Display panel, method for manufacturing the same, and display device

Abstract

To provide a display panel, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device that have low manufacturing cost and reduced thickness.SOLUTION: A display panel includes a substrate, a partition structure, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer and a touch control layer. The partition structure is disposed on the substrate, defines multiple partitioned openings, includes multiple first ring grooves and is divided, by the first ring grooves, into a first structure and a second structure located in the first ring grooves. The light-emitting functional layer includes multiple light-emitting structures disposed in the partitioned openings. The insulating layer covers a side of the partition structure away from the substrate. The touch control layer is disposed on a side of the insulating layer away from the partition structure and includes multiple first touch control structures disposed at intervals along a first direction and multiple second touch control structures disposed at intervals along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first touch control structure and the second touch control structure are independent of each other and form a bridge structure by the second structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technologies, and particularly to a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device.

Background Art

[0002] This application claims priority based on a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on December 23, 2023, with an application number of 2023117995321 and a title of "Display Panel, Manufacturing Method Thereof, and Display Device", and incorporates the entire content thereof by reference into this application.

[0003] OLED (Organic Light EmitTing Diode) display panels are currently one of the focuses in the research field of display panels. Compared with liquid crystal display panels, they have advantages such as low energy consumption, low cost, self-luminescence, wide viewing angle, and fast response speed.

[0004] However, when integrating the touch control function in the current OLED display panel in the Oncell method, there are problems of high cost and large thickness.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device for the problems existing in the above display panel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a first aspect, an embodiment of this application includes a substrate, a blocking structure, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer, and a touch control layer, wherein the blocking structure is provided on the substrate and defines a plurality of blocking openings, a plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove, The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, and the light-emitting structures are provided in the blocking openings. The insulating layer covers the side of the blocking structure away from the substrate. The touch control layer is provided on the side of the insulating layer away from the blocking structure, and includes a plurality of first touch control structures provided at intervals in a first direction and a plurality of second touch control structures provided at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other and provide a display panel forming a crosslinked structure by the second structure.

[0007] The display panel provided by the embodiment of the present application divides the blocking structure into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove by the first annular groove. The first touch control structures and the second touch control structures that are independent of each other in the touch control layer form a crosslinked structure by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. Thereby, the blocking structure can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer can be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance of the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures can be realized only by the second structure. Moreover, since the touch control layer is provided on the insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized. The above display panel has a low manufacturing cost and a thin product thickness.

[0008] As a second aspect, the embodiment of the present application includes a substrate, a blocking structure, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer, and a touch control layer. The blocking structure is provided on the substrate and defines a plurality of blocking openings. A plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure, and the blocking structure is divided into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove by the first annular groove. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, and the light-emitting structures are provided in the blocking openings. The insulating layer covers the side of the blocking structure away from the substrate. The touch control layer is provided on a side away from the blocking structure of the insulating layer, and includes at least two first touch control structures extending along a second direction and provided at intervals, and a second touch control structure extending along a first direction. Projections of the at least two first touch control structures provided at intervals along the second direction onto the substrate and the second structure are connected as a single straight line, and provide a display panel that intersects with a projection of the second touch control structure onto the substrate.

[0009] As a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application includes the step of providing a substrate, the step of forming a blocking structure on the substrate, wherein the blocking structure defines a plurality of blocking openings, a plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove, the step of forming, on the substrate, a plurality of light emitting structures provided in the blocking openings and an insulating layer covering a side of the blocking structure away from the substrate, the step of forming a touch control layer on the substrate, wherein the touch control layer is provided on a side away from the blocking structure of the insulating layer, and includes a plurality of first touch control structures provided at intervals along a first direction and a plurality of second touch control structures provided at intervals along a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other, and a bridging structure is formed by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance, and provides a method for manufacturing a display panel including the steps.

[0010] The manufacturing method of the display panel provided by the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove by the first annular groove. The first touch control structure and the second touch control structure that are independent of each other in the touch control layer form a cross-linked structure by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. Thereby, the shielding structure can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer can be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance of the first touch control structure and the second touch control structure can be realized only by the second structure. Moreover, since the touch control layer is provided on the insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized. The above display panel has a low manufacturing cost and a thin product thickness.

[0011] As a fourth aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a display device including the display panel described in any one of the embodiments in the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0012] The display device provided by the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove by the first annular groove. The first touch control structure and the second touch control structure that are independent of each other in the touch control layer form a cross-linked structure by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. Thereby, the shielding structure can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer can be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance of the first touch control structure and the second touch control structure can be realized only by the second structure. Moreover, since the touch control layer is provided on the insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized. The above display device has a low manufacturing cost and a thin product thickness.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] As described in the background art section, in a conventional OLED display panel, the blocking structure serves as a deposition position limiting part and a sealing position limiting part of the light-emitting structure. During deposition, the light-emitting layer and the cathode of the light-emitting structure are blocked by the blocking structure, and the cathode is electrically connected through the blocking structure, whereby the OLED display panel is easily manufactured and the thickness is reduced. However, in a conventional OLED display panel, the touch control layer integrates the touch control function by the Oncell method. When manufacturing in such a method, at least four mask etching operations are required, and there are technical problems of high cost and large thickness of the laminated structure. As a result, the OLED display panel has a high manufacturing cost and a large product thickness.

[0015] Patent documents PCT / CN2023 / 134518, 202310759370.2, 202310740412.8, 202310707209.0, 202311346196.5 describe related technical solutions of the blocking structure. For reference, the content is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present application provide a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. By providing a first annular groove in the shielding structure, the shielding structure is divided by the first annular groove into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove. The first touch control structure and the second touch control structure are independent of each other, and a cross-linked structure is formed by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. In this way, compared with the Oncell method in the prior art that integrates touch control functions with four masks, in the embodiments of the present application, one mask for manufacturing the shielding structure is improved, and Incell mutual capacitance type touch control is realized with one additional mask, resulting in low manufacturing cost and thin product thickness.

[0017] In a first aspect, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, an embodiment of the present application provides a display panel 10, which includes a substrate 100, a shielding structure 200, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer 400, and a touch control layer 500. The shielding structure 200 is provided on the substrate 100, and the shielding structure 200 defines a plurality of shielding openings 210. A plurality of first annular grooves 220 are provided in the shielding structure 200, and the shielding structure 200 is divided by the first annular grooves 220 into a first structure 230 and a second structure 240, and the second structure 240 is located in the first annular grooves 220. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures 300, and the light-emitting structures 300 are provided corresponding to the shielding openings 210 and are provided in the shielding openings 210. The insulating layer 400 covers the side of the shielding structure 200 away from the substrate 100. The touch control layer 500 is provided on the side of the insulating layer 400 away from the shielding structure 200, and the touch control layer 500 includes a plurality of first touch control structures 510 and a plurality of second touch control structures 520. The plurality of first touch control structures 510 are provided at intervals along a first direction Y, and the plurality of second touch control structures 520 are provided at intervals along a second direction X, and the first direction Y intersects the second direction X. The first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 are independent of each other, and the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 form a cross-linked structure by the second structure 240 to realize mutual capacitance.

[0018] Note that the substrate 100 may be an array substrate 110, and the array substrate 110 has an array driving circuit. The blocking structure 200 may be a lattice shape, a plurality of annular structures, or the like. The space between adjacent light-emitting structures 300 is divided by the blocking structure 200. The plurality of light-emitting structures 300 may include a plurality of first light-emitting structures 310 that emit red light, a plurality of second light-emitting structures 320 that emit blue light, and a plurality of third light-emitting structures 330 that emit green light. The first light-emitting structure 310, the second light-emitting structure 320, and the third light-emitting structure 330 are distributed alternately. The light-emitting structure 300 includes an anode, a light-emitting layer, and a cathode. The materials of the anode and the cathode may be at least one of indium tin oxide and indium zinc oxide. The light-emitting layer may be an organic layer. The array driving circuit on the substrate 100 is electrically connected to the anode, controls the driving voltage applied between the anode and the cathode, the light-emitting structure 300 emits light, and the display panel 10 executes a display function.

[0019] The material of the insulating layer 400 may be carbon oxide, nitrogen oxide, boron oxide, etc., and is formed by deposition by CVD. The material of the touch control layer 500 may be a metal, a metal oxide, a mixture containing a metal, etc. Among the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520, one forms an inductive touch control path, and the other forms a driving touch control path. For the convenience of subsequent description, the first direction Y is the vertical direction, the second direction X is the horizontal direction, the first direction Y is perpendicular to the second direction X, the third direction Z is perpendicular to the substrate 100, and the third direction Z is perpendicular to the first direction Y and the second direction X. However, the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the first direction Y and the second direction X may be interchanged with each other.

[0020] The display panel 10 provided by the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure 200 into a first structure 230 and a second structure 240 located in the first annular groove 220 by the first annular groove 220. The independent first touch control structure 510 and second touch control structure 520 in the touch control layer 500 form a cross-linked structure by the second structure 240 to realize mutual capacitance. Thereby, the shielding structure 200 can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer 500 can be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 can be realized only by the second structure 240. Moreover, the touch control layer 500 is provided on the insulating layer 400 to realize Incell mutual capacitance touch control. The above display panel 10 has a low manufacturing cost and a thin product thickness.

[0021] As can be understood, in the embodiment of the present application, the shielding structure 200 is integrated such that the first structure 230 shields the adjacent light-emitting structure 300, and the second structure 240 forms a cross-link for the mutual capacitance between the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520. While reducing the number of layers of the display panel 10 and making the product thickness thinner, by only adaptively adjusting the mask for manufacturing the shielding structure 200, the touch control layer 500 can be manufactured with one mask, the manufacturing process is less, and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0022] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the second structure 240 is located inside the first structure 230, and the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 are provided at intervals by the first annular groove 220, thereby defining a shielding opening 210 by the first structure 230. The shielding opening 210 and the first annular groove 220 are provided at intervals.

[0023] In one example, by insulating between the second structure 240 and the first structure 230, it is possible to avoid the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 affecting each other.

[0024] In one example, the second structure 240 extends along the second direction X, and the second structure 240 is provided between adjacent light-emitting structures 300 along the first direction Y, so that a plurality of first touch control structures 510 extending up to the second structure 240 are provided at intervals along the first direction Y.

[0025] In this way, by limiting the installation positions of the second structure 240 and the first structure 230, the installation of the first annular groove 220 does not affect the cut-off opening 210, and the second structure 240 for realizing the electrical connection after the formation of the cross-linking structure of the first touch control structure 510 does not affect the cut-off effect of the first structure 230 on the adjacent light-emitting structures 300, and the installation position facilitates the installation of the cut-off structure 200.

[0026] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the orthographic projection of the second structure 240 in the second direction X covers at least the gap between adjacent light-emitting structures 300 along the second direction X, whereby the dimension of the second structure 240 in the second direction X is equal to or greater than the dimension of the first structure 230 between two adjacent light-emitting structures 300 along the second direction X.

[0027] In one example, the length of the second structure 240 in the second direction X may be greater than the length of one light-emitting structure 300, and the length of the second structure 240 in the second direction X may be greater than the lengths of a plurality of light-emitting structures 300, thereby adapting to different dimensions of the second structure 240.

[0028] In one example, a plurality of second structures 240 are provided at intervals along the first direction Y, so that only one second structure 240 is provided in the second direction X and two first touch control structures 510 are provided in the second direction X, and the two first touch control structures 510 are electrically connected after a cross-linking structure is formed by the second structure 240.

[0029] In one example, some of the second structures 240 are provided at intervals along the first direction Y, and some other second structures 240 are provided at intervals along the second direction X, so that there are a plurality of second structures 240 in the second direction X, and there are a plurality of first touch control structures 510 in the second direction X. Two of these first touch control structures 510 are electrically connected after a crosslinked structure is formed by the second structure 240, thereby realizing the electrical connection of all the first touch control structures 510 in the second direction X.

[0030] In one example, the orthographic projection of the second structure 240 in the second direction X intersects the orthographic projection of the second touch control structure 520 in the second direction X, facilitating the installation of the second touch control structure 520 on the second structure 240, and enabling the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 to form a crosslinked structure to realize mutual capacitance.

[0031] In this way, by limiting the positional relationship and dimensional relationship between the second structure 240 and the adjacent light-emitting structure 300 in the second direction X, the installation of the second structure 240 does not affect the blocking structure 200 from defining the blocking opening 210, and the adjacent light-emitting structure 300 is still blocked by the first structure 230. The first touch control structure 510 is arranged by utilizing the second structure 240 between the light-emitting structures 300 adjacent in the first direction Y, and the second touch control structure 520 is arranged by utilizing the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 between the light-emitting structures 300 adjacent in the second direction X, facilitating the light-emitting functional layer and the touch control layer 500 to make full use of the blocking structure 200.

[0032] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the length of the first structure 230 in the first direction Y is greater than the sum of the lengths of the plurality of light-emitting structures 300 in the first direction Y, so that the first structure 230 blocks each of the plurality of light-emitting structures 300.

[0033] In one example, since the length of the first structure 230 in the first direction Y is greater than the length of the light-emitting functional layer, the first structure 230 has a lattice-like structure, and the first structure 230 blocks each of the light-emitting structures 300 in the first direction Y.

[0034] In this way, by limiting the dimensional relationship between the first structure 230 and the light-emitting structure 300 in the first direction Y, the installation method of the blocking opening 210 in the first direction Y can be specified, facilitating the formation of the blocking opening 210 and avoiding the introduction of the first annular groove 220 from affecting the blocking function of the blocking structure 200.

[0035] In one embodiment, two first touch control structures 510 are provided above the first structure 230 at intervals along the second direction X, and the first touch control structures 510 extend up to the second structure 240. The two first touch control structures 510 are respectively electrically connected to the second structure 240 to form a cross-linking structure, thereby realizing the electrical connection after the two first touch control structures 510 form a cross-linking structure by the second structure 240.

[0036] In one example, along the second direction X, since the number of the second structures 240 is smaller than the number of the first touch control structures 510, both ends of the second structure 240 along the second direction X are used to support the first touch control structures 510, with a simple structure and easy installation.

[0037] In one example, along the second direction X, the number of the second structures 240 is one, and the number of the first touch control structures 510 is two. At this time, the first touch control structures 510 are located at both ends of the insulating layer 400 along the second direction X, thereby further simplifying the installation of the first touch control structures 510 and the second structure 240.

[0038] In one example, along the second direction X, the number of the second structures 240 is N, where N is greater than 1, and the number of the first touch control structures 510 is N + 1. At this time, due to such a correspondence, it can be used for the corresponding design of one mask for manufacturing the blocking structure 200 and another mask for manufacturing the touch control layer 500, facilitating the corresponding installation of the second structure 240 and the first touch control structure 510.

[0039] In this way, by limiting that each of the second structures 240 has two first touch control structures 510 and limiting the relative positional relationship between the first touch control structure 510 and the blocking structure 200, the cross-bridge connection between the plurality of first touch control structures 510 can be easily and surely realized.

[0040] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second touch control structure 520 is provided above the second structure 240 along the first direction Y, facilitating the installation of the second touch control structure 520.

[0041] In one example, along the second direction X, the second touch control structure 520 provided above the same second structure 240 is located between the first touch control structures 510, facilitating the opposed installation of the second touch control structure 520 and the first touch control structure 510, and the second touch control structure 520 and the first touch control structure 510 above the same second structure 240 are provided at intervals.

[0042] In one example, the first annular groove 220 extends along the second direction X, and the second touch control structure 520 extends above the first structure 230, so that the plurality of second structures 240 are provided at intervals along the first direction Y, and the first structure 230 is provided between these second structures 240. The second touch control structure 520 extends above the first structure 230, so that the second touch control structure 520 covers the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 across the first annular groove 220, ensuring the continuity of the second touch control structure 520 in the first direction Y.

[0043] In this way, the plurality of second touch control structures 520, the plurality of first touch control structures 510, and the plurality of second structures 240 form a grid-like structure, and each intersection part of the grid-like structure corresponds to one touch control structure along the second direction X, the second structure 240, and one first touch control structure 510 along the first direction Y, and a unique touch control position can be specified. The mutual capacitance based on the cross-bridge structure of the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 can be easily realized, and the reliability and accuracy of the mutual capacitance based on the cross-bridge structure of the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 are high.

[0044] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the first touch control structure 510 extends up to the end of the second structure 240, and the first touch control structure 510 is electrically connected on the end of the second structure 240 to form a cross-bridge structure. Thereby, the first touch control structure 510 covers the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 across the first annular groove 220. After the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240 form a cross-bridge structure, they are electrically connected to realize signal transmission. When specifically installed, the area of the first touch control structure 510 on the end of the second structure 240 only needs to ensure at least electrical connection.

[0045] In one example, the projected contour of the second structure 240 in the second direction X does not exceed the projected contour of the light-emitting functional layer in the second direction X. Thereby, there is sufficient space for arranging the first annular groove 220 in the second direction X, and the areas of the first structures 230 at both ends in the second direction X adapt to the installation of the first touch control structure 510, improving the reliability of the installation of the first touch control structure 510.

[0046] In one example, in the edge region of the blocking structure 200 along the second direction X, the orthographic projection of the second structure 240 in the second direction X intersects the orthographic projection of the blocking opening 210 in the second direction X. As a result, the second structure 240 can support the second touch control structure 520 between the two adjacent light-emitting structures 300 at the outermost edge. Furthermore, the size of the second structure 240 can be increased, and a plurality of second touch control structures 520 can be arranged, thereby improving the touch control accuracy of the display panel 10.

[0047] In this way, the first touch control structure 510 is erected and connected on the end of the second structure 240, and the first touch control structure 510 is electrically connected on the end of the second structure 240, so as to secure more area for the arrangement of the second touch control structure 520, secure a larger area for arranging the second touch control structure 520 in the second structure 240, and facilitate the arrangement of the second touch control structure 520.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, it has at least one first annular groove 220 in the second direction X. Specifically, when installing, the number of the first annular grooves 220 corresponding to the plurality of first structures 230 may be the same, thereby facilitating the installation of the first annular groove 220. The number of the first annular grooves 220 corresponding to the plurality of first structures 230 may also be different, thereby adapting to different display panels 10.

[0049] In one example, the number of the first annular grooves 220 in the second direction X is one, thereby facilitating the installation of the first annular groove 220 and further simplifying and stabilizing the structure of the blocking structure 200.

[0050] In one example, the number of the first annular grooves 220 in the second direction X is plural, and the plurality of first annular grooves 220 are provided at intervals along the second direction X, thereby facilitating obtaining the blocking structure 200 with one mask and improving the structural accuracy and reliability of the mask.

[0051] In one example, at least one first annular groove 220 extends to the edge regions on both sides along the second direction X of the blocking structure 200. In the second direction X, the first annular groove 220 at the edge extends to the edge regions on both sides along the second direction X of the blocking structure 200, and further increases the dimension of the second structure 240 in the second direction X.

[0052] In this way, by limiting the number of the first annular grooves 220 in the second direction X, the first annular grooves 220 can be uniformly provided in the blocking structure 200 in the second direction X, and the installation of the first annular grooves 220 can be facilitated.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in one embodiment, the second structure 240 includes a conductive material, the insulating layer 400 has a plurality of first vias 410 on the upper side of the second structure 240, each first via 410 exposes a part of the second structure 240, and the first touch control structure 510 contacts the second structure 240 exposed by one first via 410 to form a cross-linking structure, thereby realizing an electrical connection between the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240.

[0054] In one example, the second structure 240 is made of a metal material, and the metal material here may be a material with low resistance, and the material of the second structure 240 may be the same as the material of the touch control layer 500.

[0055] In one example, the material of the second structure 240 may be one of copper, silver, and gold, or may be a combination of a plurality of types of copper, silver, and gold. Of course, the material of the second structure 240 is not limited thereto, and may be other materials that meet the requirements, for example, one or a combination of molybdenum, aluminum, and cobalt.

[0056] In this way, by limiting the second structure 240 to a conductive structure, the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240 are in contact via the first via 410 in the insulating layer 400, thereby easily realizing the electrical connection between the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240, being easy to manufacture and having low cost.

[0057] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 5, in one embodiment, between the cathodes of adjacent light-emitting structures 300, they are electrically connected by the first structure 230 to provide a power signal, realizing the integrated control of the cathodes of all the light-emitting structures 300. The first touch control structure 510 is electrically connected by the second structure 240 to provide a touch control signal, thereby realizing the independent control of the cathodes of adjacent light-emitting structures 300 and the first touch control structure 510.

[0058] In one example, the display panel 10 further includes an IC. The touch control layer 500 extends from the side frame of the display panel 10 to the IC. Between the second structure 240 and the IC, they are electrically connected. Between the second touch control structure 520 and the IC, they are electrically connected. Thereby, the IC controls the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 respectively, realizing the electrical connection between the IC and the first touch control structure 510 and being able to reduce the thickness of the product.

[0059] In this way, the first structure 230 provides an electrical signal to the cathode of the light-emitting structure 300, the IC provides an electrical signal to the first touch control structure 510 via the second structure 240, the IC provides an electrical signal to the second touch control structure 520, and the IC controls the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 to operate independently of each other, eliminating the need for the touch control layer 500 to time-division multiplex the cathode signals of the light-emitting structure 300 and easily realizing the touch control function.

[0060] As can be understood, in the embodiments of the present application, the first structure 230, the second structure 240, and the second touch control structure 520 are independently controlled from each other, so that independent control between the cathode of the light-emitting structure 300, the first touch control structure 510, and the second touch control structure 520 can be realized. Compared with the prior art in which the touch control layer time-division multiplexes the cathode signal to perform time-division control on the touch control function and the display function in synchronization, the control logic is simple and easy to implement.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the upper end portion of the first structure 230 away from the substrate 100 onto the substrate 100 covers the orthographic projection of the lower end portion of the first structure 230 close to the substrate 100 onto the substrate 100. When specifically installed, the first structure 230 includes a separation portion and a barrier portion. The barrier portion is provided above the separation portion. The barrier portion is formed by the upper end portion of the first structure 230, and the separation portion is formed by the lower end portion of the first structure 230. The separation portion and the barrier portion may be integrally formed or manufactured by laminating multiple times.

[0062] In one example, the cross-section along the third direction Z perpendicular to the substrate 100 on the side of the first structure 230 away from the first annular groove 220 is one of a T shape and an inverted trapezoid, or the cross-section along the third direction Z perpendicular to the substrate 100 on the side of the first structure 230 away from the first annular groove 220 may be a combination of a T shape and an inverted trapezoid.

[0063] In this way, by blocking the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting structure 300 adjacent to the lower end portion of the first structure 230 and blocking the cathode of the light-emitting structure 300 adjacent to the upper end portion of the first structure 230, even if the first annular groove 220 is provided in the blocking structure 200, it can be ensured that the blocking effect of the blocking structure 200 on the adjacent light-emitting structure 300 is not affected.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, in one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the upper end portion of the second structure 240 away from the substrate 100 onto the substrate 100 covers the orthographic projection of the lower end portion of the second structure 240 close to the substrate 100 onto the substrate 100.

[0065] In one example, the cross-section along the third direction Z perpendicular to the substrate 100 of the second structure 240 may be one of a T shape and an inverted trapezoid, or the cross-section along the third direction Z perpendicular to the substrate 100 of the second structure 240 may be a combination of a T shape and an inverted trapezoid.

[0066] In one example, along the third direction Z perpendicular to the substrate 100, the cross-section of the second structure 240 is the same as the cross-section of the first structure 230.

[0067] In this way, by making both the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 have a structure with a large upper end and a small lower end, the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 can be etched with one mask. In the etching process, the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 form an undercut structure, and it becomes easy for the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 to be manufactured in one etching process.

[0068] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, the display panel 10 further includes a first encapsulation layer 610. The first encapsulation layer 610 protects the light-emitting structure 300 by covering the light-emitting structure 300 and the sidewalls of the blocking structure. When specifically installed, the first encapsulation layer 610 is manufactured using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

[0069] In one example, by locating the insulating layer 400 on the side away from the light-emitting structure 300 of the first encapsulation layer 610, it facilitates the installation of the insulating layer 400 and ensures the insulating effect. Meanwhile, the insulating layer 400 can be used to further improve the protection effect on the light-emitting structure 300.

[0070] In one example, a second encapsulation layer 620 and a third encapsulation layer 630 are further provided on the side of the touch control layer 500 away from the insulating layer 400, thereby protecting the touch control layer 500 and further protecting the light-emitting structure 300.

[0071] In this way, by providing the first sealing layer 610, the paths of water and oxygen entering the light-emitting structure 300 from the touch control layer 500 side are blocked, so that the amounts of water and oxygen that can reach the light-emitting structure 300 can be reduced, and further the water and oxygen resistance function of the display panel 10 can be improved.

[0072] As a second aspect, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the embodiment of the present application provides a display panel 10, and the display panel 10 includes a substrate 100, a blocking structure 200, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer 400, and a touch control layer 500. The blocking structure 200 is provided on the substrate 100 and defines a plurality of blocking openings 210. A plurality of first annular grooves 220 are provided in the blocking structure 200, and the blocking structure 200 is divided into a first structure 230 and a second structure 240 by the first annular groove 220, and the second structure 240 is located in the first annular groove 220. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures 300, and the light-emitting structures 300 are provided corresponding to the blocking openings 210 and are provided in the blocking openings 210. The insulating layer 400 covers the side of the blocking structure 200 away from the substrate 100. The touch control layer 500 is provided on the side of the insulating layer 400 away from the blocking structure 200, and the touch control layer 500 includes a plurality of first touch control structures 510 and a plurality of second touch control structures 520.

[0073] At least two first touch control structures extend along the second direction and are provided at intervals. The second touch control structure extends along the first direction and intersects with the projections of at least two first touch control structures provided at intervals along the second direction on the substrate of the second structure, and the projections of the second touch control structure on the substrate intersect.

[0074] As a third aspect, referring to FIG. 6, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a display panel including the following steps.

[0075] In S100, a substrate is provided. Exemplarily, the substrate may be an array substrate.

[0076] In S200, a blocking structure is formed on a substrate. The blocking structure defines a plurality of blocking openings, and a plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure. The blocking structure is divided into a first structure and a second structure by the first annular grooves, and the second structure is located within the first annular grooves. Exemplarily, a layer of blocking material is deposited on the substrate and etched with one mask to form the blocking structure.

[0077] In S300, a plurality of light-emitting structures and an insulating layer are formed on the substrate. The light-emitting structures are provided within the blocking openings, and the insulating layer covers the side of the blocking structure away from the substrate. Exemplarily, a first conductive material layer, a light-emitting material layer, a second conductive material layer, and an insulating material layer are sequentially deposited over the entire surface and patterned to form a plurality of first light-emitting structures and first insulating units. The above manufacturing method is repeated to manufacture a second light-emitting structure and a second insulating unit and a third light-emitting structure and a third insulating unit respectively. The first insulating unit, the second insulating unit, and the third insulating unit constitute the insulating layer.

[0078] In S400, a touch control layer is formed on the substrate. The touch control layer is provided on the side of the insulating layer away from the blocking structure, and the touch control layer includes a plurality of first touch control structures spaced apart along a first direction and a plurality of second touch control structures spaced apart along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other, and the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures form a cross-linking structure by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. Exemplarily, a touch control material is deposited on the side of the insulating layer away from the blocking structure and etched with one mask to form the touch control layer.

[0079] The manufacturing method of the display panel provided by the embodiment of the present application divides the blocking structure into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove by the first annular groove. The independent first touch control structure and the second touch control structure in the touch control layer form a cross-linked structure by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. Thereby, the blocking structure can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer can be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance of the first touch control structure and the second touch control structure can be realized only by the second structure. Moreover, since the touch control layer is provided on the insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance touch control can be realized. The above display panel has a low manufacturing cost and a thin product thickness.

[0080] Each step in the flowchart in the drawings is shown in the order indicated by the arrow, but it will be understood that it is not necessarily required to be executed in the order indicated by the arrow. The execution of these steps is not limited to a strict order unless explicitly described in this specification, and they may be executed in other orders. Furthermore, at least some of the steps in the drawings may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages do not necessarily need to be executed simultaneously, may be executed at different times, and these steps or stages do not necessarily need to be executed continuously, and may be executed in order or alternately with at least some of the other steps or other stages.

[0081] As a fourth aspect, referring to FIG. 7, the embodiment of the present application provides a display device 01 including the display panel 10 in any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0082] The display device 01 may be a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal having a display panel 10, such as a mobile phone, a television, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation device, a smart watch, a virtual reality device, etc.

[0083] The display device provided by the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove by the first annular groove. The first touch control structure and the second touch control structure that are independent of each other in the touch control layer form a cross-linked structure by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. Thereby, the shielding structure can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer can be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first touch control structure and the second touch control structure can be realized only by the second structure. Moreover, since the touch control layer is provided on the insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized. The above display panel has a low manufacturing cost and a thin product thickness.

Claims

1. A display panel comprising a substrate, a blocking structure, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer, and a touch control layer, wherein the blocking structure is provided on the substrate and defines a plurality of blocking openings, a plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular grooves, the light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, and the light-emitting structures are provided in the blocking openings, the insulating layer covers a side of the blocking structure away from the substrate, the touch control layer is provided on a side of the insulating layer away from the blocking structure, and includes a plurality of first touch control structures provided at intervals in a first direction and a plurality of second touch control structures provided at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other and form a cross-linked structure by the second structure.

2. The second structure is located in the first structure, and the second structure and the first structure are provided at intervals by the first annular groove, the second structure and the first structure are insulated from each other, the second structure extends along the second direction and is provided between the light-emitting structures adjacent to each other along the first direction, a front projection of the second structure in the second direction covers at least a gap between the light-emitting structures adjacent to each other along the second direction, a length of the second structure in the second direction is greater than a length of at least one of the light-emitting structures, a plurality of the second structures are provided at intervals along the first direction, and a light-emitting unit is provided at the position of the interval, alternatively, some of the second structures are provided at intervals along the first direction, and some of the other second structures are provided at intervals along the second direction, a front projection of the second structure in the second direction intersects a front projection of the second touch control structure in the second direction, alternatively, a length of the first structure in the first direction is greater than a sum of lengths of the plurality of light-emitting structures in the first direction, a length of the first structure in the first direction is greater than a length of the light-emitting functional layer. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The two first touch control structures extend along the second direction, are provided on the upper side of the first structure body at intervals, and extend up to above the second structure body, and are each electrically connected to the second structure body to form the bridging structure. Along the second direction, the number of the second structure bodies is smaller than the number of the first touch control structures. Along the second direction, the number of the second structure bodies is one, and the number of the first touch control structures is two. Alternatively, along the second direction, the number of the second structure bodies is N, N is greater than 1, and the number of the first touch control structures is N + 1. The second touch control structure extends along the first direction and is provided at least partially above the second structure body. Along the second direction, the second touch control structures provided above the same second structure body are located between the first touch control structures. The first annular groove extends along the second direction, and the second touch control structure extends up to above the first structure body. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The first touch control structure extends up to above the end of the second structure body and is electrically connected above the end of the second structure body to form the bridging structure. The projected contour of the second structure body in the second direction does not exceed the projected contour of the light-emitting functional layer in the second direction. Alternatively, it has at least one of the first annular grooves in the second direction. The number of the first annular grooves in the second direction is one. Alternatively, the number of the first annular grooves in the second direction is plural, and the plural first annular grooves are provided at intervals along the second direction. At least one of the first annular grooves extends to the edge regions on both sides along the second direction of the blocking structure. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The second structure body includes a conductive material, the insulating layer has a plurality of first vias on the upper side of the second structure body, each first via exposes a part of the second structure body, and the first touch control structure contacts the second structure body exposed by the first via to form the bridging structure. The second structure body is made of a metal material. The material of the second structure body is one or a combination of plural kinds of copper, silver, and gold. Alternatively, the cathodes of the adjacent light-emitting structures are electrically connected via the first structure to provide a power signal, and the first touch control structure is electrically connected via the second structure to provide a touch control signal. The display panel according to claim 1, further comprising an IC, wherein the first touch control structure extends from a side frame to the IC.

6. The orthographic projection of the upper end portion of the first structure away from the substrate onto the substrate covers the orthographic projection of the lower end portion of the first structure close to the substrate onto the substrate. The cross-section along the third direction perpendicular to the substrate on the side of the first structure away from the first annular groove is one of a T-shape, an inverted trapezoid, or a combination thereof. The orthographic projection of the upper end portion of the second structure away from the substrate onto the substrate covers the orthographic projection of the lower end portion of the second structure close to the substrate onto the substrate. Alternatively, the cross-section along the third direction perpendicular to the substrate of the second structure is one of a T-shape, an inverted trapezoid, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, along the third direction perpendicular to the substrate, the cross-section of the second structure is the same as the cross-section of the first structure. The display panel according to claim 1 is characterized in that.

7. The display panel further includes a first encapsulation layer, and the first encapsulation layer covers the sidewalls of the light-emitting structure and the blocking structure. The insulating layer is located on the side of the first encapsulation layer away from the light-emitting structure. A second encapsulation layer and a third encapsulation layer are further provided on the side of the touch control layer away from the insulating layer. The display panel according to claim 1 is characterized in that.

8. It includes a substrate, a blocking structure, a light-emitting functional layer, an insulating layer, and a touch control layer. The blocking structure is provided on the substrate and defines a plurality of blocking openings. A plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, and the light-emitting structures are provided in the blocking openings. The insulating layer covers the side of the blocking structure away from the substrate. The touch control layer is provided on a side away from the blocking structure of the insulating layer, and includes at least two first touch control structures that extend along a second direction and are provided at intervals, and a second touch control structure that extends along a first direction. Projections of the at least two first touch control structures provided at intervals along the second direction and the second structure on the substrate are connected as a single straight line and intersect with a projection of the second touch control structure on the substrate. A display panel, characterized by this.

9. A step of providing a substrate; A step of forming a blocking structure on the substrate, wherein the blocking structure defines a plurality of blocking openings, a plurality of first annular grooves are provided in the blocking structure, and the blocking structure is formed by the first annular groove. A step of being divided into a first structure and a second structure located in the first annular groove; A step of forming, on the substrate, a plurality of light-emitting structures provided in the blocking openings and an insulating layer covering a side of the blocking structure away from the substrate; A step of forming a touch control layer on the substrate, wherein the touch control layer is provided on a side away from the blocking structure of the insulating layer, and includes a plurality of first touch control structures provided at intervals along a first direction, and a plurality of second touch control structures provided at intervals along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first touch control structure and the second touch control structure are independent of each other, and a step of forming a crosslinked structure by the second structure. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized by including this.

10. A display device, characterized by including the display panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.

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