Display panel and display device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a display panel and a display device. The display panel comprises a substrate, a light-emitting structural layer, a light-blocking layer and a pixel definition layer, wherein the light-emitting structural layer is located on one side of the substrate and comprises a plurality of peep-proof sub-pixels; the light-blocking layer is located on the same side of the substrate as the light-emitting structural layer, the light-blocking layer comprises at least one light-blocking structure, and each of the light-blocking structures surrounds a light-emitting region of one of the peep-proof sub-pixels and is configured to block part of light emitted by the peep-proof sub-pixel; and the pixel definition layer is located on the side of the light-blocking structure away from the substrate and covers the light-blocking structure, the pixel definition layer is provided with a plurality of pixel openings, and each of the peep-proof sub-pixels is at least partially located in one of the pixel openings. The display device comprises the display panel.

Description

Display panel and display device Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and display device. Background Technology

[0002] OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology is a self-emissive display technology based on organic materials. OLEDs feature high contrast, fast response speed, wide viewing angle, low power consumption, and support for flexible displays.

[0003] Modern cars often feature displays in the passenger seat to enhance the passenger's entertainment experience. However, the light emitted from the screen or the content it displays may obstruct the driver's view or distract them, thus affecting driving safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to embodiments of this disclosure, this application provides a display panel and a display device.

[0005] A first aspect of this application provides a display panel, the display panel comprising:

[0006] Substrate;

[0007] A light-emitting structure layer is located on one side of the substrate; the light-emitting structure layer includes a plurality of privacy-protecting sub-pixels;

[0008] A light-blocking layer is located on the same side of the substrate as the light-emitting structure layer; the light-blocking layer includes at least one light-blocking structure, each of the light-blocking structures surrounding the light-emitting area of ​​one of the privacy sub-pixels, for blocking part of the light emitted by the privacy sub-pixel;

[0009] A pixel defining layer is located on the side of the light blocking structure away from the substrate and covers the light blocking structure; the pixel defining layer has a plurality of pixel openings, and each of the privacy sub-pixels is at least partially located within one of the pixel openings.

[0010] In one embodiment, the material of the light-blocking structure is a reflective material.

[0011] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes at least one protrusion structure located on the side of the substrate facing the light-emitting structure layer, each of the protrusion structures surrounding the light-emitting area of ​​one of the privacy sub-pixels; the light-blocking structure is at least disposed on the inner side of the protrusion structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes a planarization layer located between the substrate and the protrusion structure, the protrusion structure being in contact with the planarization layer; the material of the protrusion structure is the same as the material of the planarization layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the privacy sub-pixel includes a first electrode, a light-emitting material layer, and a second electrode; the light-emitting material layer is located on the side of the first electrode away from the substrate; the second electrode is located on the side of the light-emitting material layer away from the substrate.

[0014] The first electrode is disposed in the same layer as the light-blocking structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the light-blocking structure is an integral part of the first electrode.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the direction from the substrate to the light-emitting structure layer, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity enclosed by the light-blocking structure gradually increases.

[0017] In one embodiment, the side of the pixel opening includes a first sub-side surface, a first plane, and a second sub-side surface connected in sequence. The first sub-side surface is located on the side of the first plane facing the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second sub-side surface on the substrate is located outside the orthographic projection of the first sub-side surface on the substrate.

[0018] The distance from the surface of the light-blocking layer away from the substrate to the substrate is greater than the distance from the first plane to the substrate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distance from the bottom surface of the pixel opening to the substrate is greater than or equal to the distance from the side of the light-blocking structure facing the substrate to the substrate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the material of the light-blocking structure is a light-absorbing material.

[0021] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes at least one light-shielding layer located on the side of the light-emitting structure layer away from the substrate, each light-shielding layer having a plurality of through holes, the orthographic projection of each through hole on the substrate at least partially overlapping the orthographic projection of the light-emitting area of ​​a privacy sub-pixel on the substrate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the height of the light-blocking layer in the direction from the substrate to the light-emitting structure layer ranges from 1 μm to 4.5 μm.

[0023] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes a plurality of shared sub-pixels.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a display device, the display device including the display panel described above.

[0025] The display panel of this application has a light-blocking structure that can block some of the light emitted by the privacy sub-pixels, reducing the light emitted from the privacy sub-pixels at a large emission angle. This ensures that most of the light emitted by the display panel is light with a small emission angle and a normal viewing angle, thus improving the privacy effect of the display panel. When the display panel is used for in-vehicle display in the passenger seat of a car, it can improve the problem of light from the display panel at a large emission angle entering the driver's field of vision and interfering with the driver's vision, thereby improving driving safety.

[0026] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in another embodiment of this application; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in yet another embodiment of this application; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the pixel arrangement of a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application; Figures 5 to 10 are schematic flowcharts of a method for preparing a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or "implementations") of this application will be clearly and completely described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0029] If the embodiments of this application contain terms relating to directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific posture (as shown in the attached figures); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are only for descriptive convenience and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] The display panel of the present application embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations can complement or combine with each other.

[0031] An embodiment of this application provides a display panel, as shown in FIG1. ​​The display panel includes a substrate 10, a light-emitting structure layer 20, a light-blocking layer 30, and a pixel defining layer 60. The light-emitting structure layer 20 is located on one side of the substrate 10 and includes a plurality of sub-pixels 21, each sub-pixel 21 including a plurality of privacy-protecting sub-pixels 21a. The light-blocking layer 30 is located on the same side of the substrate 10 as the light-emitting structure layer 20 and includes at least one light-blocking structure 31. Each light-blocking structure 31 surrounds the light-emitting area of ​​one of the privacy-protecting sub-pixels 21a, blocking some of the light emitted by the privacy-protecting sub-pixels 21a. The pixel defining layer 60 is located on the side of the light-blocking structure 31 away from the substrate 10 and covers the light-blocking structure 31. The pixel defining layer 60 has a plurality of pixel openings 61, and each privacy-protecting sub-pixel 21a is at least partially located within one of the pixel openings 61.

[0032] Installing a display screen in the passenger seat can meet the entertainment needs of the front passenger, and the passenger can also control the vehicle's air conditioning, audio system, etc., reducing the driver's workload. However, the light emitted from the side of the screen may shine directly into the driver's eyes, obstructing their vision, and the content displayed on the screen may also attract the driver's attention, thus affecting driving safety.

[0033] The light-blocking structure 31 of the display panel of this application can block part of the light emitted by the privacy pixel 21a, reduce the light emitted from the display panel at a large angle, and ensure that most of the light emitted by the privacy pixel is a positive viewing angle light with a small emission angle, so that the front passenger can see the content displayed on the front passenger screen clearly. At the same time, it can improve the problem of the driver's vision being disturbed by light with a large emission angle entering the driver's field of vision, thereby improving driving safety.

[0034] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the substrate 10 can be a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate. The flexible substrate may be made of one or more of polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and organic resin materials, including epoxy resin, triazine, silicone resin, or polyimide. The rigid substrate includes any one of glass substrates, quartz substrates, sapphire substrates, etc.

[0035] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, each sub-pixel 21 of the light-emitting structure layer 20 includes a first electrode 211, a light-emitting material layer 212 located on the side of the first electrode 211 away from the substrate 10, and a second electrode 213 located on the side of the light-emitting material layer 212 away from the substrate 10. One of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 213 is an anode, and the other is a cathode. In some embodiments, the first electrode 211 is an anode, the second electrode 213 is a cathode, the cathode is a common electrode, and the cathodes of all sub-pixels 21 are connected to form a surface electrode. In some embodiments, the light-emitting material layer 212 is an organic light-emitting material layer. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the display panel further includes a driving circuit layer located between the substrate 10 and the light-emitting structure layer 20 and a buffer layer 51 located between the substrate 10 and the driving circuit layer. The driving circuit layer includes a plurality of pixel circuits, which are used to drive the sub-pixels 21. The pixel circuits and the sub-pixels 21 can correspond one-to-one, and each pixel circuit is used to drive the corresponding sub-pixel 21.

[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the pixel circuit includes a thin-film transistor 41. The thin-film transistor 41 may include an active layer 411, a gate 412, a first electrode 413, and a second electrode 414. One of the first electrode 413 and the second electrode 414 is the source, and the other is the drain. The pixel circuit may also include a capacitor 42, which includes a first capacitor plate 421 and a second capacitor plate 422 located on the side of the first capacitor plate 421 facing away from the substrate 10. The pixel circuit layer may also include multiple signal lines, such as scan signal lines, data signal lines, power signal lines, etc.

[0037] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the gate 412 is located on the side of the active layer 411 away from the substrate 10, and the first electrode 413 and the second electrode 414 are located on the same layer and on the side of the gate 412 away from the substrate 10. The driving circuit layer further includes a gate insulating layer 52, a capacitor insulating layer 53, an interlayer dielectric layer 54, a first planarization layer 55, a second planarization layer 56, and a connection portion 43. Specifically, the gate insulating layer 52 is located between the active layer 411 and the gate electrode 412, the capacitor insulating layer 53 is located between the first capacitor plate 421 and the second capacitor plate 422, the interlayer dielectric layer 54 is located between the second capacitor plate 422 and the first planarization layer 55, and the connection portion 43 is located between the first planarization layer 55 and the second planarization layer 56, and is electrically connected to the second electrode 414 through a via penetrating the first planarization layer 55. A portion of the first electrode 413 and the second electrode 414 are located between the interlayer dielectric layer 54 and the first planarization layer 55, while the other portion is electrically connected to the active layer 411 through a via penetrating the interlayer dielectric layer 54, the capacitor insulating layer 53, and the gate insulating layer 52. The first planarization layer 55 and the second planarization layer 56 can improve the planarity of the surface of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate 10, thereby improving the quality of the subsequently fabricated film layers.

[0038] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the sub-pixels 21 of the light-emitting structure layer 20 include privacy sub-pixels 21a and shared sub-pixels 21b. The shared sub-pixels 21b are at least partially located within the pixel opening. The shared sub-pixels 21b and privacy sub-pixels 21a are spaced apart, and the light-blocking structure is only arranged around the privacy sub-pixels 21a. The display panel includes a shared display mode and a privacy display mode. In the shared display mode, the shared sub-pixels 21b and privacy sub-pixels 21a work simultaneously, or only the shared sub-pixels 21b work. In this case, the wide-viewing-angle light emitted by the shared sub-pixels 21b is not blocked, so the image displayed on the display panel can be observed from multiple angles. In the privacy display mode, only the privacy sub-pixels 21a work. Part of the light emitted by the privacy sub-pixels 21a is blocked by the light-blocking structure. Therefore, in the privacy display mode, the displayed image can only be observed from the front of the display panel, and the displayed image cannot be seen from the side of the display panel.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG4, the light-emitting structure layer 20 includes a plurality of privacy pixel units 21A and shared pixel units 21B, which can be arranged alternately in the row and column directions. Each privacy pixel unit 21A includes a plurality of privacy sub-pixels 21a, such as a red privacy sub-pixel R, a green privacy sub-pixel G, and a blue privacy sub-pixel B. Each shared pixel unit 21B includes a plurality of shared sub-pixels 21b, such as a red shared sub-pixel R, a green shared sub-pixel G, and a blue shared sub-pixel B. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the privacy pixel units and shared pixel units may differ from that shown in FIG4.

[0040] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer 70 located on the side of the light-emitting structure layer 20 away from the substrate 10. The encapsulation layer 70 may be a thin-film encapsulation layer, comprising alternating organic and inorganic material layers, wherein the film layer with the greatest distance from the substrate 10 is an inorganic material layer. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer 70 includes two inorganic material layers and an organic material layer located between the two inorganic material layers.

[0041] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the pixel defining layer 60 is located between the driving circuit layer and the encapsulation layer 70, and is located on the side of the first electrode 211 away from the substrate 10. The pixel defining layer 60, by providing pixel openings, defines the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel 21 within a specific area, preventing light crosstalk between adjacent pixels and improving image clarity and resolution. The bottom surface area of ​​the pixel opening is also the light-emitting area of ​​the sub-pixel located within the pixel opening.

[0042] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the display panel further includes at least one protruding structure 32 located on the side of the substrate 10 facing the light-emitting structure layer 20, for example, an annular protrusion. That is, each of the protruding structures 32 surrounds the light-emitting area of ​​one of the privacy sub-pixels 21a, and the orthographic projection of the opening of the annular protrusion 32 on the substrate 10 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light-emitting area of ​​the privacy sub-pixel 21a on the substrate 10. The light-blocking structure 31 is at least disposed on the inner side of the protruding structure 32, that is, on the side of the protruding structure 32 facing the pixel opening corresponding to the light-emitting area of ​​the privacy sub-pixel 21a. By providing the protruding structure 32 and disposing of the light-blocking structure 31 on the side of the protruding structure 32, the formation of the light-blocking structure 31 is facilitated; and the provision of the protruding structure 32 can increase the position height of the light-blocking structure 31, avoiding the light-blocking structure 31 being too low to block the light emitted by the privacy sub-pixel 21a at a large emission angle.

[0043] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer 60 onto the substrate 10 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure 32 onto the substrate 10, and the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer 60 onto the substrate 10 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light blocking structure 31 onto the substrate 10. This configuration helps to improve the slope angle of the pixel opening 61 of the pixel defining layer 60, making the slope angle of the pixel opening 61 of the pixel defining layer 60 smaller than the slope angle of the protrusion structure 32, thus helping to avoid the problem of breakage of the second electrode 213.

[0044] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2, when the light-blocking structure 31 is a reflective material and the display panel includes the raised structure 32, the pixel defining layer 60 covers the surface of the raised structure 32 away from the substrate and completely covers the inner side surface of the light-blocking structure 31. In other embodiments, the pixel defining layer 60 may not cover the light-blocking structure 31, but only covers the surface of the raised structure 32 away from the substrate; or, the pixel defining layer 60 may cover the surface of the raised structure 32 away from the substrate and a portion of the inner side surface of the light-blocking structure 31.

[0045] Furthermore, regardless of whether the pixel defining layer covers the side of the light-blocking structure 31, the light-emitting material layer 212 will not extend to the side of the light-blocking structure 31. In one embodiment, the material of the light-blocking structure 31 is a reflective material. Part of the light emitted by the light-emitting material layer 212 of the privacy pixel 21a is reflected after incident on the inner side of the light-blocking structure 31. The reflected light can then exit, thereby reducing the amount of light emitted at large exit angles while increasing the amount of light emitted from the display panel at the forward viewing angle. In some embodiments, the material of the light-blocking structure 31 can be a metallic material.

[0046] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the material of the light blocking structure 31 is a reflective material and the pixel limiting layer 60 covers the side of the light blocking structure 31, the pixel limiting layer 60 is a light-transmitting material; when the pixel limiting layer 60 does not cover the side of the light blocking structure 31, the pixel limiting layer 60 can be either a light-transmitting material or an opaque material.

[0047] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity enclosed by the light-blocking structure 31 gradually increases in the direction from the substrate 10 to the light-emitting structure layer 20. With this configuration, the light emitted by the sub-pixel 21 is reflected upon incident on the inner side of the light-blocking structure 31, which reduces the exit angle of the reflected light and helps to further reduce the amount of light emitted from the display panel at wide viewing angles, thereby improving the front light emission rate of the display panel.

[0048] Figure 1 shows the light path L2-L6 of the reference line L1 and the light emitted from the privacy sub-pixel 21a. Taking the light path to the left of the privacy sub-pixel 21a as an example, the light blocking structure 31 located on the protruding structure 32 can block the light between the reference line L1 and the light path L2, preventing this part of the light from emanating from the area corresponding to the shared sub-pixel 21b, so that the driver or other people cannot observe the light and the displayed content of the display panel from the side of the display panel. By setting the height of the protruding structure 32, the angle range of the light that the light blocking structure 31 can block can be adjusted, and the privacy angle of the display panel can be specifically set according to application requirements.

[0049] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the protrusion structure 32 is located above the second planarization layer 56. The protrusion structure 32 can be formed in the same process step as the second planarization layer 56; that is, a thicker planarization film layer is first formed, and a patterning process is performed on the portion of the planarization film layer that is far from the substrate 10 to form the protrusion structure. The portion of the planarization film layer located on the side of the protrusion structure facing the substrate 10 is the second planarization layer 56. Alternatively, the protrusion structure 32 can be formed in different process steps than the second planarization layer 56; the second planarization layer 56 is formed first, and then the protrusion structure 32 is formed on the side of the second planarization layer 56 away from the substrate 10. The material of the protrusion structure 32 can be the same as the material of the second planarization layer 56. In some embodiments, the material of the protrusion structure 32 can be polystyrene or polyimide, etc.

[0050] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the first electrode 211 and the light-blocking structure 31 are disposed in the same layer. This means that the first electrode 211 and the light-blocking structure 31 are located on the same layer and made of the same material, allowing them to be formed simultaneously in a single patterning process. In other words, the first electrode 211 extends to the inner surface of the protruding structure 32. This reduces process steps and lowers production costs. In the embodiment shown in FIG1, the first electrode 211 is an anode and is made of a metallic material, meaning the light-blocking structure 31 is also made of a metallic material. In this case, the light-blocking structure 31 can block and reflect light emitted from the privacy pixel 21a at a large emission angle.

[0051] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the light-blocking structure 31 and the first electrode 211 are integrally formed, that is, the first electrode 211 is connected to the light-blocking structure 31. Thus, when forming the pixel opening 61 of the pixel defining layer 60, even if the pixel opening 61 is offset, a portion of the aforementioned integral structure can be exposed, reducing the requirements for process precision.

[0052]

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the light-blocking structure 31 is partially located on the surface of the protrusion structure 32 away from the substrate 10. When forming the light-blocking structure 31, forming it only on the side requires high process precision. Forming the light-blocking structure 31 on both the side and top surfaces of the protrusion structure 32 can ensure that the light-blocking structure 31 covers the side surfaces of the protrusion structure 32 while reducing the process precision requirements. Furthermore, the light emitted by the privacy pixel 21a will also be reflected when it is incident on the side of the portion of the light-blocking structure 31 located on the surface of the protrusion structure 32 away from the substrate 10, which can reduce the amount of large-angle light emitted.

[0054] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer 60 on the substrate 10 covers the orthographic projections of the light blocking structure 31, the protrusion structure 32, and a portion of the first electrode 211 on the substrate 10. The side of the pixel opening 61 is stepped, including a first sub-side surface 611, a first plane 612, and a second sub-side surface 613 connected in sequence. The first sub-side surface 611 is located on the side of the first plane 612 facing the substrate 10. The orthographic projection of the opening formed by the second sub-side surface 613 on the substrate 10 covers the orthographic projection of the opening formed by the first sub-side surface 611 on the substrate 10. The distance from the surface of the light blocking layer 30 away from the substrate 10 to the substrate 10 is greater than the distance from the first plane 612 to the substrate 10. The opening formed by the first sub-side surface 611 defines the light-emitting area of ​​the privacy sub-pixel 21b. This configuration allows a larger amount of light emitted from the privacy sub-pixel 21b at large angles to be reflected by the light blocking structure 31, effectively reducing the amount of light emitted from large-angle surfaces. During the preparation of the pixel-defining layer, two exposure and development processes can be performed, so that the side of the formed pixel opening 61 has the aforementioned stepped shape.

[0055] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the distance between the top surface 614 of the pixel limiting layer 60 surrounding the pixel opening 61 of the shared sub-pixel 21b and the substrate 10 is equal to the distance between the first plane 612 and the substrate 10. If the distance from the surface of the light blocking layer 30 away from the substrate 10 to the substrate 10 is less than the distance from the first plane 612 to the substrate 10, the light blocking layer 30 cannot effectively block the large-angle light emitted by the privacy sub-pixel 21a. At this time, the maximum angle range of the final emitted light from the privacy sub-pixel 21a and the shared sub-pixel 21b is basically the same, resulting in poor privacy protection effect of the display panel in privacy mode. Setting the distance from the surface of the light blocking layer 30 away from the substrate 10 to the substrate 10 to be greater than the distance from the first plane 612 to the substrate 10 can effectively improve the privacy protection effect of the display panel.

[0056] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2, the distance from the bottom surface of the pixel opening 61 to the substrate 10 is greater than or equal to the distance from the side of the light-blocking structure 31 facing the substrate 10 to the substrate 10. A portion of the light-blocking structure 31 contacts the surface of the second planarization layer 56 away from the substrate 10; this portion's distance to the substrate 10 is also the distance from the side of the light-blocking structure 31 facing the substrate 10 to the substrate 10. A light-emitting material layer 212 is disposed within the pixel opening 61. This arrangement ensures that the distance from the bottom surface of the light-emitting material layer 212 to the substrate 10 is greater than the distance from the side of the light-blocking structure 31 facing the substrate 10 to the substrate 10, preventing light from escaping from the bottom of the light-blocking structure 31 and causing poor privacy protection of the display panel. In the embodiment shown in FIG2, the distance from the bottom surface of the pixel opening 61 to the substrate 10 is equal to the distance from the side of the light-blocking structure 31 facing the substrate 10 to the substrate 10.

[0057] In one embodiment, the light-blocking structure 31 is made of a light-absorbing material. This configuration allows large-angle light emitted by the privacy sub-pixel 21a to be absorbed by the pixel-defining layer 60, thereby improving the privacy protection effect. In some embodiments, the light-blocking structure 31 can be directly fabricated on the surface of the second planarization layer 56 away from the substrate 10.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the pixel defining layer 60 covers the surface and sides of the light-blocking structure 31 away from the substrate 10. In other embodiments, the pixel defining layer 60 may completely cover the surface of the light-blocking structure 31 away from the substrate 10 or only cover a portion of the surface of the light-blocking structure 31 away from the substrate 10. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the light-blocking structure 31 is a raised structure that can absorb light, and the orthographic projection of the pixel defining layer 60 on the substrate 10 covers the orthographic projection of the raised structure on the substrate 10. The angle between the side of the light-blocking structure 31 and the upper surface of the second flat layer 56 is relatively large. After the pixel defining layer 60 is provided above and on the side of the light-blocking structure 31, the slope angle of the pixel defining layer 60 can be smaller than the slope angle of the light-blocking structure 31, which can avoid the problem of the second electrode 213 breaking. In this embodiment, the material of the pixel defining layer 60 can be a light-transmitting material or a light-absorbing material.

[0059] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the display panel further includes a light-shielding layer 80 located on the side of the light-emitting structure layer 20 away from the substrate 10. Each light-shielding layer 80 has a plurality of through holes 81, and the orthographic projection of each through hole 81 on the substrate 10 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light-emitting area of ​​a privacy sub-pixel 21a on the substrate 10. Further, the orthographic projection of each through hole 81 on the substrate 10 covers the orthographic projection of the light-emitting area of ​​a privacy sub-pixel 21a on the substrate 10. The light-blocking structure 31 can block part of the light emitted by the privacy sub-pixel 21a toward the side of the display panel, but some large-angle light still escapes. By setting the light-shielding layer 80, this part of the light can be absorbed, thereby further reducing the amount of large-angle light emitted from the display panel and improving the privacy effect of the display panel.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the light-shielding layer 80 can block the light between the light path L4 and the light path L5, preventing this part of the light from being emitted from inside the display panel, thereby reducing the viewing angle range from which the light emitted by the display panel can be observed.

[0061] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, at least one light-shielding layer 80 is provided on the side of the light-emitting structure layer 20 away from the substrate 10. In some embodiments, multiple light-shielding layers may be included, with the multiple light-shielding layers 80 located at different heights, thereby blocking light over a wider angle range and further improving the privacy protection effect of the display panel.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, when the display panel includes only one light-shielding layer 80, the light-shielding layer 80 can block light within the angle range between the light path L4 and the light path L5'. When the display panel includes three light-shielding layers 80, the light-shielding layer 80 can block light within a larger angle range between the light path L4 and the light path L5, which is more conducive to reducing the amount of light at the large emission angle of the display panel.

[0063] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the inner edge of the light-blocking structure 31 away from the surface of the substrate 10 includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The area of ​​the first electrode 211 exposed by the corresponding pixel opening 61 facing the surface of the substrate 10 includes a third side on the same side as the first side and a fourth side on the same side as the second side. The straight line containing point A of the first side and point C of the third side passes through the light-blocking layer 80, and the straight line containing point B of the first side and point D of the fourth side intersects the light-blocking layer 80.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the straight line containing point A on the first side and point C on the third side is optical path L2, and the straight line containing point B on the first side and point D on the fourth side is optical path L3. This arrangement ensures that almost all light emitted from the privacy pixel 21a with an emission angle outside optical paths L2 and L3 is absorbed by the light-shielding layer, while only light with an emission angle between optical paths L5 and L6 is emitted. This effect can be achieved by adjusting the height of the light-blocking structure 31 and the minimum distance between the light-blocking structure 31 and the light-shielding layer 80.

[0065] Similarly, the line connecting point B on the second side and point D on the fourth side can pass through the light-shielding layer 80, and the line connecting point C on the third side and point B on the second side can pass through the light-shielding layer 80, to ensure the privacy protection effect of the display panel.

[0066] In one embodiment, in the direction from the substrate to the light-emitting structure layer, the height of the light-blocking layer ranges from 1 μm to 4.5 μm. The width of the sub-pixel ranges from 10 μm to 30 μm, and the length of the sub-pixel ranges from 10 μm to 30 μm; the thickness of the encapsulation layer 70 ranges from 5 μm to 17 μm, and the thickness of the light-shielding layer 80 ranges from 0.5 μm to 2 μm. This configuration provides better privacy protection for the display panel and reduces the emission of light at large emission angles. The height of the light-blocking structure 31 refers to the distance between the surface of the light-blocking structure 31 facing the substrate and its surface away from the substrate.

[0067] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes a light-shielding material layer and a light-filtering layer located on the side of the light-shielding layer 80 away from the substrate 10. The light-shielding material layer has multiple openings, and the light-filtering layer includes multiple light-filtering structures, each light-filtering structure being located within one opening. The orthographic projections of each privacy-protecting sub-pixel 21a and each shared sub-pixel 21b on the substrate 10 overlap with the orthographic projection of one opening of the light-shielding material layer on the substrate 10. Furthermore, the orthographic projections of each privacy-protecting sub-pixel 21a and each shared sub-pixel 21b on the substrate 10 all fall within the orthographic projection of one opening of the light-shielding material layer on the substrate 10. The color of each light-filtering structure is the same as the emission color of the corresponding sub-pixel.

[0068] This application also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, used to manufacture the aforementioned display panel. The manufacturing method is described below using the display panel shown in Figure 1 as an example. The manufacturing method includes:

[0069] A substrate 10 is provided, and a buffer layer 51 and a driving circuit layer are sequentially fabricated on the substrate 10. This step yields the structure shown in Figure 5.

[0070] Next, a protrusion structure 32 is fabricated on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate 10. Specifically, the protrusion structure 32 is fabricated above the second planarization layer 56. The material of the protrusion structure 32 is the same as the material of the second planarization layer 56. This step yields the structure shown in Figure 6.

[0071] Next, a first electrode 211 is fabricated on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate 10. The first electrode 211 of the privacy pixel covers part of the surface of the second planarization layer 56, the side surface of the protrusion structure 32, and part of the top surface. The first electrode 211 and the light-blocking structure 31 are integrally formed. This step yields the structure shown in Figure 7.

[0072] Next, as shown in Figure 8, a pixel defining layer 60 is fabricated on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate 10. The pixel defining layer around the privacy pixel covers the protrusion structure 32 and the light blocking structure 31.

[0073] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9, a light-emitting material layer 212, a second electrode 213, and an encapsulation layer 70 are sequentially fabricated on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate 10.

[0074] Then, as shown in Figure 10, a light-shielding layer 80 is prepared on the side of the encapsulation layer 70 away from the substrate 10.

[0075] The embodiments of the display panel preparation method provided in this application and the embodiments of the display panel belong to the same inventive concept. The descriptions of relevant details and beneficial effects can be referred to each other and will not be repeated here.

[0076] This application also provides a display device, which includes the display panel described above.

[0077] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a driver and a power supply circuit, wherein the driver is used to provide a driving signal for driving the sub-pixels to emit light, and the power supply circuit is used to supply power to the display panel.

[0078] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a housing, and the display panel is disposed within the housing.

[0079] This application does not impose specific limitations on the application of display devices, which can be any product or component with display function, such as televisions, laptops, tablets, wearable display devices, mobile phones, in-vehicle displays, navigation systems, e-books, digital photo frames, and advertising light boxes.

[0080] It should be noted that the technical solutions or features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of this application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; all modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: Substrate; A light-emitting structure layer is located on one side of the substrate; the light-emitting structure layer includes a plurality of privacy-protecting sub-pixels; A light-blocking layer is located on the same side of the substrate as the light-emitting structure layer; the light-blocking layer includes at least one light-blocking structure, each of the light-blocking structures surrounding the light-emitting area of ​​one of the privacy sub-pixels, for blocking part of the light emitted by the privacy sub-pixel; A pixel defining layer is located on the side of the light blocking structure away from the substrate and covers the light blocking structure; the pixel defining layer has a plurality of pixel openings, and each of the privacy sub-pixels is at least partially located within one of the pixel openings.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the light-blocking structure is a reflective material.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display panel further includes at least one protrusion structure located on the side of the substrate facing the light-emitting structure layer, each of the protrusion structures surrounding the light-emitting area of ​​one of the privacy sub-pixels; the light-blocking structure is at least disposed on the inner side of the protrusion structure.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a planarization layer located between the substrate and the protrusion structure, the protrusion structure being in contact with the planarization layer; the material of the protrusion structure is the same as the material of the planarization layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The privacy-protecting sub-pixel includes a first electrode, a light-emitting material layer, and a second electrode; the light-emitting material layer is located on the side of the first electrode away from the substrate; the second electrode is located on the side of the light-emitting material layer away from the substrate. The first electrode is disposed in the same layer as the light-blocking structure.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light-blocking structure is an integral part of the first electrode.

7. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the direction from the substrate to the light-emitting structure layer, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity formed by the light-blocking structure gradually increases.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the pixel opening includes a first sub-side surface, a first plane and a second sub-side surface connected in sequence. The first sub-side surface is located on the side of the first plane facing the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second sub-side surface on the substrate is located outside the orthographic projection of the first sub-side surface on the substrate. The distance from the surface of the light-blocking layer away from the substrate to the substrate is greater than the distance from the first plane to the substrate.

9. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance from the bottom surface of the pixel opening to the substrate is greater than or equal to the distance from the side of the light-blocking structure facing the substrate to the substrate.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the light-blocking structure is a light-absorbing material.

11. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes at least one light-shielding layer located on the side of the light-emitting structure layer away from the substrate. Each light-shielding layer has a plurality of through holes, and the orthographic projection of each through hole on the substrate at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light-emitting area of ​​a privacy pixel on the substrate.

12. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the direction from the substrate to the light-emitting structure layer, the height of the light-blocking layer ranges from 1 μm to 4.5 μm.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel also includes multiple shared sub-pixels.

14. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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