Display panel, method for manufacturing a display panel, and display device

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of display technologies, and discloses a display panel, a method for manufacturing the display panel, and a display device. The display panel includes a substrate, a light-emitting unit disposed on the substrate, a light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern. An opening in the light-transmitting layer faces the light-emitting unit. The light-transmitting pattern includes a light-transmitting structure that covers the opening in the light-transmitting layer and a part of the light-transmitting layer. The light-transmitting structure and the opening in the light-transmitting layer can form a structure similar to a lens, thereby improving the light-emitting efficiency of the display panel. Since the light-transmitting pattern does not have a full-layer structure but includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures, it does not reduce the foldability of the display panel, solves the problem of poor foldability of the display panel in the related art, and realizes the improvement of the foldability effect of the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technologies, and particularly to display panels, manufacturing methods of display panels, and display devices.

Background Art

[0002] A display panel is a component capable of realizing an image display function.

[0003] Current display panels include a substrate, a plurality of light-emitting units located on the substrate, and a first light-transmitting layer and a second light-transmitting layer installed above the plurality of light-emitting units. The first light-transmitting layer has open holes, and the open holes face the light-emitting units. The second light-transmitting layer is formed by an inkjet process. The second light-transmitting layer fills the open holes of the first light-transmitting layer, and by forming a structure similar to a lens at the location of the open holes, the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved.

[0004] However, the foldability of the above display panel is poor.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a display panel, a manufacturing method of a display panel, and a display device. The technical solutions are as follows: According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a display panel is provided. The display panel includes a substrate, a plurality of light-emitting units, a light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern. The plurality of light-emitting units are located on the substrate. The light-transmitting layer is located on the substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting units are installed. The light-transmitting layer has a plurality of open holes. The orthographic projection of the first light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units onto the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first open hole among the plurality of open holes onto the substrate. The light transmission pattern is located on the substrate on which the light transmission layer is disposed. The light transmission pattern includes a plurality of light transmission structures. Among the plurality of light transmission structures, a first light transmission structure covers the first opening hole and at least covers a part of the light transmission layer. The refractive index of the material of the light transmission pattern is greater than the refractive index of the material of the light transmission layer.

[0006] As an option, the first light transmission structure includes a first portion covering the light transmission layer and a second portion located in the first opening hole. The height of the first portion in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate and away from the substrate is greater than the height of the second portion in the first direction.

[0007] As an option, the upper surface of the first portion of the first light transmission structure includes an arc surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate.

[0008] As an option, the side surface of the first portion is an inclined surface inclined toward the center of the first opening hole, and the included angle of the side surface of the first portion is 50 degrees or more.

[0009] As an option, the range of the included angle of the side surface of the first portion is 70 degrees to 80 degrees.

[0010] As an option, the hole wall of the first opening hole of the light transmission layer is inclined in a direction away from the center of the first opening hole, and the included angle of the hole wall is the total reflection critical angle of the interface between the light transmission pattern and the light transmission layer.

[0011] As an option, the display panel has an effective display area and a peripheral area located outside the effective display area. The light transmission pattern is located in the effective display area. The display panel further includes a target pattern located on the substrate on which the light emitting unit is disposed. The target pattern is located in the peripheral area, and the refractive index of the material of the target pattern is greater than the refractive index of the material of the first light transmission layer.

[0012] As one of the options, the target pattern and the light transmission pattern have the same layer structure.

[0013] As one of the options, the target pattern includes at least one block-shaped structure group, and one block-shaped structure group includes a plurality of block structures arranged along the edge of the effective display area outside the effective display area.

[0014] As one of the options, the target pattern includes at least two block-shaped structure groups, and at least two block-shaped structure groups are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the center of the display panel.

[0015] As one of the options, the target pattern includes a stripe-shaped structure, and the stripe-shaped structure extends and is arranged along the edge of the effective display area outside the effective display area.

[0016] As one of the options, the target pattern includes at least two stripe-shaped structures, and at least two stripe-shaped structures are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the center of the display panel outside the effective display area.

[0017] As one of the options, the dimension of the block structure is the same as the dimension of the light transmission structure.

[0018] As one of the options, the display panel further includes a first protrusion structure, and the first protrusion structure is located in the opening hole of the first light transmission layer. The portion of the first light transmission structure covered on the first protrusion structure has a second protrusion structure.

[0019] As one of the options, the range of the width of the stripe-shaped structure is 50 microns to 500 microns.

[0020] As one of the options, the display panel further includes a barrier dam located at the edge of the substrate. The orthographic projection of the target pattern onto the substrate substrate is located closer to the center of the display panel than the orthographic projection of the barrier dam onto the substrate substrate.

[0021] As an option, the display panel further includes a barrier dam located at the edge of the substrate substrate, The target pattern is covered on the barrier dam.

[0022] As an option, the light transmission structure is a color filter layer, The display panel further includes a black matrix pattern located on the substrate substrate where the light transmission pattern is installed, The black matrix pattern includes an opening region, and the orthographic projection of the first opening hole of the light transmission layer onto the substrate substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the opening region onto the substrate substrate.

[0023] As an option, the light transmission layer includes a first region covered by the first light transmission structure and a second region not covered by the first light transmission structure, and the thickness of the light transmission layer in the first region is greater than the thickness of the light transmission layer in the second region.

[0024] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a method for manufacturing a display panel for manufacturing the above display panel is provided, and the method includes: Obtaining a substrate substrate; Forming a plurality of light emitting units on the substrate substrate; Forming a light transmission layer on the substrate substrate on which the plurality of light emitting units are formed, the light transmission layer having a plurality of opening holes, and the orthographic projection of the first light emitting unit among the plurality of light emitting units onto the substrate substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the first opening hole among the plurality of opening holes onto the substrate substrate; A light-transmitting material layer is formed on the substrate on which the light-transmitting layer is formed, and the refractive index of the material of the light-transmitting material layer is greater than the refractive index of the material of the light-transmitting layer. By performing a process on the light-transmitting material layer by a pattern formation process, a light-transmitting pattern is obtained. The light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures. Among the plurality of light-transmitting structures, the first light-transmitting structure covers the first opening hole and at least covers a part of the light-transmitting layer. including.

[0025] According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a display device is provided, and the display device includes the above display panel.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application at least include the following: A display panel is provided, which includes a substrate, a light-emitting unit, a light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern installed on the substrate. The opening hole in the light-transmitting layer faces the light-emitting unit. The light-transmitting pattern includes a light-transmitting structure, and the light-transmitting structure covers the opening hole in the light-transmitting layer and covers a part of the light-transmitting layer. By forming a structure similar to a lens with the light-transmitting structure and the opening hole in the light-transmitting layer, the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved. Since the light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures instead of a full-layer structure, the foldability of the display panel is not reduced, the problem of poor foldability of the display panel in the related art is solved, and the effect of improving the foldability of the display panel is realized.

[0027] In related technologies, the entire light-transmitting layer is formed after a film layer that flows by an inkjet printing (ink) process levels and solidifies. The thickness of the light-transmitting layer formed by such a process is usually thick, and thus the overall thickness of the display panel is thick. In contrast, in the display panel provided in the embodiments of the present application, the patterned light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures, and the light-transmitting pattern can be formed by a pattern configuration process and does not need to be formed by leveling and solidifying through an inkjet printing process. Moreover, by being able to reduce the thickness of the light-transmitting pattern, the overall thickness of the display panel can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] To more clearly explain the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments are briefly described below. The drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative labor.

[0029]

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[0030] The embodiments explicitly stated in the present application are shown by the above drawings and will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the description of the characters are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present application in any way, but to explain the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel. The display panel 10 includes a substrate substrate 11, a plurality of light-emitting units located on the substrate substrate 11 (for example, only one light-emitting unit is shown in FIG. 1 for illustration), a first light transmission layer 13 and a second light transmission layer 14 located on the substrate substrate where the plurality of light-emitting units 12 are installed.

[0033] Here, the light-emitting unit 12 can include an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED). The display panel 10 can include light-emitting units used to emit various colors of light. Exemplarily, it can include a red light-emitting unit used to emit red light, a blue light-emitting unit used to emit blue light, and a green light-emitting unit used to emit green light. According to these light-emitting units that can emit various colors of light, the display panel can display an image. After the display panel 10 is activated, the light-emitting unit 12 can emit a light beam L, and the light beam L can be emitted from the display panel 10, thereby realizing the function of image display.

[0034] The first light-transmitting layer 13 has an opening hole 131 facing the light-emitting unit 12. The second light-transmitting layer 14 covers the first light-transmitting layer, and the opening hole 131 is filled. The refractive index of the material of the first light-transmitting layer 13 is smaller than the refractive index of the material of the second light-transmitting layer 14. Through the cooperation of the opening hole 131 of the first light-transmitting layer 13 and the second light-transmitting layer 14, a structure similar to a lens can be formed. The light beam emitted from the light-emitting unit can have its direction changed under the control of this structure, and the number of light beams irradiated into the visible range a can increase, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the display panel.

[0035] However, in the above display panel, since the second light-transmitting layer 14 has a full-layer structure, the foldability of the display panel decreases, and the foldability of the display panel becomes poor. Also, the second light-transmitting layer 14 is formed after a film layer that flows by an inkjet printing (ink) process levels and solidifies. The thickness of the light-transmitting layer formed by such a process is usually thick, and thus the overall thickness of the display panel becomes thick.

[0036] The embodiments of the present application provide a display panel, a manufacturing method of the display panel, and a display device, which can solve some problems existing in the above related technologies.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. The display panel may include a substrate substrate 21, a plurality of light-emitting units 22, a first light-transmitting layer 23, and a light-transmitting pattern 24.

[0038] The plurality of light-emitting units 22 are located on the substrate substrate 21.

[0039] The first light-transmitting layer 23 is located on the substrate substrate 21 where the plurality of light-emitting units 22 are installed. The first light-transmitting layer 23 has a plurality of opening holes k. The orthographic projection of the first light-emitting unit 221 among the plurality of light-emitting units 22 onto the substrate substrate 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first opening hole k1 among the plurality of opening holes k onto the substrate substrate 21.

[0040] The light-transmitting pattern 24 is located on the substrate substrate 21 where the first light-transmitting layer 23 is installed. The light-transmitting pattern 24 includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures 241. The first light-transmitting structure 241a among the plurality of light-transmitting structures 241 covers the first opening hole k1 and at least covers a part of the first light-transmitting layer 23. The refractive index of the material of the light-transmitting pattern 24 is greater than the refractive index of the material of the first light-transmitting layer 23.

[0041] In this way, the embodiment of the present application provides a display panel including a substrate substrate, a light-emitting unit installed on the substrate substrate, a first light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern. The opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer face the light-emitting units. The light-transmitting pattern includes a light-transmitting structure. The light-transmitting structure covers the opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer and covers a part of the first light-transmitting layer. And the light-transmitting structure and the opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer can form a structure similar to a lens, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the display panel. Since the light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures instead of a full-layer structure, it does not reduce the foldability of the display panel, solves the problem of poor foldability of the display panel in the related art, and realizes the improvement of the foldability effect of the display panel.

[0042] In related technologies, the entire first light-transmitting layer is formed after a film layer that flows by an inkjet printing process levels and solidifies. The thickness of the first light-transmitting layer formed by such a process is usually thick, and consequently, the overall thickness of the display panel is thick. In contrast, in the display panel provided in the embodiments of the present application, the patterned light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures. The light-transmitting pattern does not need to be formed by leveling and solidifying through an inkjet printing process, can be formed by a pattern configuration process, and by being able to reduce the thickness of the light-transmitting pattern, the overall thickness of the display panel can be reduced.

[0043] In the display panel provided in the embodiments of the present application, the opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer and the upper light-transmitting structures together form a structure similar to a double lens, thereby being able to improve the light extraction efficiency of the display panel together.

[0044] In addition, the display panel can also include an intermediate layer 27. The intermediate layer 27 is located between the light-emitting unit 22 and the first light-transmitting layer 23. By including a plurality of film layer structures, the intermediate layer 27 can realize various functions such as protecting the light-emitting unit 22. Exemplarily, the intermediate layer 27 can include structures such as a packaging layer, a touch layer, and an insulating layer.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the display panel shown in FIG. 2 (FIG. 2 may be a cross-sectional view taken along E-E of the display panel shown in FIG. 3). It can be seen that the plurality of light transmission structures 241 in the light transmission pattern 24 are arranged on the display panel, and the first light transmission structure may be one or more of them. Since the plurality of light transmission structures 241 are dispersedly installed on the display panel, the light transmission pattern 24 basically does not limit the folding of the display panel, thereby improving the foldability of the display panel. Of course, in an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is another schematic plan view of the display panel shown in FIG. 2 (FIG. 2 may be a cross-sectional view taken along E-E of the display panel shown in FIG. 4). Here, the plurality of light transmission structures 241 in the light transmission pattern 24 are arranged on the display panel, and these plurality of light transmission structures 241 are connected to each other, that is, the plurality of light transmission structures 241 may not be independent structures. The first light transmission structure may be one or more of them. Since the plurality of light transmission structures 241 are dispersedly installed on the display panel, the light transmission pattern 24 basically does not limit the folding of the display panel, thereby improving the foldability of the display panel.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, in the display panel shown in FIG. 2, when the light-emitting unit 22 emits light, light rays are emitted in each direction within a 180-degree range on the side of the substrate 21 where the light-emitting unit 22 is installed. However, viewers who view the display panel usually view the display panel while positioned in the area directly facing the display panel 20. As a result, a part of the light rays emitted by the light-emitting unit 22 is not emitted toward the area where the viewer is located, leading to waste of light rays. In the display panel provided by the embodiment of the present application, through the cooperation of the first opening hole 231 of the first light-transmitting layer 23 and the second light-transmitting layer 14, a structure similar to a lens can be formed. A part of the light rays emitted from the light-emitting unit 22 can be irradiated onto the first light-transmitting structure 241a located in the first opening hole 231 and onto the hole wall of the first opening hole 231. Since the refractive index of the material of the first light-transmitting structure 241a is greater than the refractive index of the first light-transmitting layer 23, some light beams can be totally reflected by the hole wall and emitted toward the area directly facing the display panel. Thereby, the light-emitting efficiency of the display panel can be improved by the structures of the first light-transmitting structure 241a and the first opening hole 231.

[0047] In the display panel provided by the above embodiment, the combination of the first light-emitting unit 221, the first opening hole k1, and the first light-transmitting structure 241a can improve the light-emitting efficiency of the light beam emitted by the first light-emitting unit 221. In the above display panel, one or more of the plurality of light-emitting units may be the first light-emitting unit, one or more of the plurality of opening holes may be the first opening hole, and one or more of the plurality of light-transmitting structures may be the first light-transmitting unit. Of course, in the display panel, there may also be a first light-transmitting layer above one or more light-emitting units where no opening hole is installed, or there may be a first light-transmitting layer above one or more light-emitting units where an opening hole is installed, but no light-transmitting structure is installed in the opening hole. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of light emitting units is a first light emitting unit, each of the plurality of openings is a first opening, and each of the plurality of light transmission structures is a first light transmission unit, whereby the overall light emission efficiency of the display panel can be further improved.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the light emitting unit 22 and the opening k in the first light transmission layer 23 may have a one-to-one correspondence relationship, and the opening k in the first light transmission layer 23 and the light transmission structure 241 may also have a one-to-one correspondence relationship. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0050] The plurality of openings and the plurality of light transmission structures in the first light transmission layer provided in the embodiments of the present application can form a transparent array (Micro Lens Array, MLA) that can improve the light extraction efficiency of the display panel.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another display panel provided in the embodiments of the present application. In the display panel shown in FIG. 5, the first light transmission structure 241a includes a first portion 1a covered on the first light transmission layer 23 and a second portion 1b located in the first opening k1. The height of the first portion 1a in the first direction f1 perpendicular to the substrate 21 and away from the substrate 21 is greater than the height of the second portion 1b in the first direction f1. That is, the height of the portion of the first light transmission structure 241a covered on the first light transmission layer 23 is greater than the height of the portion not covered on the first light transmission layer 23. Such a height difference may be formed by the first light transmission layer 23 stretching the first light transmission structure 241a, or may be formed by a process treatment. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0052] The portion of the first light transmission structure 241a covered on the first light transmission layer 23 is exactly located at the edge of the first light transmission structure 241a, that is, the first light transmission structure 241a has a protruding edge, and the protruding edge can diverge the light beam to a certain extent, and when the viewing angle becomes larger, the problem that the light emission luminance of the display panel decays (Luminance - decay, L - Decay) can be improved.

[0053] In addition, the height of the first portion 1a in the first direction f1 perpendicular to the substrate substrate 21 and away from the substrate substrate 21 being greater than the height of the second portion 1b in the first direction f1 may mean that the minimum height of the first portion 1a in the first direction f1 is greater than the maximum height of the second portion 1b in the first direction f1, or may mean that the maximum height of the first portion 1a in the first direction f1 is greater than the maximum height of the second portion 1b in the first direction f1, or may also mean that the average height of the first portion 1a in the first direction f1 is greater than the average height of the second portion 1b in the first direction f1. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface m1 of the first portion 1a of the first light transmission structure 241a includes an arc surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate substrate 21. By further improving the scattering ability of the first portion 1a with respect to the light rays, when the viewing angle becomes larger, the improvement effect on the problem that the light emission luminance of the display panel decays can be improved. The protruding arc surface may be a structure formed under the action of the first light transmission layer 23 stretching the first light transmission structure 241a and the action of the properties of the material of the light transmission structure, or may be a structure formed by process treatment. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0055] As one option, the display panel further includes a second light-transmitting layer 28, and the second light-transmitting layer 28 is located above the light-transmitting pattern and is made of a material with a refractive index smaller than that of the light-transmitting pattern. Exemplarily, the material of the second light-transmitting layer 28 may be an Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA).

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged structure diagram of a partial region (region q1) in the display panel shown in FIG. 5. Here, the side surface m2 of the first portion 1a is an inclined surface that inclines toward the direction f2 of the center of the opening hole k, and the included angle c1 of the side surface m2 of the first portion 1a is 50 degrees or more. With such an inclined surface structure, the location of the side surface m2 is the interface between the first light-transmitting structure and the upper structure, and the refractive index of the upper structure may be smaller than that of the first light-transmitting structure. Thus, by adjusting the inclined side surface m2 with respect to the deflection direction of the light beam, the light extraction efficiency of the display panel can be improved. That one surface according to the embodiment of the present application inclines in one direction (which can be called the target direction) means that the first side and the second side of the surface are arranged in the direction, where the first side and the second side are two opposite sides of the surface, and the first side may be located on the side away from the substrate of the second side.

[0057] As one option, the range of the included angle c1 of the side surface m2 of the first portion 1a is 70 degrees to 80 degrees. When the included angle c1 is within this range, the light extraction efficiency of the display panel can be further improved.

[0058] As an option, the hole wall m3 of the opening hole k of the first light transmission layer 23 is inclined in the direction f3 away from the center of the opening hole, that is, the opening hole has a trumpet shape that is large at the top and small at the bottom. Such an opening hole structure facilitates adjusting the direction of the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit and can improve the light extraction efficiency. And the included angle c2 of the hole wall m3 is larger than the total reflection critical angle of the interface between the light transmission pattern 24 and the first light transmission layer 23. That is, the included angle c2 > arcsin(n1 / n2), where n1 is the refractive index of the material of the first light transmission layer and n2 is the refractive index of the material of the light transmission structure. The opening hole k is filled with a light transmission structure. Further, the location of the hole wall of the opening hole k is the interface between the first light transmission layer and the light transmission structure. With the structure where the included angle c2 of the hole wall m3 is larger than the total reflection critical angle of the interface between the light transmission pattern 24 and the first light transmission layer 23, more light beams can be totally reflected at the interface, and further the light extraction efficiency of the display panel can be improved.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, here, the first light transmission layer 23 includes a first region x1 covered by the first light transmission structure 241a and a second region x2 not covered by the first light transmission structure 241a. The thickness h1 of the first region x1 of the first light transmission layer 23 is larger than the thickness h2 of the second region x2 of the first light transmission layer 23.

[0060] Such a structure may be formed by a pre-treatment (Descum) process performed after the light transmission pattern 24 is formed. The light transmission pattern 24 may also be a pattern formed by a pattern configuration process after a full-layer light transmission film layer is formed on the first light transmission layer 23. The above pre-treatment process is a process for removing the light transmission film layer that cannot be cleared.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application (in this plan view, a schematic enlarged structure view in region P of the display panel is shown). Here, the display panel further includes a target pattern 25 located on a substrate on which a first light transmission layer 23 is installed, and the orthographic projection of the target pattern 25 onto the substrate 21 of the substrate surrounds the outside of the orthographic projection of the light transmission pattern 24 onto the substrate 21 of the substrate. The flat structure is used to balance the thickness difference between the region where the light transmission pattern is installed in the display panel and the edge region where the light transmission pattern is not installed in the display panel, so as to reduce various problems such as the occurrence of a mura phenomenon (a phenomenon where the luminance of the display panel is non-uniform and various traces appear) in the light transmission pattern near the edge.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present application, the structure of the target pattern 25 can include at least two types. In one of the structures, the target pattern 25 includes a plurality of block-like structures, and in the other structure, the target pattern 25 includes a stripe-like structure.

[0063] Regarding the aspect of the block-shaped structure of the target pattern, refer to FIG. 7, where the display panel has an effective display area AA, the light transmission pattern 24 is located in the effective display area AA, the target pattern (25) includes at least one block-shaped structure group 251, and one block-shaped structure group 251 includes a plurality of block structures 2a arranged along the edge of the effective display area AA outside the effective display area AA. That is, one block-shaped structure group 251 can be surrounded outside the effective display area AA. In an exemplary embodiment, the target pattern 25 includes at least two block-shaped structure groups 251, and at least two block-shaped structure groups 251 are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the center of the display panel. That is, the plurality of block-shaped structure groups can surround the effective display area AA to form a plurality of loops (which may not be closed loops), thereby improving the balance effect on the thickness difference and further reducing the influence of the unevenness phenomenon. Here, the block structure 2a can be called a dummy pixel. The shape of the block structure 2a may be the same as or different from the light transmission structure in the effective display area AA, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0064] Regarding the aspect of the stripe-shaped structure of the target pattern, refer to FIG. 8, which is another schematic plan view of the display panel provided in the embodiment of the present application (in this plan view, a schematic enlarged structure view of the area P of the display panel is shown). Here, the display panel has an effective display area AA, the light transmission pattern 24 is located in the effective display area AA, the target pattern 25 includes a stripe-shaped structure 252, and the stripe-shaped structure 252 extends and is arranged along the edge of the effective display area AA outside the effective display area AA. The stripe-shaped structure 252 can achieve a function similar to that of the above block-shaped structure group. The stripe-shaped structure can be called a dummy stripe.

[0065] As one of the options, the width range of the striped structure 252 is 50 microns to 500 microns. The striped structure 252 within this width range is not only easy to manufacture, but also can improve the balance effect against thickness differences and further reduce the influence of unevenness. Note that the width of the striped structure may mean the dimension perpendicular to the extending direction of the striped structure.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the target pattern 25 includes at least two striped structures 252, and the at least two striped structures 252 are sequentially arranged outside the effective display area AA in a direction away from the center of the display panel. That is, the plurality of striped structures 252 can surround the effective display area AA to form a plurality of loops (which may not be closed loops), thereby improving the balance effect against thickness differences and further reducing the influence of unevenness.

[0067] The display panel can have a wiring area q4 for connecting circuits (such as a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) and an Integrated Circuit (IC), etc.). The target pattern 25 can be arranged not in the wiring area q4 to avoid affecting the structure in the wiring area q4.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the display panel shown in FIG. 8 (the cross-sectional position is at the location of D-D). Here, the target pattern 25 and the light transmission pattern 24 have the same layer structure. That is, the target pattern 25 may be a patterned structure of the same material formed by the same pattern forming process together with the light transmission pattern 24, thereby saving the number of pattern forming processes.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present application, the light transmission pattern 24 can be formed by a negative photoresist material, and the formation process of the light transmission pattern 24 can include applying a photoresist material layer and performing exposure and development on the photoresist material layer.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to FIG. 9, the display panel further includes a barrier dam 26 located at the edge of the substrate. The orthographic projection of the target pattern 25 onto the substrate 21 of the display panel is located closer to the center of the display panel than the orthographic projection of the barrier dam 26 onto the substrate 21. Since the influence of the area outside the barrier dam on the display of the display panel is small, the target pattern 25 can be installed between the barrier dam 26 and the effective display area AA. The barrier dam can include multiple layers. In an embodiment of the present application, the target pattern 25 can be installed between the barrier dam closest to the center of the display panel (i.e., the innermost barrier dam) and the effective display area AA. FIG. 9 shows a structure where the barrier dam is located on the first light transmission layer 23, but the barrier dam can also be located at other positions. Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is another schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the display panel shown in FIG. 8 (the cross-sectional position is at the location of D-D). Here, the barrier dam 26 is located between the first light transmission layer 23 and the intermediate layer 27 and straddles the first light transmission layer 23.

[0071] Of course, in other exemplary embodiments, the target pattern can be covered on the barrier dam, or the flat layer pattern can be covered on the barrier dam, and the inner edge of the flat layer is located between the barrier dam and the effective display area, and the outer side is located at the cut edge of the display panel. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of one pixel region in the display panel shown in FIG. 8. In the pixel region, three light-emitting units are included, and the shapes of these three light-emitting units may be different. Three light-transmitting structures 241 with different corresponding shapes can be correspondingly covered above these three light-emitting units.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. The display panel further includes a passivation layer pas and an insulating layer j1, a thin-film transistor tft, an anode s1, a pixel definition layer pdl, a support structure ps, a first chemical vapor deposition (CVD) layer CVD1, an inkjet printing layer IJP, a second chemical vapor deposition layer CVD2, and an optical adhesive layer oca disposed on a substrate substrate 21. The thin-film transistor tft is electrically connected to the anode s1, and the anode s1 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 22 (where the light-emitting unit 22 here is a structure including an electroluminescence layer). The optical adhesive layer oca is covered on the light-transmitting pattern and can perform a certain flattening effect. Other structures such as a protective film layer can also be disposed on the optical adhesive layer oca, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. The thin-film transistor tft can include structures such as an active layer t1, a source-drain layer sd, and a gate g. In addition, the display panel can also include a touch layer tc located between the light-transmitting layer 23 and the second chemical vapor deposition layer CVD2 to realize a touch function. Exemplarily, the touch layer tc can include a first touch metal layer tc1, a second touch metal layer tc2, and an intermediate insulating layer tr located between the first touch metal layer tc1 and the second touch metal layer tc2.

[0074] In addition, the display panel may include a first protrusion structure t1. The first protrusion structure t1 is located in the opening hole k of the first light transmission layer 23, and the first protrusion structure t1 can also be used to realize the refraction effect on the light beam emitted by the light emitting unit 22 so as to improve the light emission efficiency of the display panel. Note that the portion of the first light transmission structure 241a covering the first protrusion structure t1 has a second protrusion structure t2. The second protrusion structure t2 can also be used to realize the refraction effect on the light beam emitted by the light emitting unit 22 so as to improve the light emission efficiency of the display panel.

[0075] Exemplarily, referring to FIG. 13, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the first light transmission layer 23 in the display panel shown in FIG. 12. As can be seen from FIG. 13, the first protrusion structure t1 may be a single stripe-shaped structure straddling the opening hole k (that is, both ends of the stripe-shaped protrusion structure t1 can be respectively connected to two facing hole walls of the opening hole k). What is shown in FIG. 13 is a situation where the first protrusion structure t1 and the first light transmission layer 23 have the same layer structure, but the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. Exemplarily, the first protrusion structure may be a single structure located at the center of the opening hole k, and can exhibit shapes such as circular, rectangular, and diamond-shaped. This structure may or may not have the same layer structure as the first light transmission layer 23, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto. [[ID=⑥]]

[0076] [[ID=⑦]] [[ID=⑧]]The display panel provided in the above embodiment may be a display panel to which the Enhanced efficiency structure (EES) technology is applied. [[ID=⑨]] [[ID=⑩]]

[0077] [[ID=⑪]] [[ID=⑫]]Referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of another display panel provided in the embodiment of the present application. Here, the light transmission structure 241 is a color filter layer. [[ID=⑬]] [[ID=⑭]]

[0078] [[ID=⑮]] When the display panel further includes a black matrix (BM) pattern 26 located on the substrate 21 where the light transmission pattern 24 is installed, the black matrix pattern 26 includes an opening region q3, and the orthographic projection of the light-emitting unit 22 onto the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the opening region q3 onto the substrate 21.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application. Here, the display panel further includes an insulating layer pas, a thin-film transistor tft, an anode s1, a pixel definition layer pdl, a support structure ps, a first chemical vapor deposition (CVD) layer CVD1, an inkjet printing layer IJP, a second chemical vapor deposition layer CVD2, and an optical adhesive layer oca installed on the substrate 21. The thin-film transistor tft is electrically connected to the anode s1, and the anode s1 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 22 (where the light-emitting unit 22 here is a structure including an electroluminescence layer). The optical adhesive layer oca is covered on the light transmission pattern and can perform a certain flattening effect. Other structures such as a protective film layer can also be installed on the optical adhesive layer oca, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. The thin-film transistor tft can include structures such as an active layer t1, a source-drain layer sd, and a gate g.

[0080] In addition, the display panel can also include a protrusion structure tq. The protrusion structure tq is located in the opening hole k of the first light transmission layer 23, and the protrusion structure tq can also be used to realize the refraction effect on the light beam emitted by the light-emitting unit 22 so as to improve the light extraction efficiency of the display panel. The protrusion structure tq can be a stripe-shaped structure straddling the opening hole k (that is, both ends of the stripe-shaped protrusion structure tq can be respectively connected to two facing hole walls of the opening hole k), or the protrusion structure can be a structure located at the center of the opening hole k, and can present shapes such as circular, rectangular, and diamond-shaped. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0081] FIG. 15 shows a top-type black matrix type display panel, but the display panel provided in the embodiment of the present application may be a bottom-type black matrix type display panel. In the bottom-type black matrix type display panel, the black matrix pattern can be located on the side closer to the light-emitting unit of the first light-transmitting layer.

[0082] The display panel shown in FIG. 15 may also be a display panel to which a technique of forming a color film layer (CFon EL, COE) on an organoelectroluminescence device packaged with a thin film is applied.

[0083] The above embodiments provide the structures of the locations where a plurality of types of light-emitting units are located. The display panel provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a plurality of light-emitting units, and the structures of the locations of these light-emitting units may include at least one of the structures of the locations of the light-emitting units provided in the above embodiments.

[0084] Thus, the embodiment of the present application provides a display panel, which includes a substrate, a light-emitting unit installed on the substrate, a first light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern. The opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer face the light-emitting units. The light-transmitting pattern includes a light-transmitting structure, and the light-transmitting structure covers the opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer and covers a part of the first light-transmitting layer. By configuring the light-transmitting structure and the opening holes in the first light-transmitting layer to form a structure similar to a lens, the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved. Since the light-transmitting pattern is not a full-layer structure but includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures, it does not reduce the foldability of the display panel, solves the problem of poor foldability of the display panel in the related art, and realizes the improvement of the foldability effect of the display panel.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a method flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method can be used to manufacture any of the display panels provided by the above embodiments, and the method can include the following steps.

[0086] Step 1301, obtain a substrate.

[0087] Step 1302, form a plurality of light-emitting units on the substrate.

[0088] Step 1303, form a first light-transmitting layer on the substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting units are formed. The first light-transmitting layer has a plurality of open holes, and the orthographic projection of the first light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the open holes among the plurality of open holes on the substrate.

[0089] Step 1304, form a light-transmitting material layer on the substrate on which the first light-transmitting layer is formed. The refractive index of the material of the light-transmitting material layer is greater than the refractive index of the material of the first light-transmitting layer.

[0090] The light-transmitting material layer can be formed on the substrate on which the first light-transmitting layer is formed by a coating process. Compared with the inkjet printing mode, the coating process can achieve the effect of reducing the thickness of the light-transmitting material layer.

[0091] Step 1305, perform processing on the light-transmitting material layer by a pattern configuration process to obtain a light-transmitting pattern. The light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures. The first light-transmitting structure among the plurality of light-transmitting structures covers the open hole and at least a part of the first light-transmitting layer.

[0092] Here, the material of the light-transmitting material layer may be a photoresist material. Further, in the process of obtaining the light-transmitting pattern by performing processing on the light-transmitting material layer through a pattern formation process, the process may include performing exposure and development on the light-transmitting material layer.

[0093] After obtaining the light-transmitting pattern, in order to remove the light-transmitting material layer that may remain on the display panel, pretreatment can be performed on the display panel. When performing the pretreatment, due to the problem of the etching resistance ability of the first light-transmitting layer, the thickness of the portion not covered by the light-transmitting pattern may be smaller than the thickness of the portion covered by the light-transmitting pattern so as to form a structure as shown in Figure x.

[0094] Thus, the embodiments of the present application provide a method for manufacturing a display panel. The display panel includes a substrate, a light-emitting unit disposed on the substrate, a first light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern. The opening in the first light-transmitting layer faces the light-emitting unit. The light-transmitting pattern includes a light-transmitting structure. The light-transmitting structure covers the opening in the first light-transmitting layer and covers a part of the first light-transmitting layer. And the light-transmitting structure and the opening in the first light-transmitting layer can form a structure similar to a lens, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency of the display panel. Since the light-transmitting pattern does not have a full-layer structure but includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures, it does not reduce the foldability of the display panel, solves the problem of poor foldability of the display panel in the related art, and realizes the improvement of the foldability effect of the display panel.

[0095] In addition, the first light-transmitting layer of all layers in the related art is formed after a film layer that flows by an inkjet printing process levels and solidifies. The thickness of the first light-transmitting layer formed by such a process is usually thick, and thus the overall thickness of the display panel becomes thick. In contrast, in the display panel provided in the embodiments of the present application, the patterned light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures. The light-transmitting pattern does not need to be formed by leveling and solidifying by an inkjet printing process, can be formed by a pattern configuration process, and can reduce the thickness of the light-transmitting pattern, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the display panel.

[0096] In addition, a display device is provided in the embodiments of the present application, and the display device includes any one of the display panels provided in the above embodiments. The display device can include devices having various display functions such as mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, notebook computers, game machines, smart wearable devices, televisions, and advertising machines. Since the display device has the display panel provided in the above embodiments, it also has the beneficial effects of the above display panel. Specifically, reference can be made to the above embodiments, and the description in the embodiments of the present application is omitted here for details.

[0097] The term "at least one of A and B" in the present application only explains the relevant relationship of the relevant object, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "at least one of A and B" can indicate three cases where A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Similarly, "at least one of A, B, and C" indicates that seven relationships can exist, showing these seven cases where A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, C and B exist simultaneously, and A, B, and C exist simultaneously. Similarly, "at least one of A, B, C, and D" indicates that fifteen relationships can exist, showing these fifteen cases where A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, D exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, A and D exist simultaneously, C and B exist simultaneously, D and B exist simultaneously, C and D exist simultaneously, A, B, and C exist simultaneously, A, B, and D exist simultaneously, A, C, and D exist simultaneously, B, C, and D exist simultaneously, and A, B, C, and D exist simultaneously.

[0098] Note that in the drawings, for clarity, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated. And when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it can be directly on top of the other element or there may be an intermediate layer. Also, when an element or layer is referred to as being "under" another element or layer, it can be directly under the other element or there may be one or more intermediate layers or elements. Also, when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers or two elements, it can be the only layer between the two layers or two elements or there may be one or more additional intermediate layers or elements. Similar reference numerals in this specification indicate similar elements.

[0099] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "plurality" means two or more, unless specifically limited otherwise.

[0100] The above are only selectable embodiments of this application and are not used to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of this application should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0101] 10 Display panel 11 Substrate 12 Light-emitting unit 13 First light-transmitting layer 14 Second light-transmitting layer 20 Display panel 21 Substrate 22 Light-emitting unit 23 First light-transmitting layer 24 Light-transmitting pattern 25 Target pattern 26 Barrier dam 26 Black matrix pattern 27 Intermediate layer 28 Second light-transmitting layer 131 Hole 221 First light-emitting unit 231 Hole 241 First light-transmitting structure 251 Block-shaped structure group 252 Strip-shaped structure

Claims

1. A display panel includes a substrate, a plurality of light-emitting units, a first light-transmitting layer, and a light-transmitting pattern, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are located on the substrate, the first light-transmitting layer is located on the substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting units are disposed, the first light-transmitting layer has a plurality of opening holes, and a normal projection of a first light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units onto the substrate overlaps with a normal projection of a first opening hole among the plurality of opening holes onto the substrate, the light-transmitting pattern is located on the substrate on which the first light-transmitting layer is disposed, the light-transmitting pattern includes a plurality of light-transmitting structures, a first light-transmitting structure among the plurality of light-transmitting structures covers the first opening hole and at least a part of the first light-transmitting layer, and a refractive index of a material of the light-transmitting pattern is greater than a refractive index of a material of the first light-transmitting layer, a display panel.

2. The first light-transmitting structure includes a first part covering the first light-transmitting layer and a second part located in the first opening hole, and a height of the first part in a first direction perpendicular to the substrate and away from the substrate is greater than a height of the second part in the first direction, The display panel according to claim 1.

3. An upper surface of the first part of the first light-transmitting structure includes an arc surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate, The display panel according to claim 2.

4. A hole wall of the first opening hole of the first light-transmitting layer inclines in a direction away from a center of the first opening hole, and a critical angle of the hole wall is greater than a total reflection critical angle of an interface between the light-transmitting pattern and the first light-transmitting layer, The display panel according to claim 1.

5. The display panel has an effective display area and a peripheral area located outside the effective display area, the light-transmitting pattern is located in the effective display area, the display panel further includes a target pattern, the target pattern is located on the substrate on which the light-emitting unit is disposed, the target pattern is located in the peripheral area, and a refractive index of a material of the target pattern is greater than a refractive index of a material of the first light-transmitting layer. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The target pattern and the light-transmitting pattern have the same layer structure, The display panel according to claim 5.

7. The target pattern includes at least one block-shaped structure group, and one block-shaped structure group includes a plurality of block structures arranged along the edge of the effective display area outside the effective display area. The display panel according to claim 5.

8. The target pattern includes at least two block-shaped structure groups, and the at least two block-shaped structure groups are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the center of the display panel. The display panel according to claim 7.

9. The dimension of the block structure is the same as that of the light transmission structure. The display panel according to claim 7.

10. The target pattern includes a stripe-shaped structure, and the stripe-shaped structure extends and is arranged along the edge of the effective display area outside the effective display area. The display panel according to claim 5.

11. The target pattern includes at least two stripe-shaped structures, and the at least two stripe-shaped structures are sequentially arranged in a direction away from the center of the display panel outside the effective display area. The display panel according to claim 10.

12. The display panel further includes a first protrusion structure, and the first protrusion structure is located in the opening hole of the first light transmission layer. The portion of the first light transmission structure covered on the first protrusion structure has a second protrusion structure. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. The display panel further includes a barrier dam located at the edge of the substrate. The orthographic projection of the target pattern on the substrate is located closer to the center of the display panel than the orthographic projection of the barrier dam on the substrate. The display panel according to claim 5.

14. The display panel further includes a barrier dam located at the edge of the substrate. The target pattern is covered on the barrier dam. The display panel according to claim 5.

15. The light transmission structure is a color filter layer. The display panel further includes a black matrix pattern located on the substrate where the light transmission pattern is installed. The black matrix pattern includes an opening area, and the orthographic projection of the first opening hole of the first light transmission layer on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the opening area on the substrate. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

16. The first light-transmitting layer includes a first region covered by the first light-transmitting structure and a second region not covered by the first light-transmitting structure, and a thickness of the first region of the first light-transmitting layer is greater than a thickness of the second region of the first light-transmitting layer. The display panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

17. A side surface of the first portion is an inclined surface inclined toward a center direction of the first opening hole, and a chamfer angle of the side surface of the first portion is 50 degrees or more. The display panel according to Claim 2.

18. A range of the chamfer angle of the side surface of the first portion is from 70 degrees to 80 degrees. The display panel according to Claim 17.

19. A method for manufacturing a display panel for manufacturing the display panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, acquiring a substrate; forming a plurality of light-emitting units on the substrate; forming a first light-transmitting layer on the substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting units are formed, the first light-transmitting layer having a plurality of opening holes, and a normal projection of the first light-emitting unit among the plurality of light-emitting units onto the substrate overlapping a normal projection of the first opening hole among the plurality of opening holes onto the substrate; forming a light-transmitting material layer on the substrate on which the first light-transmitting layer is formed, and a refractive index of a material of the light-transmitting material layer being greater than a refractive index of a material of the first light-transmitting layer; performing a process on the light-transmitting material layer by a pattern configuration process to obtain a light-transmitting pattern, the light-transmitting pattern including a plurality of light-transmitting structures, and a first light-transmitting structure among the plurality of light-transmitting structures covering the first opening hole and covering at least a part of the first light-transmitting layer; including a method for manufacturing a display panel.

20. A display device including the display panel according to any one of Claims 1 to 18.

Images