Display panel

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of display, and discloses a display panel, which comprises a substrate, a first electrode layer arranged on the substrate, a light-emitting layer located on the first electrode layer and comprising a first sub-pixel, a first functional layer located between the first electrode layer and the light-emitting layer, wherein the first functional layer is provided with a first groove, and the first sub-pixel is arranged in the first groove, and a first light guide layer located on a side of the first sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covering the first sub-pixel, wherein the side of the first light guide layer away from the first electrode layer comprises a first effective light-out area and a first ineffective light-out area, and the area of the first effective light-out area is smaller than the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel. The display panel can simultaneously ensure the light-emitting life and the pixel density of the display panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of display, in particular to a display panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic display technology, as a kind of self-luminous device, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is widely applied in display panels of terminal devices and wearable devices due to its low power consumption, high color saturation, wide viewing angle, thin thickness, flexibility and no need for backlight source.

[0003] The current OLED display panel light emission colorization method is commonly used in RGB three primary color method, that is, in the preparation process of the OLED display panel, the light-emitting layer is configured with a red sub-pixel layer, a blue sub-pixel layer and a green sub-pixel layer, and the three sub-pixel layers emit red, green and blue light respectively.

[0004] The current OLED display panel will make the sub-pixel layer of the light-emitting layer larger to ensure the light-emitting life of the sub-pixel layer, but this will sacrifice the pixel density of the display panel, resulting in poor definition of the display panel. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a display panel which can ensure the light-emitting life and pixel density of the display panel at the same time.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide a display panel comprising a substrate; a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate; a light-emitting layer located on the first electrode layer, the light-emitting layer comprising a first sub-pixel; a first functional layer located between the first electrode layer and the light-emitting layer; wherein the first functional layer is provided with a first recess, and the first sub-pixel is disposed in the first recess; a first light guide layer located on a side of the first sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covering the first sub-pixel, the side of the first light guide layer away from the first electrode layer comprising a first effective light-emitting area and a first ineffective light-emitting area, and the area of the first effective light-emitting area is smaller than the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel.

[0007] The display panel provided by the embodiment of the present application comprises a substrate, a first electrode layer, a first functional layer and a light-emitting layer, a first sub-pixel of the light-emitting layer is not directly arranged on the surface of the first functional layer, a first recess is arranged on the first functional layer, the first sub-pixel is arranged at the bottom of the first recess, a first light guide layer is arranged to cover the first sub-pixel, and the side of the first light guide layer away from the first electrode layer comprises a first effective light-out area and a first ineffective light-out area. Since the area of the first effective light-out area is smaller than the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel, the first sub-pixel can be enlarged without affecting the pixel density of the display panel, and the service life and the pixel density of the display panel can be ensured at the same time.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further comprises a first filling layer, the first filling layer is arranged on the first light guide layer and located in the first ineffective light-out area, and the refractive index of the first filling layer is smaller than the refractive index of the first light guide layer.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the refractive index of the first light guide layer is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer; preferably, the first light guide layer covers the surface of the first sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covers the sidewall of the first sub-pixel.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the material of the first filling layer is the same as the material of the first functional layer; preferably, the first functional layer comprises a hole transport layer.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the light-emitting layer further comprises a second sub-pixel and a third sub-pixel located on the first functional layer; the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel is greater than the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel; and / or the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel is greater than the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first effective light-out area on the substrate, the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel on the substrate do not overlap with each other.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the area of the first effective light-out area is equal to the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel; and / or the area of the effective light-out area is equal to the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel layer on the substrate partially overlap; and / or the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel on the substrate partially overlap.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, a boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate is connected with a boundary of the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel layer on the substrate; and / or, a boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate is connected with a boundary of the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel on the substrate.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further comprises a second functional layer, the second functional layer is located on the light-emitting layer and covers the effective light-out area of the first light guide layer, and the refractive index of the first light guide layer is less than or equal to the refractive index of the second functional layer.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the second functional layer comprises an electron transport layer.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the light-emitting layer further comprises a second sub-pixel.

[0019] The first functional layer further comprises a second recess, the second sub-pixel is located in the second recess,

[0020] The display panel further comprises a second light guide layer, the second light guide layer is located on a side of the second sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covers the second sub-pixel, the side of the second light guide layer away from the first electrode layer comprises a second effective light-out area and a second ineffective light-out area, and the area of the second effective light-out area is less than the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further comprises a third sub-pixel disposed on the first functional layer, the area of the first sub-pixel is greater than the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel, and the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel is greater than the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first effective light-out area on the substrate, the orthographic projection of the second effective light-out area on the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel on the substrate do not overlap; the area of the second effective light-out area is equal to the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel, and / or the area of the second effective light-out area is equal to the area of the first effective light-out area.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel on the substrate.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the depth of the first recess is greater than the depth of the second recess, and the difference between the depth of the first recess and the depth of the second recess is greater than the thickness of the first sub-pixel in the film layer stacking direction of the display panel.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further comprises a second filling layer, the second filling layer is arranged on the second light guide layer and located in the second invalid light-out area, and the second filling layer has a refractive index less than or equal to the refractive index of the second light guide layer.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, the first sub-pixel comprises a blue sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel comprises a red sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel comprises a green sub-pixel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that form a part of this patent document. These example illustrations serve the purpose of explanation only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any manner whatsoever. In the figures, elements having the same reference number represent like elements in several views. Figures in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, except if so expressly indicated.

[0028] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an existing display panel according to the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a first display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a second display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a third display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a fifth display panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a second functional layer and a light-emitting layer of a fifth display panel according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can understand that, in the embodiments of the present application, many technical details are presented to make the readers better understand the present application. However, the technical solutions claimed by the present application can be implemented even without these technical details and based on various changes and modifications of the following embodiments.

[0036] The existing display panel structure is as shown in Figure 1As shown, the system includes a substrate 1, and a first electrode layer 2, a third functional layer 3, a first functional layer 4, a light-emitting layer 5, a second functional layer 6, a fourth functional layer 7, and a second electrode layer 8 stacked on the substrate 1. The light-emitting layer 5 includes a first sub-pixel 51, a second sub-pixel 52, and a third sub-pixel 53.

[0037] Specifically, the first electrode layer 2 is the anode layer, and the second electrode layer 8 is the cathode layer; the first functional layer 4 is the hole transport layer, the second functional layer 6 is the electron transport layer; the third functional layer 3 is the hole injection layer, and the fourth functional layer 7 is the electron injection layer. In use, the positive terminal of the driving voltage is connected to the anode layer, and the negative terminal is connected to the cathode layer. Holes in the anode layer move through the hole injection layer and hole transport layer to the light-emitting layer 5 under the drive of the applied driving voltage. The most commonly used material for the anode is N-type oxide semiconductor—indium tin oxide (ITO). The hole injection layer can modify the anode layer, allowing holes from the anode layer to be smoothly injected into the hole transport layer, which is responsible for transporting the holes to the light-emitting layer 5. Electrons in the cathode layer also move through the electron injection layer and electron transport layer to the light-emitting layer 5 under the drive of the applied driving voltage. The electron injection layer can modify the cathode layer, allowing electrons from the cathode layer to be smoothly injected into the electron transport layer, which is responsible for transporting the electrons to the light-emitting layer 5.

[0038] The light-emitting layer 5 is where electrons and holes recombine to form excitons, and then the excitons de-emit and emit light. The light-emitting layer 5 includes a red sub-pixel layer, a blue sub-pixel layer, and a green sub-pixel layer. When electrons and holes recombine in the red sub-pixel layer to form excitons, red light is emitted. When electrons and holes recombine in the blue sub-pixel layer to form excitons, blue light is emitted. When electrons and holes recombine in the green sub-pixel layer to form excitons, green light is emitted.

[0039] In some examples, the display panel also includes a hole blocking layer (not shown) located between the light-emitting layer 5 and the electron transport layer. The hole blocking layer blocks holes from the anode layer at the interface of the light-emitting layer 5, thereby increasing the probability of electron and hole recombination at the interface of the light-emitting layer 5 and increasing the luminous efficiency of the display panel.

[0040] To improve the lifespan of the light-emitting material in the first sub-pixel 51, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first sub-pixel 51 is made larger than the second sub-pixel 52 and the third sub-pixel 53. That is, the surface area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51 facing the second electrode layer 8 is larger than the surface area of ​​the second sub-pixel 52 facing the second electrode layer 8, and the surface area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51 facing the second electrode layer 8 is larger than the surface area of ​​the third sub-pixel 53 facing the second electrode layer 8, thereby ensuring the light-emitting lifespan of the first sub-pixel 51. However, this will sacrifice the pixel density of the display panel, resulting in a decrease in the clarity of the display panel.

[0041] To address this, this embodiment provides a display panel, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the display panel includes a substrate 1, and a first electrode layer 2, a first functional layer 4, a light-emitting layer 5, and a second electrode layer 8 stacked on the substrate 1. This embodiment does not list all the film layer structures. In practical applications, the display panel further includes: a third functional layer 3 located between the second electrode layer 8 and the first functional layer 4, and a second functional layer 6 and a fourth functional layer 7 located between the light-emitting layer 5 and the second electrode layer 8. The light-emitting layer 5 includes a first sub-pixel 51.

[0042] The first functional layer 4 is provided with a first groove 401, and the first sub-pixel 51 is disposed in the first groove 401. The display panel also includes a first light guide layer 511, which is located on the side of the first sub-pixel 51 away from the first electrode layer 2 and covers the first sub-pixel 51. The side of the first light guide layer 511 away from the first electrode layer 51 includes a first effective light-emitting area 501 and a first ineffective light-emitting area 502. The area of ​​the first effective light-emitting area 501 is smaller than the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51.

[0043] Specifically, with Figure 1 Compared to the structure shown, in this embodiment, the first sub-pixel 51 is not directly disposed on the upper surface of the first functional layer 4. Instead, a first groove 401 is provided on the first functional layer 4, and the first sub-pixel 51 is disposed at the bottom of the first groove 401. A first light guide layer 511 is provided to cover the first sub-pixel, and the side of the first light guide layer 511 facing away from the first electrode layer 2 includes a first effective light-emitting area 501 and a first ineffective light-emitting area 502. Since the area of ​​the first effective light-emitting area 501 is smaller than the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51, the first sub-pixel 51 can be made larger without affecting the pixel density of the display panel, thus ensuring both the lifespan and pixel density of the display panel.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 2 is the anode layer, the second electrode layer 8 is the cathode layer, the first functional layer 4 is the hole transport layer, the second functional layer 6 is the electron transport layer, the third functional layer 3 is the hole injection layer, and the fourth functional layer 7 is the electron injection layer, as an example for illustration.

[0045] It should be noted that since the first sub-pixel 51 is located at the bottom of the first groove 401 and the first light guide layer 511 covers the first sub-pixel 51, the first light guide layer 511 allows the carriers to pass through in order to ensure that the carriers in the second electrode layer 8 can smoothly enter the first sub-pixel 51. In addition, the first groove 401 does not penetrate the first functional layer 4 to ensure the normal transmission of carriers. Furthermore, to ensure the light emission effect, the first light guide layer 511 is made of transparent material.

[0046] Optionally, the first invalid light-out area 502 of the first light guide layer 511 can be coated with black paint or reflective paint to avoid light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 from the first invalid light-out area 502; and when the first invalid light-out area 502 of the first light guide layer 511 is coated with reflective paint, the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 will be reflected under the action of the reflective paint, improving the light-out brightness of the first valid light-out area 501.

[0047] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further comprises: a first filling layer 512, the first filling layer 512 being disposed on the first light guide layer 511 and located at the first invalid light-out area 502, the refractive index of the first filling layer 512 being less than the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511.

[0048] In the embodiment, since the refractive index of the first filling layer 512 is less than the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511, the first filling layer 512 is a light-lean medium relative to the first light guide layer 511, and the first light guide layer 511 is a light-dense medium relative to the first filling layer 512. When light enters a light-lean medium from a light-dense medium, total reflection occurs. Therefore, the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 will form total reflection at the interface between the first light guide layer 511 and the first filling layer 512, ensuring that the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 will not be emitted from the first invalid light-out area 502, and improving the light-out brightness of the first valid light-out area 501.

[0049] In an optional embodiment, the refractive index of the first filling layer 512 is the same as the refractive index of the first functional layer 4. In this way, the total reflection effect of the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 at the interface between the first light guide layer 511 and the first functional layer 4 is basically the same as the total reflection effect of the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 at the interface between the first light guide layer 511 and the first filling layer 512, preventing the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 from the side wall of the first recess 401 from entering the sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixel 51 and having a different color, causing color mixing and affecting the display effect of the display panel.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, the material of the first filling layer 512 is the same as the material of the first functional layer 4. In the present embodiment, the first functional layer 4 is a hole transport layer, and the material of the first filling layer 512 is the same as the material of the hole transport layer. The material of the hole transport layer includes 2,2",7,7"-tetra[N,N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9'-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD), or poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The material of the first filling layer 512 is the same as the material of the first functional layer 4 (the hole transport layer), which can ensure that the refractive index of the first functional layer 4 is the same as the refractive index of the first filling layer 512. In addition, since the material of the first filling layer 512 is the same as the material of the first functional layer 4, the binding force of the part where the first filling layer 512 contacts the first functional layer 4 is strong, and the stress is not easy to peel off, which is convenient for preparation.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511 is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer 4.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the first functional layer 4 is a hole transport layer, that is, the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511 is greater than the refractive index of the hole transport layer. The first sub-pixel 51 is arranged at the bottom of the first recess 401 of the hole transport layer, and the first light guide layer 511 covers the first sub-pixel 51. Since the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511 is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer 4, the first functional layer 4 is a light-weak medium relative to the first light guide layer 511, and the first light guide layer 511 is a light-dense medium relative to the first functional layer 4. When light enters a light-weak medium from a light-dense medium, total reflection occurs. Therefore, the light emitted from the first sub-pixel 51 will form total reflection on the interface between the first light guide layer 511 and the first functional layer 4, which prevents color mixing and further improves the light brightness of the first effective light-out area 501.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the material of the first light guide layer 511 includes 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer and polystyrene sulfonate or perovskite.

[0054] Optionally, when the material of the first functional layer 4 includes Spiro-OMeTAD, the refractive index of the first functional layer 4 is about 1.3, the material of the first light guide layer 511 includes 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer and polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), and the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511 is 1.5. When the material of the first functional layer 4 includes P3HT, the refractive index of the first functional layer 4 is about 1.4, the material of the first light guide layer 511 includes perovskite, and the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511 is 1.8. The above-mentioned materials and refractive indexes are only examples and are not limited thereto.

[0055] Furthermore, the first light guide layer 511 covers the surface of the first sub-pixel 51 facing away from the first electrode layer 2 and also covers the sidewalls of the first sub-pixel 51. In this embodiment, except for the bottom surface of the first sub-pixel 51, the first light guide layer 511 completely covers the surface of the first sub-pixel 51, preventing the light from the first sub-pixel 51 from escaping from the sidewalls of the first groove 401, which would cause color mixing and result in poor display effect of the display panel. In addition, it ensures that the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 can be emitted as completely as possible from the first effective light-emitting area 501 of the first light guide layer 511, thus guaranteeing the light emission effect.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the second functional layer 6 is located on the light-emitting layer 5 and covers the first effective light-emitting area 501 of the first light-conducting layer 511. The refractive index of the first light-conducting layer 511 is less than or equal to the refractive index of the second functional layer 6. The fact that the refractive index of the first light-conducting layer 511 is less than or equal to the refractive index of the second functional layer 6 (electron transport layer) ensures that the light emitted from the first sub-pixel 51 travels from the first effective light-emitting area 501 of the first light-conducting layer 511 to the light-emitting surface of the display panel, thus guaranteeing the display effect of the display panel.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, the light-emitting layer 5 further includes a second sub-pixel 52 and a third sub-pixel 53 located on the surface of the first functional layer 4 facing the second electrode layer 8. The light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51 is larger than the light-emitting area of ​​the second sub-pixel 52, and / or, the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51 is larger than the light-emitting area of ​​the third sub-pixel 53.

[0058] Specifically, in this embodiment, the third sub-pixel 53 and the second sub-pixel 52 are... Figure 1 The structures shown are identical, all located on the surface of the first functional layer 4 facing the second electrode layer 8. Since the first sub-pixel 51 is located at the bottom of the first groove 401 of the first functional layer 4, the first sub-pixel 51 is arranged vertically with the second sub-pixel 52 and the third sub-pixel 53. The light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51 facing the second electrode layer 8 is larger than that of the second sub-pixel 52 facing the second electrode layer 8. In other words, the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51 is larger than that of the second sub-pixel 52, which ensures the lifespan of the first sub-pixel 51 and avoids the short lifespan of the entire display panel due to the short lifespan of the first sub-pixel 51.

[0059] Alternatively, the light emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 towards the second electrode layer 8 is larger than the light emitting area of the third sub-pixel 53 towards the second electrode layer 8, that is, the light emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 is larger than the area of the third sub-pixel 53, which ensures the service life of the first sub-pixel 51 and avoids the service life of the entire display panel being too short due to the short service life of the first sub-pixel 51. Of course, in actual applications, the light emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 towards the second electrode layer 8 can also be set to be larger than the light emitting area of the second electrode layer 8 and the light emitting area of the third sub-pixel 53.

[0060] In actual applications, the material service life of the blue sub-pixel layer is shorter than the material service life of the green sub-pixel layer and the material service life of the red sub-pixel layer, and thus the service life of the display panel mainly depends on the light emitting service life of the blue sub-pixel layer. In the embodiment, the first sub-pixel 51 can be set as a blue sub-pixel, so as to improve the service life of the blue sub-pixel and improve the service life of the display panel.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, the area of the first effective light emitting area 501 of the first light guide layer 511 is the same as the light emitting area of the third sub-pixel 53; and / or, the area of the first effective light emitting area 501 of the first light guide layer 511 is the same as the light emitting area of the second sub-pixel 52.

[0062] Since the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 is only emitted from the first effective light emitting area 501 of the first light guide layer 511, the effective light emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 is the same as the effective light emitting area of the second sub-pixel 52 and / or the third sub-pixel 53, which can ensure that the pixel density of the display panel does not change while the light emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 is increased.

[0063] It should be noted that, in order to avoid the light emitting surfaces of the first sub-pixel 51, the second sub-pixel 52 and the third sub-pixel 53 from blocking each other, the orthographic projection of the first effective light emitting area 501 on the substrate 1, the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel 52 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1 do not overlap with each other.

[0064] In an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel 52 on the substrate 1 partially overlap; and / or, the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1 partially overlap.

[0065] The orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 in the embodiment partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel layer 52 and / or the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1, that is, the third sub-pixel 53 and / or the second sub-pixel 52 is located on the side of the first filling layer 512 of the first invalid light-emitting area 502 away from the first sub-pixel 51. In order not to affect the transmission of carriers, the first filling layer 512 is made of the same material as the first functional layer 4, and the two are integrally formed, and there is no interface between the two, thereby reducing the influence on the transmission of carriers, that is, reducing the influence on the light-emitting effect of the second sub-pixel 52 and / or the third sub-pixel 53 located in the first invalid light-emitting area 502. In this way, the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 can be possibly enlarged, thereby improving the service life of the first sub-pixel 51 and the pixel density of the display panel.

[0066] In order not to affect the light-emitting effect of the third sub-pixel 53 or the second sub-pixel 52 and improve the pixel density of the display panel, in an optional embodiment, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 is connected with the boundary of the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel layer 52 on the substrate 1; and / or, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 is connected with the boundary of the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1. In the embodiment, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 is connected with the boundary of the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel layer 52 and / or the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1, thereby avoiding affecting the light-emitting effect of the third sub-pixel 53 or the second sub-pixel 52 while ensuring that the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 is large enough.

[0067] In an optional embodiment, the surface where the first effective light-emitting area 501 of the first light guide layer 511 is located is flush with the surface of the third sub-pixel 53 facing the second electrode layer 8 and the surface of the second sub-pixel 52 facing the second electrode layer 8, so that the positions of the light emitted by the three sub-pixels are substantially the same distance from the second electrode layer 8, thereby ensuring the light-emitting effect and making the surface of the light-emitting layer 5 as a whole facing the second electrode layer 8 relatively flat, thereby facilitating the preparation of other film layers.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the first functional layer 4 further includes a second recess 402, and the second sub-pixel 52 is located in the second recess 402. The display panel further includes a second light guide layer 513 located on the side of the second sub-pixel 52 away from the first electrode layer 2 and covering the second sub-pixel 52. The side of the second light guide layer 513 away from the first electrode layer 2 includes a second effective light-emitting area 503 and a second invalid light-emitting area 504, and the area of the second effective light-emitting area 503 is smaller than the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel 52.

[0069] In the embodiment, the first sub-pixel 51 is provided with the first recess 401 and the first light guide layer 511 including the first effective light-out area 501 and the first ineffective light-out area 502, and the second sub-pixel 52 is provided with the second recess 402 and the second light guide layer 513 including the second effective light-out area 503 and the second ineffective light-out area 504. In this way, the light emitting areas of the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 can be increased without affecting the pixel density of the display panel, and the service life and the pixel density of the display panel can be ensured at the same time. In the embodiment, the second sub-pixel 52 is arranged in the first functional layer 4 in the same way as the first sub-pixel 51. In the embodiment, the description is not repeated. Optionally, the first sub-pixel 51 includes a blue sub-pixel, and the second sub-pixel 52 includes a red sub-pixel. Alternatively, the first sub-pixel 51 includes a blue sub-pixel, and the second sub-pixel 52 includes a green sub-pixel.

[0070] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further includes a third sub-pixel 53 arranged on the first functional layer 4. The light emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 is greater than that of the third sub-pixel 53, and the light emitting area of the second sub-pixel 52 is greater than that of the third sub-pixel 53.

[0071] In the embodiment, the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 are arranged in the recess of the first functional layer 4, but the third sub-pixel 53 is not arranged in the recess of the first functional layer 4. The light emitting areas of the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 are greater than that of the third sub-pixel 53. The first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 can be increased, the service life of the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 can be improved, the service life of the three sub-pixels in the display panel can be ensured to be the same, and the overall service life of the display panel can be affected due to the short service life of a certain sub-pixel.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, to avoid the light emitting surfaces of the first sub-pixel 51, the second sub-pixel 52 and the third sub-pixel 53 from blocking each other, the orthographic projection of the first effective light-out area 501 on the substrate 1, the orthographic projection of the second effective light-out area 503 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1 do not overlap.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, the area of the second effective light-out area 503 is equal to the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel 53, and / or the area of the second effective light-out area 503 is equal to the area of the first effective light-out area 501. Since the light emitted by the second sub-pixel 52 is only emitted from the second effective light-out area 503 of the second light guide layer 513, and the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 is only emitted from the first effective light-out area 501 of the first light guide layer 511, setting the area of the second effective light-out area 503 equal to the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel 53 and / or the area of the first effective light-out area 501 can further improve the pixel density of the display panel while increasing the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 to ensure the service life of the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 partially overlaps the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel 52 on the substrate 1. In this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel 51 on the substrate 1 partially overlaps the orthographic projection of the second sub-pixel layer 52 and / or the third sub-pixel 53 on the substrate 1, which can as much as possible increase the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 or the second sub-pixel 52, thereby as much as possible improving the service life of the first sub-pixel 51 or the second sub-pixel 52 while ensuring the pixel density of the display panel.

[0075] In an optional embodiment, the depth of the first recess 401 is greater than the depth of the second recess 402, and the difference between the depths of the first recess 401 and the second recess 402 is greater than the thickness of the first sub-pixel in the film layer stacking direction of the display panel. It can be understood that the first recess 401 and the second recess 402 are staggered in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, thereby as much as possible increasing the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51 in the first recess 401 or the second sub-pixel 52 in the second recess 402.

[0076] It should be noted that since the second sub-pixel 52 is arranged at the bottom of the second recess 402, the second light guide layer 513 covers the second sub-pixel 52, and therefore, to ensure that the carriers in the second electrode layer 8 can smoothly enter the second sub-pixel 52, the second light guide layer 513 allows the carriers to pass through, in addition, the second recess 402 does not penetrate the first functional layer 4, ensuring the normal transmission of the carriers. And in order to ensure the light-out effect, the second light guide layer 513 is of transparent material.

[0077] Optionally, the second non-effective light-out area 504 of the second light guide layer 513 can be coated with black paint or reflective paint to avoid the light emitted by the second sub-pixel 52 from being emitted from the second non-effective light-out area 504; and when the second non-effective light-out area 504 of the second light guide layer 513 is coated with reflective paint, the light emitted by the second sub-pixel 52 will be reflected under the action of the reflective paint, thereby improving the light-out brightness of the second effective light-out area 503.

[0078] In an optional embodiment, the display panel further comprises a second filling layer 514, which is disposed on the second light guide layer 513 and located in the second invalid light-out area 504, and the refractive index of the second filling layer 514 is less than or equal to the refractive index of the second light guide layer 513.

[0079] In the embodiment, the refractive index of the second filling layer 514 is less than the refractive index of the second light guide layer 513, so that the second filling layer 514 is a light-weak medium relative to the second light guide layer 513, and the second light guide layer 513 is a light-dense medium relative to the second filling layer 514. When light enters a light-weak medium from a light-dense medium, total reflection occurs. Therefore, the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 forms total reflection on the interface between the second light guide layer 513 and the second filling layer 514, so that the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 cannot be emitted from the second invalid light-out area 504, and the light-out brightness of the second valid light-out area 503 is improved.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the refractive index of the second filling layer 514 is the same as the refractive index of the first functional layer 4. In this way, the total reflection effect of the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 on the interface between the second light guide layer 513 and the first functional layer 4 is basically the same as the total reflection effect of the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 on the interface between the second light guide layer 513 and the second filling layer 514, so that the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 cannot be emitted from the side wall of the second groove 402, color mixing is prevented, the display effect of the display panel is affected, the total reflection effect of the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 is ensured, and the display brightness is improved.

[0081] In an optional embodiment, the refractive index of the second light guide layer 513 is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer 4.

[0082] In the embodiment, the first functional layer 4 is a hole transport layer, that is, the refractive index of the second light guide layer 513 is greater than the refractive index of the hole transport layer. The second sub-pixel 52 is disposed at the bottom of the second groove 402 of the hole transport layer, and the second light guide layer 513 covers the second sub-pixel 52. Since the refractive index of the second light guide layer 513 is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer 4, the first functional layer 4 is a light-weak medium relative to the second light guide layer 513, and the second light guide layer 513 is a light-dense medium relative to the first functional layer 4. When light enters a light-weak medium from a light-dense medium, total reflection occurs. Therefore, the light emitted from the second sub-pixel 52 forms total reflection on the interface between the second light guide layer 513 and the first functional layer 4, color mixing is prevented, and the light-out brightness of the second valid light-out area 503 is further improved.

[0083] Furthermore, the second light guide layer 513 covers the surface of the second sub-pixel 52 facing away from the first electrode layer 2 and also covers the sidewalls of the second sub-pixel 52. In this embodiment, except for the bottom surface of the second sub-pixel 52, the second light guide layer 513 completely covers the surface of the second sub-pixel 52, thereby enabling the light emitted by the second sub-pixel 52 to be emitted as completely as possible from the first effective light-emitting area 501 of the second light guide layer 513, ensuring the light emission effect.

[0084] In this embodiment, the second light guide layer 513 may have the same material and refractive index as the first light guide layer 511, and the second filling layer 514 may have the same material and refractive index as the first filling layer 512. This will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0085] Optionally, the adjacent first filling layer 512 and second filling layer 514 can be integrally formed, or they can be integrally formed with the first functional layer 4 at the same time, which simplifies the process, ensures the transmission of charge carriers, and reduces the impact on the light emission effect of the sub-pixels disposed thereon.

[0086] Optionally, the first sub-pixel 51 includes a blue sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel 52 includes a red sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel 53 includes a green sub-pixel.

[0087] The following are some examples of the display panel in this embodiment.

[0088] Optional, such as Figure 2 As shown in Figure 3, the first light guide layer 511 covers the surface of the first sub-pixel 51 facing the second electrode layer 8 and also covers the sidewalls of the first sub-pixel 51. That is, except for the bottom surface of the first sub-pixel 51, the first light guide layer 511 completely covers the surface of the first sub-pixel 51. The first filling layer 512 covers the first ineffective light-emitting area 502 of the first light guide layer 511. As can be seen in the figure, the area of ​​the first effective light-emitting area 501 is smaller than the light-emitting area of ​​the first sub-pixel 51. In this way, the first sub-pixel 51 can be made larger without affecting the pixel density of the display panel, thus ensuring both the lifespan and pixel density of the display panel. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structures are largely the same, the only difference being the tilt angle of the surface where the first ineffective light-emitting region 502 of the first light-conducting layer 511 is located. Figure 2 The surface of the first invalid light-emitting area 502 of the first light-conducting layer 511 is parallel to the side surface of the first sub-pixel 51 that is away from the substrate. Figure 3 The surface of the first invalid light-emitting area 502 of the first light guide layer 511 is inclined away from the edge of the first sub-pixel 51 toward the center of the first sub-pixel 51.

[0089] Realistically, the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511 is greater than the refractive index of the first functional layer 4, so that the light emitted from the first sub-pixel 51 will form total reflection on the interface between the first light guide layer 511 and the first functional layer 4, preventing color mixing and improving the light brightness of the first effective light-emitting area 501.

[0090] Realistically, the refractive index of the first filling layer 512 is less than the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511, so that the light emitted from the first sub-pixel 51 will form total reflection on the interface between the first light guide layer 511 and the first filling layer 512, ensuring that the light emitted from the first sub-pixel 51 will not be emitted from the first ineffective light-emitting area 502, and further improving the light brightness of the first effective light-emitting area 501.

[0091] Figure 4 The structure of the display panel shown in Figure 2 is substantially the same as the structure shown in Figure 4 , except that Figure 4 , in the first embodiment, the first filling layer 512 and the first functional layer 4 are made of the same material and are integrally formed, and there is no interface between the two, reducing the influence on the transport of carriers, i.e., reducing the influence on the light-emitting effect of the second sub-pixel 52 and / or the third sub-pixel 53 located in the first ineffective light-emitting area 502. Figure 2 , other structures in the first embodiment can be referred to the description of the display panel shown in .

[0092] Figure 5 The structure of the display panel shown in Figure 3 is substantially the same as the structure shown in Figure 5 , except that Figure 5 , in the second embodiment, the first filling layer 512 and the first functional layer 4 are made of the same material and are integrally formed, and there is no interface between the two, reducing the influence on the transport of carriers, i.e., reducing the influence on the light-emitting effect of the second sub-pixel 52 and / or the third sub-pixel 53 located in the first ineffective light-emitting area 502. Figure 3 , other structures in the second embodiment can be referred to the description of the display panel shown in .

[0093] Optionally, as shown in Figure 6 and 7As shown, the first light guide layer 511 covers the surface of the first sub-pixel 51 facing the second electrode layer 8 and covers the sidewall of the first sub-pixel 51, that is, except for the bottom surface of the first sub-pixel 51, the first light guide layer 511 completely covers the surface of the first sub-pixel 51, and the first filling layer 512 is arranged on the first light guide layer 511 and located in the first invalid light-emitting area 502. At the same time, the second light guide layer 513 covers the surface of the second sub-pixel 52 away from the first electrode layer 2 and covers the sidewall of the second sub-pixel 52, that is, except for the bottom surface of the second sub-pixel 52, the second light guide layer 513 completely covers the surface of the second sub-pixel 52, and the second filling layer 514 is arranged on the second light guide layer 513 and located in the second invalid light-emitting area 504. As can be seen from the figure, the area of the first valid light-emitting area 501 is smaller than the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel 51, and the area of the second valid light-emitting area 503 is smaller than the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel 52, so that the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 can be enlarged at the same time without affecting the pixel density of the display panel, and the service life and the pixel density of the display panel can be ensured at the same time.

[0094] Optionally, the refractive index of the first filling layer 512 is smaller than the refractive index of the first light guide layer 511, and the refractive index of the second filling layer 514 is smaller than the refractive index of the second light guide layer 513, so that the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 forms total reflection at the interface between the first filling layer 512 and the first light guide layer 511, and the light emitted by the first sub-pixel 51 is emitted from the first valid light-emitting area 501; the light emitted by the second sub-pixel 52 forms total reflection at the interface between the second filling layer 514 and the second light guide layer 513, and the light emitted by the second sub-pixel 52 is emitted from the second valid light-emitting area 503, so that the first sub-pixel 51 and the second sub-pixel 52 can be enlarged, and the overall service life of the display panel can be improved.

[0095] It should be noted that if there are multiple sub-pixels with different service lives in the display panel, the sub-pixels can be arranged through the structure similar to the above-mentioned embodiments, so as to ensure the service life of the display panel and improve the pixel density of the display panel.

[0096] The embodiment of the present application also provides a display device comprising the display panel in the above-mentioned embodiments, and the display device can be a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet computer, AR, VR, a vehicle-mounted display screen, a watch, etc.

[0097] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific embodiments for realizing the present application, and in actual application, various changes can be made in form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized by, The display panel comprises: a substrate; a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate; a light-emitting layer located on the first electrode layer, the light-emitting layer comprising a first sub-pixel; a first functional layer located between the first electrode layer and the light-emitting layer; wherein the first functional layer is provided with a first recess, and the first sub-pixel is disposed in the first recess; a first light guide layer located on a side of the first sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covering the first sub-pixel, the first light guide layer comprising a first effective light-out area and a first ineffective light-out area on a side away from the first electrode layer, and an area of the first effective light-out area being smaller than a light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The display panel further comprises: a first filling layer disposed on the first light guide layer and located in the first ineffective light-out area, the first filling layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first light guide layer.

3. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The first light guide layer has a refractive index greater than that of the first functional layer.

4. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The first light guide layer covers a surface of the first sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covers a sidewall of the first sub-pixel.

5. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The first filling layer is made of the same material as the first functional layer.

6. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The first functional layer comprises a hole transport layer.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The light-emitting layer further comprises a second sub-pixel and a third sub-pixel located on the first functional layer; the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel is greater than that of the second sub-pixel; and / or the light-emitting area of the first sub-pixel is greater than that of the third sub-pixel.

8. The display panel of claim 7, wherein, The first effective light-out area, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel do not overlap with each other in orthographic projection on the substrate.

9. The display panel of claim 7, wherein, The area of the first effective light-out area is equal to the light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel; and / or the area of the first effective light-out area is equal to the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel.

10. The display panel of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate partially overlaps with that of the second sub-pixel layer; and / or the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate partially overlaps with that of the third sub-pixel.

11. The display panel of claim 8 or 9, wherein a boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate is connected to that of the second sub-pixel layer on the substrate; and / or a boundary of the orthographic projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate is connected to that of the third sub-pixel on the substrate. The display panel further comprises a second functional layer located on the light-emitting layer and covering the effective light-out area of the first light guide layer, the first light guide layer having a refractive index smaller than or equal to that of the second functional layer.

12. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The second functional layer comprises an electron transport layer.

13. The display panel of claim 12, wherein, The light-emitting layer further comprises a second sub-pixel; 14. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, the first functional layer further comprises a second recess, and the second sub-pixel is located in the second recess, ​ The display panel further comprises a second light guide layer, the second light guide layer is located on a side of the second sub-pixel away from the first electrode layer and covers the second sub-pixel, the side of the second light guide layer away from the first electrode layer comprises a second effective light-out area and a second ineffective light-out area, and an area of the second effective light-out area is smaller than a light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel.

15. The display panel of claim 14, wherein, The display panel further comprises a third sub-pixel disposed on the first functional layer, an area of the first sub-pixel is greater than a light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel, and a light-emitting area of the second sub-pixel is greater than the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel.

16. The display panel of claim 15, wherein, A normal projection of the first effective light-out area on the substrate, a normal projection of the second effective light-out area on the substrate, and a normal projection of the third sub-pixel on the substrate do not overlap; an area of the second effective light-out area is equal to the light-emitting area of the third sub-pixel, and / or an area of the second effective light-out area is equal to an area of the first effective light-out area.

17. The display panel of claim 14, wherein, A normal projection of the first sub-pixel on the substrate and a normal projection of the second sub-pixel on the substrate partially overlap.

18. The display panel of claim 14, wherein, A depth of the first recess is greater than a depth of the second recess, and a difference between the depths of the first recess and the second recess is greater than a thickness of the first sub-pixel in a film layer stacking direction of the display panel.

19. The display panel of claim 14, wherein, The display panel further comprises a second filling layer, the second filling layer is disposed on the second light guide layer and located in the second ineffective light-out area, and a refractive index of the second filling layer is less than or equal to a refractive index of the second light guide layer.

20. The display panel of claim 15, wherein, The first sub-pixel comprises a blue sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel comprises a red sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel comprises a green sub-pixel.

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