Display panel, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The invention discloses a display panel, a preparation method thereof and a display device. The display panel comprises a gap area located between a display area and a packaging area, the display area comprises a main display area and an edge display area, a partial area, adjacent to the edge display area, in the gap area and the edge display area form a transition area, supporting columns are located in the main display area and the transition area, the distribution density of the supporting columns in the main display area is A1, and the distribution density of the supporting columns in the packaging area is A2. The height of the supporting column is H1, and the area of the vertical projection of the supporting column on the substrate is S1; in the transition area, the distribution density of the supporting columns is A2, the height of the supporting columns is H2, and the area of the vertical projection of the supporting columns on the substrate is S2; a1 * H1 * S1 > A2 * H2 * S2. According to the display panel, the preparation method thereof and the display device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the transition region has relatively low supporting rigidity, so that the cover plate forms a relatively small bending curvature radius in the transition region, and the visibility of a Newton ring is weakened.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the rapid development of high-resolution, high-refresh-rate, and full-screen display technologies, users have increasingly stringent requirements for the visual quality of display panels, especially with a significantly reduced tolerance for optical defects in edge areas. Among these, Newton's rings, a common interference phenomenon in rigidly packaged panels, has become a key issue affecting the yield rate of high-end products and user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a display panel and its manufacturing method and display device, which reduces the visibility of Newton's rings and improves the display effect of the edge area.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display panel is provided, comprising: Display area; A non-display area is provided around the display area, the non-display area including an encapsulation area provided around the display area, and a gap area located between the display area and the encapsulation area; The display area includes a main display area and an edge display area surrounding the main display area; The portion of the gap area adjacent to the edge display area and the edge display area together form a transition area; The display panel also includes: The substrate and cover plate are positioned opposite each other; An encapsulation structure and multiple support pillars are located between the substrate and the cover plate, the encapsulation structure is located in the encapsulation area, and the support pillars are located in the main display area and the transition area; In the main display area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A1, the height of the support pillars is H1, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S1. In the transition region, the distribution density of the support pillars is A2, the height of the support pillars is H2, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S2. A1×H1×S1>A2×H2×S2.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel is provided, comprising: A substrate is provided, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including an encapsulation area disposed around the display area and a gap area located between the display area and the encapsulation area; Multiple support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate. An encapsulation structure is formed on one side of the substrate. A cover plate is provided and disposed opposite to the substrate, such that the support pillar and the packaging structure are located between the substrate and the cover plate; The display area includes a main display area and an edge display area surrounding the main display area; a portion of the gap area adjacent to the edge display area and the edge display area together form a transition area. In the main display area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A1, the height of the support pillars is H1, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S1; in the transition area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A2, the height of the support pillars is H2, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S2; A1×H1×S1>A2×H2×S2.

[0006] The display panel, its manufacturing method, and display device provided in this invention have support pillars set in the main display area and the transition area. By using a larger support pillar distribution density A1, a higher support pillar height H1, and / or a larger vertical projection area S1 of the support pillars in the main display area, A1×H1×S1 is made larger, so that the main display area has higher support stiffness, effectively resists the downward deformation of the cover plate, helps to maintain the cell thickness stability of the main display area, and prevents the cover plate from collapsing during external pressing or dropping, which could cause damage to the light-emitting elements. Meanwhile, by using a smaller support column distribution density A2, a lower support column height H2, and / or a smaller vertical projection area S2 in the transition zone, A2×H2×S2 is made smaller, resulting in a relatively lower support stiffness in the transition zone. This makes the cover plate more prone to deformation in the transition zone, causing it to be closer to the substrate. This increases the degree of curvature of the cover plate in areas where Newton's rings are easily formed (such as the edge area of ​​the encapsulation area near the display area), resulting in a smaller radius of curvature. This significantly reduces the size of the ring interference fringes of Newton's rings, thereby weakening the visibility of Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0007] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram at point A; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the B-B' direction; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the generation of Newton's rings provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a display panel in related technologies; Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 for Figure 16A magnified structural diagram at point C; Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the D-D' direction; Figure 19 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for preparing a support column according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a support column provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 for Figure 21 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the E-E' direction; Figure 23 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 25 for Figure 24 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the F-F' direction; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the supporting effect of a support column according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 A schematic diagram illustrating the supporting effect of another type of support column provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 29 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 30 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 31 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 32 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 33 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 34 A partial structural schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 35 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 36A schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 37 A schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 38 A schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 39 A schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0010] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0011] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged structural diagram at point A Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the B-B' direction, as shown below. Figures 1-3 As shown, the display panel provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: Display area 10.

[0013] A non-display area 11 is provided around the display area 10. The non-display area 11 includes an encapsulation area 111 provided around the display area 10, and a gap area 112 located between the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111.

[0014] Display area 10 includes a main display area 101 and an edge display area 102 surrounding the main display area 101.

[0015] The portion of the gap area 112 adjacent to the edge display area 102 and the edge display area 102 together form the transition area 100.

[0016] The display panel also includes: The substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 are positioned opposite each other.

[0017] The encapsulation structure 30 and multiple support pillars 31 are located between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21. The encapsulation structure 30 is located in the encapsulation area 111, and the support pillars 31 are located in the main display area 101 and the transition area 100.

[0018] In the main display area 101, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 is A1, the height of the support pillars 31 is H1, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 onto the substrate 20 is S1.

[0019] In the transition region 100, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 is A2, the height of the support pillars 31 is H2, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 onto the substrate 20 is S2.

[0020] A1×H1×S1>A2×H2×S2.

[0021] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the substrate 20 can be a flexible or rigid substrate, such as a glass substrate, a polyimide (PI) substrate, etc., used to support the various functional layer structures of the entire display panel (such as light-emitting elements, pixel driving circuits, packaging structures, etc.).

[0022] The cover plate 21 is disposed opposite to the substrate 20, and can be a rigid glass cover plate, a flexible thin film cover plate, or a touch sensor substrate with integrated touch function, etc. After encapsulation, a sealed cavity can be formed between the cover plate 21 and the substrate 20 to accommodate the various functional layers of the display panel.

[0023] like Figures 1-3 As shown, display area 10 is the area of ​​the display panel used to display images. In this embodiment, display area 10 may be located in the central part of the display panel, and it integrates an array of light-emitting elements. By controlling the brightness of each light-emitting element, static or dynamic images can be presented.

[0024] A non-display area 11 is provided around the display area 10. The non-display area 11 is used to arrange peripheral driving circuits, test structures, and to realize the sealing and encapsulation of the display panel.

[0025] The encapsulation area 111 in the non-display area 11 is disposed around the outer periphery of the display area 10, forming the outer ring of the non-display area 11.

[0026] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the encapsulation structure 30 is located within the encapsulation area 111. The encapsulation structure 30 can be made of laser-meltable glass frit, inorganic / organic laminated films, or other hermetically tight materials. A robust and dense sealing structure is formed between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 through methods such as hot pressing, laser irradiation, or ultraviolet curing. The encapsulation structure 30 effectively prevents moisture and oxygen from the external environment from penetrating the display area 10, thereby protecting the light-emitting elements inside the display panel from water and oxygen corrosion and extending the lifespan of the display panel.

[0027] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the gap area 112 in the non-display area 11 is an annular strip that surrounds the display area 10 and is located between the display area 10 and the packaging area 111. The gap area 112 does not house any light-emitting elements and does not directly perform a sealing function. It can be used to lay out peripheral signal traces, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits, test pads, or redundant repair lines, etc. At the same time, it can also provide the necessary tolerance space for thermal expansion differences, process alignment errors, and packaging stress.

[0028] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a plurality of support pillars 31 are provided between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21. The support pillars 31 can be made of organic materials such as photosensitive resin through photolithography. They are used to maintain the cell gap between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 under atmospheric pressure or external pressure, and to prevent the cover plate 21 from sinking too much, which could damage the light-emitting element or cause optical interference defects.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the generation of Newton's rings provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a display panel in related technologies. The inventors discovered through research that, as... Figure 4 As shown, when a convex spherical surface 21' with a radius of curvature R (such as a lens) is placed opposite a flat glass surface 20', an air film of uneven thickness is formed between the two. When parallel light is incident perpendicularly on the structure, part of the light is reflected at point D on the convex spherical surface 21', and the other part of the light passes through point D and is reflected on the flat glass surface 20' below, and the two reflected beams interfere with each other.

[0030] The optical path difference between the two reflected beams ;in, Let be the thickness of the air film at point D. λ is the wavelength of the incident light.

[0031] When the optical path difference satisfy When k = 0, 1, 2, ..., a dark ring of the kth order will be generated.

[0032] The radius of the k-th order dark ring can be derived from geometric relationships. .

[0033] The above theoretical model can be applied analogously to display panels, such as... Figure 5 As shown, in the encapsulation structure of the relevant display panel, the support pillar 31 is disposed in the display area 10, and the distance between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the display area 10 is determined by the height of the support pillar 31; while the peripheral encapsulation area 111 is laser sealed by the encapsulation structure 30, and the distance between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the encapsulation area 111 is determined by the height of the encapsulation structure 30.

[0034] As there is a height difference between the support column 31 and the packaging structure 30, and after the display panel is packaged, the display area 10 is in a near-vacuum state inside and under standard atmospheric pressure outside, the cover plate 21 will bend downward under atmospheric pressure, resulting in a difference in the distance between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the display area 10 and the packaging area 111.

[0035] When the difference in spacing between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111 corresponds to or matches the wavelength, alternating bright and dark interference fringes, i.e., Newton's rings, will be formed around the edge of the encapsulation area 111 near the display area 10. Newton's rings will seriously affect the visual quality of the edge of the display panel.

[0036] To mitigate Newton's rings, the inventors adjusted the height of the encapsulation structure 30 and the height of the support pillar 31 to make the heights of the encapsulation structure 30 and the support pillar 31 consistent, thereby reducing the difference in spacing between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111, and thus reducing the degree of Newton's rings.

[0037] However, as end-users continue to demand higher display quality, especially with a significant decrease in tolerance for edge optical defects (such as Newton's rings), existing process equipment (such as coating machines, lithography machines, and laser sealing equipment) is approaching its physical and engineering limits in terms of film thickness control precision, in-plane uniformity, and batch stability. Even under optimal process conditions, a submicron-level difference in the spacing between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the display area 10 and the packaging area 111 is unavoidable. This minute difference can still cause local bending of the cover plate 21 under atmospheric pressure, leading to air film interference and the formation of Newton's rings. Therefore, relying on geometric height control techniques is no longer sufficient to meet the specifications of high-end products.

[0038] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, in this embodiment, as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, the display area 10 is further divided into a main display area 101 and an edge display area 102. The main display area 101 is located in the middle area of ​​the display area 10, and the edge display area 102 is disposed around the outer periphery of the main display area 101.

[0039] In this embodiment, the edge display area 102 and the adjacent gap area 112 are defined together as the transition area 100. The support columns 31 are not evenly distributed in the display area 10, but are selectively arranged in the main display area 101 and the transition area 100.

[0040] Specifically, the main display area 101 is the core area of ​​user visual attention, and has high requirements for display uniformity, brightness stability, and mechanical pressure resistance. In the main display area 101, the support pillars 31 adopt a large distribution density A1, a high height H1, and / or the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 on the substrate 20 has a large area S1, so that A1×H1×S1 is large, giving the main display area 101 higher support rigidity and stronger pressure resistance. This effectively resists the downward deformation of the cover plate 21, helps maintain the cell thickness stability of the main display area 101, and prevents the cover plate 21 from collapsing during external pressing or dropping, which could damage the light-emitting elements.

[0041] In the transition region 100, the support column 31 has a smaller distribution density A2, a lower height H2, and / or the vertical projection of the support column 31 on the substrate 20 has a smaller area S2, so that A2×H2×S2 is smaller, resulting in a relatively lower support stiffness in the transition region 100, which in turn makes the cover plate 21 more prone to deformation in the transition region 100.

[0042] According to the Newton's rings interference theory, the radius of the k-th order dark ring... ,in, R is the incident light wavelength, and R is the radius of curvature of the equivalent spherical surface formed by the bending of the cover plate 21.

[0043] When the support stiffness of the transition region 100 decreases, the cover plate 21 will be closer to the substrate 20 in the transition region 100. This causes the cover plate 21 to bend more in areas where Newton's rings are easily formed (such as the edge area of ​​the encapsulation region 111 near the display region 10), resulting in a smaller radius of curvature R. Based on the above formula, the radius of curvature R is related to the radius of the k-th dark ring. They are directly proportional; therefore, a decrease in the radius of curvature R will directly lead to a decrease in the size of the ring-shaped interference fringes of Newton's rings (i.e., The radius of curvature R is significantly reduced to weaken the visibility of Newton's rings and improve the display effect of the edge area. When the radius of curvature R is small enough, the interference fringes (i.e., Newton's rings) can be compressed to a degree that is difficult for the human eye to distinguish (e.g., the spacing between dark rings is less than the visual resolution limit), thereby achieving the effect of making Newton's rings invisible to the eye.

[0044] It should be noted that the distribution density of the support column 31 refers to the number of support columns 31 per unit area, with the unit being columns / mm. 2 This parameter reflects the density of the arrangement of the support columns 31 in the plane, and affects the uniformity of support in the local area and the overall stiffness.

[0045] The height of the support post 31 refers to the vertical distance from its bottom surface to its top surface in the thickness direction of the display panel (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the plane where the substrate 20 is located), in micrometers (μm). This parameter determines the support post 31's ability to control the cell gap and its compression margin.

[0046] The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 onto the substrate 20 refers to the area of ​​the projected pattern formed by projecting a single support pillar 31 onto the surface of the substrate 20 along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 20, and the unit is square micrometers (μm). 2 For a support column 31 with a cylindrical or rectangular cross-section, this area corresponds to the area of ​​its bottom circle or rectangle, respectively.

[0047] The three parameters mentioned above together determine the support stiffness provided by the support column 31 in a specific area. Support stiffness refers to the ability of the support column 31 to resist local bending or sagging of the cover plate 21 towards the substrate 20 under external loads (such as atmospheric pressure or pressing). This support stiffness is not solely determined by the material's elastic modulus, but is jointly determined by the distribution density, geometric height, and bottom projected area of ​​the support column 31. It can be approximately characterized by the equivalent volume of the support column 31 per unit area (i.e., the product of distribution density A, height H, and vertical projected area S).

[0048] Specifically, the distribution density reflects the number of support columns 31 per unit area. The higher the density, the denser the support columns 31, the stronger the overall resistance to deformation, and the higher the support stiffness.

[0049] The height affects the compression characteristics and effective support distance of the support column 31. The greater the height, the lower its axial stiffness is usually under the same material modulus. However, in this embodiment, the support columns 31 of the main display area 101 and the transition area 100 adopt the same or similar material system. Therefore, under the premise that the height difference is not large, the higher support column 31 means a larger structural volume and a stronger overall support effect, and the higher the support stiffness.

[0050] The vertical projection area is related to the support contact area of ​​a single support column 31. The larger the area, the stronger the load-bearing capacity and the higher the support stiffness.

[0051] The display panel provided in this embodiment of the invention places support pillars in the main display area and the transition area. By using a larger support pillar distribution density A1, a higher support pillar height H1, and / or a larger vertical projection area S1 in the main display area, A1×H1×S1 is made larger, giving the main display area higher support stiffness. This effectively resists downward deformation of the cover plate, helps maintain the cell thickness stability of the main display area, and prevents damage to the light-emitting elements caused by cover plate collapse during external pressing or dropping. At the same time, a smaller support pillar distribution density A2, a lower support pillar height H2, and / or a smaller vertical projection area S2 in the transition area is used, giving A2×H2×S2 a smaller value. This results in a relatively lower support stiffness in the transition area, making the cover plate more prone to deformation. Consequently, the cover plate will be closer to the substrate in the transition area, increasing the degree of curvature of the cover plate in areas where Newton's rings are easily formed (such as the edge area of ​​the encapsulation area near the display area), forming a smaller radius of curvature, significantly reducing the size of the ring interference fringes of Newton's rings, thereby weakening the visibility of Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0052] Optional, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the distribution density of support pillars 31 in the transition zone 100 is less than that in the main display zone 101.

[0053] Specifically, in the relevant technology, the support columns 31 are evenly distributed in the display area 10 with a fixed density, that is, the number of support columns 31 per unit area remains consistent throughout the entire display area 10.

[0054] However, since the encapsulation structure 30 of the encapsulation area 111 is made of hard glass, it has high rigidity after curing and hardly deforms under atmospheric pressure; while the support column 31 is usually made of high molecular organic material (such as photosensitive resin), which has a certain elasticity and will undergo slight compression or bending under the same load.

[0055] Meanwhile, a height difference (segment difference, i.e., the difference in spacing between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21) between the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111 is inevitable at the micrometer or even submicrometer level. Therefore, if the edge of the display area 10 (i.e., the edge display area 102) still maintains a high density of support pillars 31, then in this area, a large number of support pillars 31 support the cover plate 21, and the pressure borne by a single support pillar 31 is small, and the overall deformation is limited, resulting in a large bending radius of the cover plate 21 in the transition area 100, thereby forming a large Newton's ring, which is easily perceived by the human eye.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the transition region 100 is reduced, so that the distribution density A2 of the support pillars 31 in the transition region 100 is less than its distribution density A1 in the main display region 101, i.e., A2 < A1. After the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the transition region 100 is reduced, the number of support pillars 31 participating in the support per unit area in the transition region 100 is reduced, and the local pressure borne by a single support pillar 31 is increased, thereby producing a larger compressive deformation. In this way, the cover plate 21 can be closer to the substrate 20 in the transition region 100, forming a smaller local bending radius of curvature, thereby reducing the size of the interference fringes of Newton's rings, making the dark ring spacing lower than the human eye resolution limit (e.g., 50 μm to 100 μm), and achieving the effect of making Newton's rings invisible.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, optionally, the transition area 100 includes a first transition area 1001 and a second transition area 1002 disposed around the main display area 101. The second transition area 1002 is located on the side of the first transition area 1001 away from the main display area 101, and the distribution density of the support columns 31 in the second transition area 1002 is less than the distribution density of the support columns 31 in the first transition area 1001.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the transition zone 100 can be further subdivided into a first transition zone 1001 and a second transition zone 1002 to achieve more precise control of the support stiffness.

[0059] The first transition zone 1001 is arranged around the main display zone 101, and a support column 31 is arranged therein with a distribution density of A1001; the second transition zone 1002 is located on the side of the first transition zone 1001 away from the main display zone 101 (i.e. closer to the encapsulation zone 111), and the distribution density of the support column 31 therein is A1002. In this embodiment, A1002 < A1001.

[0060] This design results in a multi-level decreasing trend in support stiffness from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. That is, the main display area 101 has the highest support stiffness, followed by the first transition area 1001, and the second transition area 1002 has the lowest. Through this segmented support stiffness gradient, the cover plate 21 can be guided to produce continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100 more precisely, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity caused by abrupt changes in stiffness, thereby further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings.

[0061] For example, within a range of 0 to 5 mm from the edge of the main display area 101, the 2 mm area closest to the main display area 101 can be defined as the first transition area 1001, and the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the first transition area 1001 is 70% of the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the main display area 101; while the outer 3 mm area is defined as the second transition area 1002, and the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the second transition area 1002 is 40% of the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the main display area 101.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the transition zone 100 also includes a third transition zone 1003 arranged around the main display zone 101. The third transition zone 1003 is located between the second transition zone 1002 and the first transition zone 1001. The distribution density A1003 of the support pillars 31 in the third transition zone 1003 is less than the distribution density A1001 of the support pillars 31 in the first transition zone 1001. The distribution density A1003 of the support pillars 31 in the third transition zone 1003 is greater than the distribution density A1002 of the support pillars 31 in the second transition zone 1002, that is, A1001>A1003>A1002.

[0063] The aforementioned three-level density gradient design ensures a more continuous and smooth decrease in support stiffness from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, avoiding discontinuous deformation or localized stress concentration in the cover plate caused by abrupt changes in stiffness. Furthermore, by introducing an intermediate transition layer (i.e., the third transition area 1003), the actual bending profile of the cover plate 21 during its crossing of the gap area 112 can be more accurately matched, further compressing the interference fringe size of Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge areas.

[0064] For example, within a transition area 100 with a total width of 4mm, the 1.5mm closest to the main display area 101 can be designated as the first transition area 1001, where the distribution density of the support pillars 31 is 80% of that in the main display area 101; the middle 1.5mm can be designated as the third transition area 1003, where the distribution density of the support pillars 31 is 55% of that in the main display area 101; and the outermost 1mm can be designated as the second transition area 1002, where the distribution density of the support pillars 31 is 30% of that in the main display area 101.

[0065] In some embodiments, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the transition region 100 exhibits a gradient decreasing trend along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. For example, the transition region 100 is divided into four partitions, and along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in each partition is 75%, 70%, 65%, and 35% of the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the main display area 101, respectively, showing a continuously decreasing distribution characteristic.

[0066] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition zone 100, the width ratio of each partition, and the absolute value of the distribution density can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support pillars 31, and material of the cover plate 21. As long as the distribution density of the support pillars 31 within the transition zone 100 generally shows a trend of gradually decreasing from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the deformation gradient of the cover plate 21 can be effectively guided, thereby suppressing Newton's rings. The aforementioned distribution density gradient can be linear, nonlinear, piecewise, or any smooth descending curve based on simulation optimization, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0067] Optional, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple support pillars 31 are arranged in an array to form multiple support pillar columns 310. In the transition region 100, the support pillar column 310 includes multiple first support pillar groups 311 arranged along the column direction Y, and each first support pillar group 311 includes at least one support pillar 31. In the same support pillar column 310, the spacing between adjacent first support pillar groups 311 is greater than the spacing between adjacent support pillars 31 within the same first support pillar group 311. In the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the first support pillar groups 311 in adjacent support pillar columns 310 are staggered.

[0068] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, within the transition zone 100, each support column column 310 includes multiple first support column groups 311 arranged sequentially along the column direction Y. Each first support column group 311 contains at least one support column 31 (e.g., one, two, or more). Within the same support column column 310, the distance D0 between adjacent first support column groups 311 is greater than the distance D2 between adjacent support columns 31 within the same first support column group 311, i.e., D0 > D2.

[0069] At this time, the support columns 31 are not uniformly distributed in the column direction, but are arranged periodically in the form of high-density clusters and low-density gaps, thereby forming a support stiffness modulation at the micro scale. That is, the support columns 31 are set in high density within the cluster to provide local support, and the support columns 31 are set in large spacing between the clusters to introduce flexible buffer.

[0070] Furthermore, in the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the first support column groups 311 contained in any two adjacent support column columns 310 do not coincide in the column direction Y, but are offset by a preset amount, i.e., staggered. This staggered arrangement ensures that the first support column groups 311 in each column of support column 310 are not collinear in the row direction X. This breaks the alignment of the support columns 31 in the row direction X, helps to disperse local stress, and avoids the formation of a continuous rigid band in the row direction X by multiple columns of support columns 31. As a result, the cover plate 21 is subjected to more uniform stress in the transition area 100, the bending deformation is smoother, and optical interference phenomena such as Newton's rings are further suppressed.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the transition area 100 includes a first transition area 1001 and a second transition area 1002 arranged around the main display area 101. The second transition area 1002 is located on the side of the first transition area 1001 away from the main display area 101. The number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 in the second transition area 1002 is less than the number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 in the first transition area 1001.

[0072] For example, in the first transition zone 1001, each first support column group 311 may include three support columns 31 arranged along the column direction Y; while in the second transition zone 1002, the corresponding first support column group 311 may include only two or one support column 31. By gradually reducing the number of support columns 31 within the first support column group 311, a support column 31 distribution density that decreases from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111 is constructed within the transition zone 100.

[0073] This configuration allows for a reduction in the average support stiffness of the region without altering the individual size and spacing of the support columns 31. By reducing the number of support columns 31 within each first support column group 311, the average support stiffness of the region can be effectively reduced. This results in a more uniform stress distribution on the cover plate 21 in the transition zone 100, smoother bending deformation, and further suppression of optical interference phenomena such as Newton's rings.

[0074] Meanwhile, the transition zone 100 only needs to reduce some of the support pillars 31 according to the regional logic on the basis of the standard array, without adding mask layers or adjusting exposure parameters, making the process simple and reliable.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the transition area 100 also includes a third transition area 1003 surrounding the main display area 101. The third transition area 1003 is located between the second transition area 1002 and the first transition area 1001. The number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 in the third transition area 1003 is less than the number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 in the first transition area 1001; and the number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 in the third transition area 1003 is greater than the number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 in the second transition area 1002.

[0076] The aforementioned three-level gradient design helps to make the support stiffness decrease more continuously and smoothly from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, avoiding discontinuous deformation of the cover plate or local stress concentration caused by abrupt changes in stiffness, thereby more effectively suppressing the formation of Newton's rings.

[0077] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition zone 100, the width ratio of each partition, and the number of support columns 31 included in the first support column group 311 within the partition can be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support column 31, and material of cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters.

[0078] Optional, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the main display area 101, the distance between two adjacent support columns 31 in the support column column 310 is D1; ​​in the transition area 100, the distance between two adjacent support columns 31 in the first support column group 311 is D2; D1=D2.

[0079] Among them, such as Figure 6As shown, the basic arrangement of the support pillars 31 remains consistent within the main display area 101 and the transition area 100. Specifically, in the main display area 101, the distance D1 between any two adjacent support pillars 31 in the support pillar column 310 along the column direction Y is equal to the distance D2 between any two adjacent support pillars 31 in the first support pillar group 311 within the transition area 100 along the column direction Y. With this configuration, the minimum arrangement period of the support pillars 31 is essentially consistent in both the transition area 100 and the main display area 101. The support pillars 31 can be designed based on a unified mask pattern rule, which helps reduce process complexity and improve product yield and manufacturing efficiency.

[0080] In some embodiments, the reduction in support density of the transition region 100 is not achieved by increasing the spacing between individual support pillars 31, but by selectively omitting some support pillars 31 (e.g., retaining the entire group, removing the entire group, or reducing them proportionally), thereby achieving control over the support stiffness of different areas while maintaining the consistency of the local structure. This configuration, on the one hand, allows the reuse of the standard mask pattern of the main display area 101, generating the pattern of the transition region 100 only by reducing a portion of the pattern, thus reducing the complexity of the mask design; on the other hand, it also avoids problems such as development differences and size fluctuations caused by changes in the size or spacing of the support pillars 31, ensuring the process uniformity and reliability of the support pillars 31 throughout the screen.

[0081] Optional, such as Figure 6 As shown, the multiple support columns 31 also form multiple support column rows 312, and any support column 31 in the transition area 100 and at least one support column 31 in the main display area 101 are located in the same support column row 312.

[0082] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple support columns 31 are arranged along the row direction X to form multiple support column rows 312. Any support column 31 in the transition area 100 is located in the same support column row 312 as at least one support column 31 in the main display area 101. The support column row 312 can continuously penetrate the main display area 101 and the transition area 100.

[0083] This configuration can maintain the structural continuity of the support column 31 in the row direction X to a certain extent: avoid the loss of the entire row due to the partial deletion of the support column 31 in the transition zone 100, thereby preventing the formation of stiffness loss in the row direction X, and helping to guide the cover plate 21 to produce smooth and continuous bending deformation.

[0084] Meanwhile, the continuity of the support column row 312 allows for the use of a uniform row direction X period for mask pattern layout. The distribution density gradient of the transition area 100 can be achieved by selectively deleting part of the support column 31 pattern at specific locations (instead of removing the entire row of support columns 31), taking into account both design flexibility and manufacturing efficiency.

[0085] It should be noted that although the same row of support columns 312 spans the main display area 101 and the transition area 100, the number of support columns 31 in the transition area 100 is less than that in the main display area 101. Thus, while maintaining row continuity, the requirement that the distribution density A2 of support columns 31 in the transition area 100 is less than its distribution density A1 in the main display area 101 (A2 < A1) is still met.

[0086] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, optionally, in the main display area 101, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column 31 onto the substrate 20 is S1; in the transition area 100, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column 31 onto the substrate 20 is S2; S2 < S1.

[0087] The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column 31 onto the substrate 20 refers to the area of ​​the pattern formed by the support column 31 projecting onto the surface of the substrate 20 along the thickness direction of the display panel (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the plane where the substrate 20 is located). If the support column 31 is cylindrical or rectangular, the area of ​​the vertical projection corresponds to the area of ​​its bottom circle or rectangle, respectively.

[0088] Since the axial stiffness of a single support column 31 is positively correlated with its bottom area, in this embodiment, by making the support column 31 of the transition region 100 have a smaller bottom surface size (i.e., vertical projected area), its local load-bearing capacity and support stiffness can be effectively reduced, thereby allowing the cover plate 21 to deform more easily in the transition region 100. Thus, the cover plate 21 will be closer to the substrate 20 in the transition region 100, causing the cover plate 21 to bend more in areas where Newton's rings are easily formed (such as the edge area of ​​the encapsulation region 111 near the display region 10), forming a smaller radius of curvature, compressing the interference fringe size of the Newton's rings, reducing the visibility of the Newton's rings, and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0089] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, optionally, the transition region 100 includes a first transition region 1001 and a second transition region 1002 disposed around the main display region 101, with the second transition region 1002 located on the side of the first transition region 1001 away from the main display region 101. The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 of the second transition region 1002 onto the substrate 20 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 of the first transition region 1001 onto the substrate 20.

[0090] The configuration of the first transition region 1001 and the second transition region 1002 can be referred to any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0091] In this embodiment, the vertical projection area of ​​the support pillar 31 in the second transition region 1002 on the substrate 20 is smaller than the vertical projection area of ​​the support pillar 31 in the first transition region 1001 on the substrate 20, so that the bottom surface size of the support pillar 31 gradually decreases from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111.

[0092] For example, the bottom diameter of the support column 31 in the first transition zone 1001 can be 5 μm, while in the second transition zone 1002 it is reduced to 4 μm or 3.5 μm. Since the axial stiffness of the support column is positively correlated with its bottom area (under the same material and height conditions), a reduction in the vertical projected area will lead to a decrease in support stiffness, thus making the cover plate 21 more prone to deformation in the second transition zone 1002 than in the first transition zone 1001.

[0093] The vertical projected area of ​​the support column 31 decreases in two stages, resulting in a multi-level decreasing trend in support stiffness from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. That is, the main display area 101 has the highest support stiffness, followed by the first transition area 1001, and the second transition area 1002 has the lowest. Through this segmented support stiffness gradient, the cover plate 21 can be guided to produce continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100 more accurately, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity caused by abrupt changes in stiffness, thereby further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the transition region 100 also includes a third transition region 1003 disposed around the main display region 101. The third transition region 1003 is located between the second transition region 1002 and the first transition region 1001. The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 of the third transition region 1003 onto the substrate 20 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 of the first transition region 1001 onto the substrate 20. The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 of the third transition region 1003 onto the substrate 20 is larger than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 of the first transition region 1001 onto the substrate 20.

[0095] The aforementioned three-level vertical projection area gradient design results in a more continuous and smooth decrease in support stiffness from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, avoiding discontinuous deformation of the cover plate or local stress concentration caused by abrupt changes in stiffness. Specifically, by introducing an intermediate transition layer (i.e., the third transition area 1003), the actual bending profile of the cover plate 21 during its crossing of the gap area 112 can be more accurately matched, further compressing the interference fringe size of Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0096] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition region 100, the width ratio of each partition, the vertical projection area, etc. can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as the panel size, the height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support column 31, and the material of the cover plate 21. As long as within the transition region 100, the overall vertical projection area of the support column 31 shows a gradually decreasing trend from the main display region 101 to the encapsulation region 111, the deformation gradient of the cover plate 21 can be effectively guided to achieve the purpose of suppressing Newton's rings. The above vertical projection area gradient can be linear, non-linear, segmented, or any smooth descending curve based on simulation optimization, and all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0097] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the difference in support stiffness between the transition region 100 and the main display region 101 can be achieved only by adjusting the vertical projection area of the support column 31, without changing its distribution density or height, that is, S2 < S1, and A1 = A2, H1 = H2. At this time, the regulation of the support stiffness is completely achieved by the difference in the bottom surface size of the support column 31. Since the axial bearing capacity of the support column 31 is positively correlated with its bottom area (under the conditions of the same material, height, and arrangement period), reducing S2 can effectively reduce the local support stiffness of the transition region 100, making the cover plate 21 more likely to undergo compliant deformation in this region, thereby reducing the bending curvature radius and compressing the size of the Newton's ring interference fringes. At the same time, because A1 = A2, the arrangement periods of the support columns 31 in the main display region 101 and the transition region 100 are exactly the same, which can avoid the development non-uniformity and film thickness fluctuation caused by the sudden change of the pattern density, and improve the morphology consistency of the support column 31; and only by miniaturizing the size of the support column 31 in the transition region 100 (for example, by adjusting the mask pattern size) on the basis of the standard array, the stiffness weakening can be achieved, which is compatible with the existing lithography process and is easy to implement. In addition, because H1 = H2, the key process parameters such as the exposure dose and development time can be uniformly set in the main display region 101 and the transition region 100, without the need for regional differential adjustment, thus simplifying the process. [[ID=VIII]] [[ID=IX]]

[0098] [[ID=X]] Figure 9 [[ID=XI]]FIG. is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another display panel provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As [[ID=XII]] Figure 9 [[ID=XIII]]shown, optionally, the design of S2 < S1 can not only be used alone, but also be combined with the foregoing distribution density gradient (A2 < A1) and / or height gradient (H2 < H1) and other schemes. [[ID=XIV]] [[ID=XV]]

[0099] [[ID=XVI]]For example, as [[ID=XVII]] Figure 9 [[ID=XVIII]]shown, S2 < S1, and A2 < A1, but it is not limited thereto. [[ID=XIX]] [[ID=XX]]

[0100] Among them, through the synergistic effect of multiple parameters (such as vertical projection area, distribution density, height), the cover plate 21 can generate a smoother and continuous bending deformation in the transition region, avoiding local stress concentration or discontinuous bending caused by sudden changes in stiffness, significantly compressing the size of Newton's ring interference fringes, making them invisible visually.

[0101] Figure 10 Another partial structural schematic diagram of the display panel provided by the embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 10 As shown, optionally, the transition region 100 includes a non-display transition region 1000, and the non-display transition region 1000 is located in the gap region 112. In the main display region 101, the area of the vertical projection of the support column 31 on the substrate 20 is S1; in the edge display region 102, the area of the vertical projection of the support column 31 on the substrate 20 is S3; S3 < S1. The distribution density of the support column 31 in the non-display transition region 1000 is less than the distribution density of the support column 31 in the main display region 101.

[0102] Among them, as shown in Figure 10 As shown, the part of the transition region 100 located in the gap region 112 (non-display region 11) is the non-display transition region 1000. Among them, by extending the support stiffness regulation to the non-display region 11 where the support column 31 is not provided in the related art, a more complete deformation guiding path of the cover plate 21 can be realized.

[0103] Specifically, the edge display region 102 is located in the display region 10. In the edge display region 102, the method of preferentially reducing the vertical projection area of the support column 31 is adopted, that is, reducing the size of a single support column 31 instead of changing its distribution density. At this time, the vertical projection area S3 of the support column 31 on the substrate 20 in the edge display region 102 is smaller than the vertical projection area S1 of the support column 31 on the substrate 20 in the main display region 101, that is, S3 < S1. Among them, by reducing the vertical projection area of the support column 31 in the edge display region 102, the support stiffness in the edge display region 102 is moderately reduced, and the cover plate 21 begins to approach the substrate 20 at the edge of the display region 10, with a larger bending degree, forming a smaller radius of curvature, reducing the size of the circular interference fringes of Newton's rings, and weakening the visibility of Newton's rings. At the same time, the distribution density of the support column 31 in the edge display region 102 can be equal to the distribution density of the support column 31 in the main display region 101, avoiding deleting the number of support columns 31 in the display region 10, maintaining the periodicity of the arrangement of the support columns 31 and the consistency of the pattern density, thereby avoiding process deviation and display unevenness caused by local density sudden change and improving the display effect of the display region 10.

[0104] Furthermore, the non-display transition area 1000 is located in the non-display area 11, where there are no pixel structures and the sensitivity to graphics cycles is relatively low. Therefore, in the non-display transition area 1000, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 is preferentially reduced, that is, the number of support pillars 31 per unit area is reduced, rather than changing the size of each individual support pillar 31. At this time, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the non-display transition area 1000 is less than that in the main display area 101, which reduces the support stiffness of the non-display transition area 1000. The cover plate 21 is closer to the substrate 20 in the non-display transition area 1000, the degree of bending is greater, a smaller radius of curvature is formed, the size of the Newton's rings interference fringes is reduced, and the visibility of the Newton's rings is weakened. Meanwhile, the dimensions of the support column 31 can remain unchanged in the non-display transition area 1000 to ensure that its mechanical properties (such as compressive strength and side wall slope) are consistent with those of the main display area 101. Furthermore, there is no need to set new size rules for the support column 31 separately for the non-display area 11. Density control can be achieved simply by reducing some of the support columns 31. The process is simple, has a high yield, and is easy to implement.

[0105] Figure 11 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown, optionally, the non-display transition area 1000 includes a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B disposed around the main display area 101, with the second non-display transition area 1000B located on the side of the first non-display transition area 1000A away from the main display area 101. The edge display area 102 includes a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 disposed around the main display area 101, with the second edge display area 1022 located on the side of the first edge display area 1021 away from the main display area 101. The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 of the second edge display area 1022 onto the substrate 20 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 of the first edge display area 1021 onto the substrate 20. The distribution density of the support pillars 31 of the second non-display transition area 1000B is smaller than the distribution density of the support pillars of the first non-display transition area 1000A.

[0106] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000 in the transition area 100 are both set around the main display area 101, and different control strategies are adopted for vertical projection area and distribution density to achieve the transition of support stiffness from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111.

[0107] The edge display area 102 is further subdivided into a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 surrounding the main display area 101. The second edge display area 1022 is closer to the encapsulation area 111. The vertical projection area of ​​the support pillar 31 of the second edge display area 1022 on the substrate 20 is smaller than that of the support pillar 31 of the first edge display area 1021. This gradual size design reduces the local support stiffness on the outer side of the edge display area 102, allowing the cover plate 21 to generate a larger deformation in the second edge display area 1022, reducing the bending radius of curvature, further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings, and more precisely guiding the cover plate 21 to generate continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity caused by abrupt changes in stiffness.

[0108] Meanwhile, the non-display transition area 1000 is further subdivided into a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B surrounding the main display area 101. The second non-display transition area 1000 is closer to the encapsulation area 111. The distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition area 1000B is lower than that in the first non-display transition area 1000A. This gradual change in distribution density further weakens the overall support strength of the outer area of ​​the non-display transition area 1000, allowing the cover plate 21 to generate greater deformation in the second non-display transition area 1000B, reducing the bending radius of curvature, further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings, and more precisely guiding the cover plate 21 to generate continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity caused by abrupt changes in stiffness.

[0109] This embodiment achieves a multi-level support stiffness attenuation path in the main display area 101, the first edge display area 1021, the second edge display area 1022, the first non-display transition area 1000A, and the second non-display transition area 1000B by gradually reducing the vertical projection area of ​​the support column 31 (size gradient) and gradually decreasing the distribution density of the support column 31 in the non-display transition area 1000 (density gradient). This not only ensures the display effect of the display area, but also achieves a large degree of cover plate deformation guidance in the peripheral non-display area, effectively compressing the size of the Newton's ring interference fringes to a level that is indistinguishable to the human eye.

[0110] Meanwhile, the adjustment of all support pillars 31 is achieved based on existing photolithography processes, without the need for additional process steps, making it easy to implement.

[0111] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000, the width ratio of each partition, the vertical projection area, the distribution density, etc. can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support column 31, and material of the cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters.

[0112] Figure 12 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, optionally, the transition region 100 includes a non-display transition region 1000, which is located within the gap region 112. The distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the transition region 100 is less than the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the main display region 101. In the main display region 101, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 onto the substrate 20 is S1; in the non-display transition region 1000, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars 31 onto the substrate 20 is S3; S3 < S1.

[0113] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, the non-display transition area 1000 is a non-light-emitting area between the edge display area 102 and the encapsulation area 111, which does not contain light-emitting elements and does not participate in image display. A support column 31 is provided in the non-display transition area 1000 to guide the cover plate 21 to produce controllable deformation in this area, while preventing local collapse caused by atmospheric pressure or external force.

[0114] In this embodiment, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the transition zone 100 is less than that in the main display zone 101. By reducing the distribution density of the support pillars in the transition zone 100, the overall support stiffness of the transition zone 100 can be effectively weakened without changing the individual structure of the support pillars. This makes it easier for the cover plate 21 to bend in the outer area in accordance with the step difference between the display zone 10 and the encapsulation zone 111, thereby reducing the bending radius of the cover plate 21 in the transition zone 100 and reducing the size of the interference fringes of Newton's rings.

[0115] Furthermore, the vertical projection area S3 of the support column 31 in the non-display transition area 1000 is smaller than the vertical projection area S1 of the support column 31 on the substrate 20 in the main display area 101. This further reduces the axial load-bearing capacity and support stiffness of a single support column 31 in the non-display transition area 1000 by reducing the vertical projection area of ​​the support column 31.

[0116] In the non-display transition zone 1000, stiffness is weakened primarily by reducing the distribution density of the support columns 31 (e.g., reducing the number of support columns 31), which is a simple and easy process to implement. When reducing the distribution density alone cannot meet the target deformation required by the non-display transition zone 1000, stiffness is further weakened by reducing the vertical projection area of ​​the support columns 31 (i.e., reducing their size). Thus, when necessary, only the size of the support columns 31 in the non-display transition zone 1000 needs to be slightly adjusted to achieve the larger deformation required by the cover plate 21. This avoids reliability problems such as insufficient compressive strength or sidewall collapse caused by a large reduction in the size of the support columns 31.

[0117] Figure 13 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, optionally, the edge display area 102 includes a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 disposed around the main display area 101, with the second edge display area 1022 located on the side of the first edge display area 1021 away from the main display area 101. The non-display transition area 1000 includes a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B disposed around the main display area 101, with the second non-display transition area 1000B located on the side of the first non-display transition area 1000A away from the main display area 101. The distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition area 1000B is less than that in the first non-display transition area 1000A, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the first non-display transition area 1000A is less than that in the second edge display area 1022, and the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the second edge display area 1022 is less than that in the first edge display area 1021. The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column 31 of the second non-display transition area 1000B onto the substrate 20 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column 31 of the first non-display transition area 1000A onto the substrate 20.

[0118] Specifically, such as Figure 13 As shown, the edge display area 102 is further divided into a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 surrounding the main display area 101, with the second edge display area 1022 being closer to the encapsulation area 111. The non-display transition area 1000 is further divided into a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B surrounding the main display area 101, with the second non-display transition area 1000 being closer to the encapsulation area 111.

[0119] Based on the aforementioned partitioning, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 decreases continuously along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. Specifically, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition area 1000B is less than that in the first non-display transition area 1000A, the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the first non-display transition area 1000A is less than that in the second edge display area 1022, and the distribution density of the support pillars 31 in the second edge display area 1022 is less than that in the first edge display area 1021. This gradual distribution density design causes the support stiffness to gradually weaken from the main display area 101 outwards, guiding the cover plate 21 to produce smooth and continuous bending deformation in the transition area 100, avoiding local stress concentration caused by abrupt changes in stiffness, effectively compressing the size of the Newton's rings interference fringes, and improving the edge optical quality.

[0120] Furthermore, in the non-display transition zone 1000, the geometric dimensions of the support pillars 31 are further differentiated. Specifically, the vertical projected area of ​​the support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition zone 1000B on the substrate 20 is smaller than that of the support pillars 31 in the first non-display transition zone 1000A. This size gradient design further reduces the bottom surface dimension of the support pillars 31 in the outer non-display transition zone 1000, thereby reducing the load-bearing capacity of a single support pillar 31. This makes the support stiffness of the second non-display transition zone 1000B lower than that of the first non-display transition zone 1000A, thus superimposing a vertical projected area gradient on top of the distribution density gradient to achieve more precise stiffness control.

[0121] This embodiment sets a gradient in the distribution density of support columns in the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000, and superimposes a gradient in the vertical projection area of ​​the support columns in the non-display transition area 1000. This forms a multi-level support stiffness attenuation from the main display area 101, the first edge display area 1021, the second edge display area 1022, the first non-display transition area 1000A to the second non-display transition area 1000B. This improves the continuity and controllability of the deformation of the cover plate 21, effectively suppresses Newton's rings, and improves the display effect in the edge area.

[0122] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000, the width ratio of each partition, the distribution density, the vertical projection area, etc. can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between encapsulation structure 30 and support column 31, and material of cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters.

[0123] Furthermore, in actual photolithography processes, the vertical projection area of ​​the support pillar 31 on the substrate 20 is limited by process capability, resulting in a lower limit to the process size. In some embodiments, the minimum size of the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 on the substrate 20 can be 2μm to 3μm to avoid affecting the support reliability of the support pillar 31.

[0124] For example, in the main display area 101, the support column 31 can have a square base of 3μm × 3μm (i.e., a vertical projection area of ​​9μm). 2 In transition zone 100 or non-display transition zone 1000, when it is necessary to reduce the vertical projection area to weaken rigidity, the size can be adjusted to 2.5μm × 2.5μm (vertical projection area is approximately 6.25μm). 2 ) or 2.2μm × 2.2μm (vertical projected area is approximately 4.84μm) 2 It satisfies the stiffness gradient control requirements and ensures that the support column 31 has good formability and structural stability in mass production, but it is not limited to this.

[0125] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown, optionally, the height of the support column 31 in the transition area 100 is less than the height of the support column 31 in the main display area 101.

[0126] The height of the support column 31 refers to the length of the support column 31 extending from the bottom surface near the substrate 20 along a direction perpendicular to the plane where the substrate 20 is located to its top surface, that is, the physical height of the support column 31 in the thickness direction of the display panel.

[0127] In this embodiment, the support pillar 31 in the main display area 101 has a height H1, while the support pillar 31 in the transition area 100 has a height H2, and H2 < H1. The lower support pillar 31 makes it easier for the cover plate 21 to bend closer to the substrate 20. Therefore, by reducing the height of the support pillar 31 in the transition area 100, the degree of bending of the cover plate 21 in the transition area 100 can be increased, resulting in a smaller radius of curvature. This reduces the size of the Newton's rings' annular interference fringes, weakens the visibility of the Newton's rings, and improves the display effect in the edge area.

[0128] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 15As shown, optionally, the transition area 100 includes a first transition area 1001 and a second transition area 1002 disposed around the main display area 101, with the second transition area 1002 located on the side of the first transition area 1001 away from the main display area 101. The height of the support column 31 of the second transition area 1002 is less than the height of the support column 31 of the first transition area 1001.

[0129] Specifically, such as Figure 15 As shown, the transition region 100 is further divided into a first transition region 1001 and a second transition region 1002 surrounding the main display region 101, with the second transition region 1002 closer to the encapsulation region 111. In this embodiment, the height of the support pillar 31 gradually decreases along the direction from the main display region 101 to the encapsulation region 111. Specifically, the height of the support pillar 31 in the second transition region 1002 is less than the height of the support pillar 31 in the first transition region 1001. By setting the height of the support pillar 31 in the first transition region 1001 and the second transition region 1002 to gradually decrease, the cover plate 21 gradually sinks in the transition region 100, forming a gradual curvature transition, which is beneficial for compressing the interference fringe size and improving the edge optical quality.

[0130] In summary, by setting the height of the support columns to decrease stepwise in the first transition zone 1001 and the second transition zone 1002, the present invention constructs a continuous height gradient from the main display area to the encapsulation area, avoiding reliability problems such as microcracks and interface peeling caused by local stress concentration or curvature abrupt changes in the cover plate 21.

[0131] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition zone 100, the width ratio of each partition, and the height of the support column 31 within the partition can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support column 31, and material of cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters.

[0132] Furthermore, the difference in support stiffness between the transition area 100 and the main display area 101 can be achieved simply by adjusting the height of the support column 31 as described above, without changing its distribution density or vertical projection area, i.e., H1 > H2, and A1 = A2, S1 = S2.

[0133] In some embodiments, the design of H1 > H2 can be used not only alone, but also in combination with the aforementioned distribution density gradient (A2 < A1) and / or vertical projected area (S2 < S1) schemes. The embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit this.

[0134] Figure 16 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 for Figure 16 Enlarged structural diagram at point C Figure 18 for Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the D-D' direction, as shown below. Figures 16-18 As shown, optionally, the display panel also includes a pixel definition layer 23, with the support pillar 31 located on the side of the pixel definition layer 23 away from the substrate 20. The vertical projection of the pixel definition layer 23 onto the substrate 20 covers the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 onto the substrate 20. The pixel definition layer 23 includes a plurality of pixel openings 230. In the transition region 100, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 is L0; in the main display region 101, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 is L1; L1 < L0.

[0135] Specifically, such as Figures 16-18 As shown, the pixel definition layer 23 is typically made of organic insulating materials (such as polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.) or inorganic materials (such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc.), and is disposed on the upper layer of the substrate 20, which can cover part of the anode 411 of the light-emitting element 41.

[0136] The pixel definition layer 23 includes a plurality of pixel openings 230, each pixel opening 230 corresponding to a light-emitting element 41, used to define the light-emitting area of ​​each light-emitting element 41. The pixel definition layer 23 exposes the underlying electrodes (such as the anode 411 of the light-emitting element 41), thereby limiting the light-emitting area and preventing crosstalk between adjacent pixels.

[0137] like Figures 16-18 As shown, the support pillar 31 is formed on the upper surface of the pixel definition layer 23. This stacked structure allows the support pillar 31 and the pixel definition layer 23 to be patterned simultaneously using the same photolithography process (e.g., halftone mask HTM or grayscale process), which simplifies the manufacturing process, improves alignment accuracy, and reduces manufacturing costs. Simultaneously, the support pillar 31 is entirely located within the area enclosed by the pixel definition layer 23 and does not extend beyond the edge of the pixel definition layer 23, ensuring that the support pillar 31 is in a non-light-emitting area and preventing it from obstructing the pixel opening 230 and affecting the display effect.

[0138] Figure 19 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for preparing a support column according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown, when the support pillar 31 is prepared using a halftone mask (HTM) process, the support pillar 31 and the pixel definition layer 23 can be formed synchronously in the same photolithography step, that is, the two share the same photosensitive organic film material and complete the patterning through a single exposure and development process.

[0139] In the above process, the support pillar 31 and the pixel definition layer 23 are composed of the same insulating material (such as polyimide or acrylic organic film). A halftone mask is used to expose the entire insulating material layer, where the halftone mask has different grayscale regions. The local exposure dose can be controlled by adjusting the transmittance of each region. For example, in high transmittance regions, the degree of cross-linking of the insulating material is higher; in low transmittance regions, the degree of cross-linking is lower. After exposure, the insulating material layer is immersed in a developing solution. Due to the difference in exposure dose in different regions, the dissolution rate of the insulating material during development is also different, ultimately forming the support pillar 31 and the pixel definition layer 23 (such as polyimide or acrylic organic film). Figure 19 (as shown in (a)).

[0140] The inventors discovered through research that during the post-bake / Anneal process after development, different design values ​​between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 lead to varying degrees of insulation material overflow, which in turn affects the height of the support pillar 31. Specifically, as... Figure 19 As shown in (b), when the support post 31 is close to the pixel opening 230 (i.e., the distance between the support post 31 and the pixel opening 230 is small), the edge of the pixel opening 230 has a strong constraint on the surface tension of the surrounding insulating material, which restricts the lateral flow of the insulating material, so that the support post area retains a larger film thickness, and the final support post 31 has a higher height.

[0141] When the support post 31 is far away from the pixel opening 230 (i.e., the distance between the support post 31 and the pixel opening 230 is large), the insulating material overflows more significantly due to the lack of constraint from the adjacent structure, resulting in a reduction in the residual film thickness in the support post area and a decrease in the height of the final support post 31.

[0142] Therefore, the height of the support column 31 can decrease as the distance between it and the pixel opening 230 increases.

[0143] Based on the above principles, in this embodiment, as Figures 16-18 As shown, along the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located, the minimum distance L0 between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the transition region 100 is greater than the minimum distance L1 between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the main display region 101.

[0144] The minimum spacing refers to the shortest horizontal distance on the plane of the substrate 20 between the outer contour edge of the support column 31 and the edge of the nearest pixel opening 230.

[0145] With this configuration, the support pillar 31 is placed near the pixel opening 230 (L1 is smaller) in the main display area 101, so that it has a higher height.

[0146] In the transition zone 100, the support column 31 is moved to a position away from the pixel opening 230 (L0 is larger), thereby naturally reducing its height, guiding the cover plate 21 to produce greater deformation, forming a smaller radius of curvature, significantly reducing the size of the ring interference fringes of Newton's rings, thereby weakening the visibility of Newton's rings and improving the display effect of the edge area.

[0147] The height of the support post 31 can be varied by adjusting the distance between the support post 31 and the pixel opening 230. This is compatible with existing HTM mass production processes, and thus can effectively suppress Newton's rings without increasing process complexity.

[0148] Optional, such as Figure 16 As shown, the transition region 100 includes a non-display transition region 1000, which is located within the gap region 112. In the edge display region 102, along the direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 is L2; ​​in the non-display transition region 1000, along the direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance between adjacent support pillars 31 is L3; L2≤L3.

[0149] Specifically, such as Figure 16 As shown, the non-display transition area 1000 is a non-light-emitting area between the edge display area 102 and the encapsulation area 111, which does not contain pixel structures and does not participate in image display. A support column 31 is provided in the non-display transition area 1000 to guide the cover plate 21 to produce controllable deformation in this area, while preventing local collapse caused by atmospheric pressure or external force.

[0150] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the support pillars 31 in the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000 adopts a differentiated design. Specifically, along the direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance L2 between the support pillars 31 and the adjacent pixel openings 230 in the edge display area 102 is less than or equal to the minimum distance L3 between adjacent support pillars 31 in the non-display transition area 1000.

[0151] Here, minimum spacing refers to the shortest distance between the edges of two structures in the top-down view, L2 reflects the proximity of the support column 31 to the pixel opening 230, and L3 reflects the density of the distribution of the support column 31 itself.

[0152] When the pixel definition layer 23 and the support pillar 31 are formed simultaneously using the halftone mask (HTM) process, the height of the support pillar 31 is not only affected by its own pattern, but also related to the distribution density of the surrounding structure.

[0153] In the edge display area 102, the minimum distance L2 between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 is greater than the minimum distance L1 between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the main display area 101. This makes it easier for the material of the support pillar 31 to flow laterally during the development and post-baking process. As a result, the height of the support pillar 31 is lower than the height of the support pillar 31 in the main display area 101. This guides the cover plate 21 to produce greater deformation, forming a smaller radius of curvature, reducing the size of the Newton's rings' annular interference fringes, and thus weakening the visibility of the Newton's rings.

[0154] In the non-display transition area 1000, the spacing L3 between the support pillars 31 is set to be no less than L2, so that the material of the support pillars 31 can more easily flow laterally during the development and post-baking process. The height of the support pillars 31 formed is equal to or lower than the height of the support pillars 31 in the edge display area 102. This makes it easier or more easy for the cover plate 21 to bend towards the substrate 20 in the non-display transition area 1000, guiding the cover plate 21 to produce continuous and smooth deformation, avoiding curvature steps or local stress concentration caused by sudden changes in stiffness, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0155] Figure 20 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 20 As shown, optionally, the edge display area 102 includes a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 disposed around the main display area 101, with the second edge display area 1022 located on the side of the first edge display area 1021 away from the main display area 101. The non-display transition area 1000 includes a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B disposed around the main display area 101, with the second non-display transition area 1000B located on the side of the first non-display transition area 1000A away from the main display area 101. The minimum spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the second edge display area 1022 is greater than the minimum spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the first edge display area 1021; the minimum spacing between adjacent support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition area 1000B is greater than the minimum spacing between adjacent support pillars 31 in the first non-display transition area 1000A.

[0156] Specifically, such as Figure 20 As shown, the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000 in the transition area 100 are both set around the main display area 101, and a differentiated control strategy is adopted for the minimum spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 to achieve the height transition of the support pillar 31 from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111.

[0157] The edge display area 102 is further subdivided into a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 surrounding the main display area 101. The second edge display area 1022 is closer to the encapsulation area 111. The minimum distance between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the second edge display area 1022 is greater than the minimum distance between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the first edge display area 1021. This gradual design of the minimum distance allows for a gradual change in the height of the support pillar 31, further reducing the height of the support pillar 31 in the second edge display area 1022. This results in a larger deformation of the cover plate 21 in the second edge display area 1022, reducing the radius of curvature and further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings. It also allows for more precise guidance of the cover plate 21 to produce continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity caused by abrupt changes in stiffness.

[0158] Meanwhile, the non-display transition area 1000 is further subdivided into a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B surrounding the main display area 101. The second non-display transition area 1000 is closer to the encapsulation area 111. The minimum spacing between adjacent support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition area 1000B is greater than the minimum spacing between adjacent support pillars 31 in the first non-display transition area 1000A. This gradual design of the minimum spacing further reduces the height of the support pillars 31 in the second non-display transition area 1000B, thereby further weakening the overall support strength of the outer area of ​​the non-display transition area 1000. This allows the cover plate 21 to generate a larger deformation in the second non-display transition area 1000B, reducing the bending radius of curvature, further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings, and more precisely guiding the cover plate 21 to generate continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity caused by abrupt changes in stiffness.

[0159] This embodiment achieves a multi-level height reduction path for the main display area 101, the first edge display area 1021, the second edge display area 1022, the first non-display transition area 1000A, and the second non-display transition area 1000B. This not only ensures the support effect of the display area but also achieves a large degree of cover plate deformation guidance in the peripheral non-display area, effectively compressing the size of the Newton's ring interference fringes to a level that is indistinguishable to the human eye.

[0160] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the edge display area 102 and the non-display transition area 1000, the width ratio of each partition, the minimum spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230, and the minimum spacing between adjacent support pillars 31 can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support pillar 31, and material of the cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters.

[0161] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a support column provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 for Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the E-E' direction, as shown below. Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, optionally, the support pillar 31 includes a first support layer 313 and a second support layer 314 sequentially stacked on one side of the substrate 20. The vertical projection of the first support layer 313 on the substrate 20 covers the vertical projection of the second support layer 314 on the substrate 20. In the main display area 101, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 is L5; in the transition area 100, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 is L6; L5 < L6.

[0162] Specifically, such as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the support pillar 31 is composed of a first support layer 313 and a second support layer 314. The first support layer 313 is located on the side closer to the substrate 20, and the second support layer 314 is stacked on the side of the first support layer 313 away from the substrate 20. Together, they form a support pillar 31 with a stepped cross-sectional shape. The overall outline of the second support layer 314 is contained within the plane of the first support layer 313. Viewed from the top, the second support layer 314 does not exceed the boundary of the first support layer 313, forming a stable stacked structure with a smaller upper layer and a larger lower layer.

[0163] The aforementioned dual-layer structure is suitable for process scenarios where the support pillar 31 needs to be patterned independently (i.e., not sharing the same photolithography step with the pixel definition layer 23). For example, after the pixel definition layer 23 is fabricated, a support pillar material layer is fabricated on the pixel definition layer 23. A halftone mask is used to expose the support pillar material layer, wherein the halftone mask has different grayscale regions, and the local exposure dose can be controlled by adjusting the transmittance of each region. For example, in the high transmittance region, the cross-linking degree of the support pillar material layer is higher; in the low transmittance region, the cross-linking degree is lower. After exposure, the support pillar material layer is immersed in the developing solution. Due to the difference in exposure dose in different regions, the dissolution rate of the support pillar material layer during the developing process is also different, ultimately forming the support pillar 31 composed of the first support layer 313 and the second support layer 314.

[0164] In the post-bake / Anneal process after development, the design value of the minimum spacing between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 is different, which will lead to different overflow of the support column material, and thus affect the height of the support column 31.

[0165] Specifically, when the boundary of the second support layer 314 is close to the boundary of the first support layer 313 (i.e., the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 is small), the edge of the first support layer 313 exerts a strong surface tension constraint on the second support layer 314, which restricts the lateral flow of the support column material, resulting in a larger film thickness in the area of ​​the second support layer 314, and ultimately a higher height for the support column 31.

[0166] When the boundary of the second support layer 314 is far from the boundary of the first support layer 313 (i.e., the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 is large), the support column material overflows more significantly due to the lack of constraint from the adjacent structure, resulting in a reduction in the residual film thickness in the region of the second support layer 314, and ultimately a reduction in the height of the support column 31.

[0167] Therefore, the height of the support column 31 can decrease as the minimum distance between the boundary of its first support layer 313 and the boundary of its second support layer 314 increases.

[0168] Based on the above principles, in this embodiment, as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, along the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located, the minimum distance L6 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 in the transition region 100 is greater than the minimum distance L5 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 in the main display region 101.

[0169] The minimum spacing refers to the shortest horizontal distance on the plane of the substrate 20 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 in the support pillar 31. With this configuration, the support pillar 31 has a relatively high height in the main display area 101. In the transition area 100, the height of the support pillar 31 naturally decreases, guiding the cover plate 21 to undergo greater deformation, forming a smaller radius of curvature, significantly reducing the size of the Newton's rings' annular interference fringes, thereby weakening the visibility of the Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0170] The height of the support column 31 can be varied by adjusting the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 in the support column 31. This method is compatible with existing HTM mass production processes and can effectively suppress Newton's rings without increasing process complexity.

[0171] Figure 23 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 23 As shown, optionally, the transition region 100 includes a first transition region 1001 and a second transition region 1002 disposed around the main display region 101, with the second transition region 1002 located on the side of the first transition region 1001 away from the main display region 101. The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the support pillar 31 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 in the second transition region 1002 in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20 is greater than the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the support pillar 31 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 in the first transition region 1001 in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20.

[0172] Specifically, such as Figure 23 As shown, the transition zone 100 can be further subdivided into a first transition zone 1001 and a second transition zone 1002 to achieve more precise height control of the support column 31.

[0173] Specifically, the first transition region 1001 is disposed around the main display region 101, and a support pillar 31 is arranged therein. The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 in the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located is L61. The second transition region 1002 is located on the side of the first transition region 1001 away from the main display region 101 (i.e., closer to the encapsulation region 111). The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 in the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located is L62. In this embodiment, L61 < L62.

[0174] This design results in the height of the support column 31 decreasing in multiple levels from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. That is, the main display area 101 has the highest height of the support column 31, followed by the first transition area 1001, and the second transition area 1002 is even lower. Through this segmented height gradient of the support column 31, the cover plate 21 can be guided to produce continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100 more accurately, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity, thereby further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings.

[0175] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition zone 100, the width ratio of each partition, and the minimum spacing between the boundaries of the first support layer 313 and the second support layer 314 of the support pillar 31 in the direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20 can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as the panel size, the height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support pillar 31, and the material of the cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters. The aforementioned minimum spacing gradient can be linear, nonlinear, piecewise, or any smooth curve based on simulation optimization, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0176] Furthermore, the specific values ​​of the minimum spacing between the support post 31 and the pixel opening 230, and the minimum spacing between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the support post 31 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 in the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located, can be set according to the required height.

[0177] In some embodiments, for every 0.3 μm increase in the minimum spacing, the height of the support column 31 decreases by 0.3 μm to 0.4 μm, but is not limited to this.

[0178] In some embodiments, the difference ba between the minimum spacing b between the support post 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the transition region 100 and the minimum spacing a between the support post 31 and the pixel opening 230 in the main display region 101 is 0.1 μm to 5 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] Figure 24 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 for Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the F-F' direction, as shown below. Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, optionally, the support pillar 31 includes a first support pillar 31A and a second support pillar 31B, wherein the height of the first support pillar 31A is greater than the height of the second support pillar 31B. The distribution density of the second support pillar 31B in the transition area 100 is greater than the distribution density of the second support pillar 31B in the main display area 101; or, the distribution density of the first support pillar 31A in the transition area 100 is less than the distribution density of the first support pillar 31A in the main display area 101.

[0180] Specifically, Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the supporting effect of a support column according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 26 As shown, the inventors discovered through research that when the distribution density of the support columns 31 is high, its support stiffness is strong (the ability to support the cover plate 21), which causes the cover plate 21 to be greatly affected by the step difference between the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111 (the cover plate 21 is more easily deformed and has a larger bending radius), thus forming a large Newton's ring in a larger area (area c), which is easily perceived by the human eye.

[0181] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the supporting effect of another support column provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 27 As shown, reducing the distribution density of the support columns 31 (e.g., 7% or less) can reduce the size of the interference fringes of the Newton's rings and decrease the width of the distribution area (d-region) of the Newton's rings. However, in drop ball or drop test, the support columns 31 cannot provide effective support, which may cause the cover plate 21 to break or the display area to be crushed, resulting in display failure. To meet the support strength requirements, the distribution density of the support columns 31 needs to be close to about 15%.

[0182] Therefore, the distribution density design of the support column 31 cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of sufficient support strength and suppression of Newton's rings.

[0183] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, in this embodiment, the support column 31 includes a first support column 31A and a second support column 31B with different heights. The first support column 31A has a higher height and serves as a high support column that mainly affects the effect of Newton's rings; the second support column 31B has a lower height and has little impact on the effect of Newton's rings.

[0184] Specifically, by setting the distribution density of the first support column 31A (e.g., within 7%), the size of the interference fringes of Newton's rings is reduced, making the spacing between the dark rings below the human eye's resolution limit, thus achieving the effect of making Newton's rings invisible. Simultaneously, by setting the distribution density of the second support column 31B (e.g., 3%~8%), the overall distribution density of the support columns 31 reaches the distribution density required to meet the support strength requirements (e.g., 10%~15%), thereby ensuring sufficient support for the cover plate 21 during drop ball and drop tests, and improving the product's strength performance.

[0185] Furthermore, the distribution density of the second support pillar 31B in the transition zone 100 is set to be greater than the distribution density of the second support pillar 31B in the main display zone 101; or, the distribution density of the first support pillar 31A in the transition zone 100 is less than the distribution density of the first support pillar 31A in the main display zone 101.

[0186] On the one hand, reducing the distribution density of the first support column 31A in the transition zone 100 can weaken the equivalent support stiffness of the transition zone 100, making the cover plate 21 more likely to bend in accordance with the step difference between the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111, thereby reducing the bending radius of the cover plate 21 in the transition zone 100, reducing the interference fringe size of Newton's rings, and more effectively suppressing Newton's rings.

[0187] On the other hand, increasing the distribution density of the second support pillars 31B in the transition zone 100 can enhance the support capacity of the transition zone 100 for the cover plate 21 without significantly affecting Newton's rings. Since the second support pillars 31B are relatively low in height, they hardly constrain the deformation of the cover plate 21 in the static display state. Therefore, even if the density of the second support pillars 31B is high, it will not exacerbate the Newton's rings problem. However, when subjected to external impacts (such as falling balls or drops), the densely arranged second support pillars 31B can effectively disperse stress and prevent the cover plate 21 from cracking or failing due to local collapse of the transition zone 100.

[0188] Optional, such as Figure 24 As shown, the transition zone 100 includes a first transition zone 1001 and a second transition zone 1002 disposed around the main display zone 101. The second transition zone 1002 is located on the side of the first transition zone 1001 away from the main display zone 101. The distribution density of the second support pillars 31B in the second transition zone 1002 is greater than the distribution density of the second support pillars 31B in the first transition zone 1001.

[0189] Specifically, such as Figure 24 As shown, the transition zone 100 can be further subdivided into a first transition zone 1001 and a second transition zone 1002 to achieve more precise control of the support stiffness.

[0190] In the first transition zone 1001 (near the main display zone 101), the second support pillars 31B are arranged with a low density to avoid prematurely reducing the support stiffness and to ensure that the change in support stiffness from the main display zone 101 to the encapsulation zone 111 is gradual.

[0191] In the second transition zone 1002 (near the encapsulation zone 111), the distribution density of the second support pillars 31B is increased. On the one hand, this enhances the impact resistance of the second transition zone 1002, preventing glass breakage or encapsulation failure due to local collapse. On the other hand, since the second support pillars 31B are low in height, it helps the cover plate 21 to bend more easily in the second transition zone 1002 to conform to the step difference between the display area 10 and the encapsulation zone 111, thereby reducing the bending radius of the cover plate 21 in the area near the encapsulation zone 111. This is beneficial to further reduce the size of the interference fringes of Newton's rings and more effectively suppress Newton's rings.

[0192] Optional, such as Figure 24As shown, the transition zone 100 includes a first transition zone 1001 and a second transition zone 1002 disposed around the main display zone 101. The second transition zone 1002 is located on the side of the first transition zone 1001 away from the main display zone 101. The distribution density of the first support pillars 31A in the second transition zone 1002 is less than the distribution density of the first support pillars 31A in the first transition zone 1001.

[0193] Among them, the first support column 31A has a large height and strong support rigidity, and provides strong support for the cover plate 21 in a static state. If the first support columns 31A are still densely arranged outside the transition zone 100 (such as the second transition zone 1002), it will cause the curvature radius of the cover plate 21 to be large, thus forming a large Newton's ring over a large area, which is easily noticed by the human eye.

[0194] Therefore, in this embodiment, by gradually reducing the distribution density of the first support column 31A from the first transition zone 1001 to the second transition zone 1002, the equivalent support stiffness of the outer region of the transition zone 100 can be effectively weakened, so that the deformation curvature of the cover plate 21 smoothly transitions along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, and a smaller bending radius of curvature is formed in the transition zone 100, reducing the size of the interference fringes of Newton's rings, making them less likely to be perceived by the human eye.

[0195] Furthermore, the distribution density of the first support pillar 31A exhibits a multi-level decreasing trend from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. That is, the main display area 101 has the highest distribution density of the first support pillar 31A, followed by the first transition area 1001, and the second transition area 1002 has the lowest. Through this segmented distribution density of the first support pillar 31A, the cover plate 21 can be guided to produce continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100 more accurately, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity, thereby further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings.

[0196] In some embodiments, such as Figure 24 As shown, in the main display area 101, the distribution density of the second support pillars 31B can be 0%, that is, no second support pillars 31B are set in this area, only the first support pillars 31A are retained, to ensure that the main display area 101 has uniform and sufficient support stiffness, maintain the consistency of cell thickness, avoid local deformation disturbances caused by low stiffness support, and ensure the working stability of the light-emitting element.

[0197] In some embodiments, such as Figure 24As shown, in the second transition zone 1002, the distribution density of the first support pillars 31A can be 0%, meaning that no first support pillars 31A are set in this area, only second support pillars 31B are arranged. Since the second transition zone 1002 is close to the encapsulation zone 111, the presence of taller first support pillars 31A might hinder the cover plate 21 from sinking, preventing the reduction of the bending radius of the cover plate 21 and inducing significant Newton's rings. Therefore, completely removing the first support pillars 31A in the second transition zone 1002 can minimize the support stiffness, making it easier for the cover plate 21 to sink downwards on the side closer to the encapsulation zone 111, forming a smaller bending radius and optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings. Simultaneously, the densely arranged second support pillars 31B in the second transition zone 1002 can still provide necessary impact resistance to prevent glass breakage upon drop.

[0198] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition zone 100, the width ratio of each partition, and the distribution density of the first support column 31A and the second support column 31B can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as panel size, height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support column 31, and material of the cover plate 21. The above distribution density gradient can be linear, nonlinear, piecewise, or any smooth curve based on simulation optimization. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0199] Optional, such as Figure 24 As shown, the transition zone 100 includes a non-display transition zone 1000, which is located within the gap zone 112. All support pillars 31 within the non-display transition zone 1000 are second support pillars 31B.

[0200] Among them, such as Figure 24 As shown, the non-display transition area 1000 in the transition area 100 is a non-light-emitting area between the edge display area 102 and the encapsulation area 111. Since the non-display transition area 1000 does not contain light-emitting elements, it has a higher tolerance in terms of mechanical strength. Therefore, the arrangement of the first support column 31A can be reduced.

[0201] In this embodiment, since the non-display transition area 1000 is close to the encapsulation area 111, the presence of a tall first support pillar 31A would increase local support stiffness, hindering the cover plate 21 from sinking and preventing the reduction of the bending radius of the cover plate 21, thus inducing a significant Newton's rings phenomenon. Therefore, completely removing the first support pillar 31A in the non-display transition area 1000, so that all support pillars 31 in the non-display transition area 1000 are second support pillars 31B, can minimize the support stiffness, making it easier for the cover plate 21 to sink downwards on the side closer to the encapsulation area 111, forming a smaller bending radius and optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings. At the same time, in the non-display transition area 1000, the densely arranged second support pillars 31B can still provide necessary impact resistance to prevent the glass from breaking upon drop.

[0202] It should be noted that although the non-display transition area 1000 does not require display, it still needs to have a certain mechanical strength to withstand external impacts (such as drop and ball drop tests) during actual use. Therefore, by arranging the second support column 31B in the non-display transition area 1000, although its height is low, it can still effectively disperse stress when subjected to impact, preventing the screen from breaking or the glass from cracking.

[0203] Figure 28 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 28 As shown, optionally, the display panel also includes a pixel definition layer 23, with the support pillar 31 located on the side of the pixel definition layer 23 away from the substrate 20. The vertical projection of the pixel definition layer 23 onto the substrate 20 covers the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 onto the substrate 20. The pixel definition layer 23 includes a plurality of pixel openings 230. The transition region 100 includes a non-display transition region 1000, which is located within the gap region 112. In the display region 10, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance d1 between the first support pillar 31A and the pixel opening 230 is less than the minimum distance d2 between the second support pillar 31B and the pixel opening 230. Along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance d3 between adjacent second support pillars 31B within the non-display transition region 1000 is greater than the minimum distance d2 between the second support pillar 31B and the pixel opening 230 within the display region 10.

[0204] The specific settings of the pixel definition layer 23 can be referred to in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0205] In this embodiment, the non-display transition area 1000 is a non-light-emitting area between the edge display area 102 and the encapsulation area 111, which does not contain light-emitting elements and does not participate in image display. A support column 31 is provided in the non-display transition area 1000 to guide the cover plate 21 to produce controllable deformation in this area, while preventing local collapse caused by atmospheric pressure or external force.

[0206] Furthermore, by precisely controlling the horizontal spacing between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230, as well as between the support pillars 31 themselves, the different heights of the support pillars 31 can be achieved.

[0207] Specifically, along the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located, the minimum distance d1 between the first support pillar 31A and the adjacent pixel opening 230 in the display area 10 (including the main display area 101 and the edge display area 102), the minimum distance d2 between the second support pillar 31B and the adjacent pixel opening 230 in the display area 10, and the minimum distance d3 between the adjacent second support pillar 31B in the non-display transition area 1000 satisfy d1 < d2 < d3.

[0208] As mentioned earlier, since the pixel definition layer 23 and the support pillars 31 are formed simultaneously using a halftone mask (HTM) process, the height of the support pillars 31 is affected by their distance from the edge of the pixel opening 230. The smaller the distance, the taller the support pillar 31. Therefore, by setting d1 < d2, the first support pillar 31A in the display area 10 is made closer to the pixel opening 230 and has a higher height, while the second support pillar 31B is farther from the pixel opening 230 and has a lower height. This achieves a height difference between the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B in the same process step.

[0209] Furthermore, since there are no pixel opening constraints in the non-display transition area 1000, the arrangement of the support pillars 31 has a higher degree of freedom. By setting d3 > d2, that is, increasing the spacing between adjacent second support pillars 31B, the support pillar material undergoes more significant lateral flow during development and post-baking due to the lack of constraints from adjacent structures. This further reduces the actual height of the second support pillars 31B in the non-display transition area 1000, weakens the support stiffness of the non-display transition area 1000 on the cover plate 21, and makes the cover plate 21 more prone to greater deformation in the area near the encapsulation area 111, forming a smaller radius of curvature. This significantly reduces the size of the Newton's rings' annular interference fringes, thereby weakening the visibility of the Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0210] All of the above-mentioned spacing adjustments can be achieved through the layout of the same half-tone mask (HTM). No additional materials, mask layers or process steps are required. The height difference of the support pillar 31 can be achieved simply by adjusting the position of the pattern, thereby effectively suppressing Newton's rings without increasing the complexity of the process.

[0211] In some embodiments, d1 can be set within 3.6 μm (e.g., 2.5 μm, 3.0 μm, 3.6 μm, etc.), while d2 and d3 can be set above 3.6 μm (e.g., 4.0 μm, 5.0 μm, 6.0 μm, etc.). This numerical division is based on an empirical threshold for the exposure proximity effect in halftone mask (HTM) processes. When the distance between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 is less than or equal to 3.6 μm, a higher support pillar 31 is formed; when the distance between the support pillar 31 and the pixel opening 230 is greater than 3.6 μm, a lower support pillar 31 is formed, but it is not limited to this.

[0212] It should be emphasized that the above-mentioned 3.6μm is only an exemplary reference value and does not constitute a limitation on the present invention. In practical applications, the specific values ​​of d1, d2, and d3 can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the insulating material used, the grayscale design of the HTM mask, the development conditions, and the performance requirements of the display panel. As long as the relative relationship of d1 < d2 and d3 is not less than d2 is satisfied, the required height difference (e.g., ≥ 0.2μm) can be naturally formed through the process, thereby achieving synergistic optimization of Newton's rings suppression and mechanical strength.

[0213] Figure 29 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 29 As shown, optionally, the edge display area 102 includes a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 disposed around the main display area 101, with the second edge display area 1022 located on the side of the first edge display area 1021 away from the main display area 101. The non-display transition area 1000 includes a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B disposed around the main display area 101, with the second non-display transition area 1000B located on the side of the first non-display transition area 1000A away from the main display area 101. The minimum distance between the second support pillar 31B and the pixel opening 230 in the second edge display area 1022 is greater than the minimum distance between the second support pillar 31B and the pixel opening 230 in the first edge display area 1021. The minimum distance between adjacent second support pillars 31B in the second non-display transition area 1000B is greater than the minimum distance between adjacent second support pillars 31B in the first non-display transition area 1000A.

[0214] Specifically, such as Figure 29 As shown, the edge display area 102 is further divided into a first edge display area 1021 and a second edge display area 1022 surrounding the main display area 101, with the second edge display area 1022 being closer to the encapsulation area 111. The non-display transition area 1000 is further divided into a first non-display transition area 1000A and a second non-display transition area 1000B surrounding the main display area 101, with the second non-display transition area 1000 being closer to the encapsulation area 111.

[0215] Based on the aforementioned partitioning, in the second edge display area 1022, the minimum distance between the second support post 31B and the pixel opening 230 is greater than the minimum distance between the second support post 31B and the pixel opening 230 in the first edge display area 1021. As the distance between the second support post 31B and the pixel opening 230 increases, its height decreases accordingly. Therefore, in the second edge display area 1022, the height of the second support post 31B is lower than that of the second support post 31B in the first edge display area 1021, thereby gradually weakening the support stiffness from the main display area 101 outwards, guiding the cover plate 21 to produce smooth bending deformation.

[0216] In the second non-display transition zone 1000B, the minimum spacing between adjacent second support pillars 31B is greater than the minimum spacing between adjacent second support pillars 31B in the first non-display transition zone 1000A. Since there are no pixel opening constraints within the non-display transition zone 1000, the arrangement of the support pillars has greater freedom. By increasing the spacing between adjacent second support pillars 31B in the second non-display transition zone 1000B, the support pillar material undergoes more significant lateral flow during development and post-baking due to the lack of adjacent structural constraints, thereby further reducing the actual height of the second support pillars 31B. This design significantly weakens the support stiffness of the non-display transition zone 1000 on the cover plate 21, making it easier to conform to the step difference between the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111 and bend downwards, forming a smooth curvature transition and effectively suppressing Newton's rings.

[0217] In this process, along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the height of the second support column 31B is gradually reduced to achieve a continuous decrease in stiffness. That is, a gradually decreasing support stiffness gradient is formed from the main display area 101, the first edge display area 1021, the second edge display area 1022, the first non-display transition area 1000A to the second non-display transition area 1000B, which avoids local stress concentration or curvature step and improves edge reliability.

[0218] In addition, all support pillars 31 can still be patterned synchronously with the pixel definition layer 23 through the same HTM mask. Only the arrangement of the second support pillar 31B patterns in different areas needs to be adjusted, without the need for additional materials or process steps, making it easy to mass-produce.

[0219] Figure 30 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 30As shown, optionally, the display area 10 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 41 arranged in an array, forming a plurality of light-emitting element columns 41C. The plurality of light-emitting elements 41 includes a first-color light-emitting element 41R, a second-color light-emitting element 41G, and a third-color light-emitting element 41B. The plurality of light-emitting element columns 41C include a first light-emitting element column 41C1 and a second light-emitting element column 41C2 arranged alternately along the row direction X. The first light-emitting element column 41C1 includes a first-color light-emitting element 41R and a second-color light-emitting element 41G arranged alternately along the column direction Y. The second light-emitting element column 41C2 includes a third-color light-emitting element 41B arranged along the column direction Y. In the display area 10, a support post 31 is located between adjacent light-emitting element columns 41C. In the row direction X, the first support post 31A overlaps with two of the first-color light-emitting elements 41R, the second-color light-emitting element 41G, and the third-color light-emitting element 41B. In the row direction X, the second support column 31B overlaps with only one of the first color light-emitting element 41R, the second color light-emitting element 41G, and the third color light-emitting element 41B.

[0220] Specifically, such as Figure 18 As shown, the display area 10 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 41. The light-emitting elements 41 can be organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), micro light-emitting diodes (Micro LEDs), or mini light-emitting diodes (Mini LEDs), but are not limited to these.

[0221] For example, such as Figure 18 As shown, taking an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as an example, the light-emitting element 41 may include an anode 411, a light-emitting layer 412, and a cathode 413 stacked together. When electrons and holes are injected into the light-emitting layer 412 from the cathode 413 and the anode 411, respectively, excitons are formed in the light-emitting layer 412, exciting the light-emitting molecules and causing the light-emitting layer 412 to emit visible light. Different colors of visible light can be emitted by using different materials for the light-emitting layer 412.

[0222] In some embodiments, such as Figure 30 As shown, the light-emitting element 41 may include a first color light-emitting element 41R (e.g., a red light-emitting element), a second color light-emitting element 41G (e.g., a green light-emitting element), and a third color light-emitting element 41B (e.g., a blue light-emitting element) to realize color image display; in other embodiments, the light-emitting element 41 may also include a white light-emitting element, etc., and the embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit this.

[0223] In some embodiments, such as Figure 18 As shown, the display panel also includes multiple pixel driving circuits 42, each of which can be connected to at least one light-emitting element 41 to form a sub-pixel of the display panel. The pixel driving circuit 42 is used to transmit the light-emitting driving current to the light-emitting element 41 under the action of the signal lines (such as scan signal lines, data signal lines, power supply voltage signal lines, etc.) on the display panel, thereby providing driving current to the light-emitting element 41 to drive the light-emitting element 41 to emit light.

[0224] In some embodiments, such as Figure 18 As shown, the pixel driving circuit 42 includes at least one transistor T. The transistor T may include an active layer 1, a gate 2, and source / drain electrodes 3 stacked together. A gate insulating layer 24 is disposed between the active layer 1 and the gate 2, an interlayer insulating layer 25 is disposed between the gate 2 and the source / drain electrodes 3, and a planarization layer 26 is disposed between the source / drain electrodes 3 and the light-emitting element 41, to provide electrical isolation and planarization, ensuring the normal operation of the transistor T.

[0225] In some embodiments, such as Figure 18 As shown, the display panel may further include a pixel definition layer 23, which is located on the side of the planarization layer 26 facing away from the substrate 20. Along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate 20, the pixel openings 230 on the pixel definition layer 23 and the light-emitting elements 41 at least partially overlap. The pixel definition layer 23 isolates the light-emitting elements 41 from each other, effectively preventing current leakage and optical crosstalk between adjacent pixels, thus contributing to improved display quality.

[0226] Furthermore, such as Figure 30 As shown, multiple light-emitting elements 41 are arranged in an array to form multiple light-emitting element columns 41C. These columns 41C are further divided into a first light-emitting element column 41C1 and a second light-emitting element column 41C2, arranged alternately along the row direction X. In the first light-emitting element column 41C1, first-color light-emitting elements 41R and second-color light-emitting elements 41G are arranged alternately along the column direction Y; in the second light-emitting element column 41C2, multiple third-color light-emitting elements 41B are arranged along the column direction Y, forming a π-shaped pixel arrangement. This arrangement reduces the physical space required per pixel while maintaining the same resolution, which is beneficial for achieving higher PPI or narrower bezels. Simultaneously, the regular column structure facilitates the routing of data signal lines or other signal lines, improving panel integration.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first color light-emitting element 41R is a red light-emitting element, the second color light-emitting element 41G is a green light-emitting element, and the third color light-emitting element 41B is a blue light-emitting element. The blue light-emitting element typically has a shorter lifespan and lower efficiency. By concentrating it in a separate column of the second light-emitting element column 41C2 and increasing its light-emitting area, the effective light-emitting area of ​​the blue sub-pixel can be increased without increasing the overall pixel density, thereby improving the overall brightness uniformity and white balance stability, while alleviating the problem of blue light decay.

[0228] Meanwhile, by alternating the distribution of red and green sub-pixels, the periodic optical diffraction effect in the strip arrangement can be effectively broken. At high PPI (pixel density), moiré patterns and color edge effects can be significantly reduced, improving the clarity and visual comfort of text and images.

[0229] Furthermore, in the π-type pixel arrangement, there are regular non-light-emitting gaps between the light-emitting element columns 41C (for example, at the junction of the first light-emitting element column 41C1 and the second light-emitting element column 41C2), providing a non-display area for the arrangement of the support pillars 31. In this embodiment, the support pillars 31 can be precisely positioned within the gaps between adjacent light-emitting element columns 41C, avoiding obstruction of the light-emitting area. Simultaneously, by adjusting their relative positions to light-emitting elements 41 of different colors, the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B can be designed with height differentiation.

[0230] Specifically, such as Figure 30 As shown, the projection of the first support column 31A in the row direction X overlaps with any two of the first color light-emitting element 41R, the second color light-emitting element 41G, and the third color light-emitting element 41B. The projection of the second support column 31B in the row direction X overlaps with only one of the above three color light-emitting elements.

[0231] The overlap does not refer to physical contact or electrical connection, but rather that in the top view, the outline of the support column 31 covers (i.e., is horizontally aligned) at least a portion of the light-emitting area of ​​its adjacent light-emitting element 41 in the row direction X.

[0232] As mentioned above, the first light-emitting element column 41C1 and the second light-emitting element column 41C2 are arranged alternately according to the π-type pixel arrangement rule. The support column 31 is located in the gap area between adjacent light-emitting element columns 41C. Its vertical position determines the distance between it and the light-emitting area (i.e., pixel opening 230) of the light-emitting element 41 in the first light-emitting element column 41C1 and the second light-emitting element column 41C2 on the left and right sides.

[0233] When the pixel definition layer 23 and the support pillar 31 are formed simultaneously using halftone mask (HTM) technology, the actual height of the support pillar is affected by the horizontal distance between it and the light-emitting area of ​​the adjacent light-emitting element 41 (i.e., pixel opening 230). The smaller the distance, the higher the support pillar 31 is, and vice versa.

[0234] In this embodiment, the first support post 31A is arranged adjacent to two light-emitting elements 41 of different colors in the row direction X. Its position is close to the edge of the pixel opening 230 of the two light-emitting elements 41, so that more edges of the pixel opening 230 constrain the surface tension of its material and restrict the lateral flow of its material, so that the first support post area can retain a larger film thickness, and finally form a first support post 31A with a higher height.

[0235] The second support post 31B is positioned adjacent to only one color light-emitting element 41 in the row direction X, and its position is only at the edge of the pixel opening 230 of the light-emitting element 41. This results in fewer edges of the pixel opening 230 constraining the surface tension of its material and less constraint on the lateral flow of its material, thus allowing the second support post area to retain a smaller film thickness and ultimately forming a lower height second support post 31B.

[0236] Therefore, by utilizing the structural characteristics of the π-type pixel arrangement and controlling the arrangement positions of the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B, the height difference between the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B can be achieved without changing the size of the support pillar graphic or adding process steps. No additional masks or materials are required, it is compatible with existing processes, and it is easy to implement.

[0237] Optional, such as Figure 30As shown, the first support pillar 31A includes a first position support pillar 31A1 and / or a second position support pillar 31A2. In the row direction X, the first position support pillar 31A1 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the first color light-emitting element 41R, and the first position support pillar 31A1 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the third color light-emitting element 41B. In the row direction X, the second position support pillar 31A2 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the second color light-emitting element 41G, and the first position support pillar 31A1 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the third color light-emitting element 41B. The second support pillar 31B includes a third position support pillar 31B1, a fourth position support pillar 31B2, and / or a fifth position support pillar 31B3. In the row direction X, the third position support pillar 31B1 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the third color light-emitting element 41B. In the row direction X, the fourth position support pillar 31B2 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the first color light-emitting element 41R. In the X-direction, the fifth position support column 31B3 overlaps with the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the second color light-emitting element 41G.

[0238] Among them, such as Figure 30 As shown, the first support column 31A includes a first position support column 31A1 and / or a second position support column 31A2, and the second support column 31B includes at least one of a third position support column 31B1, a fourth position support column 31B2 and a fifth position support column 31B3. The above-mentioned support columns 31 are arranged in different positions in the row direction X, thereby forming a specific projection overlap relationship with the pixel openings 230 of different color sub-pixels, and thus the height difference of the support columns 31 is achieved by the HTM process.

[0239] Specifically, in the top view, the first position support column 31A1 is located in the row direction X between the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the first color light-emitting element 41R and the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the third color light-emitting element 41B; the second position support column 31A2 is located in the row direction X between the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the second color light-emitting element 41G and the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the third color light-emitting element 41B. Since both the first position support column 31A1 and the second position support column 31A2 are arranged adjacent to the boundaries of the pixel openings 230 of the two different color light-emitting elements 41, more edges of the pixel openings 230 constrain the surface tension of their material, restricting the lateral flow of the material, thereby allowing the support column area to retain a larger film thickness, ultimately forming a first position support column 31A1 and a second position support column 31A2 with higher height.

[0240] In the top view, the third position support column 31B1 is arranged adjacent to the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the third color light-emitting element 41B in the row direction X, while it is far away from the first color light-emitting element 41R and the second color light-emitting element 41G in the first light-emitting element column 41C1.

[0241] The fourth position support column 31B2 is positioned adjacent to the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the first color light-emitting element 41R in the row direction X, while it is far away from the second color light-emitting element 41G in the first light-emitting element column 41C1 and the third color light-emitting element 41B in the second light-emitting element column 41C2.

[0242] The fifth position support column 31B3 is arranged adjacent to the pixel opening 230 corresponding to the second color light-emitting element 41G in the row direction X, while it is far away from the first color light-emitting element 41R in the first light-emitting element column 41C1 and the third color light-emitting element 41B in the second light-emitting element column 41C2.

[0243] The aforementioned third position support pillar 31B1, fourth position support pillar 31B2 and fifth position support pillar 31B3 are only adjacent to a single pixel opening 230, which results in fewer edges of the pixel opening 230 constraining the surface tension of its material and less constraint on the lateral flow of its material. This allows the support pillar area to retain a smaller film thickness, ultimately forming a third position support pillar 31B1, fourth position support pillar 31B2 and fifth position support pillar 31B3 with a lower height.

[0244] In this embodiment, by utilizing the structural characteristics of the π-type pixel arrangement and precisely controlling the arrangement positions of each first support pillar 31A and second support pillar 31B, the height difference between the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B can be achieved without changing the size of the support pillar graphic or adding process steps. No additional masks or materials are required, it is compatible with existing processes, and it is easy to implement.

[0245] Figure 31 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 31As shown, optionally, the display area 10 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 41 arranged in an array. The plurality of light-emitting elements 41 include a first-color light-emitting element 41R, a second-color light-emitting element 41G, and a third-color light-emitting element 41B. The plurality of first-color light-emitting elements 41R and third-color light-emitting elements 41B form a first virtual quadrilateral Z1. The first-color light-emitting element 41R is located at a first vertex of the first virtual quadrilateral Z1, and the third-color light-emitting element 41B is located at a second vertex of the first virtual quadrilateral Z1. The first and second vertices alternate and are spaced apart. The second-color light-emitting element 41G is located inside the first virtual quadrilateral Z1. The plurality of second-color light-emitting elements 41G form a second virtual quadrilateral Z2. The plurality of second-color light-emitting elements 41G are respectively located at the vertices of the second virtual quadrilateral Z2, and either the first-color light-emitting element 41R or the third-color light-emitting element 41B is located inside the second virtual quadrilateral Z2. In a direction parallel to the plane of the display panel, the first support post 31A is located between adjacent first color light-emitting elements 41R and second color light-emitting elements 41G, and / or, the first support post 31A is located between adjacent second color light-emitting elements 41G and third color light-emitting elements 41B. In a direction parallel to the plane of the display panel, the second support post 31B is located between adjacent first color light-emitting elements 41R and third color light-emitting elements 41B, and / or, the second support post 31B is located between adjacent second color light-emitting elements 41G.

[0246] The specific configuration of the light-emitting element 41 can be referred to in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0247] In this embodiment, as Figure 31 As shown, a plurality of first-color light-emitting elements 41R and third-color light-emitting elements 41B constitute a first virtual quadrilateral Z1. Two first-color light-emitting elements 41R are located at opposite corners of the first virtual quadrilateral Z1, and two third-color light-emitting elements 41B are located at the other two opposite corners of the first virtual quadrilateral Z1. Furthermore, a second-color light-emitting element 41G is disposed inside the first virtual quadrilateral Z1.

[0248] Multiple second-color light-emitting elements 41G can also form a second virtual quadrilateral Z2. In the second virtual quadrilateral Z2, either the first-color light-emitting element 41R or the third-color light-emitting element 41B can be located in the second virtual quadrilateral Z2.

[0249] By adopting the above-mentioned arrangement of light-emitting elements 41, the light-emitting elements 41 can have a better rendering effect, making the image edges clearer, reducing jaggedness, and thus improving the color display effect of the display panel.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first color light-emitting element 41R is a red light-emitting element, the second color light-emitting element 41G is a green light-emitting element, and the third color light-emitting element 41B is a blue light-emitting element. In this case, there are more green light-emitting elements. Since the human eye is significantly more sensitive to green light than to red and blue light, it is beneficial to improve display brightness, energy efficiency, and visual perception uniformity.

[0251] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 31 As shown in the top view, the first support column 31A is located between the adjacent second color light-emitting element 41G and third color light-emitting element 41B, such that the first support column 31A is close to the edge of the pixel opening 230 of both the second color light-emitting element 41G and the third color light-emitting element 41B, and is relatively close to the edge of the pixel opening 230. The edge of the pixel opening 230 has a strong constraint on the surface tension of its material, restricting the lateral flow of its material, thereby allowing the support column area to retain a larger film thickness, ultimately forming a first support column 31A with a relatively high height.

[0252] Similarly, in some embodiments, the first support post 31A may also be located between adjacent second color light-emitting elements 41G and third color light-emitting elements 41B, such that the first support post 31A is close to the edge of the pixel opening 230 of both the second color light-emitting element 41G and the third color light-emitting element 41B, and is relatively close to the edge of the pixel opening 230. The edge of the pixel opening 230 has a strong constraint on the surface tension of its material, restricting the lateral flow of its material, thereby allowing the support post area to retain a larger film thickness, ultimately forming a first support post 31A with a higher height.

[0253] In some embodiments, such as Figure 31 As shown in the top view, the second support column 31B is located between the adjacent first color light-emitting element 41R and third color light-emitting element 41B. There is a large gap between the first color light-emitting element 41R and the third color light-emitting element 41B, which allows the second support column 31B to have a relatively large distance from the pixel openings 230 of the first color light-emitting element 41R and the third color light-emitting element 41B. The edge of the pixel opening 230 has a small degree of constraint on the lateral flow of its material, thereby allowing the support column area to retain a smaller film thickness, resulting in a second support column 31B with a lower height.

[0254] In some embodiments, such as Figure 31As shown in the top view, the second support column 31B is located between adjacent second color light-emitting elements 41G. There is a large gap between the adjacent second color light-emitting elements 41G, which allows the second support column 31B to have a relatively large distance from the pixel opening 230 of the second color light-emitting element 41G. The edge of the pixel opening 230 has a small degree of constraint on the lateral flow of its material, thereby allowing the support column area to retain a smaller film thickness, and finally forming a second support column 31B with a lower height.

[0255] In this embodiment, by utilizing the structural characteristics of pixel arrangement and precisely controlling the arrangement positions of each first support post 31A and second support post 31B, the height difference between the first support post 31A and the second support post 31B can be achieved without changing the size of the support post graphic or adding process steps. No additional masks or materials are required, it is compatible with existing processes, and it is easy to implement.

[0256] It should be noted that the specific light emission colors, relative quantities, and arrangement of the first color light emission element 41R, the second color light emission element 41G, and the third color light emission element 41B described above are merely examples. In other embodiments, the light emission colors, relative quantities, and arrangement of the first color light emission element 41R, the second color light emission element 41G, and the third color light emission element 41B may be adjusted according to display technology, resolution requirements, or lifespan balancing strategies. This embodiment of the present invention does not impose specific limitations on these aspects.

[0257] Furthermore, the shape of the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 onto the substrate 20 can be adaptively adjusted according to the geometric contour of the gap area (i.e., the non-light-emitting area) where it is located. Specifically, in the display area 10, due to the diverse pixel arrangement, the gaps between adjacent light-emitting elements 41 may differ in shape, width, and orientation. To maximize the use of available space and avoid obstructing the light-emitting area, the shape of the support pillar 31 (such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular contours) can be customized according to the actual boundary of the local gap area.

[0258] For example, in regular column-shaped gaps, the support column 31 can be rectangular or strip-shaped; in diamond or triangular gaps formed by pixel intersections, the support column 31 can be designed as circular or polygonal to fit the boundary; in edge areas with large curvature changes, the support column 31 can adopt an arc or irregular contour to match the local stress distribution requirements, thereby improving space utilization and achieving a suitable effective support area in a limited non-light-emitting area. At the same time, it is easier to meet the spacing requirements between the support column 31 and other structures (such as pixel openings 230 or adjacent support columns 31).

[0259] Figure 32 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 32 As shown, optionally, the support pillar 31 includes a first support layer 313 and a second support layer 314 sequentially stacked on one side of the substrate 20. The vertical projection of the first support layer 313 on the substrate 20 covers the vertical projection of the second support layer 314 on the substrate 20. Along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the first support pillar 31A and the boundary of the second support layer 314 is L7; along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the second support pillar 31B and the boundary of the second support layer 314 is L8; L7 < L8.

[0260] The specific structure and preparation method of the first support layer 313 and the second support layer 314 can be referred to any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0261] As mentioned above, the height of the support column 31 can decrease as the minimum distance between the boundary of its first support layer 313 and the boundary of its second support layer 314 increases.

[0262] Based on the above principles, in this embodiment, as Figure 32 As shown, along the direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20, the minimum distance L8 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the second support pillar 31B and the boundary of the second support layer 314 is greater than the minimum distance L7 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 of the first support pillar 31A and the boundary of the second support layer 314, thereby achieving that the first support pillar 31A has a higher height and the second support pillar 31B has a lower height.

[0263] The height difference between the first support column 31A and the second support column 31B is achieved by adjusting the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 in the first support column 31A and the second support column 31B. This method is compatible with existing HTM mass production processes and can effectively suppress Newton's rings without increasing process complexity.

[0264] Figure 33 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 33As shown, optionally, the transition region 100 includes a first transition region 1001 and a second transition region 1002 disposed around the main display region 101, with the second transition region 1002 located on the side of the first transition region 1001 away from the main display region 101. The minimum distance L82 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the second support pillar 31B in the second transition region 1002 in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20 is greater than the minimum distance L81 between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the second support pillar 31B in the first transition region 1001 in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20.

[0265] Specifically, such as Figure 33 As shown, the transition zone 100 can be further subdivided into a first transition zone 1001 and a second transition zone 1002 to achieve more precise height control of the second support column 31B.

[0266] Specifically, the first transition region 1001 is disposed around the main display region 101, and a second support pillar 31B is arranged therein. The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the second support pillar 31B in the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located is L81. The second transition region 1002 is located on the side of the first transition region 1001 away from the main display region 101 (i.e., closer to the encapsulation region 111). The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the second support pillar 31B in the direction parallel to the plane where the substrate 20 is located is L82. In this embodiment, L81 < L82.

[0267] This design results in a multi-level decreasing trend in the height of the second support column 31B from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. That is, the main display area 101 has the highest height of the second support column 31B, followed by the first transition area 1001, and the second transition area 1002 is even lower. Through this segmented height gradient of the second support column 31B, the cover plate 21 can be guided to produce continuous and smooth bending deformation in the transition area 100 more accurately, avoiding local stress concentration or deformation discontinuity, thereby further optimizing the suppression effect of Newton's rings.

[0268] It should be noted that the number of partitions in the transition zone 100, the width ratio of each partition, and the minimum spacing between the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 of the second support pillar 31B in the direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 20 can all be flexibly adjusted according to parameters such as the panel size, the height difference between the encapsulation structure 30 and the support pillar 31, and the material of the cover plate 21. This embodiment of the invention does not impose specific limitations on these parameters. The aforementioned minimum spacing gradient can be linear, nonlinear, piecewise, or any smooth curve based on simulation optimization, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0269] In addition, the specific height values ​​of the first support column 31A and the second support column 31B can be set according to actual needs.

[0270] In some embodiments, the height difference between the first support post 31A and the second support post 31B is 0.2 μm or more, for example, 0.3 μm, 0.4 μm or higher. When the height difference reaches or exceeds 0.2 μm, a significant difference in the support performance between the first support post 31A and the second support post 31B can occur, enabling the first support post 31A to provide sufficient static support force to maintain uniform cell thickness; at the same time, the second support post 31B, due to its significantly reduced height, can weaken its equivalent support stiffness, making the cover plate 21 more likely to bend in accordance with the step difference between the display area 10 and the encapsulation area 111, thereby reducing the bending radius of the cover plate 21 in the transition area 100, reducing the size of the interference fringes of Newton's rings, and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0271] Figure 34 This is a partial structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 28 , Figure 29 and Figure 34 As shown, optionally, the display panel further includes a pixel definition layer 23, with the support pillar 31 located on the side of the pixel definition layer 23 away from the substrate 20. The vertical projection of the pixel definition layer 23 onto the substrate 20 covers the vertical projection of the support pillar 31 onto the substrate 20. The gap region 112 includes a first gap region 1121 and a second gap region 1122 arranged along the direction from the main display region 101 to the encapsulation region 111. The pixel definition layer 23 within the second gap region 1122 includes a cathode connection opening 231. The transition region 100 includes a non-display transition region 1000 located within the first gap region 1121.

[0272] The specific settings of the pixel definition layer 23 can be referred to in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0273] In this embodiment, as Figure 28 , Figure 29 and Figure 34As shown, the gap area 112 (i.e., the non-display area between the main display area 101 and the encapsulation area 111) is divided into a first gap area 1121 and a second gap area 1122 arranged sequentially along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111. The first gap area 1121 is adjacent to the display area 10, and the pixel definition layer 23 completely covers the first gap area 1121. The second gap area 1122 is located on the side of the first gap area 1121 away from the display area 10, and closer to the encapsulation area 111. The pixel definition layer 23 therein has a cathode connection opening 231 that penetrates the pixel definition layer 23 to expose the underlying cathode, thereby enabling electrical connection between the cathode and the peripheral leads.

[0274] Furthermore, the portion of the transition area 100 located in the gap area 112 (non-display area 11) is the non-display transition area 1000. The non-display transition area 1000 is set within the first gap area 1121, which does not include the cathode connection opening 231. The position design of the support pillars 31 (including the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B) in the non-display transition area 1000 is not affected by the cathode connection opening 231, thus having a higher degree of layout freedom.

[0275] In some embodiments, such as Figure 34 As shown, the gap region 112 also includes a third gap region 1123, which is located between the second gap region 1122 and the encapsulation region 111. The pixel definition layer 23 can cover the third gap region 1123.

[0276] In some embodiments, such as Figure 34 As shown, the gap area 112 also includes a clearance area 1124, which is located between the third gap area 1123 and the encapsulation area 111 and is set adjacent to the encapsulation area 111. No pixel definition layer 23 is set in the clearance area 1124, which helps to ensure the reliability of the encapsulation.

[0277] In some embodiments, such as Figure 34 As shown, along the direction from the display area 10 to the packaging area 111, the length of the clearance area 1124 is 80μm to 100μm, which controls its space occupation in the border area while ensuring the reliability of the packaging.

[0278] In some embodiments, the length of the transition region 100 along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111 is less than or equal to 5 mm, so as to guide the cover plate 21 to bend sufficiently and suppress Newton's rings while avoiding a transitional effect on the bezel width. For example, this length can range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, and in compact designs it can even approach 0 mm (i.e., the minimum process-feasible value), depending on the overall requirements of the display panel for optical performance, mechanical strength and bezel size.

[0279] In some embodiments, along the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the length of the edge display area 102 is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than 5 mm, so as to guide the cover plate 21 to bend sufficiently and suppress Newton's rings while avoiding the transition area 100 from excessively encroaching on the display area, thus ensuring the display effect of the display area.

[0280] In some embodiments, in the direction from the main display area 101 to the encapsulation area 111, the edge display area 102 covers approximately 30 to 50 columns of pixels, so as to guide the cover plate 21 to bend sufficiently and suppress Newton's rings while avoiding the transition area 100 from excessively encroaching on the display area, thus ensuring the display effect of the display area.

[0281] The above range of pixel column numbers can be matched with the above physical length (1mm to 5mm), depending on the pixel density (PPI) of the display panel.

[0282] In some embodiments, the distance between the transition region 100 and the encapsulation region 111 is greater than or equal to 80 μm along the direction from the main display region 101 to the encapsulation region 111.

[0283] The encapsulation area 111 typically uses frit glass for laser or thermoforming sealing, which involves high sintering temperatures. If the support pillar 31 is too close to the encapsulation area 111, the high temperature may cause it to carbonize, collapse, or lose its elasticity, leading to problems such as uneven box thickness and poor cover adhesion. Therefore, setting a safety distance of greater than or equal to 80 μm between the transition area 100 and the encapsulation area 111 can reduce the impact of heat conduction. For example, the distance between the transition area 100 and the encapsulation area 111 can be designed to be approximately 0.5 mm, but it is not limited to this.

[0284] In some embodiments, along a direction perpendicular to the plane where the display panel is located, the minimum spacing between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the encapsulation area 111 is H3, and the minimum spacing between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21 in the main display area 101 is H4, where |H3-H4|≤1μm.

[0285] The visibility of Newton's rings is directly related to the change in the thickness of the air film between the substrate 20 and the cover plate 21. If the difference between H3 and H4 is too large (e.g., exceeding 1 μm), a significant curvature abrupt change will form at the edge of the display area, easily resulting in large and obvious Newton's rings, affecting the visual quality of the display panel edge. Therefore, controlling |H3-H4| within 1 μm helps to reduce the degree of Newton's rings and improve the visual quality of the display panel edge.

[0286] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment of the invention also provides a method for preparing a display panel, which is used to prepare any of the display panels provided in the above embodiments. The explanations of the same or corresponding structures and terms as in the above embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0287] Figure 35 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 35 As shown, the preparation method provided in this embodiment of the invention includes: S11. A substrate is provided, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including an encapsulation area disposed around the display area and a gap area located between the display area and the encapsulation area.

[0288] S12. Multiple support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate.

[0289] S13. A packaging structure is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0290] S14. Provide a cover plate and arrange the cover plate opposite to the substrate so that the support pillars and the packaging structure are located between the substrate and the cover plate.

[0291] The display area includes a main display area and an edge display area surrounding the main display area; the part of the gap area adjacent to the edge display area and the edge display area together form a transition area. In the main display area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A1, the height of the support pillars is H1, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars onto the substrate is S1; in the transition area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A2, the height of the support pillars is H2, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars onto the substrate is S2; A1×H1×S1>A2×H2×S2.

[0292] The method for manufacturing a display panel provided in this invention involves preparing support pillars in the main display area and the transition area. By using a larger support pillar distribution density A1, a higher support pillar height H1, and / or a larger vertical projection area S1 in the main display area, A1×H1×S1 is made larger, resulting in higher support stiffness in the main display area. This effectively resists downward deformation of the cover plate, helps maintain the cell thickness stability of the main display area, and prevents damage to the light-emitting elements caused by the collapse of the cover plate during external pressing or dropping. Meanwhile, by using a smaller support column distribution density A2, a lower support column height H2, and / or a smaller vertical projection area S2 in the transition zone, A2×H2×S2 is made smaller, resulting in a relatively lower support stiffness in the transition zone. This makes the cover plate more prone to deformation in the transition zone, causing it to be closer to the substrate. This increases the degree of curvature of the cover plate in areas where Newton's rings are easily formed (such as the edge area of ​​the encapsulation area near the display area), resulting in a smaller radius of curvature. This significantly reduces the size of the ring interference fringes of Newton's rings, thereby weakening the visibility of Newton's rings and improving the display effect in the edge area.

[0293] Optionally, the transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area.

[0294] Multiple support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: An insulating material layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0295] An insulating material layer is exposed and developed using a first multi-tone mask to form a pixel definition layer and a support pillar located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The pixel definition layer includes multiple pixel openings.

[0296] The first multi-tone mask includes a first exposure section, a second exposure section with a corresponding pixel opening, and a first light-shielding section with a corresponding support column. The light transmittance of the second exposure section is greater than that of the first exposure section, and the light transmittance of the first exposure section is greater than that of the first light-shielding section.

[0297] In the first multi-tone mask corresponding to the main display area, the minimum distance between the first light-shielding part and the second exposure part is L1; in the first multi-tone mask corresponding to the transition area, the minimum distance between the first light-shielding part and the second exposure part is L0; L1 < L0.

[0298] Figure 36 A schematic flowchart of another method for manufacturing a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 36 As shown in (a), an insulating material layer 50 is integrally prepared on one side of the substrate 20. The insulating material layer 50 may be composed of photosensitive organic materials (such as polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.) and is used to form a pixel definition layer and support pillars.

[0299] like Figure 36 As shown in (b), using the first multi-tone mask 51, a pixel definition layer 23 and a support pillar 31 located on the side away from the substrate 20 are simultaneously formed by performing a single exposure and development process on the insulating material layer 50. The pixel definition layer 23 includes a plurality of pixel openings 230 for exposing the underlying anode to define the light-emitting area.

[0300] The first multi-tone mask 51 includes the following three functional areas: The first light-shielding part 511, corresponding to the position of the support column 31, has a light transmittance of 0% or close to 0% to retain the maximum film thickness and form the support column 31.

[0301] The second exposure section 512, corresponding to the position of the pixel opening 230, has the highest light transmittance (e.g., 100%), so that the insulating material layer 50 in that area is completely removed, forming the pixel opening 230.

[0302] The first exposure section 513 corresponds to the dam area (non-opening, non-support pillar area) of the pixel definition layer 23, and its light transmittance is between that of the second exposure section 512 and the first light-shielding section (e.g., 30% to 70%), forming a pixel definition layer 23 with a medium film thickness.

[0303] As mentioned above, the height of the support post 31 can decrease as the distance between it and the pixel opening 230 increases.

[0304] Based on the above principle, in the main display area 101, the minimum distance L1 between the first light-blocking part 511 and the second exposure part 512 is set to be small, so that the support pillar 31 is close to the pixel opening 230, forming a support pillar 31 with a relatively large height (e.g., Figure 36 (as shown in (c)) ensures uniformity of box thickness.

[0305] In the transition zone 100, the minimum distance L0 between the first light-shielding part 511 and the second exposure part 512 is relatively large, forming a support column 31 with a relatively small height (e.g., ...). Figure 36 (c) weakens the support stiffness of the transition zone 100, guides the cover plate 21 to produce greater deformation, and forms a smaller radius of curvature to reduce the size of the ring interference fringes of Newton's rings, thereby reducing the visibility of Newton's rings and improving the display effect of the edge area.

[0306] The height of the support column 31 is varied by adjusting the minimum distance between the first light-shielding part 511 and the second exposure part 512. This method is compatible with existing HTM mass production processes and effectively suppresses Newton's rings without increasing process complexity.

[0307] Optionally, the support column includes a first support column and a second support column, wherein the height of the first support column is greater than the height of the second support column.

[0308] The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area.

[0309] Multiple support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: An insulating material layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0310] The insulating material layer is exposed and developed using a second multi-tone mask to form a pixel definition layer and support pillars located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The pixel definition layer includes multiple pixel openings.

[0311] The second multi-tone mask includes a first exposure section, a second exposure section corresponding to a pixel opening, and a first light-shielding section corresponding to a support pillar. The light transmittance of the second exposure section is greater than that of the first exposure section, and the light transmittance of the first exposure section is greater than that of the first light-shielding section. The first light-shielding section includes a first sub-light-shielding section corresponding to the first support pillar and a second sub-light-shielding section corresponding to the second support pillar.

[0312] In the second multi-tone mask corresponding to the display area, the minimum distance between the first sub-shading part and the second exposure part is smaller than the minimum distance between the second sub-shading part and the second exposure part.

[0313] The minimum spacing between adjacent second sub-shading portions in the second multi-tone mask corresponding to the non-display transition area is greater than the minimum spacing between the second sub-shading portion and the second exposure portion in the second multi-tone mask corresponding to the display area.

[0314] Figure 37 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 37 As shown in (a), an insulating material layer 50 is integrally prepared on one side of the substrate 20. The insulating material layer 50 may be composed of photosensitive organic materials (such as polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.) and is used to form a pixel definition layer and support pillars.

[0315] like Figure 37 As shown in (b), using the second multi-tone mask 52, a pixel definition layer 23 and a support pillar 31 located on the side away from the substrate 20 are simultaneously formed by performing a single exposure and development process on the insulating material layer 50. The pixel definition layer 23 includes a plurality of pixel openings 230 for exposing the underlying anode to define the light-emitting area.

[0316] The second multi-tone mask 52 includes the following functional areas: The first light-shielding part 521 corresponds to the position of the support column. The first light-shielding part 521 is divided into two sub-light-shielding parts: a first sub-light-shielding part 5211 corresponding to the first support column 31A, and a second sub-light-shielding part 5212 corresponding to the second support column 31B.

[0317] The second exposure section 522, corresponding to the position of the pixel opening 230, has the highest light transmittance (e.g., 100%), which completely removes the insulating material layer 50 in that area, forming the pixel opening 230.

[0318] The first exposure section 523 corresponds to the dam area (non-opening, non-support pillar area) of the pixel definition layer 23, and its light transmittance is between that of the second exposure section 522 and the first light-shielding section 521 (e.g., 30% to 70%), forming a pixel definition layer 23 with a medium film thickness.

[0319] As mentioned above, the height of the support post 31 can decrease as the distance between it and the pixel opening 230 increases.

[0320] Based on the above principle, further, in the second multi-tone mask 52 region corresponding to the display area 10, the minimum distance i1 between the first sub-shielding part 5211 and the second exposure part 522 is set to be small, so that the first support post 31A is close to the pixel opening 230, forming a first support post 31A with a relatively large height (e.g., Figure 37 (c) shows the thickness of the box.

[0321] At the same time, the minimum distance i2 between the second sub-shading part 5212 and the second exposure part 522 is set to be relatively large, forming a second support column 31B with a smaller height (e.g., Figure 37 (c) As shown, while suppressing Newton's rings, the overall distribution density of the support column 31 reaches the distribution density that meets the support strength requirements (such as 10%~15%), ensuring that the cover plate 21 provides sufficient support during the ball drop and drop test, thereby improving the product's strength performance.

[0322] In the second multitone mask 52 region corresponding to the non-display transition region 1000, the minimum spacing i3 between adjacent second sub-shielding portions 5212 corresponds to the minimum spacing i2 between the second sub-shielding portion 5212 and the second exposure portion 522 in the second multitone mask 52 of the display region 10. In the non-display transition region 1000, by increasing the spacing between adjacent second support pillars 31B, the insulating material undergoes more significant lateral flow during development and post-baking due to the lack of constraint from adjacent structures, thereby further reducing the actual height of the second support pillars 31B in the non-display transition region 1000 (e.g., ...). Figure 37 (c) weakens the support stiffness of the non-display transition area 1000 on the cover plate 21, making the cover plate 21 more prone to greater deformation in the area near the encapsulation area 111, forming a smaller radius of curvature, significantly reducing the size of the Newton's rings' annular interference fringes, thereby reducing the visibility of the Newton's rings and improving the display effect of the edge area.

[0323] Optionally, a plurality of support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: A pixel definition layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0324] A support pillar material layer is formed on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate.

[0325] The support pillar material layer is exposed and developed using a third multi-tone mask to form the support pillar. The support pillar includes a first support layer and a second support layer stacked sequentially on one side of the substrate. The vertical projection of the first support layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the second support layer on the substrate.

[0326] The third multi-tone mask includes a third exposure section, a fourth exposure section corresponding to the first support layer, and a second light-shielding section corresponding to the second support layer. The light transmittance of the third exposure section is greater than that of the fourth exposure section, and the light transmittance of the fourth exposure section is greater than that of the second light-shielding section.

[0327] In the third multi-tone mask corresponding to the main display area, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L5; in the third multi-tone mask corresponding to the transition area, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L6; L5 < L6.

[0328] Figure 38 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 38 As shown in (a), a pixel definition layer 23 is prepared on one side of the substrate 20.

[0329] like Figure 38 As shown in (b), a support pillar material layer 60 is prepared on the pixel definition layer 23. The support pillar material layer 60 may be composed of photosensitive organic materials (such as polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.) to form support pillars.

[0330] like Figure 38 As shown in (c), using the third multi-tone mask 53, a support pillar 31 with a first support layer 313 and a second support layer 314 is formed by performing a single exposure and development process on the support pillar material layer 60. The first support layer 313 is located in the lower layer, close to the pixel definition layer 23; the second support layer 314 is located in the upper layer, stacked on top of the first support layer 313; the vertical projection of the first support layer 313 on the substrate 20 completely covers the vertical projection of the second support layer 314 on the substrate 20, forming a stable stacked structure with a smaller upper layer and a larger lower layer.

[0331] The third multi-tone mask 53 includes the following functional areas: The second light-shielding portion 531, corresponding to the position of the second support layer 314, has the lowest light transmittance (e.g., 0% or close to 0%), and is used to retain the maximum film thickness, thus forming the second support layer 314.

[0332] The fourth exposure section 532 corresponds to the dam area of ​​the first support layer 313 (the area that is not open and not the area of ​​the second support layer 314), and has a medium light transmittance (e.g., 30% to 70%), so that the film thickness is partially retained in this area, forming a first support layer 313 with a medium film thickness.

[0333] The third exposure unit 533 corresponds to the non-supported area (i.e., the area where the support pillar material layer 60 needs to be completely removed), and has the highest light transmittance (e.g., 100%), so that the support pillar material is completely developed and removed.

[0334] As mentioned above, the height of the support column 31 decreases as the minimum distance between it and the boundary of the first support layer 313 and the boundary of the second support layer 314 increases.

[0335] Based on the above principle, in this embodiment, in the third multi-tone mask 53 region corresponding to the main display area 101, the minimum distance L5 between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part 532 and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part 531 is small, thereby forming a taller support pillar 31 in the main display area 101 (e.g., Figure 38 (d) is shown.

[0336] In the third multi-tone mask 53 corresponding to the transition region 100, the minimum distance L6 between the outer contour of the fourth exposure section 532 and the outer contour of the second light-shielding section 531 is relatively large, thereby forming a lower support pillar 31 in the transition region 100 (e.g. Figure 38 As shown in (d), the guide cover 21 produces greater deformation, forming a smaller radius of curvature, which significantly reduces the size of the ring interference fringes of Newton's rings, thereby weakening the visibility of Newton's rings and improving the display effect of the edge area.

[0337] The height of the support column 31 is varied by adjusting the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure section 532 corresponding to the main display area 101 and the transition area 100 and the outer contour of the second light-shielding section 531. This method is compatible with existing HTM mass production processes and can effectively suppress Newton's rings without increasing process complexity.

[0338] Optionally, the support column includes a first support column and a second support column, wherein the height of the first support column is greater than the height of the second support column.

[0339] Multiple support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: A pixel definition layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0340] A support pillar material layer is formed on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate.

[0341] The support pillar material layer is exposed and developed using a fourth multi-tone mask to form a support pillar. The support pillar includes a first support layer and a second support layer stacked sequentially on one side of the substrate. The vertical projection of the first support layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the second support layer on the substrate.

[0342] The fourth multi-tone mask includes a third exposure section, a fourth exposure section corresponding to the first support layer, and a second light-shielding section corresponding to the second support layer. The light transmittance of the third exposure section is greater than that of the fourth exposure section, and the light transmittance of the fourth exposure section is greater than that of the second light-shielding section.

[0343] In the fourth multi-tone mask corresponding to the first support pillar, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L7; in the fourth multi-tone mask corresponding to the second support pillar, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L8; L7 < L8.

[0344] Figure 39 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 39 As shown in (a), a pixel definition layer 23 is prepared on one side of the substrate 20.

[0345] like Figure 39 As shown in (b), a support pillar material layer 60 is prepared on the pixel definition layer 23. The support pillar material layer 60 may be composed of photosensitive organic materials (such as polyimide, acrylic resin, etc.) and is used to form the first support pillar 31A and the second support pillar 31B.

[0346] like Figure 39 As shown in (c), using the fourth multi-tone mask 54, a first support pillar 31A and a second support pillar 31B are formed by performing a single exposure and development process on the support pillar material layer 60. The first support layer 313 is located in the lower layer, close to the pixel definition layer 23; the second support layer 314 is located in the upper layer, stacked on top of the first support layer 313; the vertical projection of the first support layer 313 on the substrate 20 completely covers the vertical projection of the second support layer 314 on the substrate 20, forming a stable stacked structure with a smaller upper layer and a larger lower layer.

[0347] The fourth multi-tone mask 54 includes the following functional areas: The second light-shielding portion 541, corresponding to the position of the second support layer 314, has the lowest light transmittance (e.g., 0% or close to 0%), and is used to retain the maximum film thickness to form the second support layer 314.

[0348] The fourth exposure section 542 corresponds to the dam area of ​​the first support layer 313 (the area that is not open and not the area of ​​the second support layer 314), and has a medium light transmittance (e.g., 30% to 70%), so that the film thickness is partially retained in this area, forming a first support layer 313 with a medium film thickness.

[0349] The third exposure unit 543 corresponds to the non-supported area (i.e., the area where the support pillar material layer 60 needs to be completely removed), and has the highest light transmittance (e.g., 100%), so that the support pillar material is completely developed and removed.

[0350] As mentioned above, the height of the support column decreases as the minimum distance between the boundary of its first support layer 313 and the boundary of its second support layer 314 increases.

[0351] Based on the above principle, in this embodiment, in the region of the fourth multi-tone mask 54 corresponding to the first support pillar 31A, the minimum distance L7 between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part 542 and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part 541 is small, thereby forming a taller first support pillar 31A (e.g., Figure 39 (d) is shown.

[0352] In the region of the fourth multi-tone mask 54 corresponding to the second support pillar 31B, the minimum distance L8 between the outer contour of the fourth exposure section 542 and the outer contour of the second light-shielding section 541 is relatively large, thereby forming a second support pillar 31B with a lower height (e.g., Figure 39 (d) is shown.

[0353] The height difference between the first support column 31A and the second support column 31B is achieved by adjusting the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part 542 corresponding to the first support column 31A and the second support column 31B and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part 541. This method is compatible with existing HTM mass production processes and can effectively suppress Newton's rings without increasing process complexity.

[0354] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a display device. Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 40 As shown, the display device 70 includes the display panel 71 described in any embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the display device 70 provided by the embodiments of the present invention has the technical effects of the technical solutions in any of the above embodiments. The explanations of the same or corresponding structures and terms as described in the above embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0355] The display device 70 provided in this embodiment of the invention can be Figure 40 The mobile phone shown can also be any electronic product with display function, including but not limited to the following categories: television, laptop, desktop monitor, tablet computer, digital camera, smart bracelet, smart glasses, in-vehicle display, medical equipment, industrial control equipment, touch interactive terminal, etc. The embodiments of the present invention do not make any special limitations on this.

[0356] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0357] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: Display area; A non-display area is provided around the display area, the non-display area including an encapsulation area provided around the display area, and a gap area located between the display area and the encapsulation area; The display area includes a main display area and an edge display area surrounding the main display area; The portion of the gap area adjacent to the edge display area and the edge display area together form a transition area; The display panel also includes: The substrate and cover plate are positioned opposite each other; An encapsulation structure and multiple support pillars are located between the substrate and the cover plate, the encapsulation structure is located in the encapsulation area, and the support pillars are located in the main display area and the transition area; In the main display area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A1, the height of the support pillars is H1, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S1. In the transition region, the distribution density of the support pillars is A2, the height of the support pillars is H2, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S2. A1×H1×S1>A2×H2×S2.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distribution density of the support columns in the transition zone is less than that in the main display zone.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transition area includes a first transition area and a second transition area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second transition area is located on the side of the first transition area away from the main display area; The distribution density of the support columns in the second transition zone is less than that in the first transition zone.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple support columns are arranged in an array to form multiple support column columns; In the transition zone, the support column column includes a plurality of first support column groups arranged along the column direction, and the first support column group includes at least one of the support columns; In the same column of support columns, the spacing between adjacent first support column groups is greater than the spacing between adjacent support columns within the same first support column group; In the direction from the main display area to the encapsulation area, the first support column groups in adjacent support column columns are staggered.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the main display area, the spacing between two adjacent support columns in the support column column is D1; In the transition zone, the distance between two adjacent support columns in the first support column group is D2; D1=D2.

6. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The multiple support columns also form multiple rows of support columns; Any of the support columns in the transition area is located in the same row of support columns as at least one of the support columns in the main display area.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the main display area, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column onto the substrate is S1; In the transition region, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column onto the substrate is S2; S2 < S1.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transition area includes a first transition area and a second transition area disposed around the main display area, the second transition area being located on the side of the first transition area away from the main display area; the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column of the second transition area onto the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column of the first transition area onto the substrate.

9. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; In the main display area, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column onto the substrate is S1; In the edge display area, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column onto the substrate is S3; S3 < S1; The distribution density of the support pillars in the non-display transition area is less than that in the main display area.

10. The display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The non-display transition area includes a first non-display transition area and a second non-display transition area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second non-display transition area is located on the side of the first non-display transition area away from the main display area; The edge display area includes a first edge display area and a second edge display area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second edge display area is located on the side of the first edge display area away from the main display area; The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column of the second edge display area onto the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column of the first edge display area onto the substrate. The distribution density of the support pillars in the second non-display transition area is less than that in the first non-display transition area.

11. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; The distribution density of the support columns in the transition zone is less than the distribution density of the support columns in the main display area; In the main display area, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column onto the substrate is S1; In the non-display transition area, the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support column onto the substrate is S3; S3 < S1.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, characterized in that, The edge display area includes a first edge display area and a second edge display area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second edge display area is located on the side of the first edge display area away from the main display area; The non-display transition area includes a first non-display transition area and a second non-display transition area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second non-display transition area is located on the side of the first non-display transition area away from the main display area; The distribution density of the support pillars in the second non-display transition area is less than that in the first non-display transition area, the distribution density of the support pillars in the first non-display transition area is less than that in the second edge display area, and the distribution density of the support pillars in the second edge display area is less than that in the first edge display area. The area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar of the second non-display transition area onto the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillar of the first non-display transition area onto the substrate.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the support column in the transition zone is less than the height of the support column in the main display area.

14. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a pixel definition layer, and the support pillar is located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The vertical projection of the pixel definition layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the support column on the substrate; The pixel definition layer includes multiple pixel openings; In the transition region, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum distance between the support post and the pixel opening is L0; In the main display area, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum distance between the support pillar and the pixel opening is L1; L1 < L0.

15. The display panel according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; In the edge display area, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum distance between the support post and the pixel opening is L2; In the non-display transition area, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum spacing between adjacent support pillars is L3; L2≤L3.

16. The display panel according to claim 15, characterized in that, The edge display area includes a first edge display area and a second edge display area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second edge display area is located on the side of the first edge display area away from the main display area; The non-display transition area includes a first non-display transition area and a second non-display transition area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second non-display transition area is located on the side of the first non-display transition area away from the main display area; The minimum distance between the support pillar and the pixel opening in the second edge display area is greater than the minimum distance between the support pillar and the pixel opening in the first edge display area; the minimum distance between adjacent support pillars in the second non-display transition area is greater than the minimum distance between adjacent support pillars in the first non-display transition area.

17. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support pillar includes a first support layer and a second support layer sequentially stacked on one side of the substrate. The vertical projection of the first support layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the second support layer on the substrate; In the main display area, along a direction parallel to the plane where the substrate is located, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer and the boundary of the second support layer of the support pillar is L5; In the transition region, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer and the boundary of the second support layer of the support pillar is L6. L5 < L6.

18. The display panel according to claim 17, characterized in that, The transition area includes a first transition area and a second transition area surrounding the main display area. The second transition area is located on the side of the first transition area away from the main display area. The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer of the support pillar and the boundary of the second support layer in the second transition area in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate is greater than the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer of the support pillar and the boundary of the second support layer in the first transition area in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate.

19. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support column includes a first support column and a second support column; The height of the first support column is greater than the height of the second support column; The distribution density of the second support pillars in the transition zone is greater than the distribution density of the second support pillars in the main display area; Alternatively, the distribution density of the first support column in the transition zone is less than the distribution density of the first support column in the main display area.

20. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The transition zone includes a first transition zone and a second transition zone surrounding the main display area, wherein the second transition zone is located on the side of the first transition zone away from the main display area; the distribution density of the second support columns in the second transition zone is greater than the distribution density of the second support columns in the first transition zone.

21. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The transition zone includes a first transition zone and a second transition zone surrounding the main display area, wherein the second transition zone is located on the side of the first transition zone away from the main display area; the distribution density of the first support columns in the second transition zone is less than the distribution density of the first support columns in the first transition zone.

22. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; The support columns within the non-display transition area are all the second support columns.

23. The display panel according to claim 22, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a pixel definition layer, and the support pillar is located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The vertical projection of the pixel definition layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the support column on the substrate; The pixel definition layer includes multiple pixel openings; The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; In the display area, along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum distance between the first support post and the pixel opening is less than the minimum distance between the second support post and the pixel opening; Along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum spacing between adjacent second support pillars in the non-display transition area is greater than the minimum spacing between the second support pillar and the pixel opening in the display area.

24. The display panel according to claim 23, characterized in that, The edge display area includes a first edge display area and a second edge display area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second edge display area is located on the side of the first edge display area away from the main display area; The non-display transition area includes a first non-display transition area and a second non-display transition area disposed around the main display area, wherein the second non-display transition area is located on the side of the first non-display transition area away from the main display area; The minimum distance between the second support post and the pixel opening in the second edge display area is greater than the minimum distance between the second support post and the pixel opening in the first edge display area; The minimum spacing between adjacent second support columns in the second non-display transition area is greater than the minimum spacing between adjacent second support columns in the first non-display transition area.

25. The display panel according to claim 23, characterized in that, The display area includes multiple light-emitting elements arranged in an array to form multiple light-emitting element columns; The plurality of light-emitting elements include a first color light-emitting element, a second color light-emitting element, and a third color light-emitting element; The plurality of light-emitting element columns include a first light-emitting element column and a second light-emitting element column arranged alternately along the row direction; The first column of light-emitting elements includes first-color light-emitting elements and second-color light-emitting elements arranged alternately along the column direction; The second column of light-emitting elements includes the third color light-emitting elements arranged along the column direction; In the display area, the support pillar is located between the adjacent rows of light-emitting elements; In the row direction, the first support column overlaps with two of the first color light-emitting element, the second color light-emitting element, and the third color light-emitting element; In the row direction, the second support column overlaps only with one of the first color light-emitting element, the second color light-emitting element, and the third color light-emitting element.

26. The display panel according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first support column includes a first position support column and / or a second position support column; In the row direction, the first position support post overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the first color light-emitting element, and the first position support post overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the third color light-emitting element; In the row direction, the second position support post overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the second color light-emitting element, and the first position support post overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the third color light-emitting element; The second support column includes a third position support column, a fourth position support column, and / or a fifth position support column; In the row direction, the third position support column overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the third color light-emitting element; In the row direction, the fourth position support post overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the first color light-emitting element; In the row direction, the fifth position support column overlaps with the pixel opening corresponding to the second color light-emitting element.

27. The display panel according to claim 23, characterized in that, The display area includes multiple light-emitting elements arranged in an array; The plurality of light-emitting elements include a first color light-emitting element, a second color light-emitting element, and a third color light-emitting element; A plurality of first color light-emitting elements and third color light-emitting elements constitute a first virtual quadrilateral. The first color light-emitting elements are located at the first vertex of the first virtual quadrilateral, and the third color light-emitting elements are located at the second vertex of the first virtual quadrilateral. The first vertex and the second vertex are alternate and spaced apart, and the second color light-emitting elements are located inside the first virtual quadrilateral. Multiple second-color light-emitting elements form a second virtual quadrilateral, with each of the multiple second-color light-emitting elements located at a vertex of the second virtual quadrilateral, and the first-color light-emitting element or the third-color light-emitting element located inside the second virtual quadrilateral; In a direction parallel to the plane of the display panel, the first support post is located between adjacent first color light-emitting elements and second color light-emitting elements, and / or, the first support post is located between adjacent second color light-emitting elements and third color light-emitting elements; In a direction parallel to the plane of the display panel, the second support column is located between adjacent first color light-emitting elements and third color light-emitting elements, and / or, the second support column is located between adjacent second color light-emitting elements.

28. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The support pillar includes a first support layer and a second support layer sequentially stacked on one side of the substrate. The vertical projection of the first support layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the second support layer on the substrate; Along a direction parallel to the plane where the substrate is located, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer of the first support pillar and the boundary of the second support layer is L7; Along a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate, the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer and the boundary of the second support layer of the second support pillar is L8; L7 < L8.

29. The display panel according to claim 28, characterized in that, The transition area includes a first transition area and a second transition area disposed around the main display area. The second transition area is located on the side of the first transition area away from the main display area. The minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer of the second support pillar and the boundary of the second support layer in the second transition area in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate is greater than the minimum distance between the boundary of the first support layer of the second support pillar and the boundary of the second support layer in the first transition area in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate.

30. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a pixel definition layer, and the support pillar is located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate; the vertical projection of the pixel definition layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the support pillar on the substrate. The gap region includes a first gap region and a second gap region arranged along the direction from the main display area to the encapsulation area; the pixel definition layer in the second gap region includes a cathode connection opening; The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the first gap area.

31. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, include: A substrate is provided, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the non-display area including an encapsulation area disposed around the display area and a gap area located between the display area and the encapsulation area; Multiple support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate. An encapsulation structure is formed on one side of the substrate. A cover plate is provided and disposed opposite to the substrate, such that the support pillar and the packaging structure are located between the substrate and the cover plate; The display area includes a main display area and an edge display area surrounding the main display area; a portion of the gap area adjacent to the edge display area and the edge display area together form a transition area. In the main display area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A1, the height of the support pillars is H1, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S1; in the transition area, the distribution density of the support pillars is A2, the height of the support pillars is H2, and the area of ​​the vertical projection of the support pillars on the substrate is S2; A1×H1×S1>A2×H2×S2.

32. The preparation method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; A plurality of support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: An insulating material layer is formed on one side of the substrate. The insulating material layer is exposed and developed using a first multi-tone mask to form a pixel definition layer and the support pillars located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The pixel definition layer includes a plurality of pixel openings. The first multi-tone mask includes a first exposure section, a second exposure section corresponding to the pixel opening, and a first light-shielding section corresponding to the support column. The light transmittance of the second exposure section is greater than that of the first exposure section, and the light transmittance of the first exposure section is greater than that of the first light-shielding section. In the first multi-tone mask corresponding to the main display area, the minimum distance between the first light-blocking part and the second exposure part is L1; In the first multi-tone mask corresponding to the transition region, the minimum distance between the first light-shielding part and the second exposure part is L0; L1 < L0.

33. The preparation method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The support column includes a first support column and a second support column; the height of the first support column is greater than the height of the second support column. The transition area includes a non-display transition area, which is located within the gap area; A plurality of support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: An insulating material layer is formed on one side of the substrate. The insulating material layer is exposed and developed using a second multi-tone mask to form a pixel definition layer and the support pillars located on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The pixel definition layer includes a plurality of pixel openings. The second multi-tone mask includes a first exposure section, a second exposure section corresponding to the pixel opening, and a first light-shielding section corresponding to the support column. The light transmittance of the second exposure section is greater than that of the first exposure section, and the light transmittance of the first exposure section is greater than that of the first light-shielding section. The first light-shielding section includes a first sub-light-shielding section corresponding to the first support column and a second sub-light-shielding section corresponding to the second support column. In the second multi-tone mask corresponding to the display area, the minimum distance between the first sub-shading part and the second exposure part is smaller than the minimum distance between the second sub-shading part and the second exposure part; The minimum spacing between adjacent second sub-shading portions in the second multi-tone mask corresponding to the non-display transition area is greater than the minimum spacing between the second sub-shading portion and the second exposure portion in the second multi-tone mask corresponding to the display area.

34. The preparation method according to claim 31, characterized in that, A plurality of support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: A pixel definition layer is formed on one side of the substrate. A support pillar material layer is formed on the side of the pixel definition layer opposite to the substrate. The support pillar material layer is exposed and developed using a third multi-tone mask to form the support pillar. The support pillar includes a first support layer and a second support layer stacked sequentially on one side of the substrate. The vertical projection of the first support layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the second support layer on the substrate. The third multi-tone mask includes a third exposure section, a fourth exposure section corresponding to the first support layer, and a second light-shielding section corresponding to the second support layer. The light transmittance of the third exposure section is greater than that of the fourth exposure section, and the light transmittance of the fourth exposure section is greater than that of the second light-shielding section. In the third multi-tone mask corresponding to the main display area, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L5; In the third multi-tone mask corresponding to the transition region, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure section and the outer contour of the second light-shielding section is L6. L5 < L6.

35. The preparation method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The support column includes a first support column and a second support column; the height of the first support column is greater than the height of the second support column. A plurality of support pillars are formed on one side of the substrate, including: A pixel definition layer is formed on one side of the substrate. A support pillar material layer is formed on the side of the pixel definition layer opposite to the substrate. The support pillar material layer is exposed and developed using a fourth multi-tone mask to form the support pillar. The support pillar includes a first support layer and a second support layer stacked sequentially on one side of the substrate. The vertical projection of the first support layer on the substrate covers the vertical projection of the second support layer on the substrate. The fourth multi-tone mask includes a third exposure section, a fourth exposure section corresponding to the first support layer, and a second light-shielding section corresponding to the second support layer. The light transmittance of the third exposure section is greater than that of the fourth exposure section, and the light transmittance of the fourth exposure section is greater than that of the second light-shielding section. In the fourth multi-tone mask corresponding to the first support column, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L7. In the fourth multi-tone mask corresponding to the second support column, the minimum distance between the outer contour of the fourth exposure part and the outer contour of the second light-shielding part is L8. L7 < L8.

36. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-30.

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