Display panel, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The display panel comprises: a substrate; a driving circuit layer located on one side of the substrate; a plurality of pixel units, each pixel unit comprising a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of organic light-emitting layers, and a second electrode; and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes, each auxiliary electrode corresponding to one pixel unit, and the auxiliary electrode being connected to the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit. The area of the auxiliary electrode is negatively correlated with the brightness of the area where the corresponding pixel unit is located, and / or the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is positively correlated with the brightness of the area where the corresponding pixel unit is located. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure is beneficial to improving the brightness uniformity of the display device and improving the display effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a display lighting technology that has gradually developed in recent years. Especially in the display industry, OLED displays are considered to have broad application prospects due to their advantages such as high response, high contrast and flexibility.

[0003] In current technology, the brightness uniformity of OLED display devices still needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a display panel and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, to solve or alleviate one or more technical problems in the prior art.

[0005] As a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a display panel, including:

[0006] Substrate;

[0007] The driving circuit layer is located on one side of the substrate.

[0008] Multiple pixel units are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate. Each pixel unit includes multiple first electrodes, multiple organic light-emitting layers and second electrodes. The first electrodes are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate, and the organic light-emitting layers are located on the side of the first electrodes away from the substrate. The multiple organic light-emitting layers correspond one-to-one with the multiple first electrodes, and the second electrodes are located on the side of the multiple organic light-emitting layers away from the substrate.

[0009] Multiple auxiliary electrodes, each corresponding to a pixel unit, and the auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit;

[0010] The area of ​​the auxiliary electrode is negatively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit region, and / or the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is positively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit region. The area of ​​the auxiliary electrode is the area of ​​the surface of the auxiliary electrode facing away from the substrate, and the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is the dimension of the auxiliary electrode in the direction perpendicular to the substrate.

[0011] In some possible implementations, at least two auxiliary electrodes of different areas are present in the display panel; and / or, at least two auxiliary electrodes of different thicknesses are present in the display panel.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary sub-electrode, which is disposed in the same layer as the first electrode.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the auxiliary electrode includes a second auxiliary sub-electrode, the driving circuit layer includes a thin-film transistor, and the second auxiliary sub-electrode is disposed on the same layer as at least one of the gate electrode, source electrode, and drain electrode of the thin-film transistor.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary sub-electrode and a second auxiliary sub-electrode, the first auxiliary sub-electrode being disposed on the same layer as the first electrode, the driving circuit layer including a thin film transistor, and the second auxiliary sub-electrode being disposed on the same layer as at least one of the gate electrode, source electrode and drain electrode of the thin film transistor.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the display substrate includes a pixel defining layer and a first insulating layer. The pixel defining layer is located between a first auxiliary sub-electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is electrically connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode through a first via through the pixel defining layer. The first insulating layer is located between the first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second auxiliary sub-electrode. The first auxiliary sub-electrode is electrically connected to the second auxiliary sub-electrode through a second via through the first insulating layer.

[0016] The first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second auxiliary sub-electrode have overlapping regions in their orthogonal projections onto the substrate.

[0017] The orthographic projection of the second via on the substrate is located within the overlapping region, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second via on the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the overlapping region; or, the orthographic projection of the second via on the substrate coincides with the overlapping region.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the orthographic projections of the first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second auxiliary sub-electrode on the substrate coincide.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of each first electrode in the corresponding pixel unit on the substrate.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode on the substrate is within the range of the orthographic projection of the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit on the substrate.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the thickness of the auxiliary electrode ranges from 7,000 angstroms to 40,000 angstroms.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the display area of ​​the display panel is divided into multiple display sub-regions, the area where the pixel unit is located is the display sub-region where the pixel unit is located, and the brightness of the area where the pixel unit is located is the center brightness or average brightness of the display sub-region where the pixel unit is located.

[0023] In some possible implementations, the display sub-region includes multiple pixel units, and the auxiliary electrodes corresponding to each pixel unit located in the same display sub-region are the same.

[0024] In some possible implementations, the second electrodes of each pixel unit are independent of each other in the layer where the second electrode is located.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode onto the substrate is rectangular.

[0026] As a second aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a display device including the display panel in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] As a third aspect of this disclosure, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising:

[0028] A driving circuit layer is formed on the substrate.

[0029] Multiple pixel units are formed on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate. Each pixel unit includes multiple first electrodes, multiple organic light-emitting layers and second electrodes. The first electrodes are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate, and the organic light-emitting layers are located on the side of the first electrodes away from the substrate. The multiple organic light-emitting layers correspond one-to-one with the multiple first electrodes, and the second electrodes are located on the side of the multiple organic light-emitting layers away from the substrate.

[0030] Multiple auxiliary electrodes are formed, and the multiple auxiliary electrodes are located between the substrate and the second electrode.

[0031] Multiple auxiliary electrodes are formed between a substrate and a second electrode using a gray-tone mask or by controlling the etching time. Each auxiliary electrode corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of pixel units, and the auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit. At least two different thicknesses exist among the multiple auxiliary electrodes. As a second aspect of this disclosure, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a display device including the display panel of any embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] The technical solutions of the present disclosure embodiments are beneficial to improving the brightness uniformity of the display device and enhancing the display effect.

[0033] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Further aspects, embodiments, and features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, in addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments according to this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel in one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel in another embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4a for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel in another embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4b for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel in another embodiment.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0041] 10. Control substrate; 111. Gate electrode; 112. Active layer; 113a. Source electrode; 113b. Drain electrode; 12. First insulating layer; 121. Second via; 13. Second insulating layer; 14. Third insulating layer; 20. Pixel unit; 21. OLED device; 211. First electrode; 212. Organic light-emitting layer; 22. Second electrode; 30. Auxiliary electrode; 31. First auxiliary sub-electrode; 32. Second auxiliary sub-electrode; 40. Pixel defining layer; 41. Opening; 42. First via. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure, and different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without conflict. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0043] In related technologies, an auxiliary cathode can be used to reduce the resistance of the cathode in an OLED display panel. This auxiliary cathode is connected to the cathode. In related display devices, the connection between the cathode and the frame is severed, preventing current from flowing through the frame to power the cathode. With an auxiliary cathode, the cathode and frame can conduct through it; without an auxiliary cathode, the cathode and frame cannot conduct.

[0044] The inclusion of an auxiliary cathode in an OLED display panel offers several advantages: First, it enables narrow bezels; second, it effectively reduces Vss voltage drop and power consumption. With an auxiliary cathode, the Vss voltage drop of the display panel is approximately 1.2V, while without an auxiliary cathode, it is approximately 2V; third, it improves the uniformity of the display panel, although this uniformity still requires optimization.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the display panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional structure of the display panel in one embodiment. In one embodiment of this disclosure, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the display panel includes a substrate 10, a driving circuit layer 11, multiple pixel units 20, and multiple auxiliary electrodes 30. The driving circuit layer 11 is located on one side of the substrate 10, and the multiple pixel units 20 are located on the side of the driving circuit layer 11 facing away from the substrate 10. Each pixel unit 20 includes multiple first electrodes 211, multiple organic light-emitting layers 212, and a second electrode 22, with each organic light-emitting layer 212 corresponding to one of the multiple first electrodes 211. The corresponding first electrode 211, organic light-emitting layer 212, and second electrode 22 can serve as a single OLED device 21. A pixel unit 20 can include multiple OLED devices 21, and the second electrodes 22 of the multiple OLED devices 21 within the same pixel unit 20 are a single integrated structure.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the first electrode 211 is located on the side of the driving circuit layer 11 away from the substrate 10, the organic light-emitting layer 212 is located on the side of the first electrode 211 away from the substrate 10, and the second electrode 22 is located on the side of the plurality of organic light-emitting layers 212 away from the substrate 10.

[0047] A plurality of auxiliary electrodes 30 correspond to a plurality of pixel units 20 one by one, and the auxiliary electrode 30 is electrically connected to the second electrode 22 in the corresponding pixel unit 20.

[0048] Exemplarily, the first electrode 211 can be the anode of the OLED device, the second electrode 22 can be the cathode of the OLED device, and the auxiliary electrode 30 can be an auxiliary cathode. In one pixel unit, the plurality of OLED devices can emit light of the same color or different colors. For example, one pixel includes three OLED devices that respectively emit red light, green light, and blue light. Figure 1 In, the three OLED devices in one pixel unit 20 are arranged in a "pin" shape. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the "pin" shape arrangement, and the arrangement of the plurality of OLED devices in one pixel unit can be set as needed.

[0049] In one embodiment, the area of the auxiliary electrode 30 is negatively correlated with the brightness of the region where the corresponding pixel unit 20 is located. That is to say, the greater the brightness of the region where the pixel unit 20 is located, the smaller the area of its corresponding auxiliary electrode 30; the smaller the brightness of the region where the pixel unit 20 is located, the larger the area of its corresponding auxiliary electrode 30. The area of the auxiliary electrode 30 can be the area of the surface on the side of the auxiliary electrode 30 facing away from the substrate 10. For example Figure 2 In, the area of the first auxiliary sub - electrode 31 can be the area of the upper surface of the first auxiliary sub - electrode 31. When the surface on the side of the auxiliary electrode 30 facing away from the substrate 10 is flat, the area of the auxiliary electrode 30 can be the area of the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 on the substrate 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, the thickness of the auxiliary electrode 30 is positively correlated with the brightness of the region where the corresponding pixel unit 20 is located, and the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is the dimension of the auxiliary electrode 30 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 10. That is to say, the greater the brightness of the region where the pixel unit 20 is located, the greater the thickness of its corresponding auxiliary electrode 30; the smaller the brightness of the region where the pixel unit 20 is located, the smaller the thickness of its corresponding auxiliary electrode 30.

[0051] The area of the auxiliary electrode 30 is set to be negatively correlated with the brightness of the region where the corresponding pixel unit 20 is located. Thus, when the brightness of the region where the pixel unit 20 is located is greater, the area of the corresponding auxiliary electrode 30 is smaller, the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 30 is greater, the current supplied to the second electrode 22 becomes smaller, and the brightness of the pixel unit corresponding to the auxiliary electrode 30 is reduced; when the brightness of the region where the pixel unit 20 is located is smaller, the area of the corresponding auxiliary electrode 30 is larger, the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 30 is smaller, the current supplied to the second electrode 22 becomes larger, and the brightness of the pixel unit corresponding to the auxiliary electrode 30 can be increased. Thus, it is beneficial to improve the brightness uniformity.

[0052] The thickness of the auxiliary electrode 30 is set to be positively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit 20. Thus, when the brightness of the area where the pixel unit 20 is located is greater, the thickness of the corresponding auxiliary electrode 30 is greater, the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 30 is greater, the current supplied to the second electrode 22 is smaller, and the brightness of the pixel unit corresponding to the auxiliary electrode 30 is reduced. Conversely, when the brightness of the area where the pixel unit 20 is located is smaller, the thickness of the corresponding auxiliary electrode 30 is smaller, the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 30 is smaller, the current supplied to the second electrode 22 is larger, which can improve the brightness of the pixel unit corresponding to the auxiliary electrode 30 and is beneficial to improving brightness uniformity.

[0053] Therefore, the display panel of this embodiment improves the brightness uniformity of the display panel by setting the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode 30 to be negatively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit 20 area, and / or setting the thickness of the auxiliary electrode 30 to be positively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit 20 area.

[0054] It should be noted that in the display panel manufacturing process, samples are usually made first, in which the area and thickness of each auxiliary electrode are the same. In this paper, "brightness of the area where the pixel unit is located" can correspond to the display panel sample. After the sample is made, the brightness of each area of ​​the sample is measured to obtain the brightness of the area where the pixel unit is located. Then, the auxiliary electrodes can be set according to the technical solution of the embodiments of this disclosure to improve the brightness uniformity of the finished product.

[0055] In one embodiment, the display panel contains at least two auxiliary electrodes of different areas. When the sample display panel exhibits uneven brightness, the areas of the auxiliary electrodes are adjusted using the technical solution of this disclosure to obtain a finished display panel. The finished display panel contains at least two auxiliary electrodes of different areas, thus improving the brightness uniformity of the finished display panel.

[0056] In one embodiment, the display panel contains at least two auxiliary electrodes of different thicknesses. When the sample display panel exhibits uneven brightness, the thickness of the auxiliary electrodes is adjusted using the technical solution of this disclosure to obtain a finished display panel. The finished display panel contains at least two auxiliary electrodes of different thicknesses, thus improving the brightness uniformity of the finished display panel.

[0057] In one implementation, such as Figure 1As shown, the display area of ​​the display panel can be divided into multiple display sub-areas. The area where the pixel unit 20 is located can be the display sub-area where the pixel unit 20 is located. The brightness of the area where the pixel unit 20 is located can be the center brightness of the display sub-area where the pixel unit 20 is located, or the brightness of the area where the pixel unit 20 is located can be the average brightness of the display sub-area where the pixel unit 20 is located.

[0058] For example, the criteria for dividing the display sub-regions can be set as needed. The area where each pixel unit 20 is located can be divided into one display sub-region, meaning one pixel unit constitutes one display sub-region; alternatively, multiple pixel units 20 can be divided into one display sub-region, meaning one display sub-region can include multiple pixel units. The auxiliary electrodes corresponding to the pixel units within the same display sub-region can be identical. Here, "identical" refers not only to identical size parameters but also to identical materials. For example, Figure 1 In the middle, the display panel's display area is divided into 9 display sub-areas in 3 rows and 3 columns. Figure 1 Each display sub-region shows a pixel unit.

[0059] Table 1 is... Figure 1 The brightness values ​​of the nine display sub-regions in the sample display panel shown in Table 2 are as follows. Figure 1 The table shows the area of ​​the auxiliary electrodes in the nine display sub-regions of the finished display panel. Each value in Table 2 represents the area size, but does not represent the actual area value. For example, in Table 2, the value in the second row and second column is 9, and the value in the third row and second column is 8. This means that the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode in the display sub-region corresponding to the second row and second column is larger than the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode in the display sub-region corresponding to the third row and second column. "9" and "8" do not represent the actual area value of the auxiliary electrodes.

[0060] Table 1

[0061]

[0062] Table 2

[0063]

[0064] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the second row and second column of Table 1 shows the sub-region with the lowest brightness, and the auxiliary electrode area corresponding to the pixel unit in this sub-region is the largest. The third row and third column shows the sub-region with the highest brightness, and the auxiliary electrode area corresponding to the pixel unit in this sub-region is the smallest.

[0065] Table 3 is... Figure 1The thickness of the auxiliary electrodes in the nine display sub-areas of the finished display panel shown in Table 3 represents the thickness, but does not represent the actual thickness value. For example, in Table 3, the second row and second column is 1 and the third row and second column is 2, which means that the thickness of the auxiliary electrode in the display sub-area corresponding to the second row and second column is less than the thickness of the auxiliary electrode in the display sub-area corresponding to the third row and second column. "1" and "2" do not represent the actual thickness value of the auxiliary electrode.

[0066] Table 3

[0067]

[0068] As shown in Tables 1 and 3, the second row and second column of Table 1 shows the sub-region with the lowest brightness and the smallest thickness of the auxiliary electrode corresponding to the pixel unit in this sub-region. The third row and third column shows the sub-region with the highest brightness and the largest thickness of the auxiliary electrode corresponding to the pixel unit in this sub-region.

[0069] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The display area is divided into 9 sub-areas. However, in practice, the division of the display area is not limited to 9 sub-areas. The division criteria and the number of sub-areas can be determined as needed.

[0070] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary electrode 30 may include a first auxiliary sub-electrode 31, which may be disposed in the same layer as the first electrode 211. Exemplarily, the display panel may further include a pixel defining layer 40, which may be located between the first electrode 211 and the organic light-emitting layer 212. Exemplarily, the pixel defining layer 40 is located on the side of the first electrode 211 facing away from the substrate 10, and the pixel defining layer 40 has multiple openings 41. The organic light-emitting layer 212 is located on the side of the pixel defining layer 40 facing away from the substrate 10, and the organic light-emitting layer 212 is located in the openings 41. The first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 may be located between the driving circuit layer 11 and the pixel defining layer 40. The pixel defining layer 40 may be provided with a first via 42 exposing the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31, and the second electrode 22 is connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 through the first via 42, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the second electrode 22 is directly connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 through the first via 42. In other embodiments, the second electrode 22 can be connected to an adapter block through the first via 42. The adapter block can be disposed on the same layer as the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31.

[0071] In related technologies, auxiliary electrodes are typically positioned above the second electrode, which not only adds an extra patterning process but also affects pixel brightness. In this embodiment, the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 is positioned on the same layer as the first electrode 211, which does not increase the manufacturing process of the display panel and also serves as an auxiliary electrode.

[0072] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the driving circuit layer 11 may include a thin-film transistor, which may include a gate electrode 111, an active layer 112, a source electrode 113a, and a drain electrode 113b. The auxiliary electrode 30 may include a second auxiliary sub-electrode 32, which may be disposed in the same layer as at least one of the gate electrode 111, source electrode 113a, and drain electrode 113b. The second electrode 22 may pass through a portion of the film layer in the pixel defining layer 40 and the driving circuit layer 11 to connect to the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32. Setting the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 in the same layer as the source electrode 113a, drain electrode 113b, or gate electrode 111 does not increase the manufacturing process of the display panel and can also serve as an auxiliary electrode.

[0073] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the auxiliary electrode 30 may include a first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and a second auxiliary sub-electrode 32. The first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode 211, and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 may be disposed on the same layer as at least one of the gate electrode 111, source electrode 113a, and drain electrode 113b of the thin-film transistor in the control substrate. The driving circuit layer 11 may further include a first insulating layer 12, which is located between the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32. Figure 2 As shown, the second electrode 22 is connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 through a first via 42 passing through the pixel defining layer 40. The first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 is connected to the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 through a second via 121 passing through the first insulating layer 12.

[0074] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the orthographic projections of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 onto the substrate 10 overlap. The orthographic projection of the second via 121 onto the substrate 10 lies within the overlapping region, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second via 121 onto the substrate 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the overlapping region. In this structure, although the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 are connected, they do not form a stacked structure. Therefore, the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode 30 can be the sum of the areas of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32. For example, the thicknesses of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 can be the same.

[0075] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel in another embodiment. In one embodiment, as... Figure 3 As shown, the orthographic projections of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 onto the substrate 10 overlap. The orthographic projection of the second via 121 onto the substrate 10 coincides with the overlapping region. In this structure, the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 form a stacked structure in the overlapping region. Therefore, the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode 30 can be the upper surface area of ​​the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31, and the thickness of the auxiliary electrode 30 can be the sum of the thicknesses of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32.

[0076] For example, the orthographic projections of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 on the substrate 10 coincide, and the orthographic projection area of ​​the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 or the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 on the substrate 10 is the overlapping area. Thus, the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 can be fully exposed through the second via 121.

[0077] Figure 4a for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel in another embodiment. Figure 4b for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the display panel in another embodiment. In one embodiment, as... Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 may include a first portion 321 and a second portion 322. The first portion 321 may be disposed in the same layer as the source electrode 113a or the drain electrode 113b, and the second portion 322 may be disposed in the same layer as the gate electrode 111. The first portion 321 and the second portion 322 are electrically connected. Figure 4a In this embodiment, the first portion 321 passes through the second insulating layer and connects to the second portion 322. In other embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first portion 321 and the second portion 322 on the substrate 10 may coincide, and the opposing surfaces of the first portion 321 and the second portion 322 may be in contact and connected, such as... Figure 4b As shown.

[0078] In one embodiment, the thickness of the auxiliary electrode can range from 7000 angstroms to 40000 angstroms (inclusive of endpoint values), meaning the thickness of the auxiliary electrode can be any value within the range of 7000 angstroms to 40000 angstroms. When the auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and a second auxiliary sub-electrode 32, the thickness of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 can range from 7000 angstroms to 40000 angstroms (inclusive of endpoint values), and the thickness of the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 can also range from 7000 angstroms to 40000 angstroms (inclusive of endpoint values). When the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 completely overlap, as... Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is the sum of the thicknesses of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32. The sum of the thicknesses of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 can range from 7000 angstroms to 40000 angstroms (including the endpoint value).

[0079] In one embodiment, the driving circuit layer 11 further includes a common electrode, which may be disposed on the same layer as the gate electrode 111 of the thin-film transistor. An auxiliary electrode 30 is connected to the common electrode. Therefore, the direction of the current through the auxiliary electrode 30 is along the thickness direction of the auxiliary electrode 30; thus, the greater the thickness of the auxiliary electrode, the greater its resistance. When the brightness of the area where the pixel unit 20 is located is high, increasing the thickness of the auxiliary electrode can reduce the brightness of the pixel unit corresponding to the auxiliary electrode, thereby adjusting the brightness of the area where the pixel unit is located and improving brightness uniformity.

[0080] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The thin-film transistor shown is a top-gate thin-film transistor. It should be noted that the type of thin-film transistor is not limited in this embodiment. In actual implementation, the type of thin-film transistor can be set as needed.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the orthographic projections of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 and the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 on the substrate 10 coincide, which can reduce the space occupied by the auxiliary electrodes and reduce the impact on other metal traces in the control substrate.

[0082] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 onto the substrate 10 can be rectangular. This shape of the auxiliary electrode 30 reduces the complexity of the mask and also facilitates the design of an auxiliary electrode 30 with a suitable area. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 on the substrate 10 is a rectangle. In other embodiments, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 on the substrate 10 is not limited to a rectangle, but can also be other shapes, such as circles, polygons, or other regular or irregular shapes, as long as the area requirement is met.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second electrodes 22 of each pixel unit 20 are connected as a single structure.

[0084] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the layer containing the second electrode 22, the second electrodes 22 of each pixel unit 20 are independent of each other; that is, the second electrodes 22 of each pixel unit 20 have independent patterns. This avoids mutual interference between pixel units 20, which helps improve the brightness uniformity of the display panel. The shape of the second electrode 22 of each pixel unit 20 can be set as needed and is not specifically limited here.

[0085] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 on the substrate 10 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of each first electrode 211 in the corresponding pixel unit 20 on the substrate 10. It should be noted that the driving circuit layer 11 may include multiple thin-film transistors, which are typically located below the first electrodes 211. By setting the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 on the substrate 10 to not overlap with the orthographic projection of each first electrode 211 in the corresponding pixel unit 20 on the substrate 10, the auxiliary electrode 30 can be prevented from being located below the first electrodes 211, thereby preventing the auxiliary electrode 30 from affecting the thin-film transistor structure layout.

[0086] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 30 on the substrate 10 is located within the range of the orthographic projection of the second electrode 22 in the corresponding pixel unit 20 on the substrate 10, thereby facilitating the connection between the second electrode 22 and the auxiliary electrode 30 via a via.

[0087] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising:

[0088] A driving circuit layer is formed on the substrate.

[0089] Multiple pixel units are formed on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate. Each pixel unit includes multiple first electrodes, multiple organic light-emitting layers, and second electrodes. The first electrodes are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate, and the organic light-emitting layers are located on the side of the first electrodes away from the substrate. Each of the multiple organic light-emitting layers corresponds to one of the multiple first electrodes, and the second electrodes are located on the side of the multiple organic light-emitting layers away from the substrate.

[0090] Multiple auxiliary electrodes are formed, the multiple auxiliary electrodes being located between the substrate and the second electrode.

[0091] Multiple auxiliary electrodes are formed between the substrate and the second electrode using a grayscale mask or etching process. Each auxiliary electrode corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of pixel units, and the auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit. At least two different thicknesses exist among the multiple auxiliary electrodes. The following section... Figure 3 The illustrated embodiments detail the specific process of the display panel fabrication method. It is understood that the term "patterning" as used herein includes processes such as photoresist coating, mask exposure, development, etching, and photoresist stripping when the patterning material is inorganic or metallic; and processes such as mask exposure and development when the patterning material is organic. Evaporation, deposition, coating, and plating as mentioned herein are all mature fabrication processes in related technologies.

[0092] A driving circuit layer 11 is formed on one side of the substrate 10. This step may include: forming an active layer 112 on one side of the substrate 10; forming a third insulating layer 14 on the side of the active layer 112 facing away from the substrate 10; forming a gate electrode 111 on the side of the third insulating layer 14 facing away from the substrate 10; forming a second insulating layer 13 on the side of the gate electrode 111 facing away from the substrate 10; depositing a source / drain metal film on the side of the second insulating layer 13 facing away from the substrate 10; coating photoresist on the source / drain metal film; exposing and developing the photoresist using a gray-tone mask; and using an etching process. The process forms a source electrode 113a, a drain electrode 113b, and multiple second auxiliary sub-electrodes 32. By using a gray-tone mask, multiple development and etching processes can be performed to obtain second auxiliary sub-electrodes 32 of different thicknesses. A first insulating layer 12 is formed on the side of the source electrode 113a, drain electrode 113b, and second auxiliary sub-electrodes 32 that is away from the substrate 10. The first insulating layer 12 has a second via 121 and a third via. The second auxiliary sub-electrodes 32 are fully exposed through the second via 121, and the drain electrode 113b is exposed through the third via.

[0093] Multiple pixel units are formed on the side of the driving circuit layer 11 facing away from the substrate 10. This step may include: forming multiple first electrodes 211 and multiple first auxiliary sub-electrodes 31 on the side of the first insulating layer 12 facing away from the substrate 10; the first electrodes 211 are connected to the drain electrode 113b through a third via; and the first auxiliary sub-electrodes 31 are connected to the second auxiliary sub-electrodes 32 through a second via 121. Figure 3 As shown, the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 is directly connected to the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 through the second via 121. During the formation of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31, a gray-tone mask can be used to form first auxiliary sub-electrodes 31 of different thicknesses. A pixel defining layer 40 is formed on the side of the first electrode 211 and the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 facing away from the substrate 10. The pixel defining layer 40 has multiple openings 41 and multiple first vias 42. Each opening 41 corresponds to a first electrode 211, and the first electrode 211 is exposed through the opening 41. Each first via 42 corresponds to a first auxiliary sub-electrode 31, and the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 is exposed through the first via 42. An organic light-emitting layer 212 is formed, located within the opening 41. A second electrode 22 is formed on the side of the organic light-emitting layer 212 and the pixel defining layer 40 facing away from the substrate 10. The second electrode 22 is electrically connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 through the first via 42.

[0094] In other embodiments, during the formation of the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32, the etching time of the second auxiliary sub-electrode 32 can be controlled to obtain second auxiliary sub-electrodes 32 of different thicknesses; during the formation of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31, the etching time of the first auxiliary sub-electrode 31 can be controlled to obtain first auxiliary sub-electrodes 31 of different thicknesses, thereby obtaining at least two auxiliary electrodes 30 of different thicknesses.

[0095] For example, the first insulating layer 12 can be made of resin, and the second insulating layer 13 and the third insulating layer 14 can be made of at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, and silicon oxynitride. The gate electrode, source electrode, and drain electrode can be made of metallic materials, such as any one or more of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), and molybdenum (Mo).

[0096] Based on the inventive concept of the foregoing embodiments, this disclosure also provides a display device, which includes the display panel of the foregoing embodiments. The display device can be any product or component with display function, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, television, monitor, laptop computer, digital photo frame, or navigator.

[0097] The technical solution disclosed herein improves the brightness uniformity of the display device and enhances the display effect by setting the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode 30 to be negatively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit 20 area, and / or setting the thickness of the auxiliary electrode 30 to be positively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit 20 area.

[0098] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0099] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0100] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0101] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0102] The foregoing disclosure provides many different implementations or examples for carrying out different structures of this disclosure. To simplify this disclosure, the components and arrangements of specific examples are described above. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or reference letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various implementations and / or arrangements discussed.

[0103] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: Substrate; A driving circuit layer is located on one side of the substrate. Multiple pixel units are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate. Each pixel unit includes multiple first electrodes, multiple organic light-emitting layers, and second electrodes. The first electrodes are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate, and the organic light-emitting layers are located on the side of the first electrodes away from the substrate. Each of the multiple organic light-emitting layers corresponds to one of the multiple first electrodes, and the second electrodes are located on the side of the multiple organic light-emitting layers away from the substrate. Multiple auxiliary electrodes are provided, each of which corresponds to one of the pixel units, and each auxiliary electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit. The auxiliary electrode includes a second auxiliary sub-electrode, and the driving circuit layer includes a thin-film transistor. The second auxiliary sub-electrode is disposed on the same layer as at least one of the gate electrode, source electrode, and drain electrode of the thin-film transistor. Wherein, the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode is negatively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit region, and / or the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is positively correlated with the brightness of the corresponding pixel unit region, the area of ​​the auxiliary electrode is the area of ​​the surface of the auxiliary electrode facing away from the substrate, and the thickness of the auxiliary electrode is the dimension of the auxiliary electrode in the direction perpendicular to the substrate.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the display panel, there are at least two auxiliary electrodes with different areas; and / or, in the display panel, there are at least two auxiliary electrodes with different thicknesses.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary electrode further includes a first auxiliary sub-electrode, which is disposed in the same layer as the first electrode.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The substrate includes a pixel defining layer and a first insulating layer. The pixel defining layer is located between the first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode is electrically connected to the first auxiliary sub-electrode through a first via through the pixel defining layer. The first insulating layer is located between the first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second auxiliary sub-electrode. The first auxiliary sub-electrode is electrically connected to the second auxiliary sub-electrode through a second via through the first insulating layer. The first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second auxiliary sub-electrode have overlapping regions in their orthographic projections onto the substrate. The orthographic projection of the second via on the substrate is located within the overlapping region, and the area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second via on the substrate is smaller than the area of ​​the overlapping region; or, the orthographic projection of the second via on the substrate coincides with the overlapping region.

5. The display panel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first auxiliary sub-electrode and the second auxiliary sub-electrode have their orthogonal projections on the substrate coincide.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of each of the first electrodes in the corresponding pixel unit on the substrate.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode on the substrate is within the range of the orthographic projection of the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit on the substrate.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the auxiliary electrode ranges from 7,000 angstroms to 40,000 angstroms.

9. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The display area of ​​the display panel is divided into multiple display sub-areas, the area where the pixel unit is located is the display sub-area where the pixel unit is located, and the brightness of the area where the pixel unit is located is the center brightness or average brightness of the display sub-area where the pixel unit is located.

10. The display panel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The display sub-region includes multiple pixel units, and the auxiliary electrodes corresponding to each pixel unit located in the same display sub-region are the same.

11. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, In the layer containing the second electrode, the second electrodes of each pixel unit are independent of each other.

12. The display panel according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The auxiliary electrode has a rectangular orthographic projection on the substrate.

13. A display device, characterized in that, The display panel includes any one of claims 1-12.

14. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1-12: Among them, a driving circuit layer is formed on the substrate; Multiple pixel units are formed on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate. Each pixel unit includes multiple first electrodes, multiple organic light-emitting layers, and second electrodes. The first electrodes are located on the side of the driving circuit layer away from the substrate, and the organic light-emitting layers are located on the side of the first electrodes away from the substrate. Each of the multiple organic light-emitting layers corresponds to one of the multiple first electrodes, and the second electrodes are located on the side of the multiple organic light-emitting layers away from the substrate. Multiple auxiliary electrodes are formed, the multiple auxiliary electrodes being located between the substrate and the second electrode. Multiple auxiliary electrodes are formed between the substrate and the second electrode using a gray-tone mask or by controlling the etching time. Each of the multiple auxiliary electrodes corresponds to a single pixel unit. The auxiliary electrodes are electrically connected to the second electrode in the corresponding pixel unit. At least two different thicknesses exist among the multiple auxiliary electrodes.

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