Pixel structure, display panel and mask plate

Abstract

The application relates to a pixel structure, a display panel and a mask plate. The pixel structure comprises a plurality of pixel groups, and the plurality of pixel groups are arranged in an array. Each pixel group comprises a first pixel subgroup, a second pixel subgroup and a third pixel subgroup. The first pixel subgroup, the second pixel subgroup and the third pixel subgroup each comprise a first sub-pixel group, a second sub-pixel group and a third sub-pixel group. The first sub-pixel group, the second sub-pixel group and the third sub-pixel group are three sub-pixel groups of different colors, and each sub-pixel group comprises four sub-pixels of the same color. In the application, each pixel group comprises three sub-pixel groups of different colors arranged in sequence along a first direction. Each pixel subgroup comprises three sub-pixel groups of different colors arranged along a second direction. Each sub-pixel group comprises four sub-pixels of the same color. The arrangement can reduce the number of mask plate openings, reduce the process complexity, and improve the resolution and display quality.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology has become the mainstream solution for high-end display devices due to its self-emissive nature, high contrast, wide viewing angle, and flexible display potential. With the increasing demand for resolution in smartphones, AR / VR devices, and ultra-high-definition televisions, the required pixel density (PPI) has exceeded 500 PPI, posing a significant challenge to OLED manufacturing processes.

[0003] Currently, the fabrication of OLED emissive layers mainly relies on fine metal mask (FMM) evaporation technology. In traditional techniques, each sub-pixel (such as red, green, and blue) requires an independent mask opening, and a color pixel array is formed through multiple aligned evaporation processes. However, with the increase in pixel density, the size of the mask openings has drastically decreased, leading to the following problems: the mask fabrication is difficult, and the fabrication of micron-level openings can easily cause breakage or deformation of the mask connecting bridges, resulting in a reduced yield. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to address the problem that in traditional technologies, each sub-pixel (such as red, green, and blue) requires an independent mask opening, and a color pixel array is formed through multiple alignment vapor depositions. As pixel density increases, the mask opening size shrinks drastically, leading to high mask processing difficulty. Therefore, a pixel structure, display panel, and mask should be provided.

[0005] This application embodiment first provides a pixel structure, which includes multiple large pixel groups, and the multiple large pixel groups are arranged in an array;

[0006] Each pixel group includes a first pixel group, a second pixel group, and a third pixel group. The first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The end face of any one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group intersects the first direction along a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0007] The first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group each include a first sub-pixel group, a second sub-pixel group, and a third sub-pixel group. The first sub-pixel group, the second sub-pixel group, and the third sub-pixel group are three sub-pixel groups of different colors, and each sub-pixel group includes four sub-pixels of the same color. In any two adjacent pixel groups within the same pixel group, one sub-pixel group in one pixel group is arranged adjacent to two sub-pixel groups in the other pixel group, and the three adjacent sub-pixel groups are of different colors.

[0008] Each of the aforementioned large pixel groups comprises three sequentially arranged sub-pixel groups of different colors along the first direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, in each of the pixel groups, the three sub-pixel groups of different colors in the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group are arranged in different orders along the second direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, a direction parallel to the end face of the pixel group along the second direction is defined as a third direction, which intersects the first direction and the second direction respectively;

[0011] The four sub-pixels of the same color in each sub-pixel group are arranged in pairs in the second direction and the third direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the four sub-pixels of the same color in each sub-pixel group have the same shape and size;

[0013] In any two adjacent pixel subgroups within the same pixel group, the boundary line between the first color sub-pixel group in one pixel subgroup and the second color sub-pixel group and the third color sub-pixel group in the other pixel group coincides with the midline in the third direction.

[0014] Optionally, in any two adjacent pixel subgroups within the same pixel group, the boundary line between the first color sub-pixel group in one pixel group and the second and third color sub-pixel groups in the other pixel group has a preset spacing on the midline of the third direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the pixel groups is divided into at least one pixel unit, and each pixel unit includes three sub-pixels of different colors;

[0016] Optionally, in at least one of the pixel groups, the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group each have three sub-pixels of different colors at one end along the second direction, and the three sub-pixels constitute a pixel unit;

[0017] Optionally, within the same pixel group, no sub-pixels are shared among the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group;

[0018] Optionally, within the same pixel group, at least one sub-pixel of at least one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group is shared to form a corresponding pixel unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, a portion of the formed pixel units are used to implement left-eye display, and another portion of the pixel units are used to implement right-eye display.

[0020] In one embodiment, the shape of any one of the sub-pixel groups is rhomboid, and the shape of any one of the sub-pixel groups is the same as the shape of the sub-pixel groups.

[0021] The angle between the end face of any one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group along the second direction and the first direction is 20°-80°.

[0022] Optionally, the angle between the end face of any one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group along the second direction and the first direction is 30°-60°.

[0023] In one embodiment, the four sub-pixels in each sub-pixel group are separated by a first pixel delimiting layer; adjacent sub-pixel groups are separated by a second pixel delimiting layer, the thickness of the second pixel delimiting layer being greater than the thickness of the first pixel delimiting layer.

[0024] This application also provides a display panel including the pixel structure described in the above embodiments.

[0025] This application embodiment also provides a mask, the mask including a body, the body having a plurality of vapor deposition openings, each of the vapor deposition openings corresponding to the sub-pixel group in the above embodiment.

[0026] The aforementioned pixel structure, display panel, and photomask, by arranging large pixel groups as the smallest repeating unit, can accommodate more large pixel groups within the same display area compared to the traditional structure where each subpixel is independently set and arranged in a relatively simple manner. This increases the number of subpixels and effectively improves pixel density. Each large pixel group includes three sequentially arranged sub-pixel groups of different colors along a first direction. In any two adjacent sub-pixel groups within the same large pixel group, one sub-pixel group from one sub-pixel group is adjacent to two sub-pixel groups from the other sub-pixel group, and the three adjacent sub-pixel groups are of different colors. This unique adjacent arrangement allows for better mixing of light emitted from sub-pixel groups of different colors. Furthermore, each sub-pixel group includes three sub-pixel groups of different colors arranged along a second direction, and each sub-pixel group includes four subpixels of the same color. This arrangement reduces the number of photomask openings, lowers process complexity, and also improves resolution and display quality. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of pixel structures (pixel groups) according to some embodiments of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of pixel groups (pixel subgroups) according to some embodiments of this application.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of pixel groups (sub-pixel groups) according to some embodiments of this application.

[0030] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of pixel units in a pixel structure provided according to some embodiments of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram showing the arrangement of pixel units in a pixel structure provided according to some embodiments of this application.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photomask provided according to some embodiments of this application.

[0033] Icon labels:

[0034] 100, Large pixel group; 110, First pixel subgroup; 120, Second pixel subgroup; 130, Third pixel subgroup; 140, First subpixel group; 150, Second subpixel group; 160, Third subpixel group; 200, Pixel unit;

[0035] 300, Body; 310, Evaporation opening. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0038] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0041] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0042] As mentioned in the background section, each sub-pixel (e.g., red, green, blue) requires an independent mask opening, and a color pixel array is formed through multiple aligned vapor deposition processes. However, with the increase in pixel density, the mask opening size has drastically decreased, leading to the following problems: increased mask fabrication difficulty, and the fabrication of micron-level openings can easily cause breakage or deformation of the mask connecting bridges, resulting in reduced yield. Of course, this also includes at least one of the following problems: risk of vapor deposition color mixing: the reduced spacing between adjacent sub-pixels makes it easy for vapor deposition material to diffuse into non-target areas, causing color crosstalk; low aperture ratio: the increased black matrix (BM) area for isolating sub-pixels reduces the effective light-emitting area, affecting brightness and energy efficiency.

[0043] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a pixel structure, a display panel, and a photomask. By arranging a large pixel group array as the smallest repeating unit, compared to the traditional structure where each sub-pixel is independently set and arranged in a relatively simple manner, more large pixel groups can be accommodated within the same display area, thereby increasing the number of sub-pixels and effectively improving pixel density. Each large pixel group includes three sequentially arranged sub-pixel groups of different colors along a first direction. In any two adjacent sub-pixel groups within the same large pixel group, one sub-pixel group in one sub-pixel group is adjacent to two sub-pixel groups in the other sub-pixel group, and the three adjacent sub-pixel groups are of different colors. This unique adjacent arrangement allows for better mixing of light emitted from sub-pixel groups of different colors. Furthermore, each pixel group includes three sub-pixel groups of different colors arranged along a second direction, and each sub-pixel group includes four sub-pixels of the same color. This arrangement reduces the number of openings in the photomask, lowers process complexity, and also improves resolution and display quality.

[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of pixel structures (pixel groups) according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of pixel groups (pixel subgroups) according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of pixel groups (sub-pixel groups) according to some embodiments of this application. One embodiment of this application first provides a pixel structure that may include multiple large pixel groups 100, and the multiple large pixel groups 100 are arranged in an array.

[0045] Each pixel group 100 includes a first pixel group 110, a second pixel group 120, and a third pixel group 130. The first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120, and the third pixel group 130 are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Any one of the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120, and the third pixel group 130 intersects the first direction along its end face in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0046] The first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120, and the third pixel group 130 each include a first sub-pixel group 140, a second sub-pixel group 150, and a third sub-pixel group 160. The first sub-pixel group 140, the second sub-pixel group 150, and the third sub-pixel group 160 are three sub-pixel groups of different colors, and each sub-pixel group includes four sub-pixels of the same color. In any two adjacent pixel groups of the same pixel group 100, one sub-pixel group in one pixel group is arranged adjacent to two sub-pixel groups in the other pixel group, and the three adjacent sub-pixel groups are of different colors. Each pixel group 100 includes three sequentially arranged sub-pixel groups of different colors along the first direction.

[0047] It is understood that in this embodiment, the pixel group 100 is the smallest repeating unit, consisting of three pixel subgroups arranged sequentially along a first direction (e.g., the row direction) (defined as the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120, and the third pixel group 130, respectively). Each pixel group contains three sub-pixel groups of different colors (e.g., RGB) (defined as the first sub-pixel group 140, the second sub-pixel group 150, and the third sub-pixel group 160). Its working principle is to control the light emission state of each sub-pixel in each sub-pixel group to combine and form different color mixing effects. For example, when the light emission intensity of the sub-pixels in the red sub-pixel group is high, while the light emission intensity of the sub-pixels in the green and blue sub-pixel groups is low, the pixel group as a whole presents a color biased towards red.

[0048] In this arrangement, three pixel groups are arranged consecutively along the row direction, and the side of each pixel group along the second direction (column direction) is perpendicular to the row direction.

[0049] As the basic light-emitting unit of the pixel structure, each subpixel group in this pixel structure contains four subpixels of the same color. The working principle of subpixels is based on organic electroluminescence. When an appropriate voltage is applied across the electrodes of a subpixel, charge carriers (electrons and holes) in the organic light-emitting material recombine and release energy, thereby producing light of a specific color. Different colored subpixels (such as red (R), green (G), and blue (B)) are achieved by using different organic light-emitting materials. The specific light-emitting principle can be understood by referring to relevant technologies, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0050] It should be noted that within the same large pixel group 100, the color order of the sub-pixel groups in each pixel subgroup is different. For example, in the second direction from top to bottom, the first pixel group 110 includes three sub-pixel groups arranged in B, G, and R; the second pixel group 120 includes three sub-pixel groups arranged in G, R, and B; and the third pixel group 130 includes three sub-pixel groups arranged in R, B, and G.

[0051] Since the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120, and the third pixel group 130 intersect the first direction at their end faces (two opposite end faces) in the second direction, that is, each pixel group is inclined at its end face in the second direction. Since the extension direction of the side of each pixel group is consistent with the second direction, it means that the shape of the pixel group is not rectangular. For ease of arrangement, the three sub-pixel groups constituting the pixel group are designed as rhombuses in this example. More specifically, one side of the sub-pixel group extends along the second direction, and the side adjacent to this side has an acute angle with the first direction. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the adjacent side can be defined as a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0052] Based on the third direction setting, it can be understood that each sub-pixel group includes four sub-pixels of the same color, and the four sub-pixels are arranged in a 2×2 array along the second and third directions. That is, the midpoints of the four sides of the rhombus are selected, and the midpoints of any two opposite midpoints are connected to divide the rhombus sub-pixel group into four sub-pixels.

[0053] Within the same pixel group 100, between two adjacent pixel groups, a single sub-pixel group of one pixel group must be adjacent to two sub-pixel groups of the other pixel group, and all three must be of different colors. For example, the B sub-pixel group of the first pixel group 110 is adjacent to the G and R sub-pixel groups of the second pixel group 120; the color arrangement follows the RBG alternation rule to avoid adjacent sub-pixel groups of the same color.

[0054] Based on the shape and arrangement of the sub-pixel groups, each sub-pixel group corresponds to a mask opening, allowing material deposition of four sub-pixels of the same color to be completed in a single alignment during evaporation. Furthermore, an inverted trapezoidal pixel delimiter (PDL) can be set at the edge of each sub-pixel group, creating a gradient height through photolithography to limit the lateral diffusion of the evaporated material. Of course, the substrate is tilted at 10° during evaporation to further reduce the risk of color mixing between adjacent sub-pixels using a shading effect.

[0055] In one example, in the arrangement of RGB pixel groups 100, along the second direction from top to bottom, the first pixel group 110 includes three sub-pixel groups arranged in the order of B sub-pixel group (2×2 array), G sub-pixel group, and R sub-pixel group; the second pixel group 120 includes three sub-pixel groups arranged in the order of G sub-pixel group, R sub-pixel group, and B sub-pixel group; and the third pixel group 130 includes three sub-pixel groups arranged in the order of R sub-pixel group, B sub-pixel group, and G sub-pixel group.

[0056] Based on this, the mask design can be such that each mask opening corresponds to a 2×2 area of ​​a sub-pixel group, and the specific size can be set according to the actual situation, without any restrictions here.

[0057] More specifically, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 includes four B sub-pixels of the same color, the G sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120 includes four G sub-pixels of the same color, and the R sub-pixel group includes four R sub-pixels of the same color. A pixel unit 200 includes one B sub-pixel in the first pixel group 110, one G sub-pixel in the second pixel group 120, and one R sub-pixel, and the three sub-pixels are arranged adjacent to each other, that is, in a similar L-shape.

[0058] According to the above arrangement principle, the pixels at the edge of a large pixel group 100 located at the edge of the screen cannot form the aforementioned L-shaped pixel unit 200. However, due to the special design in this embodiment, a pixel unit 200 (RGB arranged along the first direction) can be formed by a G sub-pixel in the first pixel group 110, a G sub-pixel in the second pixel group 120, and an R sub-pixel in the third pixel group 130 located at one end along the second direction, thereby improving the display quality at the edge of the screen.

[0059] Similarly, the two B sub-pixels, two G sub-pixels, and two R sub-pixels in the first pixel located at one end along the first direction can form a pixel unit 200 (RGB arranged along the second direction), which can also improve the display quality at the edge of the screen.

[0060] This pixel structure increases the number of pixels within a limited space by grouping subpixels and rationally designing the arrangement of pixel groups and pixel clusters (100 pixels per group). This increases the pixel density.

[0061] The pixel structure provided in this application, by arranging pixel groups 100 as the smallest repeating unit in an array, can accommodate more pixel groups 100 within the same display area compared to the traditional structure where each sub-pixel is independently set and the arrangement is relatively simple. This increases the number of sub-pixels and effectively improves pixel density. Each pixel group 100 includes three sequentially arranged subgroups of pixels of different colors along a first direction. In any two adjacent subgroups within the same pixel group 100, one sub-pixel group in one subgroup is adjacent to two sub-pixel groups in the other subgroup, and the three adjacent sub-pixel groups are of different colors. This unique adjacent arrangement allows for better mixing of light emitted from sub-pixel groups of different colors. In addition, each pixel group includes three sub-pixel groups of different colors arranged along a second direction, and each sub-pixel group includes four sub-pixels of the same color. This arrangement can reduce the number of mask openings, reduce process complexity, and also improve resolution and display quality.

[0062] Below, we will combine the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 5 Specific examples of pixel structures provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, in each pixel group 100, the three sub-pixel groups of different colors in the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120 and the third pixel group 130 are arranged in different orders along the second direction.

[0064] It is understandable that within each large pixel group 100, the sub-pixel colors of the three sub-pixel groups (first pixel group 110, second pixel group 120, and third pixel group 130) are arranged in different orders along the second direction (column direction). Specifically, the first pixel group 110 is arranged from top to bottom along the second direction (column direction) as B sub-pixel groups (2×2), G sub-pixel groups (2×2), and R sub-pixel groups (2×2); the second pixel group 120 is arranged as G sub-pixel groups (2×2), R sub-pixel groups (2×2), and B sub-pixel groups (2×2); and the third pixel group 130 is arranged as R sub-pixel groups (2×2), B sub-pixel groups (2×2), and G sub-pixel groups (2×2). It should be noted that this arrangement satisfies the requirement of different orders, and the sub-pixel colors of adjacent pixel groups follow a cyclical alternation of RBG, GRB, and BGR.

[0065] By using differentiated color sequences, the same color sequence is avoided in adjacent pixel groups of 100 along the column direction, thus breaking the regularity of the traditional RGB stripe arrangement and reducing the generation of moiré fringes. The alternating color arrangement makes the color gamut distribution perceived by the human eye more uniform and reduces color difference; the reusability of the mask is enhanced, and different color sequences can be arranged by rotating or translating the same mask template, which greatly reduces the design cost of the mask.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the direction parallel to the end face of the pixel group along the second direction is defined as the third direction, which intersects the first direction and the second direction respectively; the four sub-pixels of the same color in each sub-pixel group are arranged in pairs in the second direction and the third direction.

[0067] It is understandable that a third direction is defined as being parallel to the end face of the pixel group along the second direction and forming an angle of, for example, 45° with the first direction, such as the tilted side direction of the rhomboid sub-pixel group in Figure X.

[0068] The four subpixels of the same color in each subpixel group are arranged in a 2×2 array along the second and third directions. For example, a subpixel group is defined with subpixel 1, subpixel 2, subpixel 3, and subpixel 4 at the top left, top right, bottom right, and bottom left corners, respectively. Subpixel 1 and subpixel 4 are arranged along the second direction, and subpixel 2 and subpixel 3 are arranged along the second direction. Subpixel 1 and subpixel 2 are arranged along the third direction, and subpixel 3 and subpixel 4 are arranged along the third direction to form a diamond grid layout.

[0069] In this embodiment, the diagonal arrangement significantly increases the effective pixel density (PPI). In addition, the diagonal length of the diamond-shaped opening is greater than that of the traditional rectangular opening, and the width of the connecting bridge (the mask metal structure between adjacent openings) is increased, thereby improving the bending strength, which is especially suitable for flexible OLED panels.

[0070] In some embodiments, the four subpixels of the same color in each subpixel group have the same shape and size; in any two adjacent subpixel groups of the same pixel group 100, the midline of the first color subpixel group in one pixel group in the third direction coincides with the boundary line between the second color subpixel group and the third color subpixel group in the other pixel group.

[0071] Understandably, the rule for dividing the four sub-pixels in each rhombus sub-pixel group is to determine the midpoint of each side of the rhombus and connect the opposite midpoints to divide the rhombus into four sub-rhombuses. The four sub-rhombuses correspond to the shape and size of the sub-pixels. Since the interior angles of the rhombus are uncertain, there are three possibilities for the boundary between the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 and the G and R sub-pixel groups in the second pixel group 120 in any two adjacent pixel groups within the same large pixel group 100.

[0072] In scenario one, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 has its center line in the third direction coincide with the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. In this case, the angle between the center line and the first direction is 30°.

[0073] In some embodiments, in any two adjacent pixel groups of the same pixel group 100, the boundary line between the midline of the first color sub-pixel group in one pixel group and the boundary line between the second color sub-pixel group and the third color sub-pixel group in the other pixel group has a preset spacing.

[0074] In the second scenario, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 has a positive spacing between its center line in the third direction and the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. The positive spacing can be understood as the center line being above the boundary line along the second direction. In this case, the angle between the center line and the first direction can be between 20° and 30°.

[0075] In the second scenario, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 has a positive spacing between its center line in the third direction and the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. The positive spacing can be understood as the center line being located below the boundary line along the second direction. In this case, the angle between the center line and the first direction can be between 30° and 50°.

[0076] In this embodiment, aligning the center line with the boundary line helps to make the RGB sub-pixels in a pixel unit 200 more compact, thereby improving the display accuracy of the pixel unit 200.

[0077] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of pixel units in a pixel structure provided according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram showing the arrangement of pixel units in a pixel structure according to some embodiments of this application. In some embodiments, each pixel group 100 is divided into at least one pixel unit 200, and each pixel unit 200 includes three sub-pixels of different colors.

[0078] It is understandable that each large group of pixels 100 can be divided into multiple pixel units 200, each unit containing three color sub-pixels (such as one each of B, G, and R), forming an L-shape. The specific division method is either no sub-pixel sharing or sub-pixel sharing.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, in at least one pixel group 100, the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120 and the third pixel group 130 each have three sub-pixels of different colors at one end along the second direction, and the three sub-pixels constitute a pixel unit 200.

[0080] Specifically, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 includes four B sub-pixels of the same color, the G sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120 includes four G sub-pixels of the same color, and the R sub-pixel group includes four R sub-pixels of the same color. A pixel unit 200 includes one B sub-pixel in the first pixel group 110, one G sub-pixel in the second pixel group 120, and one R sub-pixel. The three sub-pixels, namely the B sub-pixel, the G sub-pixel, and the R sub-pixel, are arranged adjacent to each other, that is, in a similar L-shape.

[0081] According to the above arrangement principle, the pixels at the edge of a large pixel group 100 located at the edge of the screen cannot form the aforementioned L-shaped pixel unit 200. However, due to the special design in this embodiment, a pixel unit 200 (RGB arranged along the first direction) can be formed by a G sub-pixel in the first pixel group 110, a G sub-pixel in the second pixel group 120, and an R sub-pixel in the third pixel group 130 located at one end along the second direction, thereby improving the display quality at the edge of the screen.

[0082] Similarly, the two B sub-pixels, two G sub-pixels, and two R sub-pixels in the first pixel located at one end along the first direction can form a pixel unit 200 (RGB arranged along the second direction), which can also improve the display quality at the edge of the screen.

[0083] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, within the same pixel group 100, no sub-pixels are shared among the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120, and the third pixel group 130. Specifically, corresponding to the above-mentioned sub-pixel-free mode, each pixel unit 200 independently uses three sub-pixels.

[0084] In some embodiments, in the same pixel group 100, at least one sub-pixel of at least one of the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120 and the third pixel group 130 is shared to form a corresponding pixel unit 200.

[0085] Specifically, corresponding to the above subpixel sharing method, adjacent pixel units 200 share a single R subpixel, which is beneficial for improving resolution compared to the above non-shared subpixel method; specifically, the shared subpixel balances the brightness loss through a dynamic brightness compensation algorithm (such as subpixel rendering SPR) to ensure display consistency.

[0086] This embodiment improves the brightness uniformity of edge pixel units 200 by flexibly adapting the resolution, that is, selecting the sharing mode according to the needs; and by optimizing the edge display.

[0087] In some embodiments, in the formed pixel units 200, a portion of the pixel units 200 are used to implement the left eye display, and another portion of the pixel units 200 are used to implement the right eye display.

[0088] Understandably, this setup is beneficial for 3D display implementation. For example, through time-sharing drive: odd-numbered column pixel units 200 display the left-eye image at a certain refresh rate, while even-numbered columns display the right-eye image at the same frequency.

[0089] Alternatively, the display of pixel units 200 can be allocated, with the left-eye pixel unit 200 comprising a sub-pixel group of the first pixel group 110 and a sub-pixel group of the second pixel group 120 (corresponding to the parallax shift in the left-eye view). The right-eye pixel unit 200 comprises a sub-pixel group of the second pixel group 120 and a sub-pixel group of the third pixel group 130 (corresponding to the parallax shift in the right-eye view). Of course, a cylindrical lens array can also be used to direct the light from the left and right-eye pixel units 200 to the left and right eyes respectively, achieving binocular parallax.

[0090] In this embodiment, no additional sub-pixels are required; 3D functionality can be achieved by dividing the existing pixel group of 100 units. Compared to traditional 3D display solutions (which require an increase of 25% in sub-pixels), resolution loss is significantly reduced, and 3D image clarity is improved. Furthermore, the spatial spacing between the sub-pixels of the left and right eye pixel units 200, combined with the precise beam splitting of the cylindrical lenses, effectively suppresses crosstalk, preventing dizziness during extended viewing.

[0091] In some embodiments, the shape of any sub-pixel group is rhomboid, and the shape of any sub-pixel is the same as the shape of the sub-pixel group; the angle between the end face of any of the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120 and the third pixel group 130 along the second direction and the first direction is 20°-80°.

[0092] It is understood that each pixel group has an angle between its end face along the second direction and the first direction. That is, one side of the rhomboid pixel group extends along the second direction, while the other adjacent side has an angle with the first direction. The setting of this angle is related to the compactness of adjacent sub-pixels in a pixel unit 200.

[0093] Specifically, the rule for dividing the four sub-pixels in each rhombus sub-pixel group is as follows: determine the midpoint of each side of the rhombus, and connect the opposite midpoints to divide the rhombus into four sub-rhombuses. The four sub-rhombuses correspond to the shape and size of the sub-pixels. Since the interior angles of the rhombus are uncertain, there are three possible scenarios for the boundary between the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 and the G and R sub-pixel groups in the second pixel group 120 in any two adjacent pixel groups within the same large pixel group 100.

[0094] In scenario one, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 has its center line in the third direction coincide with the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. In this case, the angle between the center line and the first direction is 30°.

[0095] In the second scenario, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 has a positive spacing between its center line in the third direction and the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. The positive spacing can be understood as the center line being above the boundary line along the second direction. In this case, the angle between the center line and the first direction can be between 20° and 30°.

[0096] In the second scenario, the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 has a positive spacing between its center line in the third direction and the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. The positive spacing can be understood as the center line being located below the boundary line along the second direction. In this case, the angle between the center line and the first direction can be between 30° and 80°.

[0097] In some embodiments, the angle between the end face of any one of the first pixel group 110, the second pixel group 120 and the third pixel group 130 along the second direction and the first direction is 30°-60°.

[0098] Specifically, as in Case 1 above, if the angle between the end face of each pixel group along the second direction and the first direction is 30°, then the center line of the B sub-pixel group in the first pixel group 110 in the third direction will coincide with the boundary line between the G sub-pixel group and the R sub-pixel group in the second pixel group 120. This is beneficial to improving the compactness of the RGB sub-pixels in the pixel unit 200 and improving the display effect.

[0099] In some embodiments, the four subpixels in each subpixel group are separated by a first pixel delimiting layer; adjacent subpixel groups are separated by a second pixel delimiting layer, the thickness of the second pixel delimiting layer being greater than the thickness of the first pixel delimiting layer.

[0100] It is understandable that the thickness of the first delimiting layer between subpixels is less than the thickness of the second delimiting layer between subpixel groups. The first delimiting layer is used to isolate four subpixels within the same subpixel group; the second delimiting layer isolates different subpixel groups.

[0101] A thick second boundary layer blocks the diffusion of cross-group materials, and the inverted trapezoidal structure is formed by photolithography to guide the precise deposition of vapor-deposited materials.

[0102] In this embodiment, the setting of the first and second defining layers can effectively suppress color mixing and improve the aperture ratio.

[0103] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a display panel, which may include the pixel structure in the above embodiments.

[0104] Understandably, a display panel comprises a substrate, a light-emitting layer, and an encapsulation layer. The substrate can be a flexible PI substrate or a rigid glass substrate. The bottom layer integrates a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT driving circuit. The light-emitting layer sequentially comprises a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and a cathode. The encapsulation layer uses three layers, such as an organic layer, an inorganic layer, and an organic layer, to reduce water vapor permeability.

[0105] The pixel structure is bonded to the touch layer (such as capacitive touch electrodes), supporting high refresh rates. The driver IC uses COF (Chip-on-Film) packaging, which improves wiring density.

[0106] Compared to traditional panels, the display panel provided in this embodiment can achieve high resolution and is suitable for foldable screen devices.

[0107] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a photomask, such as... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mask provided according to some embodiments of this application. The mask includes a body 300, which has a plurality of vapor deposition openings 310, each vapor deposition opening 310 corresponding to a sub-pixel group in the above embodiments.

[0108] Understandably, the body 300 can be made of stainless steel, and the opening area is formed using laser cutting and electroforming processes. Each vapor-deposited opening 310 is sized to match a sub-pixel group, such as a diamond-shaped opening. Cross alignment marks can be set at the four corners of the mask.

[0109] Three-stage vapor deposition (R / G / B) can be used. Before each vapor deposition, the distance between the mask and the substrate is controlled to be as small as possible by a vacuum adsorption device, and the uniformity of material adhesion is improved by heating the substrate.

[0110] The mask design in this embodiment reduces the number of openings and significantly shortens the manufacturing cycle, which helps improve the yield rate and reduce the breakage rate of connecting bridges. A single opening covers four sub-pixels, reducing the number of alignment steps and saving alignment time.

[0111] This application solves the problems of fabrication difficulty and display performance at high resolution by designing pixel structures and corresponding photomasks, and by optimizing geometric structures, and can be applied to 3D display, flexible display and other application scenarios.

[0112] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0113] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pixel structure, characterized in that, The pixel structure includes multiple large pixel groups, and the multiple large pixel groups are arranged in an array. Each pixel group includes a first pixel group, a second pixel group, and a third pixel group. The first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group are arranged sequentially along a first direction. The end face of any one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group intersects the first direction along a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group each include a first sub-pixel group, a second sub-pixel group, and a third sub-pixel group. The first sub-pixel group, the second sub-pixel group, and the third sub-pixel group are three sub-pixel groups of different colors, and each sub-pixel group includes four sub-pixels of the same color. In any two adjacent pixel groups within the same pixel group, one sub-pixel group in one pixel group is arranged adjacent to two sub-pixel groups in the other pixel group, and the three adjacent sub-pixel groups are of different colors. Each of the aforementioned large pixel groups comprises three sequentially arranged sub-pixel groups of different colors along the first direction.

2. The pixel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, In each of the pixel groups, the three sub-pixel groups of different colors in the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group are arranged in different orders along the second direction.

3. The pixel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third direction is defined as the direction parallel to the end face of the pixel group along the second direction, and the third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction respectively; The four sub-pixels of the same color in each sub-pixel group are arranged in pairs in the second direction and the third direction.

4. The pixel structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The four sub-pixels with the same color in each sub-pixel group have the same shape and size; In any two adjacent pixel subgroups within the same pixel group, the boundary line between the first color sub-pixel group in one pixel subgroup and the second color sub-pixel group and the third color sub-pixel group in the other pixel group coincides with the midline in the third direction. Optionally, in any two adjacent pixel subgroups within the same pixel group, the boundary line between the first color sub-pixel group in one pixel group and the second and third color sub-pixel groups in the other pixel group has a preset spacing on the midline of the third direction.

5. The pixel structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned pixel groups is divided into at least one pixel unit, and each pixel unit includes three sub-pixels of different colors; Optionally, in at least one of the pixel groups, the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group each have three sub-pixels of different colors at one end along the second direction, and the three sub-pixels constitute a pixel unit; Optionally, within the same pixel group, no sub-pixels are shared among the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group; Optionally, within the same pixel group, at least one sub-pixel of at least one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group is shared to form a corresponding pixel unit.

6. The pixel structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the formed pixel units, a portion of the pixel units are used to realize the display for the left eye, and another portion of the pixel units are used to realize the display for the right eye.

7. The pixel structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The shape of any one of the sub-pixel groups is rhomboid, and the shape of any one of the sub-pixel groups is the same as the shape of the sub-pixel group. The angle between the end face of any one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group along the second direction and the first direction is 20°-80°. Optionally, the angle between the end face of any one of the first pixel group, the second pixel group, and the third pixel group along the second direction and the first direction is 30°-60°.

8. The pixel structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The four sub-pixels in each sub-pixel group are separated by a first pixel delimiting layer; adjacent sub-pixel groups are separated by a second pixel delimiting layer, the thickness of the second pixel delimiting layer being greater than the thickness of the first pixel delimiting layer.

9. A display panel, characterized in that, Includes the pixel structure as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A photomask, characterized in that, The mask includes a body, which has a plurality of vapor deposition openings, each of which corresponds to the sub-pixel group in any one of claims 1-8.

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