U.S. patent application number 15/328897 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for oled display and manufacturing method thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hsianglun HSU, Jiangjiang JIN.
Application Number | 20180212192 15/328897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58207952 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180212192 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JIN; Jiangjiang ; et
al. |
July 26, 2018 |
OLED DISPLAY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention provides an OLED display and a
manufacturing method thereof. The OLED display of the present
invention is such that in a thin film encapsulation layer, an
inorganic passivation that is located under and adjacent to each
organic buffer layer forms a stepped zone at a portion between an
outer edge of the organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the
inorganic passivation layer and each stepped zone is provided with
a DLC layer that covers the stepped zone. In other words, the
present invention uses DLC for later side encapsulation and in the
thin film encapsulation layer, each organic buffer layer is
provided, on an outer side thereof, with a DLC layer to thereby
effectively block external moisture and oxygen from attacking the
OLED device from a lateral side and also to eliminate an issue of
loss for light of a top emission device to travel through DLC.
Inventors: |
JIN; Jiangjiang; (Wuhan
City, CN) ; HSU; Hsianglun; (Wuhan City, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. |
Wuhan City, Hubei |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
58207952 |
Appl. No.: |
15/328897 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 15, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2016/110061 |
371 Date: |
January 24, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 51/5253 20130101;
H01L 51/524 20130101; H01L 51/5256 20130101; H01L 51/5246 20130101;
H01L 51/56 20130101; H01L 51/5237 20130101; H05B 33/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 51/52 20060101
H01L051/52; H01L 51/56 20060101 H01L051/56 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2016 |
CN |
201610983393.1 |
Claims
1. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, comprising a
substrate, an OLED device arranged on the substrate, and a thin
film encapsulation layer arranged on the substrate and the OLED
device and enclosing the OLED device; the thin film encapsulation
layer comprising at least two inorganic passivation layers, at
least one organic buffer layer, and at least one DLC layer, wherein
in the thin film encapsulation layer, each DLC layer corresponds to
and belongs to the same layer as one organic buffer layer, while
the inorganic passivation layers and the organic buffer layer are
arranged in an alternating stacking form and the inorganic
passivation layers and the DLC layer are arranged in an alternating
stacking form, and the number of the inorganic passivation layers
is one layer more than the organic buffer layer and the DLC layer;
each organic buffer layer having a size smaller than a size of the
inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent thereto
so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located under and
adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped zone at a
portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer and an
outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC layer is
disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped zone.
2. The OLED display as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inorganic
passivation layers comprise a material comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx, or TiO.sub.2, and the
inorganic passivation layers have a thickness of 0.5-1 .mu.m; the
organic buffer layer comprises a material comprising polyacrylate
polymers, polycarbonate polymers, or polystyrene, and the organic
buffer layer has a thickness of 1-10 .mu.m; and the DLC layer has a
thickness of 2-10 .mu.m.
3. The OLED display as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thin film
encapsulation layer comprises two to five inorganic passivation
layers, one to four organic buffer layers, and one to four DLC
layers
4. The OLED display as claimed in claim 3, wherein the thin film
encapsulation layer comprises two inorganic passivation layers, one
organic buffer layer, and one DLC layer, the two inorganic
passivation layers being respectively first and second inorganic
passivation layers in sequence from bottom to top, the one organic
buffer layer being a first organic buffer layer, the one DLC layer
being first DLC layer; the stepped zone formed on the first
inorganic passivation layer between an outer edge of the first
organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the first inorganic
passivation layer being a first stepped zone, the first DLC layer
being disposed on the first stepped zone and covering the first
stepped zone.
5. The OLED display as claimed in claim 3, wherein the thin film
encapsulation layer comprises three inorganic passivation layers,
two organic buffer layers, and two DLC layers, the three inorganic
passivation layers being first, second, and third inorganic
passivation layers in sequence from bottom to top, the two organic
buffer layers being first and second organic buffer layers in
sequence from bottom to top, the two DLC layers being first and
second DLC layers in sequence from bottom to top; the stepped zone
formed on the first inorganic passivation layer between an outer
edge of the first organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the
first inorganic passivation layer being a first stepped zone, the
first DLC layer being disposed on the first stepped zone and
covering the first stepped zone; the stepped zone formed on the
second inorganic passivation layer between an outer edge of the
second organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the second
inorganic passivation layer being a second stepped zone, the second
DLC layer being disposed on the second stepped zone and covering
the second stepped zone.
6. A manufacturing method of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
display, comprising the following steps: Step 1: providing a
substrate and forming an OLED device on the substrate; and Step 2:
forming a thin film encapsulation layer on the substrate and the
OLED device to enclose the OLED device so as to provide an OLED
display; wherein the thin film encapsulation layer comprises at
least two inorganic passivation layers, at least one organic buffer
layer, and at least one DLC layer; and in the thin film
encapsulation layer, each DLC layer corresponds to and belongs to
the same layer as one organic buffer layer, while the inorganic
passivation layers and the organic buffer layer are arranged in an
alternating stacking form and the inorganic passivation layers and
the DLC layer are arranged in an alternating stacking form, and the
number of the inorganic passivation layers is one layer more than
the organic buffer layer and the DLC layer; and each organic buffer
layer has a size smaller than a size of the inorganic passivation
layer located thereunder and adjacent thereto so that the inorganic
passivation layer that is located under and adjacent to each
organic buffer layer forms a stepped zone at a portion between an
outer edge of the organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the
inorganic passivation layer and the DLC layer is disposed on the
stepped zone and covers the stepped zone.
7. The manufacturing method of the OLED display as claimed in claim
6, wherein in Step 2, the inorganic passivation layers are formed
through enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer
deposition, pulsed laser deposition, or sputtering; the inorganic
passivation layers comprise a material comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx, or TiO.sub.2; and the
inorganic passivation layers have a thickness of 0.5-1 .mu.m; in
Step 2, the organic buffer layer is formed through ink jet
printing, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, screen
printing, or slot coating; the organic buffer layer comprises a
material comprising polyacrylate polymers, polycarbonate polymers,
or polystyrene; and the organic buffer layer has a thickness of
1-10 .mu.m; and in Step 2, the DLC layer is formed through
deposition with a mask plate; and the DLC layer has a thickness of
2-10 .mu.m.
8. The manufacturing method of the OLED display as claimed in claim
6, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer formed in Step 2
comprises two to five inorganic passivation layers, one to four
organic buffer layers, and one to four DLC layers.
9. The manufacturing method of the OLED display as claimed in claim
8, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer formed in Step 2
comprises two inorganic passivation layers, one organic buffer
layer, and one DLC layer, the two inorganic passivation layers
being first and second inorganic passivation layers in sequence
from bottom to top, the one organic buffer layer being a first
organic buffer layer, the one DLC layer being first DLC layer; and
Step 2 comprises: Step 21: forming a first inorganic passivation
layer on the substrate and the OLED device to enclose the OLED
device; Step 22: forming a first organic buffer layer on the first
inorganic passivation layer, such that the first organic buffer
layer has a size that is smaller than a size of the first inorganic
passivation layer and the first inorganic passivation layer forms a
first stepped zone at a portion between an outer edge of the first
organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the first inorganic
passivation layer; Step 23: forming a first DLC layer on the first
stepped zone to cover the first stepped zone; and Step 24: forming
a second inorganic passivation layer on the first organic buffer
layer and the first DLC layer to cover the first organic buffer
layer and the first DLC layer.
10. The manufacturing method of the OLED display as claimed in
claim 8, wherein the thin film encapsulation layer comprises three
inorganic passivation layers, two organic buffer layers, and two
DLC layers, the three inorganic passivation layer being first,
second, and third inorganic passivation layers in sequence from
bottom to top, the two organic buffer layers being first and second
organic buffer layers in sequence from bottom to top, the two DLC
layers being first and second DLC layers in sequence from bottom to
top; and Step 2 comprises: Step 21: forming a first inorganic
passivation layer on the substrate and the OLED device to enclose
the OLED device; Step 22: forming a first organic buffer layer on
the first inorganic passivation layer, such that the first organic
buffer layer has a size that is smaller than a size of the first
inorganic passivation layer and the first inorganic passivation
layer forms a first stepped zone at a portion between an outer edge
of the first organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the first
inorganic passivation layer; Step 23: forming a first DLC layer on
the first stepped zone to cover the first stepped zone; Step 24:
forming a second inorganic passivation layer on the first organic
buffer layer and the first DLC layer to cover the first organic
buffer layer and the first DLC layer; Step 25: forming a second
organic buffer layer on the second inorganic passivation layer,
such that the second organic buffer layer has a size that is
smaller than a size of the second inorganic passivation layer and
the second inorganic passivation layer forms a second stepped zone
at a portion between an outer edge of the second organic buffer
layer and an outer edge of the second inorganic passivation layer;
Step 26: forming a second DLC layer on the second stepped zone to
cover the second stepped zone; and Step 27: forming a third
inorganic passivation layer on the second organic buffer layer and
the second DLC layer to cover the second organic buffer layer and
the second DLC layer.
11. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, comprising a
substrate, an OLED device arranged on the substrate, and a thin
film encapsulation layer arranged on the substrate and the OLED
device and enclosing the OLED device; the thin film encapsulation
layer comprising at least two inorganic passivation layers, at
least one organic buffer layer, and at least one DLC layer, wherein
in the thin film encapsulation layer, each DLC layer corresponds to
and belongs to the same layer as one organic buffer layer, while
the inorganic passivation layers and the organic buffer layer are
arranged in an alternating stacking form and the inorganic
passivation layers and the DLC layer are arranged in an alternating
stacking form, and the number of the inorganic passivation layers
is one layer more than the organic buffer layer and the DLC layer;
each organic buffer layer having a size smaller than a size of the
inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent thereto
so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located under and
adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped zone at a
portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer and an
outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC layer is
disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped zone; wherein
the inorganic passivation layers comprise a material comprising
Al.sub.2O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx, or
TiO.sub.2, and the inorganic passivation layers have a thickness of
0.5-1 .mu.m; the organic buffer layer comprises a material
comprising polyacrylate polymers, polycarbonate polymers, or
polystyrene, and the organic buffer layer has a thickness of 1-10
.mu.m; and the DLC layer has a thickness of 2-10 .mu.m; and wherein
the thin film encapsulation layer comprises two to five inorganic
passivation layers, one to four organic buffer layers, and one to
four DLC layers.
12. The OLED display as claimed in claim 11, wherein the thin film
encapsulation layer comprises two inorganic passivation layers, one
organic buffer layer, and one DLC layer, the two inorganic
passivation layers being respectively first and second inorganic
passivation layers in sequence from bottom to top, the one organic
buffer layer being a first organic buffer layer, the one DLC layer
being first DLC layer; the stepped zone formed on the first
inorganic passivation layer between an outer edge of the first
organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the first inorganic
passivation layer being a first stepped zone, the first DLC layer
being disposed on the first stepped zone and covering the first
stepped zone.
13. The OLED display as claimed in claim 11, wherein the thin film
encapsulation layer comprises three inorganic passivation layers,
two organic buffer layers, and two DLC layers, the three inorganic
passivation layers being first, second, and third inorganic
passivation layer in sequence from bottom to top, the two organic
buffer layers being first and second organic buffer layer in
sequence from bottom to top, the two DLC layers being first and
second DLC layers in sequence from bottom to top; the stepped zone
formed on the first inorganic passivation layer between an outer
edge of the first organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the
first inorganic passivation layer being a first stepped zone, the
first DLC layer being disposed on the first stepped zone and
covering the first stepped zone; the stepped zone formed on the
second inorganic passivation layer between an outer edge of the
second organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the second
inorganic passivation layer being a second stepped zone, the second
DLC layer being disposed on the second stepped zone and covering
the second stepped zone.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of flat panel
display technology and more particular to an organic light-emitting
diode (OLED) display and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. The Related Arts
[0002] OLED displays possess advantages, such as being
self-luminous, high brightness, wide view angle, high contrast,
being flexible, and low power consumption, and thus attract much
attention as a new generation of displaying solution that gradually
takes the place of traditional liquid crystal displays. It is now a
symbol of being high tech by adopting an OLED display panel from
small size ones used in mobile phone display screens to large size
ones used in high definition flat panel televisions.
[0003] The OLED based display technology is different from the
traditional liquid crystal display technology in that no
backlighting is necessary and an extremely thin organic material
coating layer and a glass substrate are involved so that when an
electrical current is conducted therethrough, the organic material
emits light. However, the organic material is susceptible to
reaction with moisture and oxygen and thus, a display based that is
based on the organic material is subject to extremely severe
requirement for packaging of an OLED display panel. Consequently,
packaging an OLED device to improve sealing of the interior of the
device and to achieve isolation from the external environment to
the greatest extent would be indispensable to stable emission of
light of the OLED device.
[0004] The most commonly adopted processes of packaging existing
OLED device involve ultraviolet curable resin in combination with a
rigid package plate (such as glass or metal) to cover the
packaging. Such processes are not fit for flexible devices. Other
technical solutions are also available, which adopt thin film
encapsulation (TFE) using a thin film comprising a stack of
inorganics/organics for encapsulating an OLED device. The thin film
material used in such a method is quite diversified. Diamond like
carbon (DLC) that exhibits excellent chemical inertness, high
thermal conductivity, and high densification is widely used in OLED
package structures.
[0005] For example, patent document US2006/0078677 discloses an
OLED package structure, which comprises a substrate, an OLED device
arranged on the substrate, and a thin film encapsulation layer
arranged on the substrate and enclosing the OLED device, wherein
the thin film encapsulation layer comprises three layers of DLC and
two layers of inorganic materials comprising silicon or nitrogen,
which are alternately stacked. Although such a layer-alternating
arrangement helps effectively block external moisture and oxygen,
the transmission rate and the moisture/oxygen blocking capability
of DLC demonstrate a contradictory relationship. For top emission
devices, to improve the moisture/oxygen blocking capability means
the transmission rate is reduced. The patent document, however,
provides no clear explanation on this issue.
[0006] Further, 3M discloses, in patent document US 2008/0196664,
an OLED package technique, which specifically comprises
sequentially covering a cathode of an OLED device with an adhesive
layer, a polystyrene layer, and a DLC layer that covers the
adhesive layer and the polystyrene layer. Although such a package
structure effectively blocks corrosion caused by external moisture
and oxygen, similar to the previously mentioned patent document,
this package means lacks clear explanation of the relationship
between moisture/oxygen resistance capability and transmission rate
of DLC.
[0007] In an additional example, InnoLux company reported, in
patent document US2015/0340653, a package structure involving an
alternating arrangement of DLC and other inorganic materials.
Specifically, such a package structure comprises an organic
covering layer arranged on an OLED device and an alternating
stacked arrangement of three layers of DLC and two layers of
inorganics arranged on the organic covering layer. In such a
package structure, the addition of DLC effectively fills up gaps in
the inorganic layers to improve the characteristics thereof
resisting moisture and oxygen. However, no detailed description is
given in this patent document regarding techniques for
manufacturing DLC and other inorganic layers. Similarly, for an
application of such a structure to a top emission device, an
attempt to maintain high moisture/oxygen blocking capability would
lead to reduction of transmission rate. This increases optical loss
and lowers down the performance of a device.
[0008] In an additional example, patent document US2004/0056269
discloses a package structure involving an alternating arrangement
of DLC and organic materials. Although this package structure is
applicable to a top emission flexible device, no explanation and
description regarding transmission rate of DLC is provided in this
patent document.
[0009] Thus, from the above description regarding the application
of DLC provided in the previously discussed examples, it can be
appreciated that the existing application of DLC in the field of
OLED packaging generally involves an alternating structure of
DLC/inorganics or DLC/organics with the DLC completely covers,
through an entire surface, of a functional layer located under the
DLC. However, such package arrangements all result in contradiction
between moisture/oxygen blocking capability and transmission rate
of DLC.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An objective of the present invention is to provide an
organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, in which a diamond
like carbon (DLC) layer is provided on an outer side of an organic
buffer layer involved in a thin film encapsulation layer so as to
effectively prevent external moisture and oxygen from attacking an
OLED device from a lateral side and also to eliminate the issue of
loss for light of a top emission device to travel through DLC.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
manufacturing method of an OLED display, in which DLC is used for
lateral side encapsulation such that a DLC layer is provided on an
outer side of an organic buffer layer involved in a thin film
encapsulation layer so as to effectively prevent external moisture
and oxygen from attacking an OLED device from a lateral side and
also to eliminate the issue of loss for light of a top emission
device to travel through DLC.
[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention
provides an OLED display, which comprises a substrate, an OLED
device arranged on the substrate, and a thin film encapsulation
layer arranged on the substrate and the OLED device and enclosing
the OLED device;
[0013] the thin film encapsulation layer comprising at least two
inorganic passivation layers, at least one organic buffer layer,
and at least one DLC layer, wherein in the thin film encapsulation
layer, each DLC layer corresponds to and belongs to the same layer
as one organic buffer layer, while the inorganic passivation layers
and the organic buffer layer are arranged in an alternating
stacking form and the inorganic passivation layers and the DLC
layer are arranged in an alternating stacking form, and the number
of the inorganic passivation layers is one layer more than the
organic buffer layer and the DLC layer;
[0014] each organic buffer layers having a size smaller than a size
of the inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent
thereto so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located
under and adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped
zone at a portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer
and an outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC
layer is disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped
zone.
[0015] The inorganic passivation layers comprise a material
comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx,
or TiO.sub.2, and the inorganic passivation layers have a thickness
of 0.5-1 .mu.m;
[0016] the organic buffer layer comprises a material comprising
polyacrylate polymers, polycarbonate polymers, or polystyrene, and
the organic buffer layer has a thickness of 1-10 .mu.m; and
[0017] the DLC layer has a thickness of 2-10 .mu.m.
[0018] The thin film encapsulation layer comprises two to five
inorganic passivation layers, one to four organic buffer layers,
and one to four DLC layers.
[0019] Optionally, the thin film encapsulation layer comprises two
inorganic passivation layers, one organic buffer layer, and one DLC
layer, the two inorganic passivation layers being respectively
first and second inorganic passivation layers in sequence from
bottom to top, the one organic buffer layer being a first organic
buffer layer, the one DLC layer being first DLC layer;
[0020] the stepped zone formed on the first inorganic passivation
layer between an outer edge of the first organic buffer layer and
an outer edge of the first inorganic passivation layer being a
first stepped zone, the first DLC layer being disposed on the first
stepped zone and covering the first stepped zone.
[0021] Optionally, the thin film encapsulation layer comprises
three inorganic passivation layers, two organic buffer layers, and
two DLC layers, the three inorganic passivation layers being first,
second, and third inorganic passivation layers in sequence from
bottom to top, the two organic buffer layers being first and second
organic buffer layers in sequence from bottom to top, the two DLC
layers being first and second DLC layers in sequence from bottom to
top;
[0022] the stepped zone formed on the first inorganic passivation
layer between an outer edge of the first organic buffer layer and
an outer edge of the first inorganic passivation layer being a
first stepped zone, the first DLC layer being disposed on the first
stepped zone and covering the first stepped zone; the stepped zone
formed on the second inorganic passivation layer between an outer
edge of the second organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the
second inorganic passivation layer being a second stepped zone, the
second DLC layer being disposed on the second stepped zone and
covering the second stepped zone.
[0023] The present invention also provides a manufacturing method
of an OLED display, which comprises the following steps:
[0024] Step 1: providing a substrate and forming an OLED device on
the substrate; and
[0025] Step 2: forming a thin film encapsulation layer on the
substrate and the OLED device to enclose the OLED device so as to
provide an OLED display;
[0026] wherein the thin film encapsulation layer comprises at least
two inorganic passivation layers, at least one organic buffer
layer, and at least one DLC layer; and in the thin film
encapsulation layer, each DLC layer corresponds to and belongs to
the same layer as one organic buffer layer, while the inorganic
passivation layers and the organic buffer layer are arranged in an
alternating stacking form and the inorganic passivation layers and
the DLC layer are arranged in an alternating stacking form, and the
number of the inorganic passivation layers is one layer more than
the organic buffer layer and the DLC layer; and
[0027] each organic buffer layer has a size smaller than a size of
the inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent
thereto so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located
under and adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped
zone at a portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer
and an outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC
layer is disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped
zone.
[0028] In Step 2, the inorganic passivation layers are formed
through enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer
deposition, pulsed laser deposition, or sputtering; the inorganic
passivation layers comprise a material comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3,
ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx, or TiO.sub.2; and the
inorganic passivation layers have a thickness of 0.5-1 .mu.m;
[0029] in Step 2, the organic buffer layer is formed through ink
jet printing, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, screen
printing, or slot coating; the organic buffer layer comprises a
material comprising polyacrylate polymers, polycarbonate polymers,
or polystyrene; and the organic buffer layer has a thickness of
1-10 .mu.m; and
[0030] in Step 2, the DLC layer is formed through deposition with a
mask plate; and the DLC layer has a thickness of 2-10 .mu.m.
[0031] The thin film encapsulation layer formed in Step 2 comprises
two to five inorganic passivation layers, one to four organic
buffer layers, and one to four DLC layers.
[0032] Optionally, the thin film encapsulation layer formed in Step
2 comprises two inorganic passivation layers, one organic buffer
layer, and one DLC layer, the two inorganic passivation layers
being first and second inorganic passivation layers in sequence
from bottom to top, the one organic buffer layer being a first
organic buffer layer, the one DLC layer being first DLC layer;
and
[0033] Step 2 comprises:
[0034] Step 21: forming a first inorganic passivation layer on the
substrate and the OLED device to enclose the OLED device;
[0035] Step 22: forming a first organic buffer layer on the first
inorganic passivation layer, such that the first organic buffer
layer has a size that is smaller than a size of the first inorganic
passivation layer and the first inorganic passivation layer forms a
first stepped zone at a portion between an outer edge of the first
organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the first inorganic
passivation layer;
[0036] Step 23: forming a first DLC layer on the first stepped zone
to cover the first stepped zone; and
[0037] Step 24: forming a second inorganic passivation layer on the
first organic buffer layer and the first DLC layer to cover the
first organic buffer layer and the first DLC layer.
[0038] Optionally, the thin film encapsulation layer comprises
three inorganic passivation layers, two organic buffer layers, and
two DLC layers, the three inorganic passivation layer being first,
second, and third inorganic passivation layers in sequence from
bottom to top, the two organic buffer layers being first and second
organic buffer layers in sequence from bottom to top, the two DLC
layers being first and second DLC layers in sequence from bottom to
top; and
[0039] Step 2 comprises:
[0040] Step 21: forming a first inorganic passivation layer on the
substrate and the OLED device to enclose the OLED device;
[0041] Step 22: forming a first organic buffer layer on the first
inorganic passivation layer, such that the first organic buffer
layer has a size that is smaller than a size of the first inorganic
passivation layer and the first inorganic passivation layer forms a
first stepped zone at a portion between an outer edge of the first
organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the first inorganic
passivation layer;
[0042] Step 23: forming a first DLC layer on the first stepped zone
to cover the first stepped zone;
[0043] Step 24: forming a second inorganic passivation layer on the
first organic buffer layer and the first DLC layer to cover the
first organic buffer layer and the first DLC layer;
[0044] Step 25: forming a second organic buffer layer on the second
inorganic passivation layer, such that the second organic buffer
layer has a size that is smaller than a size of the second
inorganic passivation layer and the second inorganic passivation
layer forms a second stepped zone at a portion between an outer
edge of the second organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the
second inorganic passivation layer;
[0045] Step 26: forming a second DLC layer on the second stepped
zone to cover the second stepped zone; and
[0046] Step 27: forming a third inorganic passivation layer on the
second organic buffer layer and the second DLC layer to cover the
second organic buffer layer and the second DLC layer.
[0047] The present invention further provides an OLED display,
which comprises a substrate, an OLED device arranged on the
substrate, and a thin film encapsulation layer arranged on the
substrate and the OLED device and enclosing the OLED device;
[0048] the thin film encapsulation layer comprising at least two
inorganic passivation layers, at least one organic buffer layer,
and at least one DLC layer, wherein in the thin film encapsulation
layer, each DLC layer corresponds to and belongs to the same layer
as one organic buffer layer, while the inorganic passivation layers
and the organic buffer layer are arranged in an alternating
stacking form and the inorganic passivation layers and the DLC
layer are arranged in an alternating stacking form, and the number
of the inorganic passivation layers is one layer more than the
organic buffer layer and the DLC layer;
[0049] each organic buffer layer having a size smaller than a size
of the inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent
thereto so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located
under and adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped
zone at a portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer
and an outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC
layer is disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped
zone;
[0050] wherein the inorganic passivation layers comprise a material
comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx,
or TiO.sub.2, and the inorganic passivation layers have a thickness
of 0.5-1 .mu.m;
[0051] the organic buffer layer comprises a material comprising
polyacrylate polymers, polycarbonate polymers, or polystyrene, and
the organic buffer layer has a thickness of 1-10 .mu.m; and
[0052] the DLC layer has a thickness of 2-10 .mu.m; and
[0053] wherein the thin film encapsulation layer comprises two to
five inorganic passivation layers, one to four organic buffer
layers, and one to four DLC layers.
[0054] The efficacy of the present invention is that the present
invention provides an OLED display, in which in a thin film
encapsulation layer, an inorganic passivation that is located under
and adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped zone at a
portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer and an
outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and each stepped zone
is provided with a DLC layer that covers the stepped zone. In other
words, the present invention uses DLC for later side encapsulation
and in the thin film encapsulation layer, each organic buffer layer
is provided, on an outer side thereof, with a DLC layer to thereby
effectively block external moisture and oxygen from attacking the
OLED device from a lateral side and also to eliminate an issue of
loss for light of a top emission device to travel through DLC and
thus removing the contradiction between moisture/oxygen blocking
capability and transmission rate for application of DLC to
encapsulation. The present invention provides a manufacturing
method of an OLED display, in which DLC is used for lateral side
encapsulation by disposing a DLC layer on an outer side of the
organic buffer layer in the thin film encapsulation layer to
thereby effectively block external moisture and oxygen from
attacking the OLED device from a lateral side and also to eliminate
an issue of loss for light of a top emission device to travel
through DLC, thus providing an OLED device of an extended service
life and not affecting light emission of the OLED device.
[0055] For better understanding of the features and technical
contents of the present invention, reference will be made to the
following detailed description of the present invention and the
attached drawings. However, the drawings are provided only for
reference and illustration and are not intended to limit the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] The technical solution, as well as other beneficial
advantages, of the present invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description of embodiments of the present
invention, with reference to the attached drawings.
[0057] In the drawings:
[0058] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of a first
embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
according to the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the structure of a second
embodiment of the OLED display according to the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a manufacturing method
of an OLED display according to the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating Step 21 of a first
and a second examples of the manufacturing method of the OLED
display according to the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating Step 22 of the first
and the second examples of the manufacturing method of the OLED
display according to the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating Step 23 of the first
and the second examples of the manufacturing method of the OLED
display according to the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating Step 25 of the
second embodiment of the manufacturing method of the OLED display
according to the present invention; and
[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating Step 26 of the
second embodiment of the manufacturing method of the OLED display
according to the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0066] To further expound the technical solution adopted in the
present invention and the advantages thereof, a detailed
description will be given with reference to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention and the drawings thereof.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, which is a schematic view showing the
structure of a first embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode
(OLED) display according to the present invention, in the instant
embodiment, the OLED display comprises a substrate 100, an OLED
device 200 arranged on the substrate 100, and a thin film
encapsulation layer 300 arranged on the substrate 100 and the OLED
device 200 and enclosing the OLED device 200.
[0068] The thin film encapsulation layer 300 comprises at least two
inorganic passivation layers, at least one organic buffer layer,
and at least one diamond like carbon (DLC) layer. In the thin film
encapsulation layer 300, each DLC layer corresponds to and belongs
to the same layer as one organic buffer layer, while the inorganic
passivation layers and the organic buffer layer are arranged in an
alternating stacking form and the inorganic passivation layers and
the DLC layer are arranged in an alternating stacking form, and the
number of the inorganic passivation layers is one layer more than
the organic buffer layer and the DLC layer.
[0069] Each organic buffer layer has a size smaller than a size of
the inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent
thereto so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located
under and adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped
zone at a portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer
and an outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC
layer is disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped
zone.
[0070] The OLED display according to the present invention is such
that in the thin film encapsulation layer, a DLC layer is arranged
on a stepped zone that is formed on the inorganic passivation layer
that is located under and adjacent to each of the organic buffer
layer and between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer and an
outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer so as to cover the
stepped zone, namely DLC being used for lateral side encapsulation,
so that in the thin film encapsulation layer, each organic buffer
layer is provided, on an outer side thereof, with a DLC layer to
thereby effectively block external moisture and oxygen from
attacking the OLED device from a lateral side and also to eliminate
an issue of loss for light of a top emission device to travel
through DLC and thus removing the contradiction between
moisture/oxygen blocking capability and transmission rate for
application of DLC to encapsulation.
[0071] Specifically, the inorganic passivation layers comprises a
material comprising aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), zirconium
dioxide (ZrO.sub.2), zirconium peroxide (ZnO.sub.2), silicon
nitride (SiNx), silicon carbon nitride (SiCN), silicon oxide
(SiOx), or titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2), and the inorganic
passivation layers have a thickness of 0.5-1 .mu.m.
[0072] Specifically, the organic buffer layer comprises a material
comprising polyacrylate polymers (such as acrylic), polycarbonate
polymers, or polystyrene. The organic buffer layer has a thickness
of 1-10 .mu.m.
[0073] Specifically, the DLC layer has a thickness of 2-10
.mu.m.
[0074] Specifically, the thin film encapsulation layer 300
comprises two to five inorganic passivation layers, one to four
organic buffer layers, and one to four DLC layers.
[0075] Specifically, in the instant embodiment, the thin film
encapsulation layer 300 comprises two inorganic passivation layers,
one organic buffer layer, and one DLC layer. The two inorganic
passivation layers are referred to as first and second inorganic
passivation layers 311, 312 in sequence from bottom to top. Said
one organic buffer layer is referred to as a first organic buffer
layer 321, and said one DLC layer is a first DLC layer 331.
[0076] The stepped zone formed on the first inorganic passivation
layer 311 between an outer edge of the first organic buffer layer
321 and an outer edge of the first inorganic passivation layer 311
is referred to as a first stepped zone, and the first DLC layer 331
is disposed on the first stepped zone and covers the first stepped
zone.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 2, which is a schematic view showing the
structure of a second embodiment of the OLED display according to
the present invention, compared to the first embodiment described
above, in the instant embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer
300 comprises three inorganic passivation layer, two organic buffer
layers, and two DLC layers. The three inorganic passivation layers
are respectively first, second, and third inorganic passivation
layers 311, 312, 313 in sequence from bottom to top. The two
organic buffer layers are respectively first and second organic
buffer layers 321, 322 in sequence from bottom to top. The two DLC
layers are respectively first and second DLC layers 331, 332 in
sequence from bottom to top. The stepped zone formed on the first
inorganic passivation layer 311 between an outer edge of the first
organic buffer layer 321 and an outer edge of the first inorganic
passivation layer 311 is a first stepped zone, and the first DLC
layer 331 is disposed on the first stepped zone and covers the
first stepped zone. The stepped zone formed on the second inorganic
passivation layer 312 between an outer edge of the second organic
buffer layer 322 and an outer edge of the second inorganic
passivation layer 312 is a second stepped zone, and the second DLC
layer 332 is disposed on the second stepped zone and covers the
second stepped zone. The remaining portions are identical to those
described above with reference to the first embodiment and repeated
description will be omitted herein.
[0078] Based on the above-described OLED display, reference being
had to FIG. 3, the present invention also provides a manufacturing
method of a OLED display, of which a first example specifically
comprises the following steps:
[0079] Step 1: providing a substrate 100 and forming an OLED device
200 on the substrate 100.
[0080] Step 2: forming a thin film encapsulation layer 300 on the
substrate 100 and the OLED device 200 to enclose the OLED device
200 so as to provide an OLED display.
[0081] The thin film encapsulation layer 300 comprises at least two
inorganic passivation layers, at least one organic buffer layer,
and at least one DLC layer. In the thin film encapsulation layer
300, each DLC layer corresponds to and belongs to the same layer as
one organic buffer layer, while the inorganic passivation layers
and the organic buffer layer are arranged in an alternating
stacking form and the inorganic passivation layers and the DLC
layer are arranged in an alternating stacking form, and the number
of the inorganic passivation layers is one layer more than the
organic buffer layer and the DLC layer.
[0082] Each organic buffer layer has a size smaller than a size of
the inorganic passivation layer located thereunder and adjacent
thereto so that the inorganic passivation layer that is located
under and adjacent to each organic buffer layer forms a stepped
zone at a portion between an outer edge of the organic buffer layer
and an outer edge of the inorganic passivation layer and the DLC
layer is disposed on the stepped zone and covers the stepped
zone.
[0083] The manufacturing method of the OLED display according to
the present invention is such that DLC is used for lateral side
encapsulation, so that in the thin film encapsulation layer, each
organic buffer layer is provided, on an outer side thereof, with a
DLC layer to thereby effectively block external moisture and oxygen
from attacking the OLED device from a lateral side and also to
eliminate an issue of loss for light of a top emission device to
travel through DLC and thus removing the contradiction between
moisture/oxygen blocking capability and transmission rate for
application of DLC to encapsulation.
[0084] Specifically, in Step 2, the inorganic passivation layers
are formed through enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD),
atomic layer deposition (ALD), pulsed laser deposition (PLD), or
sputtering. The inorganic passivation layers comprise a material
comprising Al.sub.2O.sub.3, ZrO.sub.2, ZnO.sub.2, SiNx, SiCN, SiOx,
or TiO.sub.2. The inorganic passivation layers have a thickness of
0.5-1 .mu.m.
[0085] Specifically, in Step 2, the organic buffer layer is formed
through ink jet printing (IJP), PECVD, screen printing, or slot
coating. The organic buffer layer comprises a material comprising
polyacrylate polymers (such as acrylic), polycarbonate polymers, or
polystyrene. The organic buffer layer has a thickness of 1-10
.mu.m.
[0086] Specifically, in Step 2, the DLC layer is formed through
deposition with a mask plate. The DLC layer has a thickness of 2-10
.mu.m.
[0087] Specifically, the thin film encapsulation layer 300 formed
in Step 2 comprises two to five inorganic passivation layers, one
to four organic buffer layers, and one to four DLC layers.
[0088] Specifically, in the instant embodiment, the thin film
encapsulation layer 300 formed in Step 2 comprises two inorganic
passivation layers, one organic buffer layer, and one DLC layer.
The two inorganic passivation layers are referred to as first and
second inorganic passivation layers 311, 312 in sequence from
bottom to top. Said one organic buffer layer is referred to as a
first organic buffer layer 321, and said one DLC layer is a first
DLC layer 331.
[0089] Thus, Step 2 may specifically comprise:
[0090] Step 21: as shown in FIG. 4, forming a first inorganic
passivation layer 311 on the substrate 100 and the OLED device 200
to enclose the OLED device 200;
[0091] Step 22: as shown in FIG. 5, forming a first organic buffer
layer 321 on the first inorganic passivation layer 311, such that
the first organic buffer layer 321 has a size that is smaller than
a size of the first inorganic passivation layer 311 and the first
inorganic passivation layer 311 forms a first stepped zone at a
portion between an outer edge of the first organic buffer layer 321
and an outer edge of the first inorganic passivation layer 311;
[0092] Step 23: as shown in FIG. 6, forming a first DLC layer 331
on the first stepped zone to cover the first stepped zone; and
[0093] Step 24: forming a second inorganic passivation layer 312 on
the first organic buffer layer 321 and the first DLC layer 331 to
cover the first organic buffer layer 321 and the first DLC layer
331 so as to provide an LOED display as shown in FIG. 1.
[0094] A second example of the manufacturing method of the OLED
display according to the present invention, when compared with the
first example, is such that the thin film encapsulation layer 300
formed in Step 2 comprises three inorganic passivation layers, two
organic buffer layers, and two DLC layers. The three inorganic
passivation layers are respectively first, second, and third
inorganic passivation layers 311, 312, 313 in sequence from bottom
to top. The two organic buffer layers are respectively first and
second organic buffer layers 321, 322 in sequence from bottom to
top. The two DLC layers are respectively first and second DLC
layers 331, 332 in sequence from bottom to top.
[0095] Thus, in the instant example, when compared with the first
example, is such that after Step 24, Step 2 further comprises:
[0096] Step 25: as shown in FIG. 7, forming a second organic buffer
layer 322 on the second inorganic passivation layer 312, such that
the second organic buffer layer 322 has a size that is smaller than
a size of the second inorganic passivation layer 312 and the second
inorganic passivation layer 312 forms a second stepped zone at a
portion between an outer edge of the second organic buffer layer
322 and an outer edge of the second inorganic passivation layer
312;
[0097] Step 26: as shown in FIG. 8, forming a second DLC layer 332
on the second stepped zone to cover the second stepped zone;
and
[0098] Step 27: forming a third inorganic passivation layer 313 on
the second organic buffer layer 322 and the second DLC layer 332 to
cover the second organic buffer layer 322 and the second DLC layer
332, so as to provide an OLED display as shown in FIG. 2.
[0099] In summary, the present invention provides an OLED display,
in which in a thin film encapsulation layer, an inorganic
passivation that is located under and adjacent to each organic
buffer layer forms a stepped zone at a portion between an outer
edge of the organic buffer layer and an outer edge of the inorganic
passivation layer and each stepped zone is provided with a DLC
layer that covers the stepped zone. In other words, the present
invention uses DLC for later side encapsulation and in the thin
film encapsulation layer, each organic buffer layer is provided, on
an outer side thereof, with a DLC layer to thereby effectively
block external moisture and oxygen from attacking the OLED device
from a lateral side and also to eliminate an issue of loss for
light of a top emission device to travel through DLC and thus
removing the contradiction between moisture/oxygen blocking
capability and transmission rate for application of DLC to
encapsulation. The present invention provides a manufacturing
method of an OLED display, in which DLC is used for lateral side
encapsulation by disposing a DLC layer on an outer side of the
organic buffer layer in the thin film encapsulation layer to
thereby effectively block external moisture and oxygen from
attacking the OLED device from a lateral side and also to eliminate
an issue of loss for light of a top emission device to travel
through DLC, thus providing an OLED device of an extended service
life and not affecting light emission of the OLED device.
[0100] Based on the description given above, those having ordinary
skills in the art may easily contemplate various changes and
modifications of he technical solution and the technical ideas of
the present invention. All these changes and modifications are
considered belonging to the protection scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *