Display panel, manufacturing method thereof and display device

Abstract

This application relates to a display panel and its manufacturing method and display device. The display panel includes a substrate, a light-emitting functional layer, and an isolation structure. The substrate includes a plurality of recessed portions spaced apart from each other, and a protrusion located between two adjacent recessed portions, the protrusion protruding relative to the recessed portions. The light-emitting functional layer is disposed on one side of the substrate and includes a plurality of light-emitting functional parts spaced apart from each other, the light-emitting functional parts being disposed on the protrusions. The isolation structure is disposed within the recessed portions and includes an opaque material. Along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional parts to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h1, and the maximum distance from the isolation structure to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h2, where h1 < h2. In the display panel of this application, the blocking angle of the isolation structure on the light emitted by the light-emitting functional parts is reduced, thereby reducing the brightness attenuation of the display panel and increasing the viewing angle of the display panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display device technology, and in particular to display panels and their manufacturing methods, and display devices. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of display technology, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display) display panels have been widely used due to their advantages such as being thinner and lighter, brighter, having lower power consumption, faster response, and higher resolution.

[0003] However, the display performance of current OLED display products needs to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a display panel, its manufacturing method, and a display device to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, an embodiment of this application provides a display panel, comprising: a substrate, the substrate including a plurality of recesses spaced apart from each other, and a protrusion located between two adjacent recesses, the protrusion being disposed protruding relative to the recesses; a light-emitting functional layer disposed on one side of the substrate, the light-emitting functional layer including a plurality of light-emitting functional parts spaced apart from each other, the light-emitting functional parts being disposed on the protrusions; and an isolation structure disposed within the recesses, the isolation structure including an opaque material; along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance between the light-emitting functional parts and the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h1, the maximum distance between the isolation structure and the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h2, h1 < h2.

[0006] The aforementioned display panel, by providing recesses and protrusions between adjacent recesses on the substrate, places the light-emitting functional part on the protrusion and places the isolation structure within the recess. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance between the light-emitting functional part and the surface of the substrate facing away from the light-emitting functional layer is h1, and the maximum distance between the isolation structure and the surface of the substrate facing away from the light-emitting functional layer is h2, where h1 < h2. Thus, while facilitating the fabrication of the light-emitting functional part by separating it with the isolation structure, the height of the protrusion of the isolation structure is reduced, thereby reducing the relative height difference between the isolation structure and the light-emitting functional part. Consequently, the angle at which the isolation structure blocks the light emitted by the light-emitting functional part is reduced, thus reducing the brightness attenuation of the display panel and increasing the viewing angle of the display panel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the recess has a bottom wall and side walls respectively connected to both sides of the bottom wall; an isolation structure is provided on the bottom wall; along the thickness direction of the substrate, the protrusion has a top wall located on the side away from the substrate, and the side walls connect the bottom wall and the top wall; a light-emitting functional part is provided on the top wall. By configuring the recess and the protrusion with the above structure, it is convenient to manufacture and shape the recess and the protrusion, and it is also convenient to adjust the height difference between the bottom wall of the recess and the top wall of the protrusion to meet a variety of different application requirements.

[0008] In one embodiment, the included angle between the bottom wall and the side wall is α, 120°≤α≤150°; and / or the length of the bottom wall is L, 6μm≤L≤10μm, along a direction parallel to the plane containing the bottom wall. By setting the recess to meet the above dimensional conditions, the isolation structure can be better accommodated, and the subsequent processing and manufacturing of the display panel can be facilitated.

[0009] In one embodiment, the plane containing the bottom wall is parallel to the surface of the substrate facing away from the light-emitting functional layer; and / or the plane containing the top wall is parallel to the surface of the substrate facing away from the light-emitting functional layer. This arrangement makes the recesses and protrusions on the substrate more regularly positioned, facilitating their fabrication and forming. It also facilitates the placement of an isolation structure on the bottom wall and the placement of the light-emitting functional portion on the top wall.

[0010] In one embodiment, the distance between the bottom wall and the top wall along the thickness direction of the substrate is h3, where 0.6 μm ≤ h3 ≤ 1 μm; the thickness of the isolation structure along the thickness direction of the substrate is h4, where h4 > 1 μm. With this design, the height of the isolation structure is greater than the depth of the recess along the thickness direction of the substrate. Therefore, the isolation structure on the bottom wall of the recess at least partially protrudes beyond the recess, facilitating the separation of the light-emitting functional parts by means of the isolation structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the isolation structure includes an isolator and a blocking portion. The blocking portion is located on the side of the isolator facing away from the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the isolator on the substrate lies within the orthographic projection of the blocking portion on the substrate. Preferably, the orthographic projection of the blocking portion on the substrate lies within a recess. By providing the isolator and the blocking portion, the fabrication of the light-emitting functional layer of the display panel does not require a photomask, improving manufacturing accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, if the orthographic projection of the blocking portion on the substrate lies within the recess, the lateral distance between the isolation structure and the light-emitting functional layer is increased, further reducing the blocking angle of the light emitted by the light-emitting functional layer and facilitating further reduction of brightness attenuation in the display panel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes an isolation layer disposed on the substrate, an isolation structure disposed on the isolation layer, and the isolation layer defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings, the openings being at least partially located on the protrusions to expose the light-emitting functional parts; preferably, the display panel further includes a first electrode layer disposed on the side of the substrate near the light-emitting functional layer, the first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrode portions, the first electrode portions being at least partially exposed through the openings. By disposing at least partially of the openings of the isolation layer on the protrusions, it is convenient to provide the light-emitting functional parts on the protrusions.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes a second electrode layer disposed on the side of the light-emitting functional layer facing away from the substrate. The second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode portions separated by an isolation structure. Preferably, the isolation structure includes a conductive material, and the second electrode portions are electrically connected to the isolation structure. Thus, the isolation structure can serve as an auxiliary electrode, improving the voltage distribution uniformity of the second electrode layer, reducing the static resistance voltage drop in the second electrode layer, reducing the power consumption of the display panel, and simultaneously improving its display brightness uniformity.

[0014] According to another aspect of this application, embodiments of this application also provide a display device, including: a display panel as described above.

[0015] The aforementioned display device provides recesses and protrusions between adjacent recesses on the substrate of the display panel. The light-emitting functional part is disposed on the protrusion, and an isolation structure is disposed within the recess. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance between the light-emitting functional part and the surface of the substrate facing away from the light-emitting functional layer is h1, and the maximum distance between the isolation structure and the surface of the substrate facing away from the light-emitting functional layer is h2, where h1 < h2. Thus, by separating the light-emitting functional parts using the isolation structure, facilitating their fabrication, the height of the protrusion of the isolation structure is reduced, thereby reducing the relative height difference between the isolation structure and the light-emitting functional part. Consequently, the angle at which the isolation structure blocks the light emitted by the light-emitting functional part is reduced, thus reducing the brightness attenuation of the display panel and increasing the viewing angle of the display panel.

[0016] According to another aspect of this application, an embodiment of this application also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising: forming a plurality of recessed portions spaced apart from each other on a substrate, and a protrusion located between two adjacent recessed portions, the protrusion protruding relative to the recessed portions; forming an isolation structure within the recessed portions, the isolation structure comprising an opaque material; forming a light-emitting functional layer on the substrate, the light-emitting functional layer comprising light-emitting functional parts disposed on the protrusions; along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional parts to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h1, and the maximum distance from the isolation structure to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h2, h1 < h2. Preferably, in the step of forming a plurality of recessed portions spaced apart from each other on the substrate, and the protrusion located between two adjacent recessed portions, a halftone mask or a gray-tone mask is used to fabricate the recessed portions and the protrusions.

[0017] The above-mentioned method for manufacturing a display panel involves forming a recess and a protrusion on a substrate, placing an isolation structure within the recess, and placing the light-emitting functional part on the protrusion. By using the isolation structure to separate the light-emitting functional parts, which facilitates the processing and manufacturing of the light-emitting functional parts, the height of the protrusion of the isolation structure is reduced, thereby reducing the relative height difference between the isolation structure and the light-emitting functional part. As a result, the angle at which the isolation structure blocks the light emitted by the light-emitting functional part is reduced, which reduces the brightness attenuation of the display panel and increases the viewing angle of the display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a display panel in related technologies.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the substrate in a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a display device provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0025] 10: Display device;

[0026] 100: Display panel;

[0027] 110: Substrate, 111: Protrusion, 111: Top wall, 112: Recess, 1121: Bottom wall, 1122: Side wall;

[0028] 120: Light-emitting functional layer; 121: Light-emitting functional part;

[0029] 130: Isolation structure; 131: Isolator; 132: Barrier part;

[0030] 140: Isolation layer; 141: Opening;

[0031] 150: First electrode layer; 151: First electrode section;

[0032] 160: Second electrode layer; 161: Second electrode section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0035] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are 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 with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "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 or an electrical 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a display panel in related technologies.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, in the display panel of the related art, the display panel includes a substrate 11, a light-emitting layer 12 disposed on the substrate 11, and isolation pillars 13 disposed on the substrate 11. The light-emitting layer 12 includes light-emitting portions 14 separated by the isolation pillars 13. Since the isolation pillars 13 protrude from the substrate 11 to a certain height and are opaque, the light located within the area of ​​the line connecting the top boundary of the light-emitting portion 14 and the isolation pillar 13, i.e., Figure 1 Light within the 'a' angle range is blocked by the isolation pillar 13 and cannot escape, affecting the viewing angle of the display panel and causing significant brightness attenuation and severe color shift at wide viewing angles. To address this, related technologies employ a technique of reducing the width of the isolation pillar 13 to increase the distance between the isolation pillar 13 and the center of the light-emitting part 14, thereby reducing... Figure 1 The angle of angle 'a' in the diagram can reduce the area of ​​light obstruction by the isolation pillar 13. However, in this technical solution, to ensure the normal use of the isolation pillar 13, the width of the isolation pillar 13 cannot be too small, thus limiting its improvement in reducing the area of ​​light obstruction.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a display panel 100 provided in one embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided in one embodiment of this application from another perspective. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the substrate 110 in a display panel 100 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0042] To at least partially resolve the above issues, please refer to Figures 2 to 3 This application provides a display panel 100, which includes a substrate 110, a light-emitting functional layer 120, and an isolation structure 130. The substrate 110 includes a plurality of recesses 112 spaced apart from each other, and a protrusion 111 located between two adjacent recesses 112. The protrusion 111 protrudes from the recesses 112. The light-emitting functional layer 120 is disposed on one side of the substrate 110 and includes a plurality of light-emitting functional parts 121 spaced apart from each other. The light-emitting functional parts 121 are disposed on the protrusions 111. The isolation structure 130 is disposed within the recesses 112 and includes an opaque material. Along the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional part 121 to the surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h1, and the maximum distance from the isolation structure 130 to the surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h2, where h1 < h2.

[0043] Specifically, the substrate 110 is used to support and carry other film layers in the display panel 100. Exemplarily, the substrate 110 can be made of a light-transmitting material such as glass or polyimide (PI). Exemplarily, the substrate 110 can be a planarization layer to improve the planarization of other layers thereon, and the substrate 110 can also be a passivation layer, etc. The substrate 110 includes a plurality of recesses 112 spaced apart from each other, and protrusions 111 located between adjacent recesses 112. The recesses 112 are portions of the substrate 110 that are recessed inwards, and the area of ​​the substrate 110 with recesses 112 has a relatively low height in the thickness direction of the substrate 110. Conversely, the protrusions 111 are portions of the substrate 110 that protrude away from their own interior, and the area of ​​the substrate 110 with protrusions 111 has a relatively high height in the thickness direction of the substrate 110. The recesses 112 and protrusions 111 are relative.

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, the cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111 can be a regular shape, such as a polygon, or an irregular shape, and the specific degree of their protrusion or recess is not limited.

[0045] A light-emitting functional layer 120 is provided on one side of the substrate 110. The light-emitting functional layer 120 includes a plurality of light-emitting functional parts 121 arranged at intervals between each other. The light-emitting functional parts 121 are disposed on the protrusions 111 of the substrate 110. Figure 3 As shown, exemplarily, the light-emitting functional unit 121 may be a red light-emitting functional unit R, a green light-emitting functional unit G, a blue light-emitting functional unit B, or a white light-emitting functional unit, etc., and is not limited here. Specifically, the light-emitting functional unit 121 may include a multi-layer structure. Exemplarily, the light-emitting functional unit 121 may include a hole injection unit, a hole transport unit, a light-emitting unit, an electron transport unit, an electron injection unit, etc., stacked together.

[0046] In some embodiments, the display panel 100 is further provided with an array substrate (not shown in the figure), and the array substrate is provided with a driving circuit for driving each light-emitting functional part 121 to emit light. Under the drive of the driving circuit, different light-emitting functional parts 121 can be excited to emit light of different colors, so that the display panel 100 can achieve a colorful display effect.

[0047] The display panel 100 also includes an isolation structure 130 disposed within the recess 112. Since the protrusion 111 is located between two adjacent recesses 112, and the recesses 112 are also located between two adjacent protrusions 111, and the light-emitting functional parts 121 are disposed on the protrusions 111 of the substrate 110, the isolation structure 130 is located between at least partially adjacent light-emitting functional parts 121. That is, among the plurality of light-emitting functional parts 121, an isolation structure 130 is provided between a portion of two adjacent light-emitting functional parts 121, or an isolation structure 130 is provided between every two adjacent light-emitting functional parts 121. The light emitted by each light-emitting functional part 121 is blocked by the isolation structure 130 to prevent interference with the light emitted by its adjacent light-emitting functional parts 121, thus avoiding signal crosstalk between adjacent light-emitting functional parts 121. The specific structural form of the isolation structure 130 is not limited, as long as it can effectively isolate two adjacent light-emitting functional parts 121.

[0048] In the manufacturing and use of the display panel 100, in order for the isolation structure 130 to function properly, the isolation structure 130 must at least partially protrude from the light-emitting functional part 121 in the thickness direction of the substrate 110. That is, along the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the maximum distance between the light-emitting functional part 121 and the surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h1, and the maximum distance between the isolation structure 130 and the surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h2. In the embodiments of this application, h1 < h2.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the light source located within the area of ​​the line connecting the top boundary of the light-emitting functional part 121 and the isolation structure 130 is... Figure 2 Light within the b-angle range is blocked by the isolation structure 130 and cannot escape. Compared to related technologies, because the protrusion of the isolation structure 130 in this embodiment is lower, the relative height difference between the isolation structure 130 and the light-emitting functional part 121 is smaller. Figure 2 The angle b in the middle is much smaller than Figure 1 The angle 'a' in the diagram, that is, the angle at which the isolation structure 130 blocks the light emitted by the light-emitting functional part 121, is greatly reduced.

[0050] The display panel 100 of this application embodiment provides recessed portions 112 and protrusions 111 located between two adjacent recessed portions 112 on a substrate 110. The light-emitting functional portion 121 is disposed on the protrusion 111, and the isolation structure 130 is disposed in the recessed portion 112. In this way, while the light-emitting functional portion 121 is separated by the isolation structure 130 to facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the light-emitting functional portion 121, the height of the protrusion of the isolation structure 130 is reduced, which also reduces the relative height difference between the isolation structure 130 and the light-emitting functional portion 121. Therefore, the blocking angle of the light emitted by the light-emitting functional portion 121 by the isolation structure 130 is reduced, which reduces the brightness attenuation of the display panel 100 and increases the viewing angle of the display panel 100.

[0051] In the embodiments of this application, the recessed portion 112 is a portion of the substrate 110 that is recessed towards its own center, and the protruding portion 111 is a portion of the substrate 110 that protrudes towards its own center, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the recess 112 has a bottom wall 1121 and side walls 1122 respectively connected to both sides of the bottom wall 1121, and the isolation structure 130 is disposed on the bottom wall 1121. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 112 in this embodiment is a quadrilateral. Depending on the relative angle and relative length between the bottom wall 1121 and the side walls 1122, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 112 can be a special quadrilateral such as a parallelogram, a regular trapezoid, an inverted trapezoid, a rectangle, etc.

[0052] At the same time, such as Figure 4 As shown, along the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the protrusion 111 has a top wall 1111 located away from the substrate 110, a side wall 1122 connecting the bottom wall 1121 and the top wall 1111, and a light-emitting functional part 121 is disposed on the top wall 1111. The top wall 1111 of the protrusion 111 is connected to the side wall 1122 of the recess 112, therefore, the protrusion 111 is located between two adjacent recesses 112. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, multiple recesses 112 spaced apart from each other can be formed on the substrate 110 by removing material. In this case, the area on the substrate 110 between two recesses 112 where no recess 112 is formed protrudes relative to the recess 112 and can serve as the protrusion 111, without the need to additionally fabricate the protrusion 111. Alternatively, multiple protrusions 111 spaced apart from each other can be formed on the substrate 110 by adding material. In this case, the portion of the substrate 110 between two protrusions 111 that does not have a protrusion 111 is recessed relative to the protrusion 111 and can serve as a recess 112, without the need to additionally make a recess 112.

[0053] In this embodiment of the application, by setting the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111 to the above structure, it is convenient to manufacture the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111, and at the same time, it is convenient to adjust the height difference between the bottom wall 1121 of the recessed portion 112 and the top wall 1111 of the protruding portion 111, so as to meet a variety of different usage requirements.

[0054] Please continue reading Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, the included angle between the bottom wall 1121 and the side wall 1122 is α, 120°≤α≤150°. For example, the included angle α between the bottom wall 1121 and the side wall 1122 can be 120°, 125°, 130°, 145°, 150°, etc. The above data are only examples, and in actual embodiments, the included angle α between the bottom wall 1121 and the side wall 1122 is not limited to the above data.

[0055] Meanwhile, along the direction parallel to the plane where the bottom wall 1121 is located, the length of the bottom wall 1121 is L, where 6μm ≤ L ≤ 10μm. For example, the length L of the bottom wall 1121 can be 6μm, 6.6μm, 7.4μm, 8.5μm, 10μm, etc. These data are only examples; in actual embodiments, the length L of the bottom wall 1121 is not limited to these data. By setting the recessed portion 112 to meet the above dimensional conditions, the isolation structure 130 can be better accommodated, and the subsequent processing and manufacturing of the display panel 100 is facilitated.

[0056] To give the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111 a more regular cross-sectional shape, in some embodiments, the plane containing the bottom wall 1121 is parallel to the surface of the substrate 110 facing away from the light-emitting functional layer 120, and the plane containing the top wall 1111 is parallel to the surface of the substrate 110 facing away from the light-emitting functional layer 120. With this arrangement, the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111 are more regularly positioned on the substrate 110. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion 112 is an inverted trapezoid, and the cross-sectional shape of the protruding portion 111 is a trapezoid, which facilitates the fabrication and shaping of the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111. It also facilitates the provision of the isolation structure 130 on the bottom wall 1121 and the provision of the light-emitting functional portion 121 on the top wall 1111.

[0057] Since the isolation structure 130 within the recess 112 must at least partially protrude above the light-emitting functional portion 121 along the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the depth of the recess 112 should not exceed the height of the isolation structure 130. Please refer to [further details]. Figures 2 to 3 In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom wall 1121 and the top wall 1111 along the thickness direction of the substrate 110 is h3, where 0.6 μm ≤ h3 ≤ 1 μm. For example, the distance h3 between the bottom wall 1121 and the top wall 1111 can be 0.6 μm, 0.67 μm, 0.74 μm, 0.92 μm, 1 μm, etc. These data are only examples, and in actual embodiments, the distance h3 between the bottom wall 1121 and the top wall 1111 is not limited to the above data. Meanwhile, the thickness of the isolation structure 130 along the thickness direction of the substrate 110 is h4, where h4 > 1 μm. For example, the thickness h4 of the isolation structure 130 can be 1.05 μm, 1.11 μm, 1.15 μm, 1.2 μm, etc. These data are only examples, and in actual embodiments, the thickness h4 of the isolation structure 130 is not limited to the above data.

[0058] With this design, the height dimension of the isolation structure 130 is greater than the depth dimension of the recess 112 along the thickness direction of the substrate 110. Therefore, the isolation structure 130 provided on the bottom wall 1121 of the recess 112 at least partially protrudes outside the recess 112, so as to separate the light-emitting functional parts 121 by means of the isolation structure 130.

[0059] The specific structural form of the isolation structure 130 is not limited; in some embodiments, the isolation structure 130 is a one-piece structure. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 In some other embodiments, the isolation structure 130 may optionally include an isolation body 131 and a blocking portion 132, the blocking portion 132 being located on the side of the isolation body 131 away from the substrate 110, and the orthographic projection of the isolation body 131 on the substrate 110 being located within the orthographic projection of the blocking portion 132 on the substrate 110.

[0060] In other words, the isolation structure 130 includes a relatively independent isolator 131 and a blocking portion 132. The isolator 131 is located on the substrate 110, and the blocking portion 132 is located on the side of the isolator 131 facing away from the substrate 110. The area covered by the orthogonal projection of the blocking portion 132 on the substrate 110 is larger, while the area covered by the orthogonal projection of the isolator 131 on the substrate 110 is relatively smaller, so that the orthogonal projection of the blocking portion 132 on the substrate 110 can cover the orthogonal projection of the isolator 131 on the substrate 110. The cross-sectional shapes of the isolator 131 and the blocking portion 132 can be regular shapes, such as rectangles or triangles, or irregular shapes. The isolation structure 130 as a whole can be an inverted trapezoid, an I-shape, or other shapes. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, both the isolator 131 and the blocking portion 132 have trapezoidal cross-sectional shapes. By providing the isolator 131 and the blocking portion 132, the fabrication of the light-emitting functional layer 120 of the display panel 100 does not require the use of a photomask, improving manufacturing accuracy and reducing manufacturing costs. At the same time, since the orthogonal projection of the blocking portion 132 on the substrate 110 is located within the recess 112, the lateral distance between the isolator 130 and the light-emitting functional layer 121 is increased, further reducing the blocking angle of the light emitted by the light-emitting functional layer 121 by the isolator 130, which facilitates further reduction of the brightness attenuation of the display panel 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, the isolation structure 130 may include a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a third metal layer stacked together. The materials of the first, second, and third metal layers may be different from each other or partially the same. The isolation body 131 can be formed using the first and second metal layers, and the barrier portion 132 can be formed using the third metal layer; alternatively, the isolation body 131 can be formed using the first metal layer, and the barrier portion 132 can be formed using the second and third metal layers. For example, the first and third metal layers may be titanium layers, and the second metal layer may be an aluminum layer.

[0062] To further avoid signal crosstalk between adjacent light-emitting functional units 121, in some embodiments, the display panel 100 optionally includes an isolation layer 140 disposed on the substrate 110, with an isolation structure 130 disposed on the isolation layer 140. The isolation layer 140 defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings 141, with the openings 141 at least partially located on the protrusion 111 and exposing the light-emitting functional units 121. By disposing the openings 141 of the isolation layer 140 at least partially on the protrusion 111, it is convenient to arrange the light-emitting functional units 121 on the protrusion 111.

[0063] The display panel 100 further includes a first electrode layer 150, which is disposed on the side of the substrate 110 near the light-emitting functional layer 120. The first electrode layer 150 includes a plurality of first electrode portions 151, which are at least partially exposed through openings 141. In some embodiments, the display panel 100 further includes a second electrode layer 160, which is disposed on the side of the light-emitting functional layer 120 away from the substrate 110. The second electrode layer 160 includes a plurality of second electrode portions 161 separated by an isolation structure 130.

[0064] It should be noted that the main function of the isolation layer 140 is to expose the light-emitting functional part 121 and the first electrode part 151. Furthermore, the isolation layer 140 also serves to isolate and insulate the isolation structure 130 from the first electrode part 151. The isolation layer 140 can be a pixel definition layer, and it can be made of an insulating material, such as silicon nitride. Of course, as mentioned above, the opening 141 can also be formed solely by the isolation structure 130.

[0065] One of the first electrode layer 150 and the second electrode layer 160 is an anode and the other is a cathode. The light-emitting functional unit 121 emits light under the action of the electric field formed between the first electrode layer 150 and the second electrode layer 160. The first electrode layer 150 includes a plurality of first electrode portions 151 arranged at intervals from each other. The first electrode portions 151 may or may not be separated by the isolation structure 130. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the first electrode portion 151 is completely disposed on the protrusion 111 and does not contact the isolation structure 130.

[0066] At the location where the isolation structure 130 is provided in the display panel 100, the second electrode layer 160 includes a plurality of second electrode portions 161 separated by the isolation structure 130. This design allows the second electrode layer 160 to be divided into a plurality of second electrode portions 161 by the isolation structure 130. Compared to an entire electrode layer, this can disperse the stress within the second electrode layer 160, avoid stress concentration, and improve the durability of the second electrode layer 160.

[0067] To improve the performance of the display panel 100, the isolation structure 130 may optionally include a conductive material, and the second electrode portion 161 may be electrically connected to the isolation structure 130. The second electrode portion 161 may be electrically connected to the isolation structure 130 through overlapping contact, or through other non-overlapping methods; this application does not impose limitations on this. Specifically, the second electrode portion 161 may be electrically connected to the isolator 131. In this way, the isolation structure 130 can serve as an auxiliary electrode, improving the voltage distribution uniformity of the second electrode layer 160, reducing the static resistance voltage drop in the second electrode layer 160, reducing the power consumption of the display panel 100, and simultaneously improving its display brightness uniformity. It is understood that in other embodiments, the second electrode portion 161 may not be connected to the isolation structure 130, in which case each second electrode portion 161 may be controlled independently.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a display device 10 provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0069] Please refer to the following: Figures 2 to 5 This application also provides a display device 10, which includes a display panel 100 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0070] The display panel 100 disclosed in this application embodiment is applied in a display device 10 to provide screen display functionality. The display device 10 can be any product or component with display functionality, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, wearable devices, remote controls, televisions, desktop computers, and in-vehicle devices. The display device 10 of this application embodiment provides recesses 112 and protrusions 111 located between adjacent recesses 112 on the substrate 110 of the display panel 100. A light-emitting functional part 121 is disposed on the protrusion 111, and an isolation structure 130 is disposed within the recesses 112. Furthermore, along the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional part 121 to the surface of the substrate 110 facing away from the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h1, and the isolation structure 130 is located at a distance from the substrate 110 facing away from the light-emitting functional layer 120. The maximum distance between the surfaces is h2, h1 < h2. Thus, by using the isolation structure 130 to separate the light-emitting functional parts 121 to facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the light-emitting functional parts 121, the height of the protrusion of the isolation structure 130 is reduced, which also reduces the relative height difference between the isolation structure 130 and the light-emitting functional parts 121. Therefore, the blocking angle of the light emitted by the light-emitting functional parts 121 by the isolation structure 130 is reduced, which reduces the brightness attenuation of the display panel 100 and increases the viewing angle of the display panel 100.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display panel 100 according to one embodiment of this application.

[0072] Please combine Figures 2 to 4 And see Figure 6 This application embodiment also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel 100, which includes the following steps:

[0073] S102, A plurality of recesses 112 spaced apart from each other are formed on the substrate 110, and a protrusion 111 is located between two adjacent recesses 112, the protrusion 111 protruding relative to the recesses 112.

[0074] S104. An isolation structure 130 is formed in the recess 112, the isolation structure 130 including an opaque material.

[0075] S106. A light-emitting functional layer 120 is formed on the substrate 110. The light-emitting functional layer 120 includes a light-emitting functional portion 121 disposed on the protrusion 111.

[0076] Along the thickness direction of the substrate 110, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional part 121 to the surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h1, and the maximum distance from the isolation structure 130 to the surface of the substrate 110 opposite to the light-emitting functional layer 120 is h2, where h1 < h2.

[0077] In step S102, multiple spaced-apart recesses 112 can be formed on the substrate 110 by removing material. In this case, the area on the substrate 110 between two recesses 112 where no recesses 112 are formed protrudes relative to the recesses 112 and can serve as protrusions 111, without the need to additionally fabricate protrusions 111. Alternatively, multiple spaced-apart protrusions 111 can be formed on the substrate 110 by adding material. In this case, the area on the substrate 110 between two protrusions 111 where no protrusions 111 are formed recessed relative to the protrusions 111 and can serve as recesses 112, without the need to additionally fabricate recesses 112.

[0078] The display panel 100 manufactured using the above-described method forms a recess 112 and a protrusion 111 on a substrate 110. An isolation structure 130 is disposed in the recess 112, and a light-emitting functional part 121 is disposed on the protrusion 111. By using the isolation structure 130 to separate the light-emitting functional parts 121, the processing and manufacturing of the light-emitting functional parts 121 are facilitated. At the same time, the height of the protrusion of the isolation structure 130 is reduced, which also reduces the relative height difference between the isolation structure 130 and the light-emitting functional parts 121. Therefore, the blocking angle of the light emitted by the light-emitting functional parts 121 by the isolation structure 130 is reduced, which reduces the brightness attenuation of the display panel 100 and increases the viewing angle of the display panel 100.

[0079] To simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing difficulty and cost, in step S102, a halftone mask or a gray mask is used to create the recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111. By performing a single exposure and development using the gray mask or halftone mask, light-transmitting areas with different light transmittance can be formed. The recessed portion 112 and the protruding portion 111 can then be fabricated on the substrate 110 using a single etching process, which simplifies the production steps and improves production efficiency.

[0080] The specific manufacturing principle is as follows: By controlling the thickness of the light-shielding metal layer in different areas of the photomask, the intensity of transmitted light varies in different areas. This allows for selective exposure and development of the photoresist, forming photoresist-completely retained areas, photoresist-semi-retained areas, and photoresist-completely removed areas corresponding to the completely opaque, semi-transparent, and completely transparent parts of the photomask, respectively. During etching, the film layers covered by the photoresist-completely retained and photoresist-semi-retained areas are not removed. Furthermore, because the thickness of the photoresist-completely retained areas is greater than that of the photoresist-semi-retained areas, even after the photoresist in the semi-retained areas is ashed, the photoresist in the completely retained areas remains. This allows for selective etching of the exposed film layers, resulting in at least two patterned layers with different patterns.

[0081] During the fabrication of the display panel 100, in the formation of the light-emitting functional layer 120, since the light-emitting functional layer 120 is isolated by the isolation structure 130, a mask is not required, and color mixing defects caused by evaporation are avoided, resulting in improved yield and reduced cost. At this time, in order to increase the aperture ratio of the display panel 100 (the ratio between the area of ​​the light-transmitting portion after excluding the wiring and transistor portions of each sub-pixel and the overall area of ​​each sub-pixel) to improve the efficiency of light transmission, the height of the isolation structure 130 protruding from the recess 112 can be adjusted by adjusting the evaporation angle, thereby changing the area ratio of the light-emitting functional portion 121 in the light-emitting functional layer 120, which can be adjusted according to the specific performance requirements of the project. Furthermore, the height of the isolation structure 130 protruding from the recess 112 can also be adjusted by adjusting the film thickness below the isolation structure 130 during the fabrication process, thus allowing the overall fabrication process to be adapted to different types of evaporation equipment.

[0082] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0083] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: A substrate, the substrate including a plurality of recesses spaced apart from each other, and a protrusion located between two adjacent recesses, the protrusion protruding relative to the recesses; A light-emitting functional layer is disposed on one side of the substrate. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting functional parts arranged at intervals between each other. The light-emitting functional parts are disposed on the protrusion. and An isolation structure is disposed within the recessed portion, and the isolation structure comprises an opaque material; Along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional part to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h1, and the maximum distance from the isolation structure to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h2, where h1 < h2.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recessed portion has a bottom wall and side walls respectively connected to both sides of the bottom wall; The isolation structure is disposed on the bottom wall; Along the thickness direction of the substrate, the protrusion has a top wall located on the side away from the substrate, and the side wall connects the bottom wall and the top wall; The light-emitting functional part is located on the top wall.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the bottom wall and the side wall is α, where 120°≤α≤150°; and / or Along a direction parallel to the plane containing the bottom wall, the length of the bottom wall is L, where 6μm≤L≤10μm.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plane containing the bottom wall is parallel to the surface of the substrate on the side opposite to the light-emitting functional layer; and / or The plane containing the top wall is parallel to the surface of the substrate on the side opposite to the light-emitting functional layer.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the thickness direction of the substrate, the distance between the bottom wall and the top wall is h3, where 0.6μm≤h3≤1μm; Along the thickness direction of the substrate, the thickness of the isolation structure is h4, where h4 > 1 μm.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation structure includes an isolation body and a blocking part. The blocking part is located on the side of the isolation body away from the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the isolation body on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the blocking part on the substrate.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that, The orthogonal projection of the blocking portion on the substrate is located within the recessed portion.

8. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The display panel further includes an isolation layer disposed on the substrate, the isolation structure disposed on the isolation layer, the isolation layer defining a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other, the openings being at least partially located on the protrusions and exposing the light-emitting functional parts.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a first electrode layer, which is disposed on the side of the substrate near the light-emitting functional layer. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode portions, and the first electrode portions are at least partially exposed through the opening.

10. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a second electrode layer, which is disposed on the side of the light-emitting functional layer away from the substrate. The second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode portions separated by the isolation structure.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The isolation structure includes a conductive material, and the second electrode portion is electrically connected to the isolation structure.

12. A display device, characterized in that, include: The display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, include: A plurality of recesses are formed on a substrate at intervals from each other, and a protrusion is located between two adjacent recesses, the protrusion protruding relative to the recesses; An isolation structure is formed within the recess, the isolation structure comprising an opaque material; A light-emitting functional layer is formed on the substrate, the light-emitting functional layer including a light-emitting functional part disposed on the protrusion; along the thickness direction of the substrate, the maximum distance from the light-emitting functional part to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h1, and the maximum distance from the isolation structure to the surface of the substrate opposite to the light-emitting functional layer is h2, where h1 < h2.

14. The method for manufacturing a display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the step of forming a plurality of recesses spaced apart from each other on the substrate, and a protrusion located between two adjacent recesses, a halftone mask or a gray mask is used to make the recesses and the protrusions.

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