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 display panels, manufacturing methods thereof, and display devices.

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-emission, 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 such as high cost and large thickness.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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, where 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, the light-emitting structures are provided within the blocking opening, The insulating layer covers the side of the barrier structure that is separated from the substrate, The touch control layer is provided on the side of the insulating layer away from the barrier structure and includes a plurality of first touch control structures spaced apart in a first direction and a plurality of second touch control structures spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other and the second structure forms a bridging structure, providing a display panel.

[0007] The display panel provided by the embodiment of the present invention divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular groove by a first annular groove, and the first and second touch control structures, which are independent of each other in the touch control layer, form a cross-linking structure with the second structure to achieve mutual capacitance, thereby enabling the shielding structure to be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer to be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first and second touch control structures to be achieved solely by the second structure, and since the touch control layer is provided on an insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized, and the above display panel has low manufacturing costs and a thin product thickness.

[0008] In a second aspect, the embodiment of the present application is as follows: It includes a substrate, a shielding 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, and the blocking structure is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular grooves. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, the light-emitting structures are provided within the blocking opening, The insulating layer covers the side of the barrier structure that is separated from the substrate, The touch control layer includes at least two first touch control structures provided on the side of the insulating layer away from the barrier structure, extending along a second direction and spaced apart, and a second touch control structure extending along the first direction, wherein the projections of the at least two first touch control structures spaced apart along the second direction and the second structure onto the substrate form a single straight line and intersect the projection of the second touch control structure onto the substrate, providing a display panel.

[0009] In a third aspect, the embodiment of the present application is as follows: The steps include providing a substrate and A step of forming a shielding structure on the substrate, wherein the shielding structure defines a plurality of shielding openings, the shielding structure is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves, and the shielding structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular grooves, The steps include forming a plurality of light-emitting structures provided within the blocking opening, and an insulating layer covering the side of the blocking structure that is separated from the substrate, on the substrate, The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising the step of forming a touch control layer on the substrate, wherein the touch control layer is provided on the side away from the barrier 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, wherein the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other, and the second structures form a crosslinking structure to realize mutual capacitance.

[0010] The method for manufacturing a display panel provided in the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular groove by a first annular groove, and the first and second touch control structures, which are independent of each other in the touch control layer, form a cross-linking structure with the second structure to achieve mutual capacitance, thereby enabling the manufacture of the shielding structure with one mask, the manufacture of the touch control layer with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first and second touch control structures to be achieved solely by the second structure, and since the touch control layer is provided on an insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized, and the above display panel has low manufacturing costs and a thin product thickness.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display device including a display panel described in either the first or second embodiment.

[0012] The display device provided by the embodiment of the present invention divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular groove by a first annular groove, and the first and second touch control structures, which are independent of each other in the touch control layer, form a cross-linking structure with the second structure to achieve mutual capacitance, thereby enabling the shielding structure to be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer to be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first and second touch control structures to be achieved solely by the second structure, and since the touch control layer is provided on an insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized, and the above display device has low manufacturing costs and a thin product thickness. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of a display panel provided by one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel at point A-A. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel at point B-B. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view of a display panel provided by another embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel at point C-C. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display panel provided in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of the structure of a display device provided by one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] As described in the background technology section, in conventional OLED display panels, the shielding structure acts as a position limiter for the deposition and sealing of the light-emitting structure. During deposition, the light-emitting layer and cathode of the light-emitting structure are shielded by the shielding structure, and the cathode is electrically connected through the shielding structure. This allows for easy manufacturing and reduces the thickness of the OLED display panel. However, in conventional OLED display panels, the touch control layer integrates the touch control function using an on-cell method. Manufacturing using this method requires etching at least four masks, resulting in high costs and a large stacked structure. Consequently, OLED display panels have high manufacturing costs and large product thickness.

[0015] Patent documents PCT / CN2023 / 134518, 202310759370.2, 202310740412.8, 202310707209.0, and 202311346196.5 describe related technical proposals for shielding structures, and for reference, their contents are incorporated into this application 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-linking structure is formed by the second structure to realize mutual capacitance. In this way, compared with the prior art in which the Oncell method 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, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, embodiments of the present application provide a display panel 10, the display panel 10 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 groove 220 into a first structure 230 and a second structure 240, 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, the light-emitting structures 300 are provided corresponding to the shielding openings 210, and the light-emitting structures 300 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 the first direction Y, the plurality of second touch control structures 520 are provided at intervals along the 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-linking 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, etc. The adjacent light-emitting structures 300 are 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 and 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 in the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure 200 into a first structure 230 and a second structure 240 located within the first annular groove 220 by a first annular groove 220. In the touch control layer 500, the independent first touch control structure 510 and second touch control structure 520 are cross-linked by the second structure 240 to achieve mutual capacitance. As a result, the shielding structure 200 can be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer 500 can be manufactured with one mask, and mutual capacitance between the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 can be achieved solely by the second structure 240. Furthermore, the touch control layer 500 is provided on the insulating layer 400, realizing Incell mutual capacitance type touch control. The display panel 10 has low manufacturing costs and a thin product thickness.

[0021] To make it clear, the embodiment of the present invention integrates the shielding structure 200 such that the first structure 230 shields the adjacent light-emitting structure 300, and the second structure 240 acts as a mutual capacitance bridge between the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520. This reduces the number of layers in the display panel 10 and thins the product, while the touch control layer 500 can be manufactured with a single mask by simply adaptively adjusting the mask used to manufacture the shielding structure 200, resulting in fewer manufacturing steps and lower manufacturing costs.

[0022] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 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 spaced apart by the first annular groove 220, thereby defining the blocking opening 210 with the first structure 230, and the blocking opening 210 and the first annular groove 220 are spaced apart.

[0023] In one example, by insulating the second structure 240 from the first structure 230, it is possible to prevent the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 from influencing 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, thereby realizing a configuration in which multiple first touch control structures 510, each extending over 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 blocking opening 210, the second structure 240 for realizing the electrical connection of the first touch control structure 510 after the bridging structure is formed does not affect the blocking effect of the first structure 230 on the adjacent light-emitting structure 300, and the above installation positions make it easy to install the blocking structure 200.

[0026] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 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, thereby the dimensions of the second structure 240 in the second direction X are greater than or equal to the dimensions 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 multiple light-emitting structures 300, thereby accommodating different dimensions of the second structure 240.

[0028] In one example, multiple 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 there are two first touch control structures 510 in the second direction X, and these two first touch control structures 510 are electrically connected after a bridging structure is formed by the second structures 240.

[0029] In one example, some of the second structures 240 are spaced apart along the first direction Y, and other parts of the second structures 240 are spaced apart along the second direction X, so that there are multiple second structures 240 in the second direction X, and multiple first touch control structures 510 in the second direction X. Two of these first touch control structures 510 are electrically connected after forming a bridging structure with the second structures 240, thereby achieving electrical connection of all 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 with the orthographic projection of the second touch control structure 520 in the second direction X, thereby 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 bridge structure and achieve mutual capacity.

[0031] In this way, by limiting the positional and dimensional relationships 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 in 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 positioned by utilizing the second structure 240 between adjacent light-emitting structures 300 in the first direction Y, and the second touch control structure 520 is positioned by utilizing the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 between adjacent light-emitting structures 300 in the second direction X, thereby 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 Figure 1, the length of the first structure 230 in the first direction Y is greater than the sum of the lengths of the multiple light-emitting structures 300 in the first direction Y, so the first structure 230 blocks each of the multiple light-emitting structures 300.

[0033] In one example, the length of the first structure 230 in the first direction Y is greater than the length of the light-emitting functional layer, so the first structure 230 has a lattice-like structure, and the first structure 230 blocks all 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 affecting the blocking function of the blocking structure 200.

[0035] In one embodiment, two first touch control structures 510 are provided on the upper side of the first structure 230, spaced apart along the second direction X, and the first touch control structures 510 extend over the second structure 240. The two first touch control structures 510 are each electrically connected to the second structure 240 to form a bridging structure, thereby enabling the electrical connection after the two first touch control structures 510 have formed a bridging structure with the second structure 240.

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

[0037] In one example, along the second direction X, there is one second structure 240 and two first touch control structures 510, where 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 second structures 240 is N, where N is greater than 1, and the number of first touch control structures 510 is N+1. In this case, such a correspondence can be used to design corresponding masks for manufacturing the blocking structure 200 and another mask for manufacturing the touch control layer 500, facilitating the corresponding installation of the second structures 240 and the first touch control structures 510.

[0039] In this way, by limiting each second structure 240 to having two first touch control structures 510, and by limiting the relative positional relationship between the first touch control structures 510 and the blocking structure 200, bridging connections between multiple first touch control structures 510 can be easily and reliably realized.

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

[0041] In one example, a second touch control structure 520, located above the same second structure 240 along a second direction X, is positioned between the first touch control structures 510, thereby facilitating the opposing installation of the second touch control structure 520 and the first touch control structure 510. Furthermore, the second touch control structure 520 and the first touch control structure 510, located above the same second structure 240, are spaced apart.

[0042] In one example, the first annular groove 220 extends along the second direction X, and the second touch control structure 520 extends to the upper side of the first structure 230, so that multiple second structures 240 are spaced apart along the first direction Y, with the first structure 230 between these second structures 240. By extending the second touch control structure 520 to the upper side of the first structure 230, the second touch control structure 520 spans the first annular groove 220 and covers the second structure 240 and the first structure 230, ensuring the continuity of the second touch control structure 520 in the first direction Y.

[0043] Thus, the multiple second touch control structures 520, the multiple first touch control structures 510, and the multiple second structures 240 constitute a grid-like structure, and each intersection of the grid-like structure corresponds to one touch control structure, a second structure 240 along the second direction X, and one first touch control structure 510 along the first direction Y, allowing for the identification of a unique touch control position. Mutual capacitance based on the bridging 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 bridging structure of the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 are high.

[0044] Continuing to refer to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the first touch control structure 510 extends over the end of the second structure 240, and the first touch control structure 510 is electrically connected over the end of the second structure 240 to form a bridging structure, thereby the first touch control structure 510 covers the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 across the first annular groove 220, and the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240 are electrically connected after forming a bridging structure to realize signal transmission. When specifically installing, the area of ​​the first touch control structure 510 over the end of the second structure 240 only needs to be sufficient 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 providing sufficient space for positioning the first annular groove 220 in the second direction X, and the area of ​​the first structure 230 at both ends in the second direction X is adapted to the installation of the first touch control structure 510, thereby improving the reliability of the installation of the first touch control structure 510.

[0046] In one example, in the edge region of the shielding structure 200 along the second direction X, the orthographic projection of the second structure 240 in the second direction X intersects with the orthographic projection of the shielding opening 210 in the second direction X. This allows the second structure 240 to support the second touch control structure 520 between two adjacent light-emitting structures 300 at the very edge. Furthermore, the dimensions of the second structure 240 can be increased, allowing for the placement of more second touch control structures 520 and improving the accuracy of touch control of the display panel 10.

[0047] In this way, the first touch control structure 510 is installed 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, thereby securing a larger area for the placement of the second touch control structure 520, and facilitating the placement of the second touch control structure 520.

[0048] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in one embodiment, there is at least one first annular groove 220 in the second direction X. When specifically installed, the number of first annular grooves 220 corresponding to multiple first structures 230 may be the same, thereby facilitating the installation of the first annular grooves 220. Alternatively, the number of first annular grooves 220 corresponding to multiple first structures 230 may be different, thereby adapting to different display panels 10.

[0049] In one example, the number of first annular grooves 220 in the second direction X is one, which facilitates the installation of the first annular grooves 220 and further simplifies and stabilizes the structure of the barrier structure 200.

[0050] In one example, the number of first annular grooves 220 in the second direction X is multiple, and the multiple first annular grooves 220 are spaced apart along the second direction X, thereby facilitating the acquisition of a shielding structure 200 with a single 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 barrier structure 200, so that 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 barrier 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 first annular grooves 220 in the second direction X, the first annular grooves 220 are uniformly provided in the barrier structure 200 in the second direction X, and the installation of the first annular grooves 220 can be facilitated.

[0053] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, in one embodiment, the second structure 240 includes a conductive material, and the insulating layer 400 has a plurality of first vias 410 on the upper side of the second structure 240, each first via 410 exposing a portion of the second structure 240, and the first touch control structure 510 contacts the second structure 240 exposed by one of the first vias 410 to form a bridging 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, which 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] For example, the material of the second structure 240 may be one of copper, silver, or gold, or it may be a combination of multiple types of copper, silver, or gold. Of course, the material of the second structure 240 is not limited to these, and may be other materials that meet the requirements, such as one of molybdenum, aluminum, or cobalt, or a combination thereof.

[0056] Thus, by limiting the second structure 240 to a conductive structure, the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240 come into contact via the first via 410 in the insulating layer 400, thereby easily achieving electrical connection between the first touch control structure 510 and the second structure 240, resulting in easy manufacturing and low cost.

[0057] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 and 5, in one embodiment, the cathodes of adjacent light-emitting structures 300 are electrically connected by the first structure 230 to provide a power signal, thereby realizing integrated control of the cathodes of all 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 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, the second structure 240 and the IC are electrically connected, and the second touch control structure 520 and the IC are electrically connected, so that the IC controls the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520 respectively, thereby achieving an electrical connection between the IC and the first touch control structure 510 and reducing 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, thereby eliminating the need for the touch control layer 500 to time-division multiplex the cathode signal of the light-emitting structure 300 and easily realizing the touch control function.

[0060] To make it easier to understand, in the embodiments of the present application, the first structure 230, the second structure 240, and the second touch control structure 520 are controlled independently of each other, thereby enabling independent control between the cathode of the light-emitting structure 300 and the first touch control structure 510 and the second touch control structure 520. Compared to the prior art in which the touch control layer time-division multiplexes the cathode signal to synchronize the timing of the touch control function and the display function, the control logic is simpler and easier to implement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0067] Thus, 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 a single mask, and during the etching process, the first structure 230 and the second structure 240 form an undercut structure, making it easy to manufacture the second structure 240 and the first structure 230 in a single etching process.

[0068] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the display panel 10 further includes a first sealing layer 610, which protects the light-emitting structure 300 by covering the side walls of the light-emitting structure 300 and the blocking structure. Specifically, when installed, the first sealing layer 610 is manufactured using chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

[0069] In one example, by positioning the insulating layer 400 on the side of the first sealing layer 610 away from the light-emitting structure 300, the installation of the insulating layer 400 is facilitated, the insulating effect is ensured, and the protective effect on the light-emitting structure 300 can be further improved by utilizing the insulating layer 400.

[0070] In one example, a second sealing layer 620 and a third sealing layer 630 are further provided on the side of the touch control layer 500 that is 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 installing the first sealing layer 610, the pathway for water and oxygen entering the light-emitting structure 300 from the touch control layer 500 is blocked, thereby reducing the amount of water and oxygen that can reach the light-emitting structure 300, and further improving the water and oxygen resistance of the display panel 10.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3 as a second embodiment, the present invention 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 defines a plurality of shielding openings 210, and the shielding structure 200 is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves 220, and the shielding structure 200 is divided into a first structure 230 and a second structure 240 by the first annular grooves 220, with the second structure 240 located within the first annular grooves 220. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures 300, which are provided corresponding to the shielding openings 210, and which are provided within the shielding openings 210. The insulating layer 400 covers the side of the shielding structure 200 that is away from the substrate 100. The touch control layer 500 is provided on the side of the insulating layer 400 away from the barrier 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 a second direction and are spaced apart, and the projections of the at least two first touch control structures and the second structure onto the substrate are connected as a single straight line and intersect the projection of the second touch control structure onto the substrate.

[0074] Referring to Figure 6, a third embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, which includes the following steps.

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

[0076] In S200, a shielding structure is formed on the substrate, the shielding structure defines a plurality of shielding openings, the shielding structure is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves, and the shielding structure is divided into a first structure and a second structure by the first annular grooves, with the second structure located within the first annular grooves. Exemplarily, one layer of shielding material is deposited on the substrate, and then the shielding structure is formed by etching with a single mask.

[0077] In S300, multiple light-emitting structures and insulating layers are formed on the substrate, the light-emitting structures are provided within the barrier openings, and the insulating layers cover the side of the barrier structure that is separated from the substrate. For example, a first conductive material layer, a light-emitting material layer, a second conductive material layer, and an insulating material layer are sequentially deposited on the entire surface, and then patterned to form multiple first light-emitting structures and first insulating units. The above manufacturing method is repeated to produce a second light-emitting structure and a second insulating unit, and a third light-emitting structure and a third insulating unit, respectively, and the first insulating unit, second insulating unit, and third insulating unit constitute an insulating layer.

[0078] In S400, a touch control layer is formed on the substrate, the touch control layer is provided on the side away from the insulating layer's barrier 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 achieve mutual capacitance. Exemplarily, a touch control material is deposited on the side away from the insulating layer's barrier structure, and the touch control layer is formed by etching with a single mask.

[0079] The method for manufacturing a display panel provided in the embodiment of the present application divides the shielding structure into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular groove by a first annular groove, and the first and second touch control structures, which are independent of each other in the touch control layer, form a cross-linking structure with the second structure to achieve mutual capacitance, thereby enabling the manufacture of the shielding structure with one mask, the manufacture of the touch control layer with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first and second touch control structures to be achieved solely by the second structure, and since the touch control layer is provided on an insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized, and the above display panel has low manufacturing costs and a thin product thickness.

[0080] While the steps in the flowchart in the drawings are shown in the order indicated by the arrows, it will be understood that they do not necessarily have to be performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless expressly stated herein, the execution of these steps is not limited to a strict order and may be performed in other orders. Furthermore, at least some of the steps in the drawings may consist of multiple steps or stages, and these steps or stages do not necessarily have to be performed simultaneously and may be performed at different times; and these steps or stages do not necessarily have to be performed consecutively and may be performed sequentially or alternately with at least some of the other steps or stages.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7, a fourth embodiment of the present application provides a display device 01 including a display panel 10 in any embodiment of the first embodiment.

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

[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 within the first annular groove by a first annular groove, and the first and second touch control structures, which are independent of each other in the touch control layer, form a cross-linking structure with the second structure to achieve mutual capacitance, thereby enabling the shielding structure to be manufactured with one mask, the touch control layer to be manufactured with one mask, and the mutual capacitance between the first and second touch control structures to be achieved solely by the second structure, and since the touch control layer is provided on an insulating layer, Incell mutual capacitance type touch control can be realized, and the above display panel has low manufacturing costs and a thin product thickness.

Claims

1. It includes a substrate, a shielding 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, and the blocking structure is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular grooves. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, the light-emitting structures are provided within the blocking opening, The insulating layer covers the side of the barrier structure that is separated from the substrate, The touch control layer is provided on the side of the insulating layer away from the barrier structure and includes a plurality of first touch control structures spaced apart in a first direction and a plurality of second touch control structures spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other and mutual capacitance is realized by the second structure, characterized in that the display panel.

2. The second structure is located inside the first structure, and the second structure and the first structure are spaced apart 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 adjacent light-emitting structures along the first direction. The orthographic projection of the second structure in the second direction covers at least the gap between adjacent light-emitting structures along the second direction, The length of the second structure in the second direction is greater than the length of at least one of the light-emitting structures. Multiple of the second structures are provided at intervals along the first direction, and light-emitting units are provided at the positions of the intervals. Alternatively, some of the second structures are provided at intervals along the first direction, and other parts of the second structures are provided at intervals along the second direction. The orthographic projection of the second structure in the second direction is spaced apart from the orthographic projection of the second touch control structure in the second direction. Alternatively, the length of the first structure in the first direction is greater than the sum of the lengths of the plurality of light-emitting structures in the first direction. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the first structure in the first direction is greater than the length of the light-emitting functional layer.

3. The two first touch control structures extend along the second direction and are spaced apart and located above the first structure, and extend up to the second structure, and are electrically connected to the second structure to realize the mutual capacitance. Along the second direction, the number of the second structure is less than the number of the first touch control structure. Along the second direction, the number of the second structure is one, and the number of the first touch control structure is two. Alternatively, along the second direction, the number of the second structures is N, where 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 on the upper side of the second structure. Along the second direction, the second touch control structure provided on the upper side of the same second structure is located between the first touch control structures, The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the first annular groove extends along the second direction, and the second touch control structure extends to the upper side of the first structure.

4. The first touch control structure extends over the end of the second structure and is electrically connected over the end of the second structure to realize the mutual capacitance. The projected contour of the second structure in the second direction does not exceed the projected contour of the light-emitting functional layer in the second direction. Alternatively, having 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 first annular grooves in the second direction is multiple, and the multiple first annular grooves are provided at intervals along the second direction. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the first annular grooves extends to the edge regions on both sides along the second direction of the blocking structure.

5. The second structure comprises a conductive material, the insulating layer has a plurality of first vias on the upper side of the second structure, each first via exposing a portion of the second structure, and the first touch control structure contacts the second structure exposed by the first vias to realize the mutual capacitance. The second structure is made of a metal material, The material of the second structure is one or a combination of copper, silver, and gold. Alternatively, the cathode of an adjacent light-emitting structure is 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 the side frame to the IC.

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

7. The structure further includes a first sealing layer, the first sealing layer covering the side walls of the light-emitting structure and the shielding structure. The insulating layer is located on the side of the first sealing layer away from the light-emitting structure. The display panel according to claim 1, further comprising a second sealing layer and a third sealing layer on the side of the touch control layer away from the insulating layer.

8. It includes a substrate, a shielding 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, and the blocking structure is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves, and the blocking structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular grooves. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting structures, the light-emitting structures are provided within the blocking opening, The insulating layer covers the side of the barrier structure that is separated from the substrate, The touch control layer is provided on the side of the insulating layer away from the barrier structure and includes at least two first touch control structures that extend along a second direction and are spaced apart, and a second touch control structure that extends along the first direction, wherein the projections of the at least two first touch control structures spaced apart along the second direction and the second structure onto the substrate are connected as a single straight line and intersect with the projection of the second touch control structure onto the substrate, and the first touch control structure and the second touch control structure are independent of each other and mutual capacitance is realized by the second structure, characterized in that the display panel.

9. The steps include providing a substrate and A step of forming a shielding structure on the substrate, wherein the shielding structure defines a plurality of shielding openings, the shielding structure is provided with a plurality of first annular grooves, and the shielding structure is divided by the first annular grooves into a first structure and a second structure located within the first annular grooves, The steps include forming a plurality of light-emitting structures provided within the blocking opening, and an insulating layer covering the side of the blocking structure that is separated from the substrate, on the substrate, A method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising the step of forming a touch control layer on the substrate, wherein the touch control layer is provided on the side away from the barrier 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, wherein the first touch control structures and the second touch control structures are independent of each other and mutual capacitance is realized by the second structure.

10. A display device characterized by including a display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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