panel has a display area, and a hole area H is opened in the display area, which penetrates the display panel.

[0029] The display area includes multiple target sub-pixels 11 and at least one stop structure 12. The multiple target sub-pixels 11 at least partially surround the aperture area H; that is, the multiple target sub-pixels 11 may surround the entire annular periphery of the aperture area H, or they may surround only a portion of the periphery of the aperture area H. Each stop structure 12 surrounds at least one target sub-pixel 11; that is, one stop structure 12 can surround one target sub-pixel 11, meaning there is a one-to-one correspondence between the stop structure 12 and the target sub-pixel 11. One stop structure 12 may also surround multiple target sub-pixels 11, meaning there is a one-to-many relationship between the stop structure 12 and the target sub-pixels 11. By setting the stop structure 12 around the target sub-pixels 11, the stop structure 12 can block water vapor and oxygen from entering the aperture area H through the exposed organic layer at the edge of the aperture area H, thereby improving the reliability of the display panel.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple target sub-pixels 11 surround the periphery of the aperture area H, and adjacent stop structures 12 are connected to each other. In this case, the multiple stop structures 12 form an annular barrier that surrounds the aperture area H, improving the blocking performance against water vapor and oxygen, and further enhancing the reliability of the display panel.

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows a partial enlarged view of the display panel. (See attached image.) Figure 2 , Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows a magnified view of a portion of display panel area A. (Combined with...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display panel also includes multiple regular sub-pixels 13 surrounding multiple target sub-pixels 11. The regular sub-pixels 13 have a first pixel pitch D, and the target sub-pixels 11 have a second pixel pitch d. The first pixel pitch D is equal to the second pixel pitch d, meaning the pixel pitches of the regular sub-pixels 13 and the target sub-pixels 11 are equal. Pixel pitch refers to the interval between the center points of adjacent sub-pixels (including regular sub-pixels or target sub-pixels). The regular sub-pixels 13 have a first aperture area S1, and the target sub-pixels 11 have a second aperture area S2. The first aperture area S1 is greater than the second aperture area S2, meaning the aperture area of ​​the regular sub-pixels 13 is greater than the aperture area of ​​the target sub-pixels 11. In this case, space can be reserved between adjacent target sub-pixels 11, and between target sub-pixels 11 and regular sub-pixels 13, for the stop structure 12.

[0032] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the opening areas of the target sub-pixel 11 and the regular sub-pixel 13 can also be set to be equal, and the pixel pitch of the target sub-pixel 11 can be greater than the pixel pitch of the regular sub-pixel 13. This can also reserve space for the stop structure 12. In addition, when multiple hole areas are opened in the display panel, at least one stop structure 12 can be set for each target sub-pixel 11 surrounding each hole area H.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the second embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The display panel shown and Figure 1 , Figure 2 The difference in the display panel shown is that, in this embodiment, the display panel includes a first aperture area H1 and a second aperture area H2, with multiple target sub-pixels 11 located between the first aperture area H1 and the second aperture area H2. Because the area between adjacent aperture areas, i.e., the area between the first aperture area H1 and the second aperture area H2, is relatively small, the rigidity of this area is insufficient. In related technologies, subsequent module segments need to have a support structure set at the corresponding position on the non-display side of the display panel. However, according to the display panel provided in this embodiment, by setting a stop structure 13 around the target sub-pixels 11, the stop structure 13 can provide good support, replacing the support structure of the module segment.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the multiple target sub-pixels 11 include a first sub-pixel group and a second sub-pixel group. The first sub-pixel group partially surrounds the first aperture region H1, and adjacent stop structures 12 surrounding the first sub-pixel group are connected to each other. The second sub-pixel group partially surrounds the second aperture region H2, and adjacent stop structures 12 surrounding the second sub-pixel group are connected to each other. In this case, the multiple stop structures are connected to form a barrier structure, improving the blocking effect on water vapor and oxygen.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in the third embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The display panel shown and Figure 3The difference in the display panel shown is that, in this embodiment, the display area further includes multiple central sub-pixels 14, located between the first aperture area H1 and the second aperture area H2, and surrounded by multiple target sub-pixels 11. In this case, the multiple target sub-pixels 11 also include a third sub-pixel group and a fourth sub-pixel group, with the first, third, second, and fourth sub-pixel groups arranged sequentially to form a ring structure. The central axes of the first aperture area H1 and the second aperture area H2 are collinear, and with the central axis as a reference, the third and fourth sub-pixel groups are located on both sides of the central axis. Each target sub-pixel in the third and fourth sub-pixel groups is surrounded by a stop structure. Adjacent stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel group can be connected to each other or independent of each other. Adjacent stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the fourth sub-pixel group can be connected to each other or independent of each other.

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the display panel shown. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 This is a magnified view of area B of the display panel. (Combined with...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the third pixel spacing h of the central sub-pixel 14, the second pixel spacing d of the target sub-pixel 11, and the first pixel spacing D of the regular sub-pixel 13 are all equal. The third opening area S3 of the central sub-pixel 14 is greater than the second opening area S2 of the target sub-pixel 11, and the third opening area S3 of the central sub-pixel 14 is equal to the first opening area S1 of the regular sub-pixel 13. By reducing the opening area of ​​the target sub-pixel 11, i.e., the second opening area S2, space can be reserved to accommodate the stop structure 12.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the display panel provided in the fourth embodiment of this application. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the display panel shown. Figure 7 It means Figure 6 A magnified view of region C in the middle. Combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, and Figure 4 , Figure 5 Compared to the display panel shown, the difference lies in that, in this embodiment, the third opening area S3 of the central sub-pixel 14 is equal to the second opening area S2 of the target sub-pixel 11. In this case, a stop structure 14 (not shown in the figure) can also be provided around the central sub-pixel 14.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application. This cross-sectional structure can correspond to... Figure 6 The cross-sectional lines A1A2 are shown. Combined with... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the display area includes a pixel definition layer 15, which is made of an organic material. The pixel definition layer 15 includes multiple first pixel openings 151, and multiple target sub-pixels 11 are located within these openings. The pixel definition layer 15 also includes at least one annular via surrounding at least one target sub-pixel 11, with a stop structure 12 located within the annular via. The stop structure 12 is made of an inorganic or metallic material. It should be noted that the stop structure 12 can also be made of an organic material. When the stop structure 12 is made of an organic material, its barrier properties against water vapor and oxygen are superior to those of the pixel definition layer 15. In this case, the annular via and the first pixel openings 151 can be obtained in a single patterning process, without requiring additional processing steps due to the annular via.

[0039] The display area may further include an array substrate 16, stacked with a pixel definition layer 14. The array substrate 16 includes a semiconductor layer and a plurality of metal layers stacked sequentially, with adjacent metal layers separated by an insulating layer. The semiconductor layer and the plurality of metal layers are patterned structures and electrically connected through vias penetrating the insulating layer to form a pixel circuit. The pixel circuit is used to drive sub-pixels to emit light for display. In one embodiment, a stop structure 12 is embedded within the array substrate 16, penetrating a portion of the film layer of the array substrate 16.

[0040] In one embodiment, combined Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the pixel definition layer 15 also includes a plurality of second pixel openings 152. A plurality of conventional sub-pixels 13 are respectively located within the plurality of second pixel openings 152. The display area also includes a support layer 17, stacked on top of the pixel definition layer 15, located on the side of the pixel definition layer 15 away from the array substrate 16. The support layer 17 surrounds the plurality of second pixel openings 152, and the surfaces of the support layer 17 and the stop structure 12 are at the same height on the light-emitting side of the display panel; that is, the surface of the support layer 17 away from the array substrate 16 is flush with the surface of the stop structure 12 away from the array substrate 16. In this case, the stop structure 12, in addition to blocking water vapor and oxygen, can also provide the same support function as the support layer 17.

[0041] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel. Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, preparation method 900 includes:

[0042] Step S910, see Figure 8At least one annular via 161 is formed on the array substrate 16. The array substrate 16 includes a pixel definition layer 15, which includes a plurality of first pixel openings 151. The annular via 161 penetrates the pixel definition layer 15 and surrounds at least one first pixel opening 151.

[0043] For example, annular through-hole 161 is fabricated using photolithography and dry etching processes.

[0044] In one embodiment, the annular via 161 and the first pixel opening 151 can be fabricated simultaneously. Specifically, a resist layer is coated onto the pixel defining material layer to obtain a resist layer. The resist layer is exposed once using a first mask, which is used to form the first pixel opening 151. The resist layer is then exposed a second time using a second mask, which is used to form the annular via 162. The resist layer is developed using a developer to obtain a patterned resist layer. Subsequently, using the patterned resist layer as a mask, the pixel defining material layer is etched using a dry etching process to obtain a pixel defining layer 15, which includes the first pixel opening 151 and the annular via 162.

[0045] Step S920: Prepare a stop structure 12 within the annular through hole 162.

[0046] When the material of the stop structure is inorganic, it can be prepared by vapor deposition. When the material of the stop structure is metallic, it can be prepared by evaporation.

[0047] In step S930, light-emitting devices are fabricated within multiple first pixel openings 151 to obtain a display panel.

[0048] For example, a light-emitting material layer and a cathode layer are sequentially fabricated within the first pixel opening 151 to obtain a display panel.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a display device provided in one embodiment of this application. The display device includes the display panel 100 provided in any of the above embodiments. The display device is a smart display terminal, such as a mobile phone, computer, smart wearable device, instrument, etc.

[0050] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, It has a display area, and the display area has an opening area; the display area includes: Multiple target sub-pixels, at least partially surrounding the aperture region; and At least one stop structure, each stop structure surrounding at least one target sub-pixel; The aperture region includes a first aperture region and a second aperture region, and the plurality of target sub-pixels are located between the first aperture region and the second aperture region; The display area further includes a pixel definition layer, which includes a plurality of first pixel openings, and the plurality of target sub-pixels are respectively located within the plurality of first pixel openings; the pixel definition layer further includes at least one annular through hole, which surrounds at least one target sub-pixel, and the stop structure is located within the annular through hole; The display area further includes a plurality of conventional sub-pixels surrounding the first aperture area, the plurality of target sub-pixels, and the second aperture area; the pixel definition layer further includes a plurality of second pixel openings, the plurality of conventional sub-pixels being located within the plurality of second pixel openings; the display area further includes a support layer superimposed on the pixel definition layer, the support layer at least partially surrounding the plurality of second pixel openings, and the support layer and the stop structure being at the same height on the light-emitting side surface of the display panel.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of target sub-pixels includes a first sub-pixel group and a second sub-pixel group, wherein the first sub-pixel group partially surrounds the first aperture region and the second sub-pixel group partially surrounds the second aperture region; the at least one stop structure includes a plurality of stop structures, wherein adjacent stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the first sub-pixel group are connected to each other, and adjacent stop structures surrounding the target sub-pixels in the second sub-pixel group are connected to each other.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display area also includes a plurality of central sub-pixels located between the first aperture area and the second aperture area and surrounded by the plurality of target sub-pixels. The pixel spacing between the central sub-pixels and the target sub-pixels is equal, and the aperture area of ​​the central sub-pixels is greater than or equal to the aperture area of ​​the target sub-pixels.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display area also includes a plurality of regular sub-pixels surrounding the first aperture area, the plurality of target sub-pixels, and the second aperture area; the pixel pitch of the regular sub-pixels and the target sub-pixels is equal, and the aperture area of ​​the regular sub-pixels is larger than the aperture area of ​​the target sub-pixels.

5. The display panel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The material of the stop structure includes either inorganic materials or metallic materials.

6. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, The method for preparing the display panel according to any one of claims 1-5 comprises: At least one annular via is fabricated on an array substrate, the array substrate including a pixel definition layer, the pixel definition layer including a plurality of first pixel openings, the annular via penetrating the pixel definition layer and surrounding at least one first pixel opening; A stop structure is prepared within the annular through hole; Light-emitting devices are fabricated within the plurality of first pixel openings to obtain the display panel.

7. A display device, characterized in that, The display panel includes any one of the display panels according to claims 1-5 or the display panel prepared by the method of preparation of the display panel according to claim 6.

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