Patent ID: 12262592

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following will clearly and completely describe technical solutions in embodiments of the present invention with reference to drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel and a display device. The display panel comprises a bending region and a non-bending region. The bending region is distributed on a periphery of the non-bending region, and the bending region is bent in a direction away from the display panel. The display panel comprises a base substrate; an array functional layer disposed on the base substrate; a pixel definition layer disposed on the array functional layer; a light-emitting unit disposed in a pixel region provided on the pixel definition layer; a first encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting unit and the pixel definition layer; a first functional layer disposed on the first encapsulation layer, wherein the first functional layer is disposed in the non-bending region; and a second functional layer disposed on the first encapsulation layer, wherein the second functional layer is disposed in the bending region. A refractive index of the second functional layer is greater than a refractive index of the first functional layer. Detailed descriptions are given below.

Please refer toFIG.1toFIG.5.FIG.1is a schematic structural view of an embodiment of a cross-section of a display panel in an embodiment of the present invention.FIG.2is a schematic structural view of another embodiment of the display panel in the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.3is a schematic structural view of another embodiment of the display panel in the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.4is a schematic structural view of another embodiment of the display panel in the embodiment of the present invention.FIG.5is a schematic structural view of another embodiment of the display panel in the embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the display panel10comprises a bending region12and a non-bending region11. The bending region is distributed on a periphery of the non-bending region, and the bending region is bent in a direction away from the display panel. The display panel comprises a base substrate100; an array functional layer101disposed on the base substrate100; a pixel definition layer102disposed on the array functional layer101; a light-emitting unit103disposed in a pixel region provided on the pixel definition layer102; a first encapsulation layer104covering the light-emitting unit103and the pixel definition layer102; a first functional layer105disposed on the first encapsulation layer104, wherein the first functional layer105is disposed in the non-bending region11; and a second functional layer106disposed on the first encapsulation layer104, wherein the second functional layer106is disposed in the bending region12. A refractive index of the second functional layer106is greater than a refractive index of the first functional layer105.

It should be noted that the display panel10can be used in electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. A shape of the display panel10corresponding to these types of devices is generally rectangular. Therefore, edges of the rectangular display panel10generally refer to four straight sides of the rectangle. A display direction of the display panel10is generally upward. For example, when a user is using an electronic device having the display panel10, a direction of the display panel10towards the user's face is generally its display direction, and a display direction away from the display panel10is generally opposite to the display direction. Specifically, the four straight sides of the display panel10may be bent on one side to form the bending region12on one side, or may be bent on multiple sides to form the bending regions12on opposite sides. Specifically, bending shapes or bending degrees of the bending regions12on two opposite sides may be same or different.

It should be further explained that the bending regions12on both sides are shown inFIG.1of the present invention, which is only an example. It may have only one bending region. SinceFIG.1is a schematic structural view of the embodiment of the cross-section of the display panel10, structures on the other two sides cannot be observed, and the other two sides may also be bending structures. In addition, in order to illustrate a structural relationship inFIG.1of the present invention, the bending region12is not illustrated for bending. In addition, the higher the refractive index of the second functional layer106, the better the refraction effect on emitted light along a user's viewing angles. Therefore, special attention is needed to distinguish a difference between a refractive index and a refraction effect. In the embodiment of the present invention, since a specific structure of the display panel10corresponds to a light propagation direction, the refraction effect described in the present invention increases as the refractive index decreases within a certain range.

Wherein, the array functional layer101generally may comprise structures such as a buffer layer, a gate, a gate insulating layer, a metal electrode, a pixel electrode, and an interlayer insulating layer. The base substrate100is generally made of a flexible material, and the flexible material may be, but is not limited to, polyimide, and it may also be other flexible materials. The light-emitting unit103generally corresponds to an R/G/B pixel matrix, which comprises a plurality of R/G/B sub-pixels. The first encapsulation layer104may be an inorganic encapsulation layer, the first functional layer105may be an organic encapsulation layer, and the second functional layer106may be an anti-reflection organic layer. The refractive index of the second functional layer106is different from the refractive index of the first functional layer105. Specifically, a material of the second functional layer106may be an acrylic material. The refractive index of the second functional layer106ranges from 1.50 to 1.70, and the refractive index of the first functional layer105ranges from 1.48 to 1.52. It should be noted that, in the present invention, a display difference between the bending region12and the non-bending region11is reduced by selecting the material of the second functional layer106of the bending region12to have a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer of the non-bending region11. An implementation solution is a relative size relationship of the refractive indexes corresponding to the first functional layer105and the second functional layer106. Although ranges of the refractive indexes of the two overlap, a prerequisite for selection is that the refractive index of the second functional layer106is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer105. The second functional layer106can be formed by inkjet printing (IJP), silk screen printing, or dot coating. The pixel definition layer102located in the bending region12and the pixel definition layer102located in the non-bending region11can be same material or different materials. For example, both are organic materials. Similarly, the pixel definition layer102located in the bending region12and the pixel definition layer102located in the non-bending region11can be a single-layer structure or a double-layer structure. Specifically, a film can be deposited by coating or inkjet printing. The display panel10may be an OLED display panel10.

The display panel10provided by the present invention comprises the bending region12and the non-bending region11. The bending region12is distributed on the periphery of the display panel10, and the bending region12is bent in the display direction away from the display panel10. The display panel10comprises the base substrate100; the array functional layer101disposed on the base substrate100; the pixel definition layer102disposed on the array functional layer101; the light-emitting unit103disposed on the pixel definition layer102; the first encapsulation layer104covering the light-emitting unit103and the pixel definition layer102; the first functional layer105disposed on the first encapsulation layer104, wherein the first functional layer105is disposed in the non-bending region11; and the second functional layer106disposed on the first encapsulation layer104, wherein the second functional layer106is disposed in the bending region12. The refractive index of the second functional layer106is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer105. The present invention adjusts the refractive index of the second functional layer106in the above-mentioned display panel10to be greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer105. Therefore, the light extraction rate of the bending region12corresponding to the second functional layer106is increased to reduce a difference in a light output effect of the bending region12and the non-bending region11, so that users receive same brightness in the bending region12and non-bending region11, thereby improving display effects of the display panel10.

In the description of the present invention, it needs to be understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” etc. are used in the orientations and positional relationships indicated in the drawings for convenience in describing the present invention and for simplicity in description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the referenced devices or elements must have a particular orientation, be constructed in a particular orientation, and be operated in a particular manner, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined as “first”, “second”, may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the described features. In the description of the present application, “plurality” means two or more unless specifically limited otherwise.

As shown inFIG.1, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel definition layer102comprises at least one third protrusion111. The at least one third protrusion is located between the bending region12and the non-bending region11, and the at least one third protrusion separates the first functional layer105from the second functional layer106.

As shown in combination withFIG.1andFIG.2, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second functional layer106comprises nanoparticles107having a predetermined concentration. The predetermined concentration is a concentration range within a certain range. Specifically, the concentration can be adjusted according to actual needs, which is not limited here. The nanoparticles can be inorganic materials such as ZnO2, CrO2, TiO2, etc., or organic materials with certain scattering functions and transparency, which are not limited as long as they meet functional requirements. The nanoparticles can be formed by inkjet, dot coating, etc. A size of the nanoparticles ranges from 1 nm to 200 nm. The embodiment of the present invention further increases the refractive index of the second functional layer106by adding the nanoparticles to the second functional layer106. Therefore, the light extraction rate of the bending region corresponding to the second functional layer106is increased to reduce the difference in the light output effect of the bending region and the non-bending region, so that the users receive same brightness in the bending region and non-bending region, thereby improving display effects of the display panel.

It should be noted thatFIG.2comprises two bending regions12on left and right, and each of the two bending regions12are provided with the nanoparticles having the predetermined concentration. In addition, the nanoparticles having the predetermined concentration can be set in only one bending region12. Specific settings can be adjusted according to actual needs. Furthermore, sinceFIG.2is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, upper and lower sides of the structure relative to a top view ofFIG.2cannot be seen. In practical applications, a corresponding region on the upper side can also be formed as the bending region as required, and a corresponding region on the lower side can also be formed as the bending region as required.

With reference toFIG.1andFIG.3, in the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel definition layer102comprises a plurality of first protrusions108and a plurality of second protrusions109. The plurality of first protrusions are disposed in the non-bending region11, the plurality of second protrusions are disposed in the bending region12, and a thickness of each of the second protrusions is greater than a thickness of each of the first protrusions. Due to a problem of a bending angle in the bending region12, the bending angle of the bending region12in a direction away from the non-bending region11becomes larger, and its display effects correspondingly worsen. Therefore, in order to improve an overall display effect of the bending region12, the bending region12can also be partitioned. As shown inFIG.3, the plurality of second protrusions can divide the second functional layer106into a plurality of first sub-functional layers1061, second sub-functional layers1062, and third sub-functional layers1063. Refractive indexes of the first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063increase in order. Specifically, it can be realized by filling them with materials of different refractive indexes. For example, filling acrylic materials in the second functional layer106, and adjusting the refractive indexes in the first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063. As a result, a problem of uneven display caused by the bending angle of the bending region12becoming greater in the direction away from the non-bending region11is solved, and the display effects of the display panel is further improved.

With reference toFIG.1toFIG.2, in the embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined concentration of the nanoparticles gradually increases along the direction away from the non-bending region11. Due to the problem of the bending angle in the bending region12, the bending angle of the bending region12away from the non-bending region11becomes larger, and its display effects correspondingly worsen. Therefore, in order to improve the overall display effect of the bending region12, the concentration of nanoparticles along the direction away from the non-bending region11can also be gradually increased.

With reference toFIG.3andFIG.4, in the embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the nanoparticles gradually increases in the direction away from the non-bending region11. Due to the problem of the bending angle in the bending region12, the bending angle of the bending region12in the direction away from the non-bending region11becomes larger, and its display effects correspondingly worsen. Therefore, in order to improve the overall display effect of the bending region12, the bending region12can also be partitioned. The plurality of second protrusions can divide the second functional layer106into the plurality of first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063. Add the nanoparticles to the first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063, and the refractive indexes of the first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063increase in order. In this way, the concentration of nanoparticles gradually increases in the direction away from the non-bending region11, so that the bending region12closer to the edge has a greater refraction effect on light. As a result, the problem of uneven display caused by the bending angle of the bending region12becoming greater in the direction away from the non-bending region11is solved, and display effects of the display panel are further improved.

As shown inFIG.5, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second functional layer106comprises at least one hole110configured to improve a light extraction rate of the second functional layer106. A diameter of the hole ranges from 1 nm to 200 nm. Specifically, a hole of a target size can be selected according to actual needs. In the embodiment of the present invention, by providing at least one hole in the second functional layer106, the refractive index of the second functional layer106is further increased, the light extraction effect of the bending region12is improved, display uniformity between the bending region12and the non-bending region11is realized, and the display effects are improved.

As shown inFIG.5, in the embodiment of the present invention, the second functional layer106comprises a plurality of holes. Sizes of the plurality of holes gradually decrease in the direction away from the non-bending region11. Due to the problem of the bending angle in the bending region12, the bending angle of the bending region12in the direction away from the non-bending region11becomes larger, and its display effects correspondingly worsen. Therefore, in order to improve the overall display effect of the bending region12, the bending region12can also be partitioned. The plurality of second protrusions can divide the second functional layer106into the plurality of first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063. Add the holes to the first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063, and the sizes of the holes in the first sub-functional layers1061, the second sub-functional layers1062, and the third sub-functional layers1063decrease in order. In this way, the holes gradually decrease in the direction away from the non-bending region11, so that the bending region12closer to the edge has a greater refraction effect on light. As a result, the problem of uneven display caused by the bending angle of the bending region12becoming greater in the direction away from the non-bending region11is solved, and the display effects of the display panel are further improved.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the first encapsulation layer104comprises at least one fourth protrusion. The at least one fourth protrusion is located between the bending region12and the non-bending region11, and the at least one fourth protrusion separates the first functional layer105from the second functional layer106.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the refractive index of each of the regions in the second functional layer106is different, and the refractive index of each of the regions gradually increases along the direction away from the non-bending region11.

As shown inFIG.1, in the embodiment of the present invention, the display panel10further comprises a second encapsulation layer112. The second encapsulation layer covers the first encapsulation layer104, the first functional layer105, and the second functional layer106.

As shown inFIG.6.FIG.6is a schematic structural view of another embodiment of the display panel in the embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the thicknesses of all the second protrusions109are same, or

the thicknesses of the second protrusions109gradually increase in the direction away from the non-bending region11.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the refractive index of the second functional layer106in the bending region12is same, or

the refractive index of the second functional layer106located between adjacent ones of the second protrusions109gradually increases in the direction away from the non-bending region11.

In the present invention, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “used as an example, illustration, or explanation.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” in the present invention is not necessarily to be construed as more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. In order to enable any person skilled in the art to implement and use the present invention, the following description is given. In the following description, the invention sets out details for the purpose of explanation. It should be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that the present invention can be implemented even without using these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and processes will not be elaborated in detail to avoid unnecessary details that obscure the description of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments but should be consistent with the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed in the present invention.

In order to better implement the display panel10in the embodiment of the present invention, based on the above-mentioned display panel10, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a display device, which comprises the above-mentioned display panel10.

The display panel10provided by the present invention comprises the bending region12and the non-bending region11. The bending region12is distributed on the periphery of the display panel10, and the bending region12is bent in the display direction away from the display panel10. The display panel10comprises the base substrate100; the array functional layer101disposed on the base substrate100; the pixel definition layer102disposed on the array functional layer101; the light-emitting unit103disposed on the pixel definition layer102; the first encapsulation layer104covering the light-emitting unit103and the pixel definition layer102; the first functional layer105disposed on the first encapsulation layer104, wherein the first functional layer105is disposed in the non-bending region11; and the second functional layer106disposed on the first encapsulation layer104, wherein the second functional layer106is disposed in the bending region12. The refractive index of the second functional layer106is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer105. The present invention adjusts the refractive index of the second functional layer106in the above-mentioned display panel10to be greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer105. Therefore, the light extraction rate of the bending region12corresponding to the second functional layer106is increased to reduce the difference in the light output effect of the bending region12and the non-bending region11, so that the users receive same brightness in the bending region12and non-bending region11, thereby improving the display effects of the display panel10.

The above describes the display panel10and the display device provided by the embodiments of the present invention in detail. The article uses specific examples to explain principles and implementation of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only used to help understand technical solutions and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation and application scope. In summary, the content of the specification should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention.