Display panel, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The invention provides a display panel, a preparation method thereof and a display device. The display panel includes: an array substrate; the electrochromic device is located in the transparent area and located on one side of the array substrate, the electrochromic device comprises a first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer and a second electrode layer which are arranged in a stacked mode, and the first electrode layer is located on the side, close to the array substrate, of the second electrode layer; the light-emitting unit comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices and is located in the display area, the light-emitting devices and the electrochromic devices are located on the same side of the array substrate, each light-emitting device comprises a third electrode layer, a light-emitting function layer and a fourth electrode layer which are arranged in a stacked mode, and the third electrode layer is located on the side, close to the array substrate, of the fourth electrode layer; the third electrode layer and the first electrode layer are arranged in the same layer at intervals, or the third electrode layer and the second electrode layer are arranged in the same layer at intervals. The display panel can dynamically adjust the transmittance and the contrast ratio in real time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel and a method for preparing the same, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] Current display panels, such as transparent display panels, have extremely high transparent display transmittance. When the external ambient light is strong, the contrast is reduced and the display effect is greatly weakened, which limits the application scenarios of transparent display panels. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a display panel and a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device, which solve the problem in the prior art that the display panel cannot dynamically adjust the transmittance and contrast in real time.

[0004] A first aspect of the present application provides a display panel, the display panel comprising a display area and a transparent area, the display panel comprising: an array substrate;

[0005] An electrochromic device is located in the transparent area and on one side of the array substrate, the electrochromic device comprising a first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer and a second electrode layer which are stacked, and the first electrode layer is located on a side of the second electrode layer close to the array substrate;

[0006] A light-emitting unit, comprising a plurality of light-emitting devices, is located in the display area and is located on the same side of the array substrate as the electrochromic device, wherein the light-emitting device comprises a third electrode layer, a light-emitting functional layer and a fourth electrode layer which are stacked, and the third electrode layer is located on a side of the fourth electrode layer close to the array substrate;

[0007] The third electrode layer is in the same layer as the first electrode layer and is spaced apart from the first electrode layer, or the third electrode layer is in the same layer as the second electrode layer and is spaced apart from the first electrode layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the array substrate includes a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit, the first driving circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode layer, and the second driving circuit is electrically connected to the third electrode layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first driving circuit on the array substrate and the orthographic projection of the second driving circuit on the array substrate are both located in the display area;

[0010] Preferably, the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate surrounds the orthographic projection of the display area on the array substrate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the electrochromic functional layer includes an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer and an ion storage layer which are stacked, and the electrochromic layer is located on a side of the ion storage layer away from the second electrode layer;

[0012] Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises an inorganic material;

[0013] Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises a metal oxide;

[0014] Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises at least one of tungsten oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, copper oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, vanadium oxide, cobalt oxide and nickel oxide;

[0015] Preferably, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device on the array substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the display panel further comprises a pixel defining layer, the pixel defining layer comprises a plurality of openings, and the light emitting devices are located in the openings; the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer on the array substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate; preferably, it further comprises: a flat layer, located on a side of the pixel defining layer close to the array substrate;

[0017] Preferably, the method further comprises: a supporting structure, which is located on a side of the pixel defining layer away from the array substrate and is located on at least a part of the side of the light emitting unit.

[0018] A second aspect of the present application provides a display panel, the display panel comprising a display area and a transparent area, the display panel comprising:

[0019] An array substrate, the array substrate comprising a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit;

[0020] An electrochromic device is located in the transparent area and on one side of the array substrate;

[0021] A light-emitting unit, including a plurality of light-emitting devices, is located in the display area and is located on the same side of the array substrate as the electrochromic device;

[0022] A first connecting electrode, the first driving circuit is electrically connected to the electrochromic device via the first connecting electrode;

[0023] A second connecting electrode, the second driving circuit is electrically connected to the light emitting device via the second connecting electrode;

[0024] The first connection electrode and the second connection electrode are in the same layer and are spaced apart from each other.

[0025] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device on the array substrate partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the display area on the array substrate;

[0026] Preferably, the electrochromic device partially overlapping with the orthographic projection of the display area on the array substrate is located on a side of the light emitting device close to the array substrate;

[0027] Preferably, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device on the array substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electrochromic device includes a first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer, and a second electrode layer which are stacked, the first electrode layer is located on a side of the second electrode layer close to the array substrate, and the first electrode layer is electrically connected to the first connecting electrode;

[0029] The light emitting device comprises a third electrode layer, a light emitting functional layer and a fourth electrode layer which are stacked, the third electrode layer is located on a side of the fourth electrode layer close to the array substrate, and the third electrode layer is electrically connected to the second connecting electrode;

[0030] The first connecting electrode is made of the same material as the first electrode layer; the second connecting electrode is made of the same material as the third electrode layer;

[0031] Preferably, the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode are made of the same material.

[0032] A third aspect of the present application provides a method for preparing a display panel, wherein the display panel includes a display area and a transparent area, and the preparation method includes:

[0033] A first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer, and a second electrode layer are sequentially stacked on one side of an array substrate to obtain an electrochromic device; the electrochromic device is located in a transparent area; a third electrode layer, a light-emitting functional layer, and a fourth electrode layer are sequentially stacked on the same side of the array substrate and the electrochromic device to obtain a light-emitting unit including a plurality of light-emitting devices;

[0034] The third electrode layer is formed synchronously with the first electrode layer, or the third electrode layer is formed synchronously with the second electrode layer.

[0035] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a display device, comprising the above-mentioned display panel, or comprising a display panel prepared by the above-mentioned preparation method.

[0036] In the display panel of the present application, the third electrode layer is in the same layer as the first electrode layer and is spaced apart, or the third electrode layer is in the same layer as the second electrode layer and is spaced apart, or the first connecting electrode is in the same layer as the second connecting electrode and is spaced apart. The above structure is conducive to integrating the electrochromic device into the display panel more reasonably, making the structure of the display panel more compact and reducing the preparation process of the display panel; at the same time, the setting of the electrochromic device can enable the display panel to adjust the transmittance and contrast in real time, so that it can display clearly even in the case of strong external ambient light, and the display effect is excellent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in one embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in another embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in another embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic functional layer in one embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 5 The figure is a schematic diagram of a top view of the structure of a display panel in one embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in another embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in another embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel in another embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Fig. 9 The figure is a schematic flow chart of a method for preparing a display panel in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] In addition, in order to better illustrate the present application, numerous specific details are given in the following specific embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present application can also be implemented without certain specific details. In some examples, methods and means well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail in order to highlight the subject matter of the present application.

[0048] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0049] In addition, the terms “first”, “second”, etc., if used, are merely used to distinguish between the descriptions and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0050] The present application provides a display panel according to a first aspect. Figure 1 and Figure 2The structural schematic diagram of the display panel shown in the figure, the display panel includes a display area 10 and a transparent area 20, and the display panel includes: an array substrate 100; an electrochromic device 300, which is located in the transparent area 20 and on one side of the array substrate 100, the electrochromic device 300 includes a first electrode layer 310, an electrochromic functional layer 320 and a second electrode layer 330 which are stacked, and the first electrode layer 310 is located on the side of the second electrode layer 330 close to the array substrate 100; a light-emitting unit 400, including a plurality of light-emitting devices 410, which are located in the display area 10 and the electrochromic device 300 is located on the same side of the array substrate 100, the light-emitting device 410 includes a third electrode layer 411, a light-emitting functional layer 412 and a fourth electrode layer 413 which are stacked, and the third electrode layer 411 is located on the side of the fourth electrode layer 413 close to the array substrate 100; the third electrode layer 411 is in the same layer as the first electrode layer 310 and is spaced apart (see for details). Figure 1 ), or, the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 are in the same layer and are spaced apart (see Figure 2 ).

[0051] In the display panel of the present application, the light-emitting device 410 emits light in the display area 10, and the electrochromic device 300 is located in the transparent area 20. The display background of the display panel can be adjusted by changing the color of the electrochromic device 300, which can improve the contrast between the display screen of the display panel and the background, and improve the display effect of the display panel; the third electrode layer 411 is in the same layer as the first electrode layer 310 and is arranged at intervals, or the third electrode layer 411 is in the same layer as the second electrode layer 330 and is arranged at intervals. The above structure is conducive to integrating the electrochromic device 300 into the display panel more reasonably, making the structure of the display panel more compact. The display panel is compact and has a high degree of integration, which reduces the preparation process of the display panel. At the same time, the setting of the electrochromic device allows the display panel to adjust the transmittance and contrast in real time. For example, when a transparent display is required, the color of the electrochromic device 300 is not changed, so that the display panel has a high transmittance, which is conducive to achieving a transparent display effect. For example, when a clearer display effect is required, the color of the electrochromic device 300 can be changed to increase the contrast between the display panel display and the background, thereby improving the display effect of the display panel. As a result, the display panel can display clearly even when the external ambient light is strong, and the display effect is excellent.

[0052] It should be noted that the description of “same-layer arrangement” in the present application can be understood in a broad sense. For example, the third electrode layer 411 and the first electrode layer 310 being in the same layer can be understood as: in the structure of a specific film layer, the third electrode layer 411 and the first electrode layer 310 are located in the same film layer; it can also be understood that the third electrode layer 411 and the first electrode layer 310 are formed through the same process or synchronously. At this time, the third electrode layer 411 and the first electrode layer 310 can be located in the same film layer, or part of the structure can be located in the same film layer and the rest of the structure can be located in different film layers, or the third electrode layer 411 and the first electrode layer 310 have different heights and thicknesses. For another example, the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 are in the same layer, which can be understood as that in the structure of the specific film layer, the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 are located in the same film layer; it can also be understood that the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 are formed through the same process or synchronously. At this time, the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 can be located in the same film layer, or part of the structure can be located in the same film layer and the rest of the structure can be located in different film layers, or the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 have different heights and thicknesses.

[0053] It is understandable that the light emitting device 410 and the electrochromic device 300 can be driven by the same driving circuit or by two driving circuits. Figure 3 In the structural schematic diagram of the display panel shown in the figure, the array substrate 100 includes a first driving circuit 110 and a second driving circuit 120. The first driving circuit 110 is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 310, and the second driving circuit 220 is electrically connected to the third electrode layer 411. The first driving circuit 110 is used to drive the electrochromic device 300, and the second driving circuit 120 is used to drive the light-emitting device 410. The light-emitting device 410 and the electrochromic device 300 are driven independently, which is conducive to better realizing the real-time dynamic adjustment of the transmittance and contrast of the display panel.

[0054] It can be understood that the first drive circuit 110 includes a first transistor, the first transistor is connected to the first scan line, the second drive circuit 120 includes a second transistor, the second transistor is connected to the second scan line, the signal transmitted by the first scan line causes the first drive circuit 110 to drive the electroluminescent device 300 to change color or become transparent, and the signal transmitted by the second scan line causes the second drive circuit 120 to drive the light-emitting device 410 to emit light, thereby causing the display panel to display a picture. The light-emitting device 410 and the electrochromic device 300 are independently driven by inputting signals to the scan lines. Exemplarily, the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit can be performed synchronously during the preparation process, so as to reduce the preparation process of the display panel.

[0055] For example, refer to Figure 3, along the thickness direction of the array substrate 100, the first driving circuit 110 includes a first active layer 111, a first metal layer 112, a second metal layer 113 and a third metal layer 114 which are stacked in sequence, and the third metal layer 114 is arranged close to the light emitting unit 400. Exemplarily, the first driving circuit 110 includes a transistor. The transistor includes a semiconductor, a gate, a source and a drain, and a connecting electrode connected to the electrochromic device 300. As an example, the gate can be located in the first metal layer 112, the source and the drain can be located in the second metal layer 113, and the connecting electrode can be located in the third metal layer 114.

[0056] Exemplarily, along the thickness direction of the array substrate 100, the second driving circuit 120 includes a second active layer 121, a fourth metal layer 122, a fifth metal layer 123 and a sixth metal layer 124 which are stacked in sequence, and the sixth metal layer 124 is arranged close to the light-emitting unit 400. Exemplarily, the second driving circuit 120 includes a transistor. The transistor includes a semiconductor, a gate, a source and a drain, and a connecting electrode connected to the light-emitting device 410. As an example, the gate can be located in the fourth metal layer 122, the source and the drain can be located in the fifth metal layer 123, and the connecting electrode can be located in the sixth metal layer 124.

[0057] Exemplarily, the first driving circuit 110 also includes an insulating layer 115, which includes an interlayer insulating layer located between two adjacent layers of the first active layer 111, the first metal layer 112, the second metal layer 113 and the third metal layer 114; and the insulating layer extends from the display area 10 to the transparent area 20, and the insulating layer 115 is also located between two adjacent layers of the second active layer 121, the fourth metal layer 122, the fifth metal layer 123 and the sixth metal layer 124.

[0058] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3 In the structural diagram of the display panel shown in FIG. 1 , the orthographic projection of the first driving circuit 110 and the orthographic projection of the second driving circuit 120 on the array substrate 100 are both located in the display area 10. Thus, the transparent effect of the display panel is not affected, and the structure of the display panel is more compact.

[0059] Exemplarily, the orthographic projection of the transparent area 20 on the array substrate 100 is connected to the orthographic projection of the display area 10 on the array substrate 100. In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figure 5 As shown in the schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the transparent area and the display area, the orthographic projection of the transparent area 20 on the array substrate 100 surrounds the orthographic projection of the display area 10 on the array substrate 100, and the transparent display effect of the display panel is better.

[0060] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4As shown in the structural schematic diagram of the electrochromic functional layer, the electrochromic functional layer 320 includes an electrochromic layer 321, an ion transport layer 322 and an ion storage layer 323 which are stacked, and the electrochromic layer 321 is located on a side of the ion storage layer 323 away from the second electrode layer 330.

[0061] Exemplarily, the first electrode layer 310 and the second electrode layer 330 may be transparent. Optionally, the first electrode layer 310 and the second electrode layer 330 are made of ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0062] Exemplarily, the working principle of the electrochromic device 300 mainly involves the migration process of ions under the action of the electric field of the applied voltage; when the electrochromic device 300 is working, a certain voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 310 and the second electrode layer 330, so that the electrochromic layer 321 undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction under the action of the voltage, thereby changing the color. The ion transport layer 322 (also referred to as the electrolyte layer) is composed of a conductive material, such as a solution or solid electrolyte material. When the electrochromic layer undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction, the ion storage layer 323 plays the role of storing and providing the ions required for the electrochromic layer, and can play the role of superimposing or complementing colors. It can be understood that the working principle of the electrochromic device 300 is a prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0063] It is understandable that when the first electrode layer 310 is an anode, the electrochromic layer 321 includes an anode electrochromic material, and when the first electrode layer 310 is a cathode, the electrochromic layer 321 includes a cathode electrochromic material. Anode electrochromic materials (such as nickel oxide) and cathode electrochromic materials (such as tungsten trioxide) are prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0064] In one embodiment, in order to improve the contrast of the display panel, the electrochromic color of the electrochromic layer can be black, gray, brown, blue, etc., which can be flexibly selected according to actual conditions. It is understandable that different electrochromic colors can be achieved by selecting the material of the electrochromic layer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the electrochromic layer includes an inorganic material, so that the electrochromic layer has strong heat resistance and stability, and is not easily deformed during the preparation process, so that the yield of the display panel is high.

[0066] In one embodiment, the electrochromic layer includes metal oxides; in a preferred embodiment, the electrochromic layer includes at least one of tungsten oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, copper oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, vanadium oxide, cobalt oxide and nickel oxide. Therefore, the above materials have good electrochromic effects, and the electrochromic colors of the electrochromic layer can be controlled by selecting different materials to meet the use requirements of different scenes; and the above materials are relatively stable and easy to manufacture.

[0067] In one embodiment, the ion transport layer includes an electrolyte, and illustratively, the electrolyte may be a gel polymer or the like; the ion storage layer may be a counter electrode layer, and the material of the ion storage layer includes nickel oxide or the like.

[0068] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the structural schematic diagram of the display panel, the display panel also includes a pixel defining layer 600, the pixel defining layer 600 includes a plurality of openings, and the light-emitting device 410 is located in the opening; the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer 600 on the array substrate 100 covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area 20 on the array substrate 100.

[0069] In one embodiment, the third electrode layer 411 and the first electrode layer 310 are arranged in the same layer and spaced apart from each other. The first electrode layer 310 is located in the pixel defining layer 600 (see Figure 1 ); In another embodiment, the third electrode layer 411 and the second electrode layer 330 are in the same layer and are spaced apart, and the electrochromic device 300 is located in the pixel defining layer 600 (see Figure 2 ).

[0070] It is understandable that the pixel defining layer is used to limit the third electrode layer, the light-emitting layer and the second connection electrode in the light-emitting device. In this case, along the direction close to the array substrate, the opening in the pixel defining layer does not penetrate the pixel defining layer, but a groove is opened on the surface of the pixel defining layer away from the array substrate, and the opening of the groove is away from the array substrate; the light-emitting device is set in the groove, and a through hole is opened in the pixel defining layer between the light-emitting device and the array substrate, and the second connection electrode is set in the through hole. It is understandable that the setting of the pixel defining layer can also facilitate the production of the electrochromic device, and insulate the electrochromic device from the light-emitting device. At the same time, the setting of the pixel defining layer makes the structure of the display panel more compact, and is also conducive to reducing the preparation process of the display panel.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first connection electrode is made of the same material as the first electrode layer, and the second connection electrode is made of the same material as the third electrode layer. Thus, the first electrode layer and the first connection electrode can be formed in one process, and the third electrode layer and the second connection electrode can be formed in one process, further reducing the manufacturing process of the display panel.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first connection electrode and the second connection electrode are made of the same material. Thus, the first connection electrode and the second connection electrode can be prepared in one process, further reducing the number of manufacturing processes for the display panel.

[0073] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 5 The top view structural schematic diagram of the display panel shown in the figure shows that the display area 10 includes multiple sub-display areas 11, and each sub-display area 11 includes multiple light-emitting devices 410. For example, each sub-display area 11 includes a red light-emitting device, a green light-emitting device and a blue light-emitting device. The specific number and color of the light-emitting devices in each sub-display area 11 can be flexibly selected according to actual conditions.

[0074] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the structural schematic diagram of the display panel, the display panel further includes a support column 700 , which is located on the surface of the pixel defining layer 600 away from the substrate 100 and is located on at least a portion of the side of the light emitting unit 400 .

[0075] Exemplarily, the display panel further includes a planar layer 30 , which is located on a side of the pixel defining layer 600 close to the array substrate 100 .

[0076] Exemplarily, the display panel further includes a substrate, and a buffer layer located between the substrate and the driving circuit.

[0077] Exemplarily, the material of the substrate is a first polyimide, a first barrier layer, a second polyimide, and a second barrier layer stacked in sequence, and the first polyimide is located on the side of the first barrier layer away from the first drive circuit, that is, the substrate of this embodiment is a laminated structure, and the material of the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer can be silicon oxide. The barrier layer can play a role in heat insulation, thereby preventing the heat generated by laser stripping from diffusing to the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit. It can be understood that the substrate can also be a single-layer film structure (such as a single-layer PI film), and this embodiment does not specifically limit the material and structure (laminated or single layer) of the substrate layer. In addition, the substrate can be formed on the substrate by deposition, and the substrate can be a glass substrate or a flexible substrate such as CPI or PI. This embodiment does not specifically limit the material of the substrate.

[0078] Exemplarily, the display panel may further include an encapsulation layer, a touch layer and a cover plate, wherein the encapsulation layer is located on a side of the support column away from the substrate, the touch layer is located on a side of the encapsulation layer away from the substrate, and the cover plate is located on a side of the touch layer away from the substrate, wherein the encapsulation layer, the touch layer and the cover plate are all conventional structures and materials in the field and will not be elaborated herein.

[0079] The display panel of the embodiment of the present application can realize real-time contrast adjustment. When a transparent display scene is required, the electrochromic device of the display panel does not work, and the transmittance of the entire screen will be improved; when the contrast scene needs to be increased, the electrochromic device works, and the electrochromic film layer of the entire screen can be colored, and the contrast and transmittance of the full-screen display can be dynamically adjusted in real time.

[0080] The display panel of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to automobile light curtains or architectural glass to improve the aesthetics of automobile or architectural glass.

[0081] A second aspect of the present application provides a display panel, referring to Figure 8 The structural schematic diagram of the display panel shown in the figure, the display panel includes a display area 10 and a transparent area 20, and the display panel includes: an array substrate 100, the array substrate 100 includes a first driving circuit 110 and a second driving circuit 120; an electrochromic device 300, located in the transparent area 20 and on one side of the array substrate 100; a light-emitting unit 400, including a plurality of light-emitting devices 410, located in the display area 10 and on the same side of the array substrate 100 as the electrochromic device 300; a first connecting electrode 510 and a second connecting electrode 520; the electrochromic device 300 and the first driving circuit 110 are electrically connected through the first connecting electrode 510, and the light-emitting device 410 and the second driving circuit 120 are electrically connected through the second connecting electrode 520; the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 are in the same layer and are arranged at intervals.

[0082] It should be noted that the description of “same-layer arrangement” in the present application can be understood in a broad sense. For example, the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 being in the same layer can be understood as: in the structure of a specific film layer, the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 are located in the same film layer; it can also be understood that the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 are formed through the same process or synchronously. At this time, the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 can be located in the same film layer, or part of the structure can be located in the same film layer and the rest of the structure can be located in different film layers, or the height and thickness of the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 are different.

[0083] It should be noted that the array substrate, the electrochromic device, the light-emitting device, the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are consistent with the above description and will not be described in detail here.

[0084] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device 300 on the array substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the display area 10 on the array substrate 100; the electrochromic device 300 overlapping with the orthographic projection of the display area 10 on the array substrate 100 is located on the side of the light-emitting device 410 close to the array substrate 100, that is, the electrochromic device 300 overlapping with the orthographic projection of the display area 10 on the array substrate 100 is located between the array substrate 100 and the light-emitting unit 400. The structural arrangement of the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 makes it easier to achieve electrical connection between the electrochromic device 300 and the first driving circuit 110 and between the light-emitting device 410 and the second driving circuit 120. The position arrangement of the electrochromic device 300, the light-emitting unit 400, the first connecting electrode 510 and the second connecting electrode 520 is relatively reasonable, so that the structure of the display panel is more compact, and the electrochromic device 300 has a better effect in adjusting the transmittance and contrast of the display panel. It should be noted that the display panel of this embodiment can be combined with the display panel described above in whole or in part, which will not be described in detail here.

[0085] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device 300 on the array substrate 100 covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area 20 on the array substrate 100. Thus, the color change of the entire transparent area can be achieved by controlling the electrochromic device 300, and the effect of adjusting the contrast between the light emitted by the display panel and the color presented by the electrochromic device 300 is excellent.

[0086] In one embodiment, the electrochromic device 300 includes a first electrode layer 310, an electrochromic functional layer 320, and a second electrode layer 330 which are stacked, and the first electrode layer 310 is located on a side of the second electrode layer 330 close to the array substrate 100; the light-emitting device 410 includes a third electrode layer 411, a light-emitting functional layer 412, and a fourth electrode layer 413 which are stacked, and the third electrode layer 411 is located on a side of the fourth electrode layer 413 close to the array substrate 100; the first electrode layer 310 is electrically connected to the first connecting electrode 510; and the third electrode layer 411 is electrically connected to the second connecting electrode 520. Thus, the first electrode layer 310 and the first connecting electrode 510 can be prepared through a one-step process, or the third electrode layer 411 and the second connecting electrode 520 can be prepared through a one-step process, which is conducive to simplifying the preparation process of the display panel.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first connection electrode 510 and the second connection electrode 520 are made of the same material. Thus, the first connection electrode 510 and the second connection electrode 520 can be prepared in one step, which is helpful to simplify the preparation process of the display panel.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first connection electrode 510 and the second connection electrode 520 are in the same layer and are spaced apart, the electrochromic device 300 is located between the array substrate 100 and the light-emitting unit 400, and the electrochromic device 300 is located in the pixel defining layer 600 (see Figure 8 ).

[0089] The third aspect of the present application provides a method for preparing a display panel, wherein the display panel includes a display area and a transparent area. Fig. 9 The schematic flow chart of the method for preparing a display panel is shown, and the method for preparing a display panel includes the following steps.

[0090] S100: preparing a first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer, and a second electrode layer stacked in sequence on one side of an array substrate to obtain an electrochromic device.

[0091] It should be noted that the electrochromic device is located in the transparent area.

[0092] It should be noted that the electrochromic device is consistent with the above description and will not be described in detail here.

[0093] S200: sequentially preparing a third electrode layer, a light-emitting functional layer and a fourth electrode layer which are stacked on the same side of the array substrate and the electrochromic device to obtain a light-emitting unit including a plurality of light-emitting devices.

[0094] It should be noted that the light emitting device is consistent with the above description and will not be described in detail here.

[0095] It should be noted that the third electrode layer is formed synchronously with the first electrode layer, or the third electrode layer is formed synchronously with the second electrode layer. It should be noted that the preparation order of the above steps S100 and S200 is not limited, and step S100 can be first and step S200 can be second, or step S200 can be first and step S100 can be second, and the specific order can be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0096] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 The structural schematic diagram of the display panel shown in FIG. 1 , the method for preparing the display panel comprises the following steps:

[0097] 1. Prepare a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit on one side of the substrate.

[0098] 2. Prepare a flat layer on the side of the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit away from the substrate, set a via in the flat layer, prepare a pixel defining layer on the surface of the flat layer away from the substrate, the flat layer covers the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit, and the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer on the substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the substrate, and open an opening in the pixel defining layer.

[0099] 3. Prepare a first electrode layer in the transparent area, the first electrode layer fills the via hole in the planar layer and is electrically connected to the first driving circuit.

[0100] 4. Prepare an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer and an ion storage layer stacked in sequence on the surface of the first electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0101] 5. A through hole is opened in the pixel defining layer, and a second electrode layer is prepared on the surface of the ion storage layer away from the substrate; a third electrode layer is prepared in the display area, and the material of the third electrode layer fills the through hole and is electrically connected to the second driving circuit.

[0102] In this step, the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer can be formed simultaneously, that is, after forming the entire electrode layer, the electrode layer is patterned to obtain the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer; or, the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer are formed separately, and the second electrode layer and the third electrode layer are the same layer structure.

[0103] 6. Prepare a light-emitting layer and a fourth electrode layer stacked in sequence on a surface of the third electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0104] Optionally, the electrochromic device can be manufactured on the glass substrate alone and then assembled into the opening corresponding to the pixel defining layer. In this case, the electrochromic device can be manufactured first and then the connecting wires connected to the first driving circuit can be manufactured. Optionally, the connecting wires connected to the first driving circuit can be manufactured first and then the electrochromic device can be manufactured.

[0105] In one embodiment, a method for preparing a display panel includes the following steps:

[0106] 1. Prepare a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit on one side of the substrate.

[0107] 2. Prepare a flat layer on the side of the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit away from the substrate, prepare a pixel defining layer on the surface of the flat layer away from the substrate, the flat layer covers the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit, and the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer on the substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the substrate, and an opening is opened in the pixel defining layer.

[0108] 3. A first through hole and a second through hole are formed in the flat layer, and a first electrode layer and a third electrode layer are prepared in the corresponding openings in the transparent area and the display area respectively through a one-step process. The material of the first electrode layer fills the first through hole and is electrically connected to the first drive circuit; the material of the third electrode layer fills the second through hole and is electrically connected to the second drive circuit. Specifically, a whole conductive layer can be formed first, and then the conductive layer is patterned to obtain the first electrode layer and the third electrode layer. Optionally, in this step, the first electrode layer and the third electrode layer can be formed separately, and the first electrode layer and the third electrode layer are located in the same layer.

[0109] 4. Prepare an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer, an ion storage layer and a second electrode layer stacked in sequence on a surface of the first electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0110] 5. Prepare a light-emitting layer and a fourth electrode layer stacked in sequence on a surface of the third electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0111] Optionally, the electrochromic device can be manufactured on the glass substrate alone and then assembled into the opening corresponding to the pixel defining layer. In this case, the electrochromic device can be manufactured first and then the connecting wires connected to the first driving circuit can be manufactured. Optionally, the connecting wires connected to the first driving circuit can be manufactured first and then the electrochromic device can be manufactured.

[0112] In one embodiment, a method for preparing a display panel includes the following steps:

[0113] 1. Prepare a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit on one side of the substrate.

[0114] 2. Prepare a flat layer on the side of the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit away from the substrate, prepare a pixel defining layer on the surface of the flat layer away from the substrate, the flat layer covers the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit, and the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer on the substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the substrate, and an opening is opened in the pixel defining layer.

[0115] 3. A first through hole and a second through hole are opened in the planar layer, and a first connecting electrode and a second connecting electrode are prepared in a one-step process. The first connecting electrode fills the first through hole and is electrically connected to the first driving circuit; the second connecting electrode fills the second through hole and is electrically connected to the second driving circuit.

[0116] 4. Prepare an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer, an ion storage layer and a second electrode layer stacked in sequence on a surface of the first electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0117] 5. Prepare a third electrode layer in the display area, the third electrode layer being electrically connected to the second connection electrode; prepare a light-emitting layer and a fourth electrode layer stacked in sequence on a surface of the third electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0118] Optionally, the electrochromic device can be manufactured on the glass substrate alone and then assembled into the opening corresponding to the pixel defining layer. In this case, the electrochromic device can be manufactured first and then the first connecting electrode. Optionally, the first connecting electrode can be manufactured first and then the electrochromic device.

[0119] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a display device, which includes the above-mentioned display panel, or includes a display panel prepared by the above-mentioned preparation method.

[0120] It can be understood that the display device of the embodiment of the present application may include, in addition to the display panel mentioned above, structures that a conventional display panel should have, such as a driver chip, a housing, etc., which will not be elaborated herein.

[0121] It can be understood that the display device of the embodiment of the present application can be used for color display, black and white display, static display, and dynamic display.

[0122] For example, the display device of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to automobile light curtains or architectural glass, which is beautiful and has excellent display effects.

[0123] The basic principles of the present application are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, effects, etc. mentioned in the present application are only examples and not limitations, and it cannot be considered that these advantages, strengths, effects, etc. are required by each embodiment of the present application. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are only for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding, not for limitation, and the above details do not limit the present application to being implemented by adopting the above specific details.

[0124] The above description has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the forms disclosed herein. Although multiple example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, changes, additions and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: The display panel includes a display area and a transparent area, and the display panel includes: An array substrate; an electrochromic device, located in the transparent area and on one side of the array substrate, the electrochromic device comprising a first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer and a second electrode layer which are stacked, the first electrode layer being located on a side of the second electrode layer close to the array substrate; a light-emitting unit, comprising a plurality of light-emitting devices, located in the display area and located on the same side of the array substrate as the electrochromic device, wherein the light-emitting device comprises a third electrode layer, a light-emitting functional layer and a fourth electrode layer which are stacked, and the third electrode layer is located on a side of the fourth electrode layer close to the array substrate; The third electrode layer is in the same layer as the first electrode layer and is spaced apart from each other, or the third electrode layer is in the same layer as the second electrode layer and is spaced apart from each other.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The array substrate includes a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit. The first driving circuit is electrically connected to the first electrode layer, and the second driving circuit is electrically connected to the third electrode layer.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the first driving circuit on the array substrate and the orthographic projection of the second driving circuit on the array substrate are both located in the display area; Preferably, the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate surrounds the orthographic projection of the display area on the array substrate.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrochromic functional layer comprises an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer and an ion storage layer which are stacked, and the electrochromic layer is located on a side of the ion storage layer away from the second electrode layer; Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises an inorganic material; Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises a metal oxide; Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises at least one of tungsten oxide, niobium oxide, titanium oxide, molybdenum oxide, copper oxide, chromium oxide, manganese oxide, vanadium oxide, cobalt oxide and nickel oxide; Preferably, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device on the array substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel further comprises a pixel defining layer, the pixel defining layer comprises a plurality of openings, and the light emitting device is located in the openings; The orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer on the array substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate; Preferably, it further comprises: a planar layer located on a side of the pixel defining layer close to the array substrate; Preferably, the method further comprises: a supporting structure, which is located on a side of the pixel defining layer away from the array substrate and is located on at least a portion of the side of the light emitting unit.

6. A display panel, characterized in that: The display panel includes a display area and a transparent area, and the display panel includes: An array substrate, wherein the array substrate comprises a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit; An electrochromic device, located in the transparent area and on one side of the array substrate; A light-emitting unit, comprising a plurality of light-emitting devices, is located in the display area and is located on the same side of the array substrate as the electrochromic device; a first connecting electrode, the first driving circuit and the electrochromic device are electrically connected via the first connecting electrode; a second connecting electrode, the second driving circuit is electrically connected to the light emitting device via the second connecting electrode; The first connection electrode and the second connection electrode are in the same layer and are spaced apart from each other.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the electrochromic device on the array substrate partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the display area on the array substrate; Preferably, the electrochromic device partially overlapping with the orthographic projection of the display area on the array substrate is located on a side of the light-emitting device close to the array substrate; Preferably, the orthographic projection of the electrochromic device on the array substrate covers the orthographic projection of the transparent area on the array substrate.

8. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electrochromic device comprises a first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer and a second electrode layer which are stacked, wherein the first electrode layer is located on a side of the second electrode layer close to the array substrate, and the first electrode layer is electrically connected to the first connecting electrode; The light emitting device comprises a third electrode layer, a light emitting functional layer and a fourth electrode layer which are stacked, the third electrode layer is located on a side of the fourth electrode layer close to the array substrate, and the third electrode layer is electrically connected to the second connecting electrode; The first connecting electrode is made of the same material as the first electrode layer; the second connecting electrode is made of the same material as the third electrode layer; Preferably, the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode are made of the same material.

9. A method for preparing a display panel, characterized in that: The display panel includes a display area and a transparent area, and the preparation method includes: A first electrode layer, an electrochromic functional layer, and a second electrode layer are sequentially stacked on one side of an array substrate to obtain an electrochromic device; the electrochromic device is located in the transparent area; a third electrode layer, a light-emitting functional layer, and a fourth electrode layer are sequentially stacked on the same side of the array substrate and the electrochromic device to obtain a light-emitting unit including a plurality of light-emitting devices; The third electrode layer is formed synchronously with the first electrode layer, or the third electrode layer is formed synchronously with the second electrode layer.

10. A display device, characterized in that: A display panel comprising any one of claims 1 to 8, or a display panel prepared by the preparation method according to claim 9.

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