DISPLAY PANEL, FORMING METHOD THEREOF AND DISPLAY DEVICE

Display panel, forming method, and display device are provided. The display panel includes: an array substrate, including a plurality of open areas and non-open areas between adjacent open areas; a display array on a side of the array substrate, the display array at least including a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element with different light-emitting colors, and the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element being respectively in corresponding opening areas; an encapsulation layer covering the display array; a touch electrode layer on a side of the encapsulation layer away from the array substrate; a first planarization layer covering the touch electrode layer; and a color-resist structure on a side of the first planarization layer away from the display array. The color-resist structure includes a first color-resist layer, a second color-resist layer and a third color-resist layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202211623076.0, filed on Dec. 16, 2022, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of antenna technology and, more particularly, relates to a display panel, a forming method thereof, and a display device.

BACKGROUND

With a continuous advancement of science and technology, more and more display devices are widely used in people's daily life and work, which bring great conveniences to people's daily life and work and have become indispensable and important tools for people today.

A main component of a display device to realize a display function is a display panel. The display panel includes a display array with a plurality of light-emitting elements for image display. A patterned black matrix is arranged on a light-emitting side of the display array. Areas corresponding to the light-emitting elements of the black matrix has hollow areas for arranging color-resist units which can transmit the light of the corresponding light-emitting element and block the light of other colors.

In an existing display panel, the black matrix is generally arranged on a surface of a planarization layer. Since the black matrix and the planarization layer are made of different materials and properties of the two materials are different, there is a problem of dispersion compatibility between the black matrix and the planarization layer, which leads to swelling, warping or even separation is likely to occur at an interface between the black matrix and the planarization layer, which affects an image display quality and a service life of the display panel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a display panel. The display panel includes: an array substrate, including a plurality of open areas and non-open areas between adjacent open areas; a display array on a side of the array substrate, the display array at least including a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element with different light-emitting colors, and the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element being respectively in corresponding opening areas; an encapsulation layer covering the display array; a touch electrode layer on a side of the encapsulation layer away from the array substrate; a first planarization layer covering the touch electrode layer; and a color-resist structure on a side of the first planarization layer away from the display array. The color-resist structure includes a first color-resist layer, a second color-resist layer and a third color-resist layer. The first color-resist layer includes a first color-resist unit and a first block, in a direction perpendicular to a plane where the array substrate is located, the first color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the first light-emitting element, and the first block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The second color-resist layer includes a second color-resist unit and a second block, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the second color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the second light-emitting element, and the second block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The third color-resist layer includes a third color-resist unit and a third block, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the third color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the third light-emitting element, and the third block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. At least two of the first block, the second block and the third block are stacked along the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located to form a light-shielding structure.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a display device. The display device includes a display panel. The display panel includes: an array substrate, including a plurality of open areas and non-open areas between adjacent open areas; a display array on a side of the array substrate, the display array at least including a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element with different light-emitting colors, and the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element and the third light-emitting element being respectively in corresponding opening areas; an encapsulation layer covering the display array; a touch electrode layer on a side of the encapsulation layer away from the array substrate; a first planarization layer covering the touch electrode layer; and a color-resist structure on a side of the first planarization layer away from the display array. The color-resist structure includes a first color-resist layer, a second color-resist layer and a third color-resist layer. The first color-resist layer includes a first color-resist unit and a first block, in a direction perpendicular to a plane where the array substrate is located, the first color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the first light-emitting element, and the first block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The second color-resist layer includes a second color-resist unit and a second block, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the second color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the second light-emitting element, and the second block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The third color-resist layer includes a third color-resist unit and a third block, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the third color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the third light-emitting element, and the third block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. At least two of the first block, the second block and the third block are stacked along the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located to form a light-shielding structure.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a forming method of a display panel. The method includes providing an array substrate including a plurality of opening areas and non-opening areas between adjacent opening areas; forming a display array on a side of the array substrate, the display array at least including a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element with different light-emitting colors, the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element being respectively in corresponding opening areas; sequentially forming an encapsulation layer covering the display array, a touch electrode layer, and a first planarization layer covering the touch electrode layer on a side of the display array away from the array substrate; and forming a color-resist structure on a side of the first planarization layer away from the display array. The color-resist structure includes a first color-resist layer, a second color-resist layer and a third color-resist layer. The first color-resist layer includes a first color-resist unit and a first block, in a direction perpendicular to a plane where the array substrate is located, the first color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the first light-emitting element, and the first block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The second color-resist layer includes a second color-resist unit and a second block, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the second color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the second light-emitting element, and the second block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The third color-resist layer includes a third color-resist unit and a third block, in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the third color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the third light-emitting element, and the third block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. At least two of the first block, the second block and the third block are stacked along the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located to form a light-shielding structure.

Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by a person skilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and the drawings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels are currently one of mainstream display panels. To reduce reflections of some metal film layers in the OLED display panel to ambient light, a design method is to arrange polarizers on light-emitting sides of light-emitting elements. Although the design method can reduce a reflection of ambient light, 50% of a display brightness may be directly reduced.

Based on ensuring a display brightness of an OLED display panel, to reduce the reflection of ambient light, another design method is to install color-resist units on light-emitting sides of light-emitting elements to replace polarizers with color-resist units. The method can not only effectively reduce the reflection of ambient light, but also greatly reduce absorptions of lights emitted by light-emitting elements and improve a display brightness compared with the design method of using polarizers.

With the design of using color-resist units, a planarization layer needs to be arranged on light-emitting sides of the light-emitting elements and form a black matrix with a plurality of hollow areas on a surface of the planarization layer to form color-resist units in the hollow areas. However, the black matrix and the planarization layer are formed of materials with different properties. In the two materials, the organic resin molecules, dispersants, and viscosities are different, which may cause dispersion compatibility problems at an interface between the black matrix and the planarization layer, resulting in swelling and warping or even separation problems at the interface between the black matrix and the planarization layer.

In view of the above, in technical solution of the present disclosure, overlapping blocks of different color-resist layers in non-opening areas are multiplexed as a light-shielding structure, so that the display panel needs not to be arranged with the black matrix, thereby solving a problem of interlayer warping or even separation caused by different material properties between the black matrix and the planarization layer below the black matrix in an existing display panel, and ensuring a image quality and a service life of the display panel.

To make the above purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure more obvious and understandable, the present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

FIG.1illustrates a top view of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2illustrates an A-A cross-sectional view of the display panel shown inFIG.1. The display panel includes array substrate11including a plurality of open areas K1and non-open areas K2between adjacent open areas K1; a display array12on a side of the array substrate11, the display array12at least including a first light-emitting element121, a second light-emitting element122and a third light-emitting element123with different light-emitting colors, and the first light-emitting element121, the second light-emitting element122and the third light-emitting elements123being respectively in corresponding opening areas K1; an encapsulation layer13covering the display array12; a touch electrode layer14on a side of the encapsulation layer13away from the array substrate14; a first planarization layer15covering the touch electrode layer14; and a color-resist structure16on a side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12and the color-resist structure16including a first color-resist layer21, a second color-resist layer22and a third color-resist layer23.

The first color-resist layer21includes a first color-resist unit S1and a first block Q1. In a direction perpendicular to a plane where the array substrate11is located, the first color-resist unit S1at least partially overlaps the first light-emitting element121. The first block Q1at least partially overlaps a non-opening area K2.

The second color-resist layer22includes a second color-resist unit S2and a second block Q2; in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located, the second color-resist unit S2at least partially overlaps the second light-emitting element122. The second block Q2at least partially overlaps a non-opening area K2.

The third color-resist layer23includes a third color-resist unit S3and a third block Q3. In the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located, the third color-resist unit S3at least partially overlaps the third light-emitting element123. The third block Q3at least partially overlaps a non-opening area K2.

At least two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3are stacked along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the array substrate11to form a light-shielding structure.

Each color-resist unit can transmit light emitted by a corresponding light-emitting element below each color-resist unit and block transmissions of light of other colors. For example, the first light-emitting element121, the second light-emitting element122, and the third light-emitting element123can be respectively a red sub-pixel R that emits red light, a green sub-pixel G that emits green light, and a blue sub-pixel B that emits blue light. That is, the first light-emitting element121, the second light-emitting element122and the third light-emitting element123emit red light, green light, and blue light respectively. The first color-resist unit S1can transmit red light and block transmissions of light of other colors. The second color-resist unit S2can transmit green light and block transmissions of light of other colors. The third color-resist unit S3can transmit blue light and block transmissions of light of other colors.

Along the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located, the light-shielding structure includes a stacked structure of at least two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3. Since blocks of different color-resist layers have different light transmission colors, a stacked structure composed of at least two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3may theoretically completely block visible light and have a same shielding effect as the black matrix.

It can be understood that multiplexing the light-shielding structure as the black matrix between two adjacent color-resist units can realize an isolation of outgoing light of two adjacent light-emitting elements, prevent a crosstalk problem of the outgoing light of the two adjacent light-emitting elements, and can also block and absorb incident ambient light, reduce a reflection of the display panel on ambient light, and improve display quality. Compared with a design method of using polarizers to reduce a reflection of ambient light, the current design method of using a light-shielding structure theoretically has no loss to a display brightness and does not affect a display brightness of the display panel.

Moreover, the first planarization layer15in the display panel is made of an optical adhesive material, and the color-resist layer is made of a photoresist material. Compared with materials used in a conventional black matrix, the photoresist material and the optical adhesive material have relatively similar material properties, so degrees of dispersion and curing of the photoresist material and the optical adhesive material are higher. Therefore, a stability of a contact surface between the first planarization layer15and the color-resist layer on a surface of the first planarization layer15is good, and there is no problem of swelling, warping or even separation on the contact surface.

In the embodiment, a stacked structure formed by blocks of different color-resist layers can play a good role in shielding light and can be multiplexed as the black matrix. The black matrix needs not to be arranged in the display panel, to avoid warping or even interlayer separation between the black matrix and the planarization layer below the black matrix. Moreover, the contact surface between the first planarization layer15and the color-resist layer on the surface has good stability, and there is no problem of swelling, warping or even separation on the contact surface.

As shown inFIG.2, the first block Q1is integrated with the adjacent first color-resist unit S1; the second block Q2is integrated with the adjacent second color-resist unit S2. The third block Q3is integrated with the adjacent third color-resist unit S3. For a same color-resist layer, a color-resist unit and an adjacent block are integrally structured, which can not only be formed in a same process, but also avoid a gap caused by a separation of the color-resist unit and the adjacent block on a same color-resist layer, thereby avoiding light leakage caused by the gap.

Optionally, the first color-resist unit S1is adjacent to the second color-resist unit S2. The light-shielding structure includes a first light-shielding structure shown by a dashed box inFIG.2. The first light-shielding structure is between the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2and includes the first block Q1and the second block Q2. Based on a stacked structure of the first block Q1and the second block Q2, the first light-shielding structure can be formed between the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2, and the first light-shielding structure is multiplexed as the black matrix between the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resistive unit S2. A better light-shielding effect can be achieved by stacking blocks of two different color-resist layers, and an implementation method is simple.

As shown inFIG.2, the two adjacent color-resist units on two sides of the first light-shielding structure are the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2, respectively. The first color-resistor unit S1and the second color-resistor unit S2correspond to the red sub-pixel R and the green sub-pixel G respectively, and the first color-resistor unit S1and the second color-resistor unit S2can transmit red light and green light respectively. In the first light-shielding structure, the first block Q1and the second block Q2can transmit red light and green light respectively. Therefore, when ambient light enters the first light-shielding structure, the ambient light first passes through the second block Q2, and green light can pass through the second block Q2, and visible light of other colors is blocked and absorbed by the second block Q2. The green light incident on the first block Q1through the second block Q2is blocked and absorbed in the first block Q1, thereby realizing blocking and absorption of the ambient light.

In one embodiment shown inFIG.2, the light-shielding structure between two adjacent light-emitting elements is a stacked structure of any two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3.

FIG.3illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the first color-resist unit S1is adjacent to the second color-resist unit S2, and the light-shielding structure includes a second light-shielding structure shown by the dotted box inFIG.3. The second light-shielding structure is between the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2, and the second light-shielding structure includes the first block Q1and the third block Q3. In the embodiment, based on a stacked structure of the first block Q1and the third block Q3, the second light-shielding structure can be formed between the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2. The second light-shielding structure is multiplexed as the black matrix between the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2. A better light-shielding effect can be achieved by stacking blocks of two different color-resist layers, and an implementation method is simple.

As shown inFIG.3, the two adjacent color-resist units on two sides of the second light-shielding structure are the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2, respectively. The first color-resistor unit S1and the second color-resistor unit S2correspond to the red sub-pixel R and the green sub-pixel G respectively, and the first color-resistor unit S1and the second color-resistor unit S2can transmit red light and green light respectively. In the second light-shielding structure, the first block Q1and the third block Q3can transmit red light and blue light respectively. Therefore, when ambient light enters the second light-shielding structure, the ambient light first passes through the third block Q3, blue light can pass through the third block Q3, and visible light of other colors is blocked and absorbed by the third block Q3, and the blue light entering the first block Q1through the third block Q3is blocked and absorbed in the first block Q1, thereby realizing blocking and absorption of the ambient light.

In the embodiment, when the light-shielding structure is a stacked block structure with two different color-resist layers, a stacking method of blocks in the light-shielding structure in an area corresponding to a non-opening area K2is not limited to a stacking method shown inFIG.2andFIG.3. The light-shielding structure can be arranged to be a stacked structure of any two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3.

Optionally, as shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the first color-resist unit S1, the second color-resist unit S2, and the third color-resist unit S3can be arranged to have a same first thickness. The light-shielding structure has a second thickness which is not greater than the first thickness. Arranging the second thickness not greater than the first thickness can avoid a need to arrange other thicker film layers above the color-resist structure16if the second thickness is larger, so that the display panel has a thinner thickness. Other film layers include a second planarization layer hereinafter.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment, a thickness refers to a dimension of a film layer in the direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located. In the embodiments shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the second thickness being smaller than the first thickness is taken as an example for illustration. As shown inFIG.4, the display panel can also be arranged to have the second thickness equal to the first thickness.

FIG.4illustrates a cross-sectional view of another display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiment shown inFIG.3, in a display panel shown inFIG.4, the second thickness is equal to the first thickness.

Optionally, arranging the second thickness equal to the first thickness can make a surface of the color-resist structure16away from the array substrate11have a better flatness, thereby reducing thicknesses of other film layers required on an upper surface of the color-resist structure16to the greatest extent, so that the display panel has a smaller thickness.

In the embodiment, the light-shielding structure is not limited to being formed by stacking two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2, and the third block Q3as shown inFIGS.2-4. A light-shielding structure can also be arranged as shown inFIG.5.

FIG.5illustrates a cross-sectional view of another display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Different from the embodiments shown inFIGS.2-4, the light-shielding structure in one embodiment shown inFIG.5includes the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3. Arranging the shielding structure being a stacked structure of three blocks with different light-transmitting colors can better block transmission of visible light, better achieve an isolation effect of the light emitted by two adjacent light-emitting elements and reduce a reflection effect of ambient light.

When the light-shielding structure includes the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3, as mentioned above, the second thickness can also be arranged to be no greater than the first thickness, so that a surface of the color-resist structure16away from the array substrate11has a better flatness, to reduce thicknesses of other film layers on a surface of the color-resist structure16, so that the display panel has a thinner thickness.

In the embodiment, the first color-resist unit S1, the second color-resist unit S2, and the third color-resist unit S3are arranged to have a same first thickness, and thicknesses of the first block Q1, the second block Q2, and the third block Q3are all a third thickness to facilitate forming each color-resist layer, thereby simplifying a forming process of the color-resist structure16.

When the shielding structure includes the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3, and the thicknesses of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3are all the third thickness, to make the second thickness not greater than the first thickness, the third thickness may be arranged to be not greater than one-third of the first thickness.

Optionally, the third thickness is set to be equal to one-third of the first thickness. Therefore, the second thickness is equal to the first thickness, so that a surface of the color-resist structure16away from the array substrate11has a better flatness, to reduce thicknesses of other film layers on a surface of the color-resist structure16.

As shown inFIG.4, when the shielding structure includes any two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3, the thicknesses of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3are all arranged to be a fourth thickness, and the fourth thickness is equal to one-half of the first thickness. Therefore, the second thickness can also be made equal to the first thickness, so that a surface of the color-resist structure16away from the array substrate11has a better flatness, to reduce thicknesses of other film layers on a surface of the color-resist structure16.

As shown inFIGS.2-5, a pixel definition layer18including a plurality of pixel openings is arranged on the array substrate11. The first light-emitting element121, the second light-emitting element122and the third light-emitting element123are in corresponding pixel openings respectively.

An orthographic projection of the first light-emitting element121on the array substrate11is in a range of an orthographic projection of the first color-resist unit S1on the array substrate11. An orthographic projection of the second light-emitting element122on the array substrate11is in a range of the orthographic projection of the second color-resist unit S2on the array substrate11. An orthographic projection of the third light-emitting element123on the array substrate11is in a range of the orthographic projection of the third color-resist unit S3on the array substrate11. Arranging an orthographic projection of each light-emitting element on the array substrate11to be in a range of an orthographic projection of a corresponding color-resist unit on the array substrate11can enable the color-resist unit to achieve a greater degree of light filtering for the corresponding light-emitting element to prevent variegated light from passing through an area corresponding to the light-emitting element and reduce an interference between light of different colors.

When an orthographic projection of a light-emitting element on the array substrate11is in an orthographic projection of a corresponding color-resist unit on the array substrate11, the orthographic projection of the light-emitting element on the array substrate11can be arranged to coincide exactly with the orthographic projection of the corresponding color-resist unit on the array substrate11, or an orthographic projection area of the light-emitting element on the array substrate11is arranged to be smaller than an orthographic projection area of the corresponding color-resist unit on the array substrate11.

FIG.6illustrates a cross-sectional view of another display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Based on the above embodiment, the display panel shown inFIG.6further includes a second planarization layer17covering the color-resist structure16; and a cover plate19on a side of the second planarization layer17away from the color-resist structure16.

By arranging the second planarization layer17, a flatness of the surface can be ensured, which facilitates to attach and fix the cover plate19on a light-emitting side of the display panel. The cover plate19may be a glass cover plate.

FIG.7illustrates a cross-sectional view of another display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. To illustrate a hierarchical structure of the encapsulation layer13clearly, one embodiment shown inFIG.7does not show a structure of each layer of the encapsulation layer13on a side away from the array substrate11. Based on the above embodiment, in the display panel shown inFIG.7, the encapsulation layer13includes a first inorganic layer131, a first organic layer132and a second inorganic layer133sequentially stacked along a direction away from the array substrate11. The encapsulation layer13includes two inorganic layers and an organic layer sandwiched between the two inorganic layers, which can effectively isolate water and oxygen from corroding a structure below the encapsulation layer13to increase a service life.

FIG.8illustrates a cross-sectional view of another display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. To illustrate a hierarchical structure of the touch electrode layer14clearly, one embodiment shown inFIG.8does not show a structure of each layer of the touch electrode layer14on a side away from the array substrate11. Based on the above embodiments, in the display panel shown inFIG.8, the touch electrode layer14includes a first touch electrode layer141, an insulation layer142and a second touch electrode layer143sequentially stacked along the direction away from the array substrate11. In the embodiment, the first touch electrode layer141is formed on the encapsulation layer13, and the second touch electrode layer143is formed on the first touch electrode layer141, so that a touch function can be integrated in the display panel, and a thickness of the panel can be reduced, so that a panel structure and a corresponding forming process are simple.

In the touch electrode layer14, the first touch electrode layer141and the second touch electrode layer143are patterned conductive layers. Pattern structures of the first touch electrode layer141and the second touch electrode layer143based on requirements are arranged to form a desired touch electrode pattern. The embodiment does not specifically limit a pattern structure of the touch electrodes. The first touch electrode layer141and the second touch electrode layer143can be transparent conductive layers or metal grid structures.

Since the pattern structures of the first touch electrode layer141and the second touch electrode layer143may cause the touch electrode layer14to be uneven, as shown in the accompanying drawings of the above embodiment, by arranging the first planarization layer15on the touch electrode layer14, a flatness can be ensured to provide a relatively flat surface for the color-resist structure16.

It can be seen from the above description that in the display panel provided by the embodiment, at least two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3are stacked to form the light-shielding structure in an area of the display panel corresponding to the non-opening area K2, so that the light-shielding structure can theoretically completely block visible light and play a light-shielding role. The light-shielding structure can be multiplexed as the black matrix. Therefore, the black matrix needs not to be separately arranged in the display panel, and the light-shielding structure formed by blocks of different color-resist layers can replace the conventional black matrix structure. The light-shielding structure formed by the blocks of different color-resist layers is used as the black matrix for light-shielding, which can not only realize a light isolation between different light-emitting elements, prevent a crosstalk problem of display lights of different colors, but also avoid warping or even separation between the film layers caused by a large difference in material properties between the black matrix and the planarization layers.

In the embodiment, the display panel may be an OLED display panel or a micro LED display panel. The light-emitting element in the OLED display panel is an OLED device. The light-emitting element in the micro LED display panel is a Micro LED device or a Mini LED device. The display panel is not limited to include three sub-pixels of red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel, and may also include a fourth light-emitting element configured to emit white light for brightness compensation, or other visible light for color tone compensation.

A type of the display panel is not limited to an OLED display panel or a micro-LED display panel, and may also be an LCD panel, and the light-shielding structure may also replace the black matrix in the LCD display panel.

Based on the display panel provided by the above embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, another embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a display device.

FIG.9illustrates a schematic diagram of the display device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The display device includes the display panel31provided in any one of the above embodiments.

The display device may be an electronic product such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, an all-in-one computer, a home appliance with a display function, or a smart wearable device. A black matrix needs not to be arranged in the display panel31in the embodiment, which solves a problem of interlayer warping or even separation between the black matrix and the planarization layer below the black matrix, ensures a display effect and a service life of the display panel, thereby improving a display quality and a service life of the display device.

Based on the above embodiments, as shown inFIG.10, another embodiment also provides a forming method of a display panel, which is used to form the display panel described in any of the above embodiments.

FIG.10illustrates a flow chart of a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes the following steps.S11: providing an array substrate including a plurality of opening areas and non-opening areas between adjacent opening areas.S12: forming a display array on a side of the array substrate, the display array at least including a first light-emitting element, a second light-emitting element, and a third light-emitting element with different light-emitting colors; the first light-emitting element, the second light-emitting element, and the third light-emitting element being respectively in corresponding opening areas.S13: sequentially forming an encapsulation layer covering the display array, a touch electrode layer, and a first planarization layer covering the touch electrode layer on a side of the display array away from the array substrate.S14: forming a color-resist structure on a side of the first planarization layer away from the display array.

The color-resist structure includes a first color-resist layer, a second color-resist layer and a third color-resist layer. The first color-resist layer includes a first color-resist unit and a first block. In a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the first color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the first light-emitting element, and the first block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The second color-resist layer includes a second color-resist unit and a second block. In a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the second color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the second light-emitting element, and the second block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. The third color-resist layer includes: a third color-resist unit and a third block. In a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located, the third color-resist unit at least partially overlaps the third light-emitting element, and the third block at least partially overlaps the non-opening area. At least two of the first block, the second block and the third block are stacked along a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate is located to form the light-shielding structure.

Based on the forming method provided by the embodiment, the display panels in the above embodiments can be formed, so that the formed display panels can multiplex blocks in different color-resist layers as the light-shielding structure. The black matrix needs not to be arranged in the display panel, which solves the problem of interlayer warpage or even separation caused by different material properties between the black matrix and the planarization layer below the black matrix in an existing display panel and ensures an image quality and a service life of the display panel.

The forming method of the display panel provided by the embodiment are described in detail below with reference toFIGS.11-16.FIG.11illustrates a cross-sectional view of a structure obtained after performing S11in a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.12illustrates a cross-sectional view of a structure obtained after performing S12and S13in a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.13illustrates a cross-sectional view of each structure after forming a first color-resist layer in a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.14illustrates a cross-sectional view of each structure after forming a second color-resist layer in a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.15illustrates a cross-sectional view of each structure after forming a third color-resist layer in a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11, an array substrate11including a plurality of opening areas K1and non-opening areas K2between adjacent opening areas K1is provided in S11.

It can be understood that the array substrate11has a thin film transistor (TFT) array for controlling light-emitting elements to emit light. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments do not show TFTs, and a design method of the TFTs in the array substrate11may adopt an existing circuit layout method, which is not specifically limited herein.

Referring toFIG.12, a display array is formed on one side of the array substrate in S12. The display array12includes at least a first light-emitting element121, a second light-emitting element122and a third light-emitting element123with different light-emitting colors. The first light-emitting element121, the second light-emitting element122and the third light-emitting element123are respectively in corresponding opening areas K1.

Optionally, the first light-emitting element121is a red sub-pixel R, the second light-emitting element122is a green sub-pixel G, and the third light-emitting element123is a blue sub-pixel B.

Optionally, before forming the display array12, a pixel definition layer18can be formed on a side of the array substrate11. A plurality of pixel openings is arranged on the pixel definition layer18. When the light-emitting elements are formed, the light-emitting elements can be formed in the pixel openings of the pixel definition layer18.

Referring toFIG.12, on a side of the display array12away from the array substrate11, an encapsulation layer13covering the display array, a touch electrode layer14and a first planarization layer15covering the touch electrode layer14are sequentially formed in S13.

It can be understood that the encapsulation layer13is formed on a light-emitting side of the display array12to encapsulate and protect the light-emitting elements. A touch electrode layer14is formed on a side of the encapsulation layer13away from the array substrate11to integrate a touch function in the display panel. The first planarization layer15is formed on a side of the touch electrode layer14away from the array substrate11to have a flat surface for forming the color-resist structure16in a subsequent process.

Referring toFIGS.13-15, A color-resist structure16is formed on the side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12in S14. The color-resist structure16includes a first color-resist layer21, a second color-resist layer22and a third color-resist layer23. The first color-resist layer21includes a first color-resist unit S1and a first block Q1. In a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located, the first color-resist unit S1at least partially overlaps the first light-emitting element121, and the first block Q1at least partially overlaps the non-opening area K2. The second color-resist layer22includes a second color-resist unit S2and a second block Q2. In a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located, the second color-resist unit S2at least partially overlaps the second light-emitting element122, and the second block Q2at least partially overlaps the non-opening area K2. The third color-resist layer23includes a third color-resist unit S3and a third block Q3. In a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located, the third color-resist unit S3at least partially overlaps the third light-emitting element123, and the third block Q3at least partially overlaps the non-opening area K2. At least two of the first block Q1, the second block Q2and the third block Q3are stacked along a direction perpendicular to the plane where the array substrate11is located to form the light-shielding structure.

In one embodiment, the first color-resist layer21, the second color-resist layer22, and the third color-resist layer23can be formed separately. For example, the first color-resist layer21is formed first, then the second color-resist layer22is formed, and finally the third color-resist layer23is formed.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the first color-resist unit S1is greater than a thickness of the first block Q1, and the first color-resist unit S1and the first block Q1are formed by one patterning process. A thickness of the second color-resist unit S2is greater than a thickness of the second block Q2, and the second color-resist unit S2and the second block Q2are formed by one patterning process. A thickness of the third color-resist unit S3is greater than a thickness of the third block Q3, and the third color-resist unit S3and the third block Q3are formed by one patterning process. Therefore, color-resist units and blocks that transmit same visible light are formed based on a same patterning process, that is, the first color-resist layer21, the second color-resist layer22, and the third color-resist layer23can be formed through one patterning process and the forming process is simple.

In some embodiments, forming the color-resist structure16on the side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12includes synchronously forming the first color-resist unit S1and the first block Q1on the side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12based on a halftone mask; synchronously forming the second color-resist unit S2and the second block Q2on the side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12based on a halftone mask; and synchronously forming the third color-resist unit S3and the third block Q3on the side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12based on a halftone mask.

The first block Q1is integrated with the adjacent first color-resist unit S1; the second block Q2is integrated with the adjacent second color-resist unit S2. The third block Q3is integrated with the adjacent third color-resist unit S3.

The above color-resist structure16can be formed by using halftone masks for three patterning processes to respectively form the first color-resist layer21, the second color-resist layer22and the third color-resist layer23. A forming process is simple, and a forming cost is low. To facilitate understanding of the forming process of the color-resist units and blocks based on the halftone masks in the embodiment, the above forming method are described in detail below.

Firstly, the first color-resist layer21is assumed to be formed. When the first color-resist layer21is formed, a layer of unpatterned first color-resist layer21is first coated on the first planarization layer15, and an unpatterned first photoresist layer is formed on the surface of the first color resist layer21. The first photoresist layer is patterned by using a first mask plate. The first mask plate has a first area corresponding to the first color-resist unit S1, a second area corresponding to the first block Q1, and a third area corresponding to the second color-resist unit S2and the third color-resist unit S3. Exposure rates of the first photoresist layer in the first area, the second area and the third area are sequentially reduced, so that a thickness of the patterned first photoresist layer decreases sequentially in the first area, the second area and the third area. Generally, the thickness of the first photoresist layer in the third area is zero, which means no photoresist in the third area. Therefore, when the first color-resist layer21is patterned based on the patterned first photoresist layer, the first color-resist layer21in the third area can be completely removed, and the thickness of the first block Q1is smaller than the thickness of the first color-resist unit S1.

Secondly, the second color-resist layer22is formed. When the second color-resist layer22is formed, the unpatterned second color-resist layer22is coated, and an unpatterned second photoresist layer is coated on the second color-resist layer22, the second color-resist layer covers the first color-resist layer21and the first planarization layer15. The second photoresist layer is patterned by using a second mask plate. The second mask plate has a fourth area corresponding to the second color-resist unit S2, a fifth area corresponding to the second block Q2, and a sixth area corresponding to the first color-resist unit S1and the third color-resist unit S3. Exposure rates of the fourth area, the fifth area and the sixth area to the second photoresist layer are sequentially reduced, so that a thickness of the patterned second photoresist layer22decrease sequentially in the fourth area, the fifth area and the sixth area. Generally, the thickness of the second photoresist layer in the sixth area is zero, which means no photoresist in the sixth area. Therefore, when the second color-resist layer22is patterned based on the patterned second photoresist layer, the second color-resist layer in the sixth area can be completely removed, and the thickness of the second block Q2is smaller than the thickness of the second color-resist unit S2.

Finally, the third color-resist layer23is formed. When the third color-resist layer23is formed, the unpatterned third color-resist layer23is coated, and an unpatterned third photoresist layer is coated on the third color-resist layer23. The third color-resist layer covers the first color-resist layer21, the second color-resist layer22and the first planarization layer15. The third photoresist layer is patterned by using a third mask plate. The third mask plate has a seventh area corresponding to the third color-resist unit S3, an eighth area corresponding to the third block Q3, and a ninth area corresponding to the first color-resist unit S1and the second color-resist unit S2. Exposure rates of the seventh area, the eighth area and the ninth area to the third photoresist layer are sequentially reduced, so that a thickness of the patterned third photoresist layer decreases sequentially in the seventh area, the eighth area and the ninth area. Generally, the thickness of the third photoresist layer in the ninth area is zero, which means no photoresist in the ninth area. Therefore, when the third color-resist layer23is patterned based on the patterned third photoresist layer, the third color-resist layer23in the ninth area can be completely removed, and the thickness of the third block Q3is smaller than the thickness of the third color-resist unit S3.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment, an order of forming the three color-resist layers is not limited to the above method.

FIG.16illustrates a cross-sectional view of each structure after forming a second planarization layer and a cover plate in a forming method of a display panel provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, after the color-resist structure16is formed on the side of the first planarization layer15away from the display array12, the forming method of the display panel further includes forming the second planarization layer17on a side of the color-resist structure16away from the array substrate11and forming the cover plate19on a side of the second planarization layer17away from the array substrate11.

It can be understood that the second planarization layer17may be formed after forming the color-resist structure16to facilitate bonding and fixing of the cover plate19.

In the above forming method of the display panel, after the touch layer14and the first planarizing layer15on a surface of the touch layer14are formed, process steps of forming the black matrix in a conventional forming process are cancelled, and each layer of the color-resist layers is directly formed. In areas of the display panel corresponding to the non-opening areas K2, a stacked block structure of different color-resist layers is used to replace the black matrix.

Each color-resist layer can be formed by a coating process and is patterned by using a halftone mask corresponding to a pattern.

FIG.17illustrates transmission curves of different color-resist layers in a visible light band. InFIG.17, a horizontal axis is a wavelength2, and a vertical axis is a transmittance T. Taking the above first color-resist layer21to transmit red light, the second color-resist layer22to transmit green light, and the third color-resist layer23to transmit blue light as an example, curve31is a transmittance curve of the first color-resist layer21, curve32is a transmittance curve of the second color-resist layer22, and curve33is a transmittance curve of the third color-resist layer23. In a visible light band corresponding to the horizontal axis, for a same coordinate on the horizontal axis, a product of transmittances of any two curves on the vertical axis does not exceed 30%, while a product of transmittances of the three curves on the vertical axis is approximately 0. Therefore, the light-shielding structure formed by stacking blocks of two or three different color-resist layers has a maximum transmittance of no more than 30%, which meets a low transmittance requirement of the black matrix in the display panel and can be multiplexed as the black matrix.

Various embodiments in the present specification are described in a progressive, parallel, or a combination of progressive and parallel manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and same and similar parts of the various embodiments may be referred to each other. As for a device disclosed in one embodiment, since the device corresponds to the method disclosed in the embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and for the related part, please refer to the description of the method part.

It should be noted that in the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that an orientation or a positional relationship indicated by terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “inner” and “outer” are based on the orientation or the positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for a convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. When a component is “connected” to another component, which may be directly connected to the other component or there may be a centered component at a same time.

It should also be noted that in the present specification, relational terms such as first, second and the like are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply an actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term “comprises”, “includes” or any other variation thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that an article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only the elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase “comprising a . . . ” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in an article or device comprising the element.

As disclosed, the display panel, the forming method thereof and the display device provided by the present disclosure at least achieve the following beneficial effects.

The forming method of the display panel can multiplex overlapped blocks in the non-opening areas in different color-resist layers as the light-shielding structure, and the black matrix needs not to be arranged in the display panel, which solves the problem of interlayer warping or even separation caused by different material properties between the black matrix and the planarization layer below the back matrix in an existing display panel, and ensures an image quality and a service life of the display panel.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the embodiments may be apparent to a person skilled in the art. General principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein but will conform to a widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.