Display panel and display device

Abstract

The application discloses a display panel and a display device, and belongs to the technical field of display. The display panel comprises a substrate, an insulating layer on the substrate, and a plurality of light-emitting units on the insulating layer, wherein the light-emitting unit comprises a first electrode layer, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode layer. In the application, the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate is provided with a plurality of curved surface structures, and the plurality of light-emitting units are respectively located on the plurality of curved surface structures. In this structure, the electrodes and the light-emitting layer in the light-emitting unit located on the curved surface structure can be curved, the electrodes can drive the curved light-emitting layer to emit light, the light-emitting area of the curved light-emitting unit is larger than that of the planar light-emitting unit, the brightness is improved, the problem of poor brightness of the display panel in the prior art is solved, and the effect of improving the brightness of the display panel is achieved.

Description

Display panel and display device Technical Field

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

[0002] A display panel is a structure that has image display capabilities.

[0003] A display panel includes a substrate, a planarization layer and conductive lines on the substrate, the planarization layer covering the conductive lines, and a plurality of light-emitting units on the planarization layer, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units on the planarization layer are planar in shape, and the conductive lines can transmit electrical signals to the plurality of light-emitting units.

[0004] However, the actual light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit in the aforementioned plane is small, resulting in poor brightness of the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application embodiment provides a display panel, the display panel comprising:

[0006] Substrate;

[0007] An insulating layer is located on the substrate, and the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate has multiple curved surface structures;

[0008] Multiple light-emitting units are located on multiple curved surface structures. Each light-emitting unit includes a first electrode layer, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is located on the curved surface structure, the light-emitting layer is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the curved surface structure, and the second electrode layer is located on the side of the light-emitting layer away from the curved surface structure.

[0009] Optionally, the plurality of curved surface structures include at least one of a first convex curved surface structure that protrudes away from the substrate and a first concave curved surface structure that is recessed towards the substrate.

[0010] Optionally, the display panel further includes a first light modulation layer, which is located on the side of the light-emitting unit away from the substrate. The first light modulation layer includes a first low-refractive layer and a first high-refractive layer stacked together. The first high-refractive layer is located on the side of the first low-refractive layer away from the substrate, and the refractive index of the first low-refractive layer is less than the refractive index of the first high-refractive layer.

[0011] The first low-refractive layer has a plurality of second concave curved surface structures recessed towards the substrate on the side away from the substrate, and the first high-refractive layer has a plurality of second convex curved surface structures protruding towards the substrate on the side close to the substrate. The second concave curved surface structures and the second convex curved surface structures are complementary structures, and the second convex curved surface structures are located in the second concave curved surface structures.

[0012] The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure of the first low-refractive layer on the substrate.

[0013] Optionally, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer located on the side of the light-emitting unit away from the substrate, and the first light modulation layer located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the light-emitting unit.

[0014] Optionally, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer, the encapsulation layer including a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer and a second inorganic encapsulation layer stacked on the side of the light-emitting unit away from the substrate, the first light modulation layer being located between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the organic encapsulation layer, the first light modulation layer including a first low refractive layer, the refractive index of the first low refractive layer being less than the refractive index of the organic encapsulation layer.

[0015] The first low-refractive layer has a plurality of second concave curved surface structures recessed towards the substrate on the side away from the substrate, and the organic encapsulation layer has a plurality of second convex curved surface structures protruding towards the substrate on the side near the substrate. The second concave curved surface structures and the second convex curved surface structures are complementary structures, and the second convex curved surface structures are located within the second concave curved surface structures.

[0016] Optionally, the display panel further includes a second light modulation layer, which is located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate. The second light modulation layer includes a second high-refractive-index layer and a second low-refractive-index layer stacked together, wherein the refractive index of the second low-refractive-index layer is less than the refractive index of the second high-refractive-index layer.

[0017] The second low-refractive-index layer has a plurality of third concave curved surface structures recessed in the direction away from the substrate on the side close to the substrate, and the second high-refractive-index layer has a plurality of third convex curved surface structures protruding in the direction away from the substrate on the side away from the substrate. The third concave curved surface structures and the third convex curved surface structures are complementary structures, and the third convex curved surface structures are located in the third concave curved surface structures.

[0018] The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third concave curved surface structure of the second low-refractive layer on the substrate.

[0019] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the third concave surface structure of the second low-refractive layer on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second concave surface structure of the first low-refractive layer on the substrate.

[0020] Optionally, the display panel further includes a pixel definition layer located on a region of the insulating layer away from the substrate that does not have the curved structure;

[0021] The pixel definition layer includes a reflective material, or the first inorganic encapsulation layer covers the pixel definition layer and the refractive index of the pixel definition layer is less than the refractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0022] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate is located in the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure on the substrate, and there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the edge of the light-emitting unit on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the edge of the second concave curved surface structure on the substrate.

[0023] Optionally, the display panel satisfies: h1 / v1 ≤ h2 / v2 < 0.5;

[0024] Wherein, h1 is the maximum height difference between the region of the insulating layer with the curved structure and the region without the curved structure on the side away from the substrate in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate, v1 is the maximum width of the curved structure of the insulating layer in a direction parallel to the substrate, h2 is the maximum height difference between the region of the first low-refractive layer with the second concave curved structure and the region without the second concave curved structure on the side away from the substrate in the first direction, and v2 is the maximum width of the second concave curved structure of the first low-refractive layer in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0025] Optionally, the display panel further includes a pixel definition layer, which is located on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate, and is located between the plurality of curved structures;

[0026] The display panel satisfies: H < D = tan(v1 / 2h1)*(g+v1) / 2, where H is the minimum distance in the first direction between the second concave curved surface structure of the first low-refractive layer and the light-emitting unit, D is the minimum distance in the first direction between the color mixing point and the pixel definition layer, the color mixing point is the point where the light rays emitted from two adjacent light-emitting units that do not illuminate the pixel definition layer intersect, h1 is the maximum height difference in the first direction between the area with the curved surface structure and the area without the curved surface structure on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate, v1 is the maximum width of the curved surface structure of the insulating layer in the direction parallel to the substrate, and g is the distance between two adjacent light-emitting units in the direction parallel to the substrate.

[0027] Optionally, the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate has a plurality of first concave curved surface structures recessed toward the substrate;

[0028] The thickness of the region of the insulating layer on the side away from the substrate that does not have the curved structure ranges from 3 micrometers to 5 micrometers, and the thickness of the region of the insulating layer on the side away from the substrate that has the curved structure ranges from greater than or equal to 1 micrometer.

[0029] Optionally, the maximum height difference in the first direction between the region of the insulating layer having the curved structure and the region not having the curved structure on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate is greater than 0 micrometers and less than or equal to 2 micrometers.

[0030] Optionally, the display panel further includes conductive lines located on the substrate, the insulating layer covering the conductive lines, and the orthographic projection of the curved structure on the substrate overlapping the orthographic projection of the conductive lines on the substrate.

[0031] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a display device is provided, the display device including a housing and a display panel, the display panel being located in the housing.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include at least the following:

[0033] A display panel including a substrate, an insulating layer, and multiple light-emitting units is provided. The insulating layer has multiple curved surface structures on the side away from the substrate, and the multiple light-emitting units are respectively located on the multiple curved surface structures. In this structure, the electrodes and light-emitting layers in the light-emitting units located on the curved surface structures can be curved. The electrodes can drive the curved light-emitting layers to emit light. Compared with planar light-emitting units, the curved light-emitting units have a larger light-emitting area, which improves the brightness and solves the problem of poor brightness in display panels in related technologies, thereby achieving the effect of improving the brightness of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, 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 this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a display panel structure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 8 is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a polarization structure layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 12 is a top view of a circular light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 13 is a top view of a square light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 14 is a top view of a rectangular light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 15 is a top view of a hexagonal light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0050] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 provides a schematic diagram of a display panel structure. Referring to Figure 1, the display panel 10 includes: a substrate 11; a planarization layer 12 located on the substrate 11; multiple pixel definition layers 13 located on the side of the planarization layer 12 away from the substrate 11; multiple light-emitting units 14 located on the area of ​​the planarization layer 12 away from the substrate 11 where no pixel definition layer is provided; each light-emitting unit 14 includes a first electrode layer 141, a light-emitting layer 142, and a second electrode layer 143. The first electrode layer 141 is located on the planarization layer 12, the light-emitting layer 142 is located on the side of the first electrode layer 141 away from the planarization layer 12, and the second electrode layer 143 is located on the side of the light-emitting layer 142 away from the planarization layer 12; and conductive lines 15 located on the substrate 11, with the planarization layer 12 covering the conductive lines 15.

[0053] Among them, the multiple light-emitting units 14 located on the planar layer 12 are planar in shape, and the actual light-emitting area of ​​the planar light-emitting units 13 is small, resulting in poor brightness of the display panel 10.

[0054] In addition, the conductive line 15 itself is a raised shape, and the planarization layer 12 covers the conductive line 15, which causes the planarization layer 12 to form irregular protrusions or depressions that are difficult to control, as shown in region A. This results in the surface of the multiple light-emitting units 14 located on the planarization layer 12 being uneven and non-uniform, which can lead to problems such as uneven brightness and color deviation in the display panel 10.

[0055] This application provides a display panel. Referring to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in this application embodiment, the display panel 20 includes: a substrate 21; an insulating layer 22 located on the substrate 21, with multiple curved surface structures 221 on the side of the insulating layer 22 away from the substrate 21; and multiple light-emitting units 23, each located on one of the curved surface structures 221. Each light-emitting unit 23 includes a first electrode layer 231, a light-emitting layer 232, and a second electrode layer 233. The first electrode layer 231 is located on the curved surface structure 221, the light-emitting layer 232 is located on the side of the first electrode layer 231 away from the curved surface structure 221, and the second electrode layer 233 is located on the side of the light-emitting layer 232 away from the curved surface structure 221. The light-emitting layer 232 has a curved shape, allowing for a larger light-emitting area compared to a planar light-emitting layer.

[0056] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide a display panel including a substrate, an insulating layer, and multiple light-emitting units. The side of the insulating layer away from the substrate has multiple curved surface structures, and the multiple light-emitting units are respectively located on the multiple curved surface structures. In this structure, the electrodes and light-emitting layers in the light-emitting units located on the curved surface structures can be curved. The electrodes can drive the curved light-emitting layers to emit light. Compared with planar light-emitting units, the curved light-emitting units have a larger light-emitting area, which improves the brightness and solves the problem of poor brightness in display panels in related technologies, thereby achieving the effect of improving the brightness of the display panel.

[0057] Optionally, the plurality of curved surface structures include at least one of a first convex curved surface structure protruding away from the substrate and a first concave curved surface structure recessed towards the substrate. For example, the plurality of curved surface structures 221 in FIG2 include a first convex curved surface structure Q1 protruding away from the substrate 221 and a first concave curved surface structure Q2 recessed towards the substrate. Both the first convex curved surface structure Q1 and the first concave curved surface structure Q2 can increase the surface area of ​​the light-emitting layer 232 of the light-emitting unit 23, thereby increasing the actual light-emitting area and improving the brightness of the display panel 20.

[0058] The display panel provided in this application embodiment may also include only one type of curved surface structure. Please refer to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a display panel including a first convex curved surface structure provided in this application embodiment, and Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a display panel including a first concave curved surface structure provided in this application embodiment. The curved surface structure shown in Figure 3 is a first convex curved surface structure 221 protruding away from the substrate 21, and the curved surface structure shown in Figure 4 is a first concave curved surface structure 221 recessed towards the substrate 21. The display panel 20 also includes conductive lines 24, which are located on the substrate 21. An insulating layer 22 covers the conductive lines 24, and the conductive lines 24 can transmit electrical signals for multiple light-emitting units 23. The orthographic projection of the curved surface structure 221 on the substrate 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the conductive lines 24 on the substrate 21, that is, the conductive lines 24 are below the curved surface structure 221.

[0059] The conductive line 24 itself has a raised shape. For the display panel shown in FIG3, the insulating layer 22 includes a plurality of first convex curved surface structures 221 that protrude away from the substrate 21. This can increase the distance between the light-emitting unit 23 and the conductive line 23, thereby avoiding the influence of the raised conductive line 24 on the surface morphology of the light-emitting unit 23, and improving the uniformity of brightness of the display panel 20 and the uniformity of color shift at different viewing angles.

[0060] For the display panel shown in Figure 4, the insulating layer 22 includes a plurality of first concave curved surface structures 221 recessed towards the substrate 21. A flat insulating layer can be formed on the substrate 21, and the first concave curved surface structures 221 can be obtained by etching the flat insulating layer. Therefore, the shape of the bottom of the first concave curved surface structure 221 is not affected by the protruding conductive lines 24, thereby avoiding the influence of the conductive lines 24 on the surface shape of the light-emitting unit 23, and improving the uniformity of brightness of the display panel 20 and the uniformity of color shift under different viewing angles. In addition, the thickness E1 of the region of the insulating layer 22 away from the substrate 21 that does not have the first concave curved surface structure 221 can be in the range of 3 micrometers to 5 micrometers, and the minimum thickness E2 of the region of the insulating layer 22 away from the substrate 21 that has the first concave curved surface structure 221 can be greater than or equal to 1 micrometer. Increasing the overall thickness of the insulating layer 22 can facilitate the etching process to obtain the first concave curved surface structure 221. Ensuring a certain thickness in the region of the insulating layer 22 away from the substrate 21 that has the first concave curved surface structure 221 can ensure that there is a gap between the bottom of the first concave curved surface structure 221 and the conductive line 24, thereby reducing electromagnetic crosstalk or leakage between the lower conductive line 24 and the first electrode 231 of the light-emitting unit 23.

[0061] The display panel provided in this embodiment can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel. Among the multiple light-emitting units 23, the first electrode layer 231 and the second electrode layer 233 cooperate to drive the light-emitting layer 232. The first electrode layer 231 can be the anode, the second electrode layer 233 can be the cathode, and the light-emitting layer 232 can be an organic light-emitting layer. In addition, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and an electron blocking layer may be stacked sequentially between the first electrode layer 231 and the light-emitting layer 232, and a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer may be stacked sequentially between the light-emitting layer 232 and the second electrode layer 233. Holes are injected into the light-emitting layer 232 from the first electrode layer 231, and electrons are injected into the light-emitting layer 232 from the second electrode layer 233. Finally, holes and electrons recombine in the light-emitting layer 232 to generate excitons. When the generated excitons relax from the excited state to the ground state, they release energy to generate photons.

[0062] The light emitted from the curved light-emitting unit provided in this application embodiment is divergent light, which can be collimated by the first light modulation layer. Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure including the first light modulation layer provided in this application embodiment. The display panel 20 includes: a substrate 21, an insulating layer 22, and a plurality of light-emitting units 23. Please refer to the embodiment in Figure 2 for details.

[0063] The display panel 20 further includes a first light modulation layer 26, which is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 23 away from the substrate 21. The first light modulation layer 26 includes a first low-refractive-index layer 261 and a first high-refractive-index layer 262 stacked together. The first high-refractive-index layer 262 is located on the side of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 away from the substrate 21, and the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 is less than the refractive index of the first high-refractive-index layer 262. The side of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 away from the substrate 21 has a plurality of second concave curved surface structures 2611 recessed towards the substrate 21, and the side of the first high-refractive-index layer 262 near the substrate 21 has a plurality of second convex curved surface structures 2621 protruding towards the substrate 21.

[0064] When the diverging light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 reaches the first light modulation layer 26, the light will be refracted from the first low-refractive layer 261 (optically less dense medium) to the first high-refractive layer 262 (optically denser medium). According to Snell's Law:

[0065] n1sinθ1=n2sinθ2;

[0066] Since the refractive index of the first low-refractive layer 261 is less than that of the first high-refractive layer 262, the incident angle θ1 is greater than the refraction angle θ2. Combined with the surface morphology of the second concave curved surface structure 2611, the light rays will exit in a direction deflected towards the normal after reaching the first light modulation layer 26, meaning the light rays can be collimated. This effectively improves the luminous efficiency and enhances the brightness of the display panel. Specifically, the refractive index n1 of the first low-refractive layer 261 can range from 1.45 to 1.55, and the refractive index n2 of the first high-refractive layer 262 can range from 1.65 to 1.85.

[0067] In addition, the second concave curved surface structure 2611 and the second convex curved surface structure 2621 can be complementary structures, and the second convex curved surface structure 2621 is located in the second concave curved surface structure 2611. This can ensure that the first low refractive layer 261 and the first high refractive layer 262 are tightly attached, avoiding light loss caused by gaps.

[0068] The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 23 on the substrate 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261 on the substrate 21. That is, a part of the light-emitting unit 23 is directly opposite the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261. This allows part of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 23 to be collimated by the first light modulation layer 26, thereby improving the front light emission efficiency.

[0069] The display panel 20 shown in Figure 5 may further include: an encapsulation layer 24 located on the side of the light-emitting unit 23 away from the substrate 21, and a first light modulation layer 26 located on the side of the encapsulation layer 24 away from the light-emitting unit 23. The encapsulation layer 24 can be used to protect the light-emitting unit 23 and prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light-emitting unit 23.

[0070] A pixel definition layer 25 is located on the side of the insulating layer 22 away from the substrate 22, in a region that does not have a curved surface structure 221. The pixel definition layer 25 can be used to define the positions of multiple light-emitting units 23 on the insulating layer 22. The width of the side of each pixel definition layer 25 away from the insulating layer 22 is smaller than the width of the side of the pixel definition layer 25 close to the insulating layer 22, which prevents large-angle light emitted by the light-emitting units 23 from being blocked by the pixel definition layer 25, thus allowing more light emitted by the light-emitting units 23 to reach the next film layer.

[0071] The above describes the case where the first light modulation layer is located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the light-emitting unit. However, the first light modulation layer can also be located within the encapsulation layer. For example, please refer to FIG6, which is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in this application embodiment where the first light modulation layer is located within the encapsulation layer. The display panel 20 includes: a substrate 21, an insulating layer 22, a plurality of light-emitting units 23, and a pixel definition layer 25. For details, please refer to the embodiment in FIG5.

[0072] The display panel 20 further includes an encapsulation layer 24, which is located on the side of the light-emitting unit 23 away from the substrate 21. The encapsulation layer 24 includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer 241, an organic encapsulation layer 242, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 243, which are stacked on the side of the light-emitting unit 23 away from the substrate 21. The encapsulation layer 24 can be used to protect the light-emitting unit 23 and prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light-emitting unit 23.

[0073] A first optical modulation layer 26 is located between a first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and an organic encapsulation layer 242. The first optical modulation layer 26 includes a first low-refractive-index layer 261, the refractive index of which is less than that of the organic encapsulation layer 242. The side of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 away from the substrate 21 has multiple second concave curved surface structures 2611 recessed towards the substrate 21. The side of the organic encapsulation layer 242 near the substrate 21 has multiple second convex curved surface structures 2421 protruding towards the substrate 21. The second concave curved surface structures 2611 and the second convex curved surface structures 2421 are complementary structures, and the second convex curved surface structures 2421 are located within the second concave curved surface structures 2611.

[0074] Since light emitted from the light-emitting layer 232 passes through multiple organic and inorganic dielectric layers with different refractive indices, various modes of light loss occur, such as metal loss and surface plasmon loss caused by metal electrodes, waveguide mode loss caused by transparent electrodes, and cover plate mode loss caused by the cover plate. By positioning the first light modulation layer 26 between the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and the organic encapsulation layer 242, the distance between the first light modulation layer 26 and the light-emitting unit 23 can be reduced. This allows the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 to be collimated by the first light modulation layer 26 at a shorter optical path and enter the film layer of the first light modulation layer 26 on the side away from the substrate 21. This can improve the uniformity of brightness and the uniformity of color shift at different viewing angles.

[0075] Furthermore, the refractive index difference between the first low-refractive-index layer 261 and the organic encapsulation layer 242 can be greater than 0.1. Since the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 is less than that of the organic encapsulation layer 242, combined with the curved surface morphology of the second concave curved surface structure 2611, light can be refracted in a direction deviating from the normal, meaning the light can be collimated. The small difference between the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 and the organic encapsulation layer 242 avoids light loss due to an excessively high refractive index of the organic encapsulation layer 242, thereby effectively improving the front light emission efficiency and enhancing the brightness of the display panel. For example, the refractive index range of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 can be 1.45-1.55, and the refractive index range of the organic encapsulation layer 242 can be 1.65-1.85, thus ensuring that the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index layer 261 is less than that of the organic encapsulation layer 242, and that the refractive index difference is small.

[0076] The display panel provided in this application embodiment may further include a second light modulation layer to further collimate the divergent light emitted by the light-emitting units. For example, please refer to FIG7, which is a schematic diagram of another display panel including a second light modulation layer provided in this application embodiment. This display panel 20 includes: a substrate 21, an insulating layer 22, a plurality of light-emitting units 23, an encapsulation layer 24, a pixel definition layer 25, and a first light modulation layer 26. For details, please refer to the embodiment in FIG6.

[0077] The display panel 20 further includes a second light modulation layer 27, which is located on the side of the encapsulation layer 24 away from the substrate 21. The second light modulation layer 27 includes a second high-refractive-index layer 272 and a second low-refractive-index layer 271 stacked together. The refractive index of the second low-refractive-index layer 271 is less than that of the second high-refractive-index layer 272. The side of the second low-refractive-index layer 271 near the bottom of the substrate 21 has a plurality of third concave curved surface structures 2711 recessed in the direction away from the substrate 21, and the side of the second high-refractive-index layer 272 away from the substrate 21 has a plurality of third convex curved surface structures 2721 protruding in the direction away from the substrate 21.

[0078] According to Snell's law, since the refractive index of the second low-refractive layer 271 is less than that of the second high-refractive layer 272, the incident angle is less than the refraction angle. Combined with the surface morphology of the third convex surface structure 2721, the light will be emitted in a direction deviating from the normal after reaching the second light modulation layer 27. That is, some light can be collimated by the second light modulation layer 27 to improve the front light emission efficiency.

[0079] The third concave curved surface structure 2711 and the third convex curved surface structure 2721 can be complementary structures, and the third convex curved surface structure 2721 is located in the third concave curved surface structure 2711. This ensures that the second low refractive layer 271 and the second high refractive layer 272 are tightly fitted together, avoiding light loss caused by gaps.

[0080] The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 23 on the substrate 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third concave curved surface structure 2711 of the second low-refractive layer 271 on the substrate 21. That is, a portion of the light-emitting unit 23 is directly opposite the third concave curved surface structure 2711 of the second low-refractive layer 271, which ensures that a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 is collimated by the second light modulation layer 27.

[0081] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the third concave curved surface structure 2711 of the second low-refractive layer 27 onto the substrate 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261 onto the substrate 21. That is, the second concave curved surface structure 2611 and the third concave curved surface structure 2711 are of equal size. In addition, the curvatures of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 and the third concave curved surface structure 2711 can be the same, but this application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0082] Optionally, the pixel definition layer 25 includes a reflective material, or the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 covers the pixel definition layer 25 and the refractive index of the pixel definition layer 25 is less than the refractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241. A portion of the large-angle light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 illuminates the surface of the pixel definition layer 25. When the pixel definition layer 25 includes a reflective material, this portion of the light can be reflected by the pixel definition layer 25. Furthermore, there is a total internal reflection angle when light travels from a high-refractive-index material to a low-refractive-index material. When the light exceeds this angle, total internal reflection occurs, and the greater the difference in refractive index, the smaller the total internal reflection angle, resulting in more light being totally reflected. Therefore, since the refractive index of the pixel definition layer 25 is less than the refractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241, a portion of the light illuminating the surface of the pixel definition layer 25 can be reflected by the pixel definition layer 25. The reflected light can reach the second light modulation layer 27 and be refracted in a direction deviating from the normal, meaning the reflected light can be collimated by the second light modulation layer 27, thereby improving the front-side light emission efficiency. The refractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 can be in the range of 1.7-1.85, and the refractive index of the pixel definition layer 25 can be in the range of 1.4-1.55. The difference between the refractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 241 and the refractive index of the pixel definition layer 25 is greater than or equal to 0.3, which can make the total internal reflection angle smaller and allow more light to be totally reflected by the pixel definition layer 25.

[0083] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 23 on the substrate 21 is located in the orthographic projection of the third concave curved surface structure 2711 on the substrate 21, and there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the edge of the light-emitting unit 23 on the substrate 21 and the orthographic projection of the edge of the curved surface structure 221 on the substrate 21. That is, the entire area of ​​the light-emitting unit 23 is directly opposite to the third concave curved surface structure 2711, and the maximum width of the third concave curved surface structure 2711 is greater than that of the light-emitting unit. This ensures that the third concave curved surface structure 2711 collects more light reflected from the pixel definition layer 25.

[0084] Optionally, for the display panel shown in Figures 5 to 7, the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 23 on the substrate 21 can also be located within the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261 onto the substrate 21, and there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the edge of the light-emitting unit 23 on the substrate 21 and the orthographic projection of the edge of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 on the substrate 21. This allows the entire area of ​​the light-emitting unit 23 to be directly aligned with the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261, and the maximum width v2 of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261 is greater than the maximum width of the light-emitting unit 23, thereby further enabling more light emitted from the light-emitting unit 23 to be collimated by the first light modulation layer 26.

[0085] The maximum width v2 of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261 can be equal to the maximum distance of the adjacent pixel definition layer 25 away from the substrate 21, but this embodiment does not limit this. In addition, the light-emitting unit 23, the second concave curved surface structure 2611 and the third concave curved surface structure 2711 can have the same curvature, but this application does not limit this.

[0086] Optionally, for the display panels shown in Figures 5 to 7, the following condition can be met: h1 / v1 ≤ h2 / v2 < 0.5. Please refer to Figure 8, which is a partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application. In this figure, h1 is the maximum height difference between the region of the insulating layer 22 away from the substrate 21 that has the curved structure 221 and the region that does not have the curved structure 221 in the first direction X perpendicular to the substrate 21. Specifically, for the case where the curved structure 221 is a first convex curved structure, h1 is the distance in the first direction X between the top of the first convex curved structure and the region of the insulating layer 22 that does not have the curved structure 221; for the case where the curved structure 221 is a first concave curved structure, h1 is the distance in the first direction X between the bottom of the first concave curved structure and the region of the insulating layer 22 that does not have the curved structure 221. v1 is the maximum width of the curved surface structure 221 of the insulating layer 22 in the direction parallel to the substrate 21, h2 is the maximum height difference in the first direction X between the region of the first low refractive layer 261 away from the substrate 21 that has the second concave curved surface structure 2611 and the region that does not have the second concave curved surface structure 2611, and v2 is the maximum width of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low refractive layer 261 in the direction parallel to the substrate 21.

[0087] By limiting the aspect ratio h1 / v1 of the curved structure 221, color mixing problems that are easily caused when h1 and v1 differ significantly can be avoided. Please refer to Figure 9, which is a partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in this application embodiment. In this case, the difference between h1 and v1 is large. When the human eye is at a height above the display panel d, color mixing crosstalk generated by two adjacent light-emitting units 23 of different colors can be observed at a large viewing angle, which may cause color deviation deterioration and thus affect the display effect of the display panel. For example, the range of h1 can be: 0 micrometers < h1 < 2 micrometers. When h1 is greater than 0 micrometers, it can be ensured that the insulating layer 22 includes the curved structure 221; when h1 is less than two micrometers, please refer to Figure 7, color mixing crosstalk can be avoided at a large viewing angle.

[0088] Furthermore, by limiting the aspect ratio h2 / v2 of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low-refractive layer 261 to be greater than or equal to the aspect ratio h1 / v1 of the curved surface structure 221, it can be ensured that the second concave curved surface structure 2611 collects more of the divergent light emitted by the light-emitting unit 23. For example, in the display panels shown in Figures 4 to 6, the aspect ratio h2 / v2 of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 is equal to the aspect ratio h1 / v1 of the curved surface structure 221, and their curvatures are equal. This further ensures that the second concave curved surface structure 2611 collimates the divergent light emitted by the light-emitting unit 23.

[0089] Optionally, for the display panel shown in Figures 5 to 7, the following condition can be met: H < D = tan(v1 / 2h1)*(g+v1) / 2. Please refer to Figure 8. H is the minimum distance in the first direction X between the second concave curved surface structure 2611 of the first low refractive layer 261 and the light-emitting unit 23. D is the minimum distance in the first direction X between the color mixing point and the pixel definition layer 25. The color mixing point is the point where the light rays emitted from two adjacent light-emitting units 23 that do not illuminate the pixel definition layer 25 intersect. In fact, there are multiple color mixing points, such as color mixing point B1 and color mixing point B2. Color mixing point B1 is the color mixing point closest to the pixel definition layer 25. Therefore, the distance in the first direction X between color mixing point B1 and pixel definition layer 25 is the minimum distance D between the color mixing point and pixel definition layer 25 in the first direction X. h1 is the maximum height difference in the first direction X between the region of the insulating layer 22 with the curved structure 221 and the region without the curved structure 221 on the side away from the substrate 21; v1 is the maximum width of the curved structure of the insulating layer in the direction parallel to the substrate; and g is the distance between two adjacent light-emitting units in the direction parallel to the substrate.

[0090] By setting the minimum distance H between the second concave curved surface structure 2611 and the light-emitting unit 23 in the first direction X to be less than the minimum distance D between the color mixing point and the pixel definition layer 25 in the first direction X, the height of the second concave curved surface structure 2611 can be made to be below the height of the color mixing point B1 closest to the pixel definition layer 25. Then the first light modulation layer 26 can collimate the light before the light mixes, thereby avoiding the light from two adjacent light-emitting units 23 from mixing and affecting the display effect of the display panel 20.

[0091] Based on the display panel shown in FIG7, this application provides another display panel with other functional layers. Please refer to FIG10. FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another display panel with other functional layers provided in the embodiment of this application. The display panel 20 includes: substrate 21, insulating layer 22, multiple light-emitting units 23, encapsulation layer 24, pixel definition layer 25, first light modulation layer 26 and second light modulation layer 27. Please refer to the embodiment in FIG7 for details.

[0092] The display panel 20 also includes other functional layers: a buffer layer 281, a polysilicon layer 282, a gate 283, a source / drain 284, a touch layer 285, a polarization structure layer 286, and a cover plate 287.

[0093] A buffer layer 281 is located on the side of the substrate 21 closest to the insulating layer 22. The buffer layer 281 prevents water and oxygen from corroding the conductive lines and can also flatten the surface of the display panel. A polysilicon layer 282 is located on the side of the buffer layer 281 away from the substrate 21. The gate 283 and the source / drain 284 are located on the side of the polysilicon layer 282 away from the buffer layer 281. The source / drain 284 is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 231 and the gate 283, respectively, thereby enabling the transmission of electrical signals to the first electrode layer 231.

[0094] The touch layer 285 is located between the second inorganic encapsulation layer 243 and the second high refractive layer 272. The touch layer 285 can be an integrated touch layer, which allows the touch layer 285 to be integrated with other film layers, enabling the display panel to have touch function and making the display panel thinner and lighter.

[0095] The polarization structure layer 286 is located on the side of the second low-refractive layer 271 away from the second high-refractive layer 272. The polarization structure layer 286 can reduce the reflectivity of ambient light, ensure the contrast of the display panel under different external environments, and reduce its reflection of ambient light to achieve a better display effect. The polarization structure layer 286 may include a polarizer 2861 and a quarter-wave plate 2862. Please refer to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a polarization structure layer provided in an embodiment of this application. Ambient light C1 is converted into linearly polarized light C2 by polarizer 2861, and then converted into circularly polarized light C3 by quarter-wave plate 2862. After being reflected by the first electrode layer 231, the vector fraction of the circularly polarized light C3 produces a half-wave loss, and the rotation direction of the synthesized circularly polarized light C3' is deflected. After passing through quarter-wave plate 2862, reflected linearly polarized light C2' perpendicular to the incident linearly polarized light C2 is generated. Because the polarization direction is different from that of polarizer 2861, the reflected light is confined in the display panel, reducing the reflectivity of ambient light.

[0096] The cover plate 287 is located on the side of the polarization structure layer 286 away from the second low refractive layer 271, and the cover plate 287 may include a glass cover plate.

[0097] The embodiments of this application can be applied to light-emitting units of various shapes and arrangements. For example, the shape of the light-emitting unit provided in this application embodiment can be a circle, quadrilateral, or hexagon with a curved surface structure, etc. Please refer to Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is a top view of a circular light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure; Figure 13 is a top view of a square light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure; Figure 14 is a top view of a rectangular light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure; and Figure 15 is a top view of a hexagonal light-emitting unit with a curved surface structure. The light-emitting units 23 in Figures 12 to 15 can all have a curved surface structure, which can be at least one of an outwardly convex curved surface structure or an inwardly concave curved surface structure. Compared with planar light-emitting units, the curved light-emitting unit 23 has a larger light-emitting area, improving brightness and solving the problem of poor brightness in display panels in related technologies, thus achieving the effect of improving the brightness of the display panel. Furthermore, the curved light-emitting unit provided in this application embodiment can be applied to diamond-like pixel arrangements, GRB pixel arrangements, and RealRGB pixel arrangements, etc.

[0098] The curved light-emitting unit structure provided in this application embodiment can be applied not only to the display field of pixel structure, but also to the lighting field that improves the brightness at different angles, such as automotive headlights. The curved light-emitting unit significantly improves the brightness under all viewing angles.

[0099] In summary, the embodiments of this application provide a display panel including a substrate, an insulating layer, and multiple light-emitting units. The side of the insulating layer away from the substrate has multiple curved surface structures, and the multiple light-emitting units are respectively located on the multiple curved surface structures. In this structure, the electrodes and light-emitting layers in the light-emitting units located on the curved surface structures can be curved. The electrodes can drive the curved light-emitting layers to emit light. Compared with planar light-emitting units, the curved light-emitting units have a larger light-emitting area, which improves the brightness and solves the problem of poor brightness in display panels in related technologies, thereby achieving the effect of improving the brightness of the display panel.

[0100] Furthermore, when the insulating layer has a convex surface structure, the distance between the light-emitting unit and the conductive lines can be increased. When the insulating layer has a concave surface structure, since the concave surface structure can be fabricated by etching a flat insulating layer, the shape of the bottom of the concave surface structure is not affected by the conductive lines. Therefore, both cases can avoid the influence of the conductive lines on the surface uniformity of the light-emitting unit, thereby improving the uniformity of brightness and color shift at different viewing angles of the display panel.

[0101] In addition, this application also provides a display device, which includes a housing and any of the display panels provided in the above embodiments, wherein the display panel may be located within the housing. This display device can be various devices including display functions, such as monitors, televisions, vertical advertising machines, digital signage, mobile phones, and various smart wearable devices.

[0102] Since the display device includes the display panel provided in the above embodiments, the display device can also have a similar effect, that is, it can improve the brightness and front light emission efficiency of the display device.

[0103] In this application, the term "at least one of A and B" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "at least one of A and B" can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0104] It should be noted that the dimensions of layers and portions may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings for clarity. Furthermore, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate layers. Additionally, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "below" another element or layer, it can be directly below the other element, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Furthermore, it is also understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers or two elements, it can be the only layer between the two layers or two elements, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Similar reference numerals throughout indicate similar elements.

[0105] In this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0106] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, The display panel includes: a substrate; an insulating layer located on the substrate, the insulating layer having multiple curved surface structures on its side away from the substrate; multiple light-emitting units located on the multiple curved surface structures, each light-emitting unit including a first electrode layer, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode layer, the first electrode layer being located on the curved surface structure, the light-emitting layer being located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the curved surface structure, and the second electrode layer being located on the side of the light-emitting layer away from the curved surface structure; an encapsulation layer including a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer stacked on the side of the light-emitting unit away from the substrate; and a first light modulation layer. The first light modulation layer is located between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the organic encapsulation layer. The first light modulation layer includes a first low-refractive-index layer, the refractive index of which is less than that of the organic encapsulation layer. The first low-refractive-index layer has multiple second concave curved surface structures recessed towards the substrate on its side away from the substrate. The organic encapsulation layer has multiple second convex curved surface structures protruding towards the substrate on its side near the substrate. The second concave curved surface structures and the second convex curved surface structures are complementary, and the second convex curved surface structures are located within the second concave curved surface structures. The display panel also includes a buffer layer located on the side of the substrate near the insulating layer.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of curved surface structures include at least one of a first convex curved surface structure that protrudes away from the substrate and a first concave curved surface structure that is recessed towards the substrate.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure of the first low-refractive layer on the substrate.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a second light modulation layer located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate. The second light modulation layer includes a second high-refractive-index layer and a second low-refractive-index layer stacked together. The refractive index of the second low-refractive-index layer is less than that of the second high-refractive-index layer. The side of the second low-refractive-index layer near the substrate has multiple third concave curved surface structures recessed in a direction away from the substrate. The side of the second high-refractive-index layer away from the substrate has multiple third convex curved surface structures protruding in a direction away from the substrate. The third concave curved surface structures and the third convex curved surface structures are complementary structures, and the third convex curved surface structures are located within the third concave curved surface structures. The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third concave curved surface structure of the second low-refractive-index layer on the substrate.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the third concave curved surface structure of the second low-refractive layer onto the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure of the first low-refractive layer onto the substrate.

6. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a pixel definition layer, which is located on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate that does not have the curved structure; the pixel definition layer includes a reflective material, or the first inorganic encapsulation layer covers the pixel definition layer and the refractive index of the pixel definition layer is less than the refractive index of the first inorganic encapsulation layer.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit on the substrate is located in the orthographic projection of the second concave curved surface structure on the substrate, and there is a gap between the orthographic projection of the edge of the light-emitting unit on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the edge of the second concave curved surface structure on the substrate.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The display panel satisfies: h1 / v1 ≤ h2 / v2 < 0.5; where h1 is the maximum height difference in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate between the region of the insulating layer with the curved structure and the region without the curved structure on the side away from the substrate, v1 is the maximum width of the curved structure of the insulating layer in a direction parallel to the substrate, h2 is the maximum height difference in the first direction between the region of the first low-refractive layer with the second concave curved structure and the region without the second concave curved structure on the side away from the substrate, and v2 is the maximum width of the second concave curved structure of the first low-refractive layer in a direction parallel to the substrate.

9. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a pixel definition layer, which is located on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate, and is situated between the plurality of curved structures; the display panel satisfies: H < D = H is the minimum distance between the second concave curved surface structure of the first low-refractive layer and the light-emitting unit in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate; D is the minimum distance between the color mixing point and the pixel definition layer in the first direction; the color mixing point is the point where the light rays emitted from two adjacent light-emitting units that do not illuminate the pixel definition layer intersect; h1 is the maximum height difference in the first direction between the region with the curved surface structure and the region without the curved surface structure on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate; v1 is the maximum width of the curved surface structure of the insulating layer in a direction parallel to the substrate; and g is the distance between two adjacent light-emitting units in a direction parallel to the substrate.

10. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating layer has a plurality of first concave curved surface structures recessed towards the substrate on the side away from the substrate; the thickness of the region of the insulating layer away from the substrate that does not have the curved surface structure ranges from 3 micrometers to 5 micrometers, and the thickness of the region of the insulating layer away from the substrate that has the curved surface structure ranges from greater than or equal to 1 micrometer.

11. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum height difference between the region of the insulating layer having the curved structure and the region not having the curved structure on the side of the insulating layer away from the substrate in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate is greater than 0 micrometers and less than or equal to 2 micrometers.

12. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel also includes conductive lines located on the substrate, and the insulating layer covers the conductive lines. The orthographic projection of the curved structure on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the conductive lines on the substrate.

13. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes a housing and a display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the display panel is located within the housing.

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