Display panel, display device and method for manufacturing a display panel

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel, a display device and a method for manufacturing a display panel. The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area, and the display panel comprises a pixel definition layer, the pixel definition layer comprises: a plurality of first pixel definition blocks arranged in parallel along a first direction in the display area, each first pixel definition block extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and comprises a plurality of columns of pixel definition openings in the same column direction as the first direction, adjacent first pixel definition blocks have different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings; and at least one second pixel definition block extending from at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks to the peripheral area along the second direction in the peripheral area, each second pixel definition block comprises a plurality of columns of pixel definition openings, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings of each second pixel definition block is greater than or equal to the difference between the numbers of columns of pixel definition openings of two adjacent first pixel definition blocks.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, also known as organic electroluminescent displays, are a type of display device different from traditional liquid crystal displays (LCDs). This display technology boasts advantages such as simple structure, self-illumination, high contrast, thinness, wide viewing angle, fast response speed, continuously adjustable emission color, and applicability to flexible panels. Therefore, it has become one of the important development directions for next-generation display devices and is receiving increasing attention.

[0003] With the continuous development of the display industry, traditional rectangular display panels can no longer meet the diverse needs of the market, and the design and production of irregularly shaped screens are urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a display panel, a display device, and a method for manufacturing a display panel.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a display panel is provided having a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area, the display panel comprising: a pixel definition layer. The pixel definition layer includes: a plurality of first pixel definition blocks arranged parallel to each other along a first direction in the display area, each first pixel definition block extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and including a plurality of columns of pixel definition openings with the same column direction as the first direction, adjacent first pixel definition blocks having different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings; and at least one second pixel definition block located in the peripheral area, extending along the second direction to the peripheral area as at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks, each second pixel definition block including a plurality of columns of pixel definition openings, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings in each second pixel definition block being greater than or equal to the difference in the number of columns of pixel definition openings between two adjacent first pixel definition blocks.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks by the at least one second pixel definition block causes the pixel definition layer to be redivided to include at least one third pixel definition block, wherein each third pixel definition block is allocated at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and at least a portion of a second pixel definition block that is an extension of the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks, and the number of pixel definition opening columns of each third pixel definition block is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first pixel definition block having the fewest number of pixel definition opening columns among the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the at least one second pixel definition block includes a plurality of second pixel definition blocks, one of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks is connected to one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks, and the number of pixel definition opening rows of each of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks is equal to the number of pixel definition opening rows of the first pixel definition block connected to the second pixel definition block, wherein the direction of the rows is the same as the second direction.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the number N2 of pixel definition opening columns for each second pixel definition block satisfies: Where K is a positive integer, The difference in the number of open columns for the pixel definition of two adjacent first pixel blocks.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the peripheral region includes an encapsulation region and a dummy region located between the display region and the encapsulation region, wherein the plurality of second pixel definition blocks are located within the dummy region.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the number N2 of pixel definition opening columns for each second pixel definition block satisfies: Where D is the distance between the two boundaries of the dummy region along the second direction, and P is the pitch of the pixel definition opening of the second pixel definition block.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the number N of the third pixel definition blocks p This can be expressed by the following relation: , where the symbol [] represents a pair of square brackets. Rounding down, N f N1 represents the number of the first pixel definition blocks, and N2 represents the number of pixel definition opening columns for each second pixel definition block.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, both the display area and the peripheral area have non-rectangular shapes. In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display area and the peripheral area have axially symmetric shapes about the first direction.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, each second pixel definition block includes a first portion and a second portion, which are respectively extensions of the corresponding first pixel definition block to the peripheral regions located on both sides of the corresponding first pixel definition block. The number of second pixel definition opening columns of each second pixel definition block is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first portion and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second portion.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel further includes a light-emitting material layer having a plurality of light-emitting units. When all of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks are assigned to the at least one third pixel definition block, the plurality of light-emitting units are respectively formed in a plurality of pixel definition openings of the at least one third pixel definition block. When there are remaining first pixel definition blocks not assigned to the at least one third pixel definition block, the remaining first pixel definition blocks, together with at least a portion of a second pixel definition block extending from the remaining first pixel definition blocks, form a fourth pixel definition block, some of the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the plurality of pixel definition openings of the at least one third pixel definition block; and other portions of the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the plurality of pixel definition openings of the fourth pixel definition block.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, when the at least one second pixel definition block has a remaining pixel definition opening that is not assigned to a corresponding third pixel definition block, no light-emitting unit is provided in the remaining pixel definition opening of the at least one second pixel definition block.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel further includes an organic common layer configured to accommodate light emission from the light-emitting material layer, the organic common layer being formed in the pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block and the second pixel definition block.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel further includes: a substrate; and a plurality of first electrodes located on the side of the pixel definition layer near the substrate, wherein the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate at least partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks on the substrate, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate are separate from the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks on the substrate.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, each first pixel definition block further includes: a plurality of first vertical pixel definition strips extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction; and a plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips extending along the second direction and spaced apart along the first direction, wherein the pixel definition opening of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks is defined by the plurality of first vertical pixel definition strips and the plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips, and the thickness of the plurality of first vertical pixel definition strips in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is greater than the thickness of the plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips in the third direction.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, each second pixel definition block further includes: a plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction; and a plurality of second horizontal pixel definition strips extending along the second direction and spaced apart along the first direction, wherein the pixel definition opening of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks is defined by the plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips and the plurality of second horizontal pixel definition strips, and the thickness of the plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is greater than the thickness of the plurality of second horizontal pixel definition strips in the third direction.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, each second pixel definition block further includes: a plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction, wherein pixel definition openings in the same column of each second pixel definition block are connected to form a pixel definition channel defined by adjacent second vertical pixel definition strips.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the peripheral region includes an initialization signal line comprising a main body extending at an acute angle to the second direction; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the main body toward the display area in a direction parallel to the second direction, at least one of the plurality of protrusions having an orthographic projection on the substrate between the orthographic projections of two adjacent rows of pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition block on the substrate, such that a single protrusion provides a signal for two adjacent rows of pixels defined by two adjacent rows of pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block extended by the second pixel definition block.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display panel is also provided. The display panel has a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area. The method includes:

[0023] Provide substrate, and

[0024] A pixel definition layer is formed on the substrate, the pixel definition layer comprising:

[0025] A plurality of first pixel definition blocks are arranged parallel to each other along a first direction in the display area. Each first pixel definition block extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings with the same column direction as the first direction. Adjacent first pixel definition blocks have different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings.

[0026] Located in the peripheral region, at least one second pixel definition block extends along the second direction to the peripheral region as at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks. Each second pixel definition block includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings in each second pixel definition block is greater than or equal to the difference between the number of columns of pixel definition openings in two adjacent first pixel definition blocks.

[0027] In one or more embodiments of the method for fabricating a display panel disclosed herein, the extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks by the at least one second pixel definition block causes the pixel definition layer to be redivided to include at least one third pixel definition block, wherein each third pixel definition block is allocated at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and at least a portion of a second pixel definition block as an extension of the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks, and the number of pixel definition opening columns of each third pixel definition block is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first pixel definition block having the fewest number of pixel definition opening columns among the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block.

[0028] In one or more embodiments of the method for fabricating a display panel disclosed herein, the method further includes, prior to forming the pixel definition layer:

[0029] A plurality of first electrodes are formed in the display region of the substrate.

[0030] Forming the pixel definition layer includes:

[0031] The pixel definition layer is formed on the plurality of first electrodes and the surrounding region such that the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate at least partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks on the substrate, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate are separate from the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks on the substrate.

[0032] After forming the pixel definition layer, the method further includes:

[0033] A plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the at least one third pixel definition block to form a light-emitting material layer, wherein, in the case that the at least one second pixel definition block has remaining pixel definition openings that are not assigned to the corresponding third pixel definition block, no light-emitting units are formed in the remaining pixel definition openings of the at least one second pixel definition block.

[0034] In one or more embodiments of the method for preparing a display panel disclosed herein, the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of at least one third pixel definition block by inkjet printing technology, wherein, for the same third pixel definition block, the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the third pixel definition block with a single printing configuration parameter; and for different third pixel definition blocks, the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the third pixel definition block with different printing configuration parameters.

[0035] In one or more embodiments of the method for preparing a display panel disclosed herein, the printing configuration parameters include the number of rows and columns of light-emitting units printed in a single print run.

[0036] In one or more embodiments of the method for manufacturing a display panel disclosed herein, both the display area and the peripheral area have non-rectangular shapes, and wherein the display area and the peripheral area have axially symmetric shapes about the first direction.

[0037] In another aspect of this disclosure, a display device is also provided, including at least one display panel according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0038] Further aspects and scope of adaptation become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that various aspects of this application may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more other aspects. It should also be understood that the description and specific embodiments herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and do not represent all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this application, wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 The illustration schematically shows a display panel with an oval shape in the related art;

[0041] Figure 2 This schematically illustrates an elliptical display panel in the related art, which has an effective display area divided into fewer rectangular pixel definition blocks;

[0042] Figure 3The illustration schematically shows the pixel definition openings and anodizing patterns in the display area of ​​a display panel in the related art;

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and a partial enlarged view of the display panel are shown.

[0044] Figure 5 A partial enlarged view schematically illustrates another display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown;

[0046] Figure 7a The diagram schematically illustrates a planar view of the pixel embankment pattern of the pixel definition layer and the pixel distribution formed by the pixel embankment pattern;

[0047] Figure 7b schematically showing along Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram;

[0048] Figure 8a The diagram schematically illustrates a plan view of the line embankment pattern of the pixel definition layer and the pixel distribution formed by the line embankment pattern;

[0049] Figure 8b Schematic illustration along Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of line BB in the middle;

[0050] Figure 9 The illustration schematically shows a first pixel definition block and a pattern of the first pixel definition block according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 10 The illustration schematically shows a first pixel definition block and another pattern of the first pixel definition block according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0053] Figure 12 The illustration schematically depicts a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the organic common layer and the luminescent material layer is shown.

[0055] Figure 14 A partial enlarged view schematically illustrates another display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Throughout the various views of these accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the respective parts or features. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as exemplary examples of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to implement this disclosure.

[0058] It is important to note that the following figures and examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Where specific elements of this disclosure can be partially or wholly implemented using known components (or methods or processes), only those portions of such known components (or methods or processes) necessary for understanding this disclosure will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure this disclosure. Furthermore, various embodiments include, by way of illustration, present and future known equivalents to the components involved herein.

[0059] Unless otherwise expressly indicated by the context, the singular form of words used herein and in the appended claims includes the plural form, and vice versa. Thus, when referring to the singular, the plural form of the corresponding term is generally included. Similarly, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having,” and their grammatical variations, are intended to be inclusive and indicate that additional elements may exist besides those listed. Where the term “example” is used herein, particularly when it follows a set of terms, the “example” is merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be considered exclusive or extensive.

[0060] As used herein, the term "located on" does not refer to a specific geometric orientation of the final stack in a display panel or display device relative to the direction of gravity, but rather to the manner in which the stack is manufactured, and which, after manufacture, can generally be placed in any geometric orientation, such as inverted. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order of formation.

[0061] In the fabrication process of an OLED display device, in order to form individual pixels for displaying images, it is usually necessary to first form a pixel definition layer including multiple pixel definition openings arranged in an array, and then form a light-emitting material layer in the multiple pixel definition openings of the pixel definition layer.

[0062] In related technologies, inkjet printing is typically used to print luminescent ink into pixel-defined openings to form a luminescent material layer. This is because inkjet printing offers advantages such as monochrome printing and material savings. Inkjet printing requires precisely printing the luminescent ink into the pixel-defined openings of the pixel-defined layer according to a pre-set automated equipment production recipe (which includes printing configuration parameters, such as the number of rows and columns of pixels to be printed at once).

[0063] Due to limitations in the storage and operation of printing equipment, the smallest unit for automated equipment to produce formulas is typically a rectangle. This approach is advantageous for rectangles with regular shapes. However, in the design and production of irregularly shaped display panels, this printing method generates a significant operational load and increases the tact time per product.

[0064] Figure 1 A display panel with an elliptical shape is schematically shown. An elliptical display panel typically has a display area 101 for displaying images and a peripheral area 102 surrounding the display area 101. Because... Figure 1 The display panel shown is elliptical, and its display area (AA area) 101 is also elliptical. To enable the printing device to accurately print the luminescent material (also known as "luminescent ink") onto each pixel, the display area 101 of the display panel needs to be divided into N rectangular pixel definition blocks for printing, one rectangular pixel definition block at a time. This means that the automated production formula set for the printing device needs to be adjusted N times to complete the printing of N rectangular pixel definition blocks.

[0065] With a small N value, this printing method does not significantly increase the operating load of the printing equipment. However, if the N value is small, the edges of the display area 101 will appear noticeably jagged. Figure 2 This schematically illustrates an elliptical display panel with an effective display area divided into fewer rectangular pixel-defined blocks. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the display area 101 is divided into a small number of rectangular pixel definition blocks 201 (e.g., 23), which results in the boundaries of the effective display area 101 being very rough and having a noticeable jagged structure. During display, the edges of the display area will have a grainy or jagged appearance, thus severely affecting the display effect of the display device.

[0066] To achieve a sufficiently high PPI (pixels per inch) and good display quality for irregularly shaped display panels, N is typically chosen to be large, for example, greater than 1000. However, with a large N value, the printing equipment's formula needs to include multiple adjustments to the print configuration parameters, for example, more than 1000 times. This significantly increases the operating load of the printing equipment and the unit output time of the product.

[0067] In related technologies, the opening pattern of the pixel definition layer (also known as "pixel definition opening") is set in the display area of ​​the display panel, corresponding one-to-one with the anode pattern. Figure 3 This schematically illustrates pixel definition openings and anodizing patterns in the display area of ​​a display panel in related technologies. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the pixel definition opening 301 of the pixel definition layer is set on the anode pattern 302.

[0068] In embodiments of this disclosure, the pixel definition opening pattern of the pixel definition layer is extended to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel, thereby enabling the pixel definition layer to be divided into multiple larger rectangular pixel definition blocks. This configuration allows printing to be performed in units of larger rectangular pixel definition blocks, reducing the printing load on the printing equipment and increasing printing speed. Furthermore, it allows the jagged boundaries formed by multiple larger rectangular pixel definition blocks to be transferred to the peripheral area of ​​the display panel, thus maintaining high resolution and high image quality.

[0069] It should be noted that the embodiments described herein use an elliptical display panel as an example to explain and illustrate various embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure are also suitable for non-rectangular display panels with other shapes, such as circles, triangles, semicircles, hearts, trapezoids, etc. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein use the example of the first pixel definition blocks being arranged parallel along the vertical direction for explanation and illustration. It should be understood that the embodiments of this disclosure are also suitable for cases where the first pixel definition blocks are arranged parallel along the horizontal direction.

[0070] It should also be noted that in the embodiments described herein, the "number of pixel definition opening columns" is only relative to the orientation of the display panel in the accompanying drawings and the division method of the first pixel definition block, and does not constitute a limitation of this disclosure. Depending on the context, the "number of pixel definition opening columns" and the "number of pixel definition opening rows" can have the same meaning. If the display panel is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the orientation in the accompanying drawings, or if the division method of the pixel definition block of the pixel definition layer is changed from pixel row division to pixel column division, then the "number of pixel definition opening columns" can also be referred to as the "number of pixel definition opening rows".

[0071] Figure 4 A schematic display panel is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 On the right side, a magnified view of a portion of the display panel is also shown. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, the display panel 400 has a display area 401 and a peripheral area 402 that at least partially surrounds the display area 401. Figure 4In the example shown, both the display area 401 and the surrounding area 402 are non-rectangular, for example, elliptical.

[0072] The display panel 400 includes a pixel definition layer 41, which includes a plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 arranged parallel to each other along a first direction (e.g., a longitudinal direction) in the display area 401, and at least one second pixel definition block 404 located in the peripheral area 402 as an extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In embodiments of this disclosure, as used herein, the term "perpendicular" is a broad term and should be given the common and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a particular or customary meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, an angle between the first and second directions in the range of, for example, 80° to 100° or 85° to 95°.

[0073] Each first pixel definition block 403 and each second pixel definition block 404 extends along a second direction and includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings 4030. Adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 have different lengths in the second direction (e.g., the lateral direction), that is, they have different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings. The number of columns of pixel definition openings included in each second pixel definition block 404 is greater than or equal to the difference between the number of columns of pixel definition openings of two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403.

[0074] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the extension of the second pixel definition block 404 over the first pixel definition block 403 allows the pixel definition layer 41 to be redivided to include at least one third pixel definition block 405. Each third pixel definition block 405 includes at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 and at least a portion of the second pixel definition block 404 as an extension of the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403, and the number of pixel definition opening columns of each third pixel definition block 405 is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first pixel definition block 403 having the fewest number of pixel definition opening columns among the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block 404.

[0075] It should be noted that, for the purpose of illustration, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the first pixel definition block is delineated by a dashed-dot border, the second pixel definition block by a solid-line border, and the third pixel definition block by a dotted-dashed-line border. However, these borders do not exist in the actual product.

[0076] According to the display panel provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, by extending the first pixel definition block 403 to the peripheral area 402 through the second pixel definition block 404, at least two first pixel definition blocks 403 and the second pixel definition block 404 can be merged together into a larger third pixel definition block 405, thereby reducing the total number of pixel definition blocks. With this configuration, on the one hand, printing can be performed in units of larger third pixel definition blocks 405, thereby reducing the operating load of the printing equipment and reducing the unit output time of the product. On the other hand, the obvious jagged edges formed by the larger third pixel definition blocks 405 are transferred to the peripheral area 402 of the display panel that is not used for display. During display, the edges of the display area 401 used for displaying the image will not have a grainy or jagged appearance, thereby maintaining high image resolution and high image display quality.

[0077] Continue to refer to Figure 4 A first pixel definition block 403 may have multiple second pixel definition blocks 404. Each first pixel definition block 403 has a corresponding second pixel definition block 404 for extending it. Specifically, each of the multiple second pixel definition blocks 404 is connected to one of the multiple first pixel definition blocks 403, and the number of pixel definition opening rows of each of the multiple second pixel definition blocks 404 is equal to the number of pixel definition opening rows of the first pixel definition blocks 403 connected to that second pixel definition block 404, wherein the row direction of the pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition blocks 403 and the second pixel definition blocks 404 is the same as the second direction.

[0078] For a display panel having an axisymmetric shape about a first direction, each second pixel definition block 404 may include a first portion and a second portion extending from a corresponding first pixel definition block 403 to peripheral regions located on both sides of the corresponding first pixel definition block 403. That is, each first pixel definition block 403 may correspond to the first portion and the second portion of a second pixel definition block 404 extending to the left and right peripheral regions, respectively. In this case, the number of pixel definition opening columns of each second pixel definition block 404 is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first portion extending to the left peripheral region and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second portion extending to the right peripheral region. For ease of explanation and illustration, embodiments of this disclosure are described using only a second pixel definition block 404 extending to one side (e.g., to the right). The same applies to second pixel definition blocks 404 extending to both sides.

[0079] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the number N2 of pixel definition opening columns for each second pixel definition block 404 can be represented by the following relationship:

[0080] , (1)

[0081] Where K is a positive integer, The difference in the number of pixel opening columns between two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403.

[0082] According to this relationship, K+1 first pixel definition blocks 403 can be merged into a third pixel definition block 405. More specifically, K+1 first pixel definition blocks 403, a second pixel definition block 404 which is an extension of the K+1 shortest first pixel definition blocks 403, and a portion of the second pixel definition blocks 404 corresponding to the remaining K first pixel definition blocks 403 are merged into a third pixel definition block 405.

[0083] In an example embodiment, if the number of pixel definition opening columns of adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 differs by 6 columns, then the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block 404 used to extend the first pixel definition block 403 can be greater than or equal to 6 columns, for example, equal to 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 21, or 24 columns. In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the number of pixel definition opening columns of each second pixel definition block 404 depends not only on the difference in the number of pixel definition opening columns of adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403, but also on the width of the surrounding area and the pitch of the pixel definition openings.

[0084] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The pixel definition layer 41 can be divided into multiple first pixel definition blocks 403 by rows. Each first pixel definition block 403 may include, for example, 3 rows of pixel definition openings, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings in adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 differs by six columns. In this example, each second pixel definition block 404 may include 9 columns of pixel definition openings. In this case, the extension of the second pixel definition block 404 from the first pixel definition block 403 can merge two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 into a third pixel definition block 405. Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the third pixel definition block 405 includes two first pixel definition blocks 403, a second pixel definition block 404 extending the first pixel definition block 403 (the upper first pixel definition block) having a smaller number of pixel definition opening columns among the two first pixel definition blocks 403, and a portion of the second pixel definition block 404 (the number of the left three columns of pixel definition opening columns in the second pixel definition block 404) extending the first pixel definition block 403 (the lower first pixel definition block) having a larger number of pixel definition opening columns among the two first pixel definition blocks 403. The number of pixel definition opening columns in each third pixel definition block 405 is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns in the upper first pixel definition block 403 of the two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 and the number of pixel definition opening columns in the corresponding second pixel definition block 404.

[0085] In one or more example embodiments, it is assumed that the pixel definition layer 41 may have N pixels in the display area 401. f Each first pixel definition block 403 has a pixel definition opening column number that differs from that of adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403. If each second pixel definition block 404 corresponding to a first pixel definition block 403 has N2 columns of pixel definition openings, then the number of third pixel definition blocks 405 is N. p This can be expressed by the following relation:

[0086] (2)

[0087] In relation (2), the mathematical symbol [] represents a pair of pairs ... Round down.

[0088] According to relation (2), each third pixel definition block 405 may include Each first pixel defines a block 403. That is, each... Each first pixel definition block 403 can be combined into a third pixel definition block 405.

[0089] As an example, in N f =1000, When N2=18, then This means that four first pixel definition blocks 403 can be merged into one third pixel definition block 405. Specifically, each third pixel definition block 405 may include four first pixel definition blocks 403, a second pixel definition block 404 corresponding to the first pixel definition block 403 with the minimum number of pixel definition openings, and a portion of the second pixel definition block 404 corresponding to the remaining three first pixel definition blocks 403. Therefore, a total of 250 third pixel definition blocks 405 can be formed. The number of prints can be reduced to one-quarter of the number of prints per unit of first pixel definition block 403. Without reducing image resolution and image display quality, the number of prints and the operating load of the printing equipment are greatly reduced.

[0090] As another example, in N f =1000, When N2=15, then This means that three first pixel definition blocks 403 and at least one associated second pixel definition block 404 can be merged into one third pixel definition block 405, thus forming a total of 333 third pixel definition blocks 405. The remaining first pixel definition block 403 is not assigned to any of the third pixel definition blocks 405. In this case, the remaining first pixel definition block 403 can be combined with the second pixel definition block 404, which is an extension of the first pixel definition block 403, to form a fourth pixel definition block. With this configuration, when printing luminescent ink, the 333 third pixel definition blocks 405 can be printed in units of third pixel definition blocks 405, while the fourth pixel definition block can be printed in units of that fourth pixel definition block. Therefore, a total of 334 prints are required. Without reducing image resolution and image display quality, this significantly reduces the number of prints and the operating load on the printing equipment.

[0091] As yet another example, in N f =1000, When N2=16, then This means that three first pixel definition blocks 403 can be merged into one third pixel definition block 405, thus forming a total of 333 third pixel definition blocks 405. The remaining two first pixel definition blocks 403 are not assigned to any of the third pixel definition blocks 405. In this case, the remaining two first pixel definition blocks 403, together with a second pixel definition block 404 that is an extension of the first pixel definition block 403 with fewer pixel definition opening columns, and a part of the second pixel definition block 404 that is an extension of the other first pixel definition block 403, form a fourth pixel definition block. With this configuration, when printing luminescent ink, the 333 third pixel definition blocks 405 can be printed in units of third pixel definition blocks 405, while the fourth pixel definition block can be printed in units of the fourth pixel definition block. Therefore, a total of 334 prints are required. Without reducing image resolution and image display quality, this also significantly reduces the number of prints and the operating load of the printing equipment.

[0092] Figure 5 A partial enlarged view schematically illustrates another display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the peripheral area 402 of the display panel may include an encapsulation area 4021 and a dummy area 4022 located between the display area 401 and the encapsulation area 4021. A plurality of second pixel definition blocks 404 may be located in the dummy area 4022. Setting the second pixel blocks 404 in the dummy area 4022 located between the display area 401 and the encapsulation area 4021 does not affect the overall encapsulation effect of the display panel, nor does it affect the display effect of the display area of ​​the display panel. For greater clarity, in Figure 5 The upper right corner shows a magnified view of the second pixel definition block 404.

[0093] In embodiments of this disclosure, the encapsulation region 4021 may further include a border region and a wiring & encapsulation region located between the border region and the dummy region. The border region may serve as the outer border of the display panel. The wiring & encapsulation region may be used for VSS Bus wiring and for encapsulating the display panel.

[0094] It is understandable that, in order to minimize the number of adjustments to the print configuration parameters, i.e., to reduce the number of prints, each third pixel definition block 405 can include as many first pixel definition blocks 403 as possible. This requires the second pixel definition blocks 404 in the surrounding area 402 to contain as many pixel definition opening columns as possible. For this purpose, the pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition blocks 404 can occupy the entire virtual area 4022 of the surrounding area 402. In this case, the number of pixel definition opening columns N2 of each second pixel definition block 404 can satisfy the relation (3):

[0095] , (3)

[0096] Where D is the distance between the two boundaries of the dummy region along the second direction, and P is the pitch of the pixel definition opening of the second pixel definition block 404.

[0097] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel 400 may further include a light-emitting material layer having a plurality of light-emitting units. At least some of the plurality of light-emitting units may be formed in pixel definition openings of the third pixel definition block 405.

[0098] exist When the integer value is used, all of the multiple first pixel definition blocks 403 can be assigned to at least one third pixel definition block 405. Therefore, when printing the luminescent material, multiple luminescent units can be printed in units of the third pixel definition block 405 into the multiple pixel definition openings of the third pixel definition block 405.

[0099] exist If the result is not an integer, then there exist remaining first pixel definition blocks 403 that have not been assigned to any of the at least one third pixel definition block 405. The number of remaining first pixel definition blocks 403 is... , where the symbol Indicates taking The decimal part. In this case, at least a portion of the remaining first pixel definition block 403 and the second pixel definition block 404, which is an extension of the remaining first pixel definition block 403, can be combined to form the fourth pixel definition block.

[0100] When printing the luminescent material, some of the luminescent units can be printed in multiple pixel definition openings of the third pixel definition block 405, and other luminescent units can be printed in pixel definition openings of the fourth pixel definition block, in units of the fourth pixel definition block. It is understood that when assembling into the third pixel definition block 405, some pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition block 404 may not be assigned to the third pixel definition block 405. For example... Figure 4 and5 As shown, two first pixel definition blocks 403, a complete second pixel definition block 404, and a portion of the pixel definition openings (e.g., the left three columns) of another second pixel definition block 404 are assigned to a third pixel definition block 405, while the remaining pixel definition openings (e.g., the right five columns) of the other second pixel definition block 404 are not assigned to the third pixel definition block. In this case, no light-emitting units are provided to the remaining pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition block. Thus, when printing the light-emitting material, printing can be performed only on a unit basis of the third pixel definition block 405, and the extra pixel definition openings in the second pixel definition block 404 are not printed with light-emitting material.

[0101] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel 400 may further include an organic common layer configured to emit light from the light-emitting material layer. Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the organic common layer and the luminescent material layer is shown. (See diagram below.) Figure 13 As shown, the organic common layer 1300 may include, for example, a hole injection layer 1301, a hole transport layer 1302, an electron injection layer 1303, and an electron transport layer 1304. In some embodiments, the organic common layer 1300 may be formed in all pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block 403 and the second pixel definition block 404. Thus, the organic common layer 1300 can be deposited in the pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block 403 and the second pixel definition block 404 in a full-surface vapor deposition manner, that is, deposited in the display area 401 and the peripheral area 402 of the display panel. Correspondingly, the light-emitting material layer 1305 can be printed only on a third pixel definition block 405 basis, and the remaining pixel definition openings in the second pixel definition block 404 that are not assigned to the third pixel definition block 405 may not have the light-emitting material 1305 printed.

[0102] Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 6 As shown, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel 400 may further include a substrate 601 and a plurality of first electrodes 603 located on the side of the pixel definition layer 41 near the substrate 601.

[0103] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of first electrodes 603 are located in the display area 401 (also referred to as the AA area) of the display panel 400, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes 603 on the substrate 601 at least partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 on the substrate 601. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes 603 on the substrate are separate from the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks 404 on the substrate.

[0104] With this configuration, the first electrode 603 is located in the display area 401 of the display panel 400. When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 603, the voltage between the first electrode 603 and the second electrode located on the other side of the pixel definition layer 41 can drive the light-emitting unit of the display area 401 to emit light, thereby enabling the display of images at high resolution without jagged edges or graininess. Since the peripheral area 402 of the display panel 400 is not used for display, the first electrode 603 may not be located in the peripheral area 402, which can save material used for the first electrode 603. However, it should be understood that other embodiments are also feasible. For example, the first electrode 603 may also extend to the peripheral area 402 of the display panel 400.

[0105] Continue to refer to Figure 6 The display panel 400 may further include thin-film transistors (TFTs) on a substrate 601; a first dielectric layer 607 on the side of the TFTs away from the substrate 601; a second dielectric layer 608 on the side of the first dielectric layer 607 away from the substrate 601; a third dielectric layer 609 on the side of the second dielectric layer 608 away from the substrate 601; a passivation layer 610 on the side of the third dielectric layer 609 away from the substrate 601; a planarization layer 611 on the side of the passivation layer 610 away from the substrate 601; a buffer layer 614 between the substrate 601 and the TFTs; and a first gate insulating layer 612 and a second gate insulating layer 613. A first electrode 603 is located on the side of the planarization layer 611 away from the passivation layer 610 and is electrically connected to the source / drain electrodes of the TFTs through one or more vias. A pixel definition layer 41 is located on the side of the first electrode 603 away from the substrate 601, and the pixel definition opening of the pixel definition layer 41 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode 603.

[0106] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 6 As shown, the substrate 601, pixel definition layer 41, and intermediate layer of display panel 400 all extend to the peripheral region 402 of the display panel, and the pixel definition layer 41 has pixel definition openings in both the display region 401 and the peripheral region 402, while the first electrode 603 is only disposed in the display region 401 of the display panel. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the pixel definition opening of the pixel definition layer 41 in the display area 401 corresponds to the pixel definition opening of the first pixel definition block 403; while the pixel definition opening of the pixel definition layer 41 in the peripheral area 402 corresponds to the pixel definition opening of the second pixel definition block 404.

[0107] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the pixel definition layer 41 may include a plurality of vertical pixel definition strips and a plurality of horizontal pixel definition strips that intersect to define a plurality of pixel definition openings. Depending on the arrangement of the pixels, the pixel definition layer 41 may have two patterns: a pixel bank pattern and a line bank pattern. In the pixel bank pattern, the horizontal and vertical pixel definition strips have substantially the same thickness; in the line bank pattern, the thickness of the horizontal pixel definition strips is less than the thickness of the vertical pixel definition strips.

[0108] Figure 14 A partial enlarged view schematically illustrates another display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 14 As shown, the display panel may further include an initialization signal line 141 located in the peripheral region 402. This initialization signal line includes a main body 1411 extending around (e.g., substantially parallel to) the boundary between the peripheral region 402 and the display region 401, and a plurality of protrusions 1412 extending from the main body 1411 toward the display region 401 in a direction parallel to a second direction. At least one of the protrusions has its orthographic projection on the substrate located between the orthographic projections on the substrate of two adjacent rows of pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition block 404, such that a single protrusion 1412 provides signals for two adjacent rows of pixels defined by the adjacent rows of pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block 403 extended by the second pixel definition block 404. Since the second pixel definition block 404 is merely an extension of the first pixel definition block 403 for the purpose of facilitating the printing of luminescent material and is not used for displaying images, the protrusions 1412 only provide signals for the pixels defined by the first pixel definition block 403, and do not need to provide signals for the pixels defined by the second pixel definition block 404. Each protrusion 1412 can provide signals to the two adjacent rows of pixels of the first pixel definition block 403.

[0109] Figure 7a The diagram schematically illustrates a planar view of the pixel embankment pattern of the pixel definition layer and the pixel distribution formed by the pixel embankment pattern; Figure 7b schematically showing along Figure 7a The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram. (See diagram below.) Figure 7a and 7b As shown, in the pixel embankment pattern, the horizontal pixel defining strip 71 and the vertical pixel defining strip 72 have substantially the same thickness, so that when printing luminescent ink (luminescent material), the luminescent ink is confined within the pixel defining opening 73 defined by the horizontal pixel defining strip 71 and the vertical pixel defining strip 72, thereby forming... Figure 7aThe pixel distribution shown allows for different pixel colors within adjacent pixel definition openings 4030. Alternatively, pixel colors within pixel definition openings 73 (i.e., the same column of pixel regions) between adjacent vertical pixel definition bars can be the same.

[0110] Figure 8a The diagram schematically illustrates a plan view of the line embankment pattern of the pixel definition layer and the pixel distribution formed by the line embankment pattern; Figure 8b Schematic illustration along Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of line BB in the diagram. (See diagram below.) Figure 8a and 8b As shown, in the line dam pattern, the thickness of the horizontal pixel defining strip 71 is less than the thickness of the vertical pixel defining strip 72. When ink is printed into the channel between adjacent vertical pixel defining strips 72 in the line dam pattern, the ink can cross the horizontal pixel defining strip 71 and flow within the channel formed by the adjacent vertical pixel defining strips 72, thereby forming a light-emitting layer as shown. Figure 8a The pixel distribution shown indicates that pixels in the same channel can have the same color, while pixels in adjacent channels can have different colors.

[0111] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a first pixel definition block located in the display area and a second pixel definition block located in the peripheral area may have Figure 7a The pixel embankment pattern shown or Figure 8a Any one or a combination of two of the line dike patterns shown.

[0112] Figure 9 The illustration schematically shows a first pixel definition block and a pattern thereof according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, both the first pixel definition block 403 located in the display area 401 and the second pixel definition block 404 located in the peripheral area 402 can have a line-line pattern. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the first pixel definition block 403 may include a plurality of first vertical pixel definition strips 91 extending vertically and spaced apart horizontally; and a plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips 92 extending horizontally and spaced apart vertically. The first vertical pixel definition strips 91 and the first horizontal pixel definition strips 92 intersect to define a plurality of pixel definition openings 4030. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first vertical pixel definition strips 91 is greater than the thickness of the first horizontal pixel definition strips 92. As an example, the thickness of the first horizontal pixel definition strips 92 may be in the range of 0.1-1.0 μm, and the thickness of the first vertical pixel definition strips 91 may be in the range of 0.5-50 μm.

[0113] As an alternative embodiment, the first pixel definition block 403 may have a pixel ridge pattern. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first vertical pixel definition strip 91 is equal to the thickness of the first horizontal pixel definition strip 92. As an example, the thicknesses of both are in the range of 0.5-50 μm.

[0114] Continue to refer to Figure 9 The second pixel definition block 404 may include a plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips 93 extending vertically and spaced apart horizontally; and second horizontal pixel definition strips 94 extending vertically and spaced apart horizontally. The second horizontal pixel definition strips 94 extend from the first horizontal pixel definition strip 92 to the peripheral region 402. The second vertical pixel definition strips 93 and the second horizontal pixel definition strips 94 intersect to define a plurality of pixel definition openings 4030. In this embodiment, the thickness of the second vertical pixel definition strips 93 is greater than the thickness of the second horizontal pixel definition strips 94. As an example, the thickness of the second horizontal pixel definition strips 94 may be in the range of 0.1-1.0 μm, and the thickness of the second vertical pixel definition strips 93 may be in the range of 0.5-50 μm.

[0115] As an alternative embodiment, the second pixel definition block 404 may have a pixel embankment pattern. In this embodiment, the thickness of the second vertical pixel definition strip 93 is equal to the thickness of the second horizontal pixel definition strip 94. As an example, the thicknesses of both are in the range of 0.5-50 μm.

[0116] Figure 10 The illustration schematically shows a first pixel definition block and another pattern of the first pixel definition block according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first vertical pixel definition strip 91 and the first horizontal pixel definition strip 92 of the first pixel definition block 403 intersect to form a line embankment pattern, while the second pixel definition block 404 may include only the second vertical pixel definition strip 93 and exclude the second horizontal pixel definition strip. Thus, pixel definition openings belonging to the same column of the second pixel definition block 404 are connected to form a pixel definition channel 95.

[0117] In fact, since the light-emitting units within the pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition block 404 located in the peripheral region 402 do not need to emit light, it is not necessary to define multiple pixel definition openings 4030 to form multiple individual pixels as in the first pixel definition block 403. Thus, when printing the light-emitting material, the material can flow freely within the multiple pixel definition channels 95 defined by the second vertical pixel definition strip.

[0118] As described above, in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, each first pixel definition block 403 is extended by a corresponding second pixel definition block 404. However, it is understood that it is possible for only a portion of the first pixel definition blocks 403 to be extended by the second pixel definition block 404, while another portion of the first pixel definition blocks 403 are not extended by the second pixel definition block 404, as long as the total number of printed pixel definition blocks can be reduced to some extent. In the example embodiment, the first pixel definition blocks 403 can be extended intermittently. As an example, where three first pixel definition blocks 403 can be merged into one third pixel definition block 405, the second pixel definition block 404 can be configured such that, in a top-down order, the first group of three first pixel definition blocks 403 are extended by the second pixel definition block 404 to combine into one third pixel definition block 405, then the second group of three first pixel definition blocks 403 are not extended, then the third group of three first pixel definition blocks 403 are extended by the second pixel definition block 404 to combine into another third pixel definition block 405, and so on. However, other embodiments are also possible.

[0119] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a method for fabricating a display panel is also provided. Optionally, the method can fabricate at least one display panel 400 according to this disclosure, such as at least one display panel 400 according to one or more embodiments disclosed above and / or below in more detail. Therefore, for alternative embodiments of the method, reference can be made to embodiments of the display panel 400. The method includes the following steps, which may be performed in a given order or in a different order. Additionally, additional method steps not listed may be provided. Furthermore, two or more, or even all, of the method steps may be performed at least partially simultaneously. Furthermore, the method steps may be repeated two or more times.

[0120] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a display panel 400 has a display area 401 and a peripheral area 402 at least partially surrounding the display area 401. The method includes: providing a substrate 601, and forming a pixel definition layer 41 on the substrate 601, the pixel definition layer 41 including: a plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 arranged parallel to a first direction in the display area 401, each first pixel definition block 403 extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and including a plurality of columns of pixel definition openings 4030 with the same column direction as the first direction, adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 having different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings; and at least one second pixel definition block 404 located in the peripheral area 402 as an extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 to the peripheral area 402, each second pixel definition block 404 including a plurality of pixel definition openings 4030 arranged in an array, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings in each second pixel definition block 404 being greater than or equal to the difference in the number of columns of pixel definition openings between two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403.

[0121] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating a display panel according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown schematically. Figure 11 As shown, the method for preparing the display panel 400 may include steps S1002-S1008.

[0122] In step S1002, a substrate 601 is provided. The substrate 601 may include a semiconductor material such as monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon. In alternative embodiments, the substrate 601 may also be made of other rigid or flexible materials such as glass or plastic.

[0123] In step S1004, a plurality of first electrodes 603 arranged in an array are formed in the display area 401 of the substrate 601. The first electrodes 603 may include, for example, ITO material or other transparent conductive materials.

[0124] In step S1006, a pixel definition layer 41 is formed on the plurality of first electrodes 603 and the peripheral region 402 of the substrate 601. The pixel definition layer 41 includes: a plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 arranged parallel to a first direction in the display region 401, each first pixel definition block 403 including multiple columns of pixel definition openings 4030, and adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 having different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings; and at least one second pixel definition block 404 located in the peripheral region 402 as an extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 to the peripheral region 402, each second pixel definition block 404 including multiple columns of pixel definition openings 4030, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings of each second pixel definition block 404 being greater than or equal to the difference between the number of columns of pixel definition openings of two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403.

[0125] In this step, the extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 by at least one second pixel definition block 404 causes the pixel definition layer 41 to be re-divided to include at least one third pixel definition block 405, wherein each third pixel definition block 405 is allocated at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 and at least a portion of the second pixel definition block 404 as an extension of the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403, and the number of pixel definition opening columns of each third pixel definition block 405 is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first pixel definition block 403 having the fewest number of pixel definition opening columns among the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks 403 and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block 404.

[0126] In this step, the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes 603 on the substrate 601 at least partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks 403 on the substrate 601, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes 603 on the substrate 601 are separate from the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks 404 on the substrate 601.

[0127] In step S1008, a plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the at least one third pixel definition block 405 to form a light-emitting material layer. In this embodiment, if at least one second pixel definition block 404 has remaining pixel definition openings that are not assigned to the corresponding third pixel definition block 405, no light-emitting units are formed in the remaining pixel definition openings of the at least one second pixel definition block 404.

[0128] In this step, multiple light-emitting units can be formed in the pixel definition opening of at least one third pixel definition block 405 using inkjet printing technology.

[0129] In this step, for the same third pixel definition block 405, multiple light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening 4030 of the third pixel definition block 405 with a single printing configuration parameter; and for different third pixel definition blocks 405, multiple light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening 4030 of the third pixel definition block 405 with different printing configuration parameters.

[0130] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the print configuration parameters may include the number of rows and columns of light-emitting units printed in a single print run.

[0131] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a display device is also provided, including a display panel 400 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, such as at least one display panel 400 of one or more embodiments disclosed in detail above. Therefore, for alternative embodiments of the display panel 400, reference can be made to embodiments of the display device.

[0132] Figure 12 A display device 1200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. Figure 12 As shown, the display device 1200 may include a display panel 1201 and a drive circuit 1202 that provides drive signals to drive the display panel.

[0133] The foregoing description of embodiments has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the present application. Various elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment; however, these elements and features are interchangeable and can be used in chosen embodiments where appropriate, even if not specifically shown or described. Changes are also possible in many ways. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the present application, and all such modifications are included within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel having a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area, the display panel comprising: Pixel definition layer, the pixel definition layer comprising: A plurality of first pixel definition blocks are arranged parallel to each other along a first direction in the display area. Each first pixel definition block extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings with the same column direction as the first direction. Adjacent first pixel definition blocks have different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings. Located in the peripheral region, at least one second pixel definition block extends along the second direction to the peripheral region as at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks. Each second pixel definition block includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings in each second pixel definition block is greater than or equal to the difference between the number of columns of pixel definition openings in two adjacent first pixel definition blocks. Wherein, the extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks by the at least one second pixel definition block causes the pixel definition layer to be re-divided into including at least one third pixel definition block, wherein each third pixel definition block is allocated at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and at least a portion of a second pixel definition block that is an extension of the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks, and the number of pixel definition opening columns of each third pixel definition block is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first pixel definition block having the fewest number of pixel definition opening columns among the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block, and A luminescent material layer having multiple luminescent units, wherein, When all of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks are assigned to the at least one third pixel definition block, the plurality of light-emitting units are respectively formed in the plurality of pixel definition openings of the at least one third pixel definition block; when there are remaining first pixel definition blocks not assigned to the at least one third pixel definition block, the remaining first pixel definition blocks are combined with at least a portion of second pixel definition blocks that are extensions of the remaining first pixel definition blocks to form a fourth pixel definition block, some of the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the plurality of pixel definition openings of the at least one third pixel definition block; and other portions of the plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the plurality of pixel definition openings of the fourth pixel definition block, and Wherein, if the at least one second pixel definition block has a remaining pixel definition opening that has not been assigned to a corresponding third pixel definition block, no light-emitting unit is provided in the remaining pixel definition opening of the at least one second pixel definition block.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one second pixel definition block includes a plurality of second pixel definition blocks, one of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks is connected to one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks, and the number of pixel definition opening rows of each of the plurality of second pixel definition blocks is equal to the number of pixel definition opening rows of the first pixel definition block connected to the second pixel definition block, wherein the row direction of the pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block and the second pixel definition block is the same as the second direction.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, wherein, The number of pixel definition opening columns N2 for each second pixel definition block satisfies: ， Where K is a positive integer, The difference in the number of open columns for the pixel definition of two adjacent first pixel blocks.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein, The surrounding area includes an encapsulation area and a dummy area located between the display area and the encapsulation area, wherein the plurality of second pixel definition blocks are located within the dummy area.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, wherein, The number of pixel definition opening columns N2 for each second pixel definition block satisfies: ， Where D is the distance between the two boundaries of the dummy region along the second direction, and P is the pitch of the pixel definition opening of the second pixel definition block.

6. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein the number N of the third pixel definition blocks p This can be expressed by the following relation: ， in, The symbol [] indicates a pair Rounding down, N f N1 represents the number of the first pixel definition blocks, and N2 represents the number of pixel definition opening columns for each second pixel definition block.

7. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Both the display area and the surrounding area have non-rectangular shapes, and the display area and the surrounding area have axially symmetric shapes about the first direction.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, wherein, Each second pixel definition block includes a first portion and a second portion, which are respectively extensions of the corresponding first pixel definition block to the peripheral regions located on both sides of the corresponding first pixel definition block. The number of second pixel definition opening columns of each second pixel definition block is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first portion and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second portion.

9. The display panel according to claim 1, further comprising an organic common layer configured to adapt to the light-emitting material layer emitting light, the organic common layer being formed in the pixel definition opening of the first pixel definition block and the pixel definition opening of the second pixel definition block.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, further comprising: Substrate; as well as A plurality of first electrodes are located on the side of the pixel definition layer near the substrate, wherein the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate at least partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks on the substrate, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate are separate from the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the at least one second pixel definition block on the substrate.

11. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8 and 10, wherein, Each first pixel definition block also includes: A plurality of first vertical pixel definition bars extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction; and A plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips extending along the second direction and spaced apart along the first direction, wherein the pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks are defined by the plurality of first vertical pixel definition strips and the plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips, and the thickness of the plurality of first vertical pixel definition strips in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is greater than the thickness of the plurality of first horizontal pixel definition strips in the third direction.

12. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8 and 10, wherein, Each second pixel definition block also includes: A plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction; and A plurality of second horizontal pixel definition strips extending along the second direction and spaced apart along the first direction, wherein the pixel definition opening of the at least one second pixel definition block is defined by the plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips and the plurality of second horizontal pixel definition strips, wherein the thickness of the plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is greater than the thickness of the plurality of second horizontal pixel definition strips in the third direction.

13. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 8 and 10, wherein, Each second pixel definition block also includes: A plurality of second vertical pixel definition strips extending along the first direction and spaced apart along the second direction are provided, wherein the pixel definition openings of each second pixel definition block located in the same column are connected, thereby forming a pixel definition channel defined by adjacent second vertical pixel definition strips.

14. The display panel of claim 10, further comprising an initialization signal line located in the peripheral region, the initialization signal line comprising a body portion extending around a boundary between the peripheral region and the display area; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the body portion toward the display area in a direction parallel to the second direction, at least one of the plurality of protrusions having an orthographic projection on the substrate between orthographic projections of adjacent rows of pixel definition openings of the second pixel definition block on the substrate, such that a single protrusion provides a signal for adjacent rows of pixels defined by adjacent rows of pixel definition openings of the first pixel definition block extended by the second pixel definition block.

15. A method for manufacturing a display panel, the display panel having a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area, the method comprising: Provide substrate, and A pixel definition layer is formed on the substrate, the pixel definition layer comprising: A plurality of first pixel definition blocks are arranged parallel to each other along a first direction in the display area. Each first pixel definition block extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings with the same column direction as the first direction. Adjacent first pixel definition blocks have different numbers of columns of pixel definition openings. Located in the peripheral region, at least one second pixel definition block extends along the second direction to the peripheral region as at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks. Each second pixel definition block includes multiple columns of pixel definition openings, and the number of columns of pixel definition openings in each second pixel definition block is greater than or equal to the difference between the number of columns of pixel definition openings in two adjacent first pixel definition blocks. Wherein, the extension of at least one of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks by the at least one second pixel definition block causes the pixel definition layer to be re-divided into including at least one third pixel definition block, wherein each third pixel definition block is allocated at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and at least a portion of a second pixel definition block that is an extension of the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks, and the number of pixel definition opening columns of each third pixel definition block is equal to the sum of the number of pixel definition opening columns of the first pixel definition block having the fewest number of pixel definition opening columns among the at least two adjacent first pixel definition blocks and the number of pixel definition opening columns of the second pixel definition block, wherein... Before forming the pixel definition layer, the method further includes: A plurality of first electrodes are formed in the display region of the substrate. Forming the pixel definition layer includes: The pixel definition layer is formed on the plurality of first electrodes and the surrounding region such that the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate at least partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the plurality of first pixel definition blocks on the substrate, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of first electrodes on the substrate are separate from the orthographic projections of the plurality of pixel definition openings of the at least one second pixel definition block on the substrate. After forming the pixel definition layer, the method further includes: A plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the at least one third pixel definition block to form a light-emitting material layer, wherein, in the case that the at least one second pixel definition block has remaining pixel definition openings that are not assigned to the corresponding third pixel definition block, no light-emitting units are formed in the remaining pixel definition openings of the at least one second pixel definition block.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The plurality of light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the at least one third pixel definition block using inkjet printing technology. Specifically, for the same third pixel definition block, multiple light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the third pixel definition block with a single printing configuration parameter; and for different third pixel definition blocks, multiple light-emitting units are formed in the pixel definition opening of the third pixel definition block with different printing configuration parameters.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The printing configuration parameters include the number of rows and columns of light-emitting units printed in a single print run.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, Both the display area and the surrounding area have non-rectangular shapes, and the display area and the surrounding area have axially symmetric shapes about the first direction.

19. A display device comprising a display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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