Display panel, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The invention discloses a display panel, a preparation method thereof and a display device. The display panel comprises a substrate, a light-emitting structure layer and a plurality of shock insulator columns. The light-emitting structure layer is arranged on the substrate, and the light-emitting structure layer comprises a pixel definition layer; the plurality of spacer columns are positioned on one side, far away from the substrate, of the pixel definition layer; a groove is formed in the end face, away from the substrate, of the pixel defining layer, is located in the periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column, and the groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in the direction parallel to the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to display technology, and more particularly to a display panel and a method for preparing the same, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) and Quantum-dot Light Emitting Diode (QLED) are active light-emitting display devices with the advantages of self-luminescence, wide viewing angle, high contrast, low power consumption, extremely high response speed, light weight, flexibility and low cost. Summary of the invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present application provides a display panel, including:

[0004] substrate;

[0005] A light emitting structure layer is disposed on the substrate, wherein the light emitting structure layer includes a pixel definition layer;

[0006] A plurality of spacer columns are located on a side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate;

[0007] A groove is provided on the end surface of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The groove is located at the periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column. The groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the groove width of the groove is set to d, 0.5 μm≤d≤1.5 μm.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, d=1 μm.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the light emitting structure layer includes a first electrode, the first electrode is located on a side of the pixel definition layer close to the substrate, and the pixel definition layer is provided with a pixel opening for exposing the first electrode;

[0011] An orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the pixel opening on the substrate.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, an orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate is arranged to not overlap with an orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, an orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate, and the groove is in a ring shape.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate;

[0015] The orthographic projection of the groove on the base is arranged to be a semi-enclosed figure with an opening;

[0016] The orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate includes a first projection, one end of which is located within the orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate, and the other end of which extends out of the semi-enclosed figure from the opening.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the groove includes a first groove and a second groove connected end to end, and the first groove and the second groove together form a ring;

[0018] The orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second groove on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate;

[0019] The groove width of the first groove is set to d1, and the groove width of the second groove is set to d2, d1<d2.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, d1 ≤ 0.8 μm.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the groove depth of the first groove is set to h1, and the groove depth of the second groove is set to h2, where h1>h2.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the first electrode includes a first segment and a second segment sequentially arranged along a first direction, an orthographic projection of the first segment on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate, an orthographic projection of the second segment on the substrate overlaps with an orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate, and the first direction is parallel to the substrate;

[0023] The width of the first segment is L1, the width of the second segment is L2, and L1>L2;

[0024] The width of the first segment is set to be the minimum dimension of the first segment in a second direction, and the width of the second segment is set to be the minimum dimension of the second segment in the second direction, wherein the second direction is parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the first direction.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the cross section of the spacer column is configured to be H-shaped or cross-shaped.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, a groove width of the groove gradually decreases along a direction approaching the substrate.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the groove depth of the groove is set to h, the thickness of the pixel definition layer is set to H, and 1 / 5≤h / H≤3 / 4.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, a minimum distance between an end of the groove close to the substrate and an end surface of the pixel definition layer close to the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is set to h3, and h3≥0.5 μm.

[0029] The present application provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising:

[0030] A light-emitting structure layer and a plurality of spacer columns are formed on a substrate, wherein the light-emitting structure layer is arranged on the substrate, and the light-emitting structure layer includes a pixel definition layer; the plurality of spacer columns are located on a side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate; a groove is provided on an end surface of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate, the groove is located on the periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column, and the groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of forming a light emitting structure layer and a plurality of spacer columns on a substrate includes:

[0032] depositing a pixel definition film;

[0033] A first pattern is simultaneously formed on the pixel definition film by using a patterning process of a half-tone mask, wherein the first pattern includes the plurality of spacer columns and the grooves.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the pixel definition film is subjected to a patterning process using a half-tone mask to simultaneously form a first pattern, wherein the first pattern includes the plurality of spacer columns and the groove, and includes:

[0035] coating a photoresist on the pixel definition film;

[0036] Exposure is performed using optical proximity correction technology.

[0037] An embodiment of the present application provides a display device, including the above-mentioned display panel.

[0038] The display panel of the embodiment of the present application performs slotting processing on the pixel definition layer, that is, forming grooves to prevent the spacer column from collapsing and reducing its height during the curing process, and to avoid problems such as Newton rings caused by inconsistent heights between the spacer column and the glass glue. The display panel of the embodiment of the present application reduces the groove width at the anode overlap position to solve the problem of uneven evaporation of the light-emitting material, resulting in color deviation and other fine line defects.

[0039] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in the following description, and partly become apparent from the description, or be understood by implementing the present application. Other advantages of the present application can be realized and obtained by the schemes described in the description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solution of the present application and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solution of the present application.

[0041] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a display device;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a display panel;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a display panel;

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a packaging structure layer of a display panel;

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a display panel of the present exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 6 for Figure 5 AA section diagram in FIG.

[0047] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another display panel according to the exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to the exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 BB section diagram in FIG.

[0050] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of another display panel of this exemplary embodiment;

[0051] Fig.11 for Fig.10 Schematic diagram of CC section in FIG.

[0052] Fig.12 for Fig.11 Schematic diagram of projection on the substrate;

[0053] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to the exemplary embodiment;

[0054] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of another display panel of this exemplary embodiment;

[0055] Fig.15 for Fig.14 DD section schematic diagram;

[0056] Fig.16 for Fig.14 A local enlarged schematic diagram of point E in FIG.

[0057] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of another display panel according to the exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Fig.18 for Fig.17 Schematic diagram of the first electrode in;

[0059] Fig.19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a spacer column of the exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 20 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another spacer column according to the exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present application describes multiple embodiments, but the description is exemplary rather than restrictive, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that there may be more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments described in the present application. Although many possible feature combinations are shown in the drawings and discussed in the specific embodiments, many other combinations of the disclosed features are also possible. Unless specifically limited, any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature or element in any other embodiment, or may replace any other feature or element in any other embodiment.

[0062] The present application includes and contemplates combinations of features and elements known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments, features and elements disclosed in the present application may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a unique invention scheme. Any features or elements of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other invention schemes to form another unique invention scheme. Therefore, it should be understood that any feature shown and / or discussed in the present application may be implemented individually or in any appropriate combination. Therefore, except for the limitations made according to the attached claims and their equivalents, the embodiments are not subject to other restrictions. In addition, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0063] In addition, when describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented the method and / or process as a specific sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the specific order of the steps described herein, the method or process should not be limited to the steps of the specific order described. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, other sequences of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific sequence of the steps set forth in the specification should not be interpreted as a limitation to the claims. In addition, the claims for the method and / or process should not be limited to the steps of performing them in the order written, and those skilled in the art can easily understand that these sequences can be changed and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, a display panel includes:

[0065] substrate;

[0066] A light emitting structure layer is disposed on the substrate, wherein the light emitting structure layer includes a pixel definition layer;

[0067] A plurality of spacer columns are located on a side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate;

[0068] A groove is provided on the end surface of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The groove is located at the periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column. The groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the groove width of the groove is set to d, 0.5 μm≤d≤1.5 μm.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, d=1 μm.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the light emitting structure layer includes a first electrode, the first electrode is located on a side of the pixel definition layer close to the substrate, and the pixel definition layer is provided with a pixel opening for exposing the first electrode;

[0072] An orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the pixel opening on the substrate.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, an orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate is arranged to not overlap with an orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, an orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate, and the groove is in a ring shape.

[0075] In some exemplary embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate;

[0076] The orthographic projection of the groove on the base is arranged to be a semi-enclosed figure with an opening;

[0077] The orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate includes a first projection, one end of which is located within the orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate, and the other end of which extends out of the semi-enclosed figure from the opening.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, the groove includes a first groove and a second groove connected end to end, and the first groove and the second groove together form a ring;

[0079] The orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second groove on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate;

[0080] The groove width of the first groove is set to d1, and the groove width of the second groove is set to d2, d1<d2.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, the first electrode includes a first segment and a second segment sequentially arranged along a first direction, an orthographic projection of the first segment on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate, an orthographic projection of the second segment on the substrate overlaps with an orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate, and the first direction is parallel to the substrate;

[0082] The width of the first segment is L1, the width of the second segment is L2, and L1>L2;

[0083] The width of the first segment is set to be the minimum dimension of the first segment in a second direction, and the width of the second segment is set to be the minimum dimension of the second segment in the second direction, wherein the second direction is parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the first direction.

[0084] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display device. Figure 1As shown, the display device may include a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver, a light emitting driver and a pixel array, the timing controller is respectively connected to the data driver, the scan driver and the light emitting driver, the data driver is respectively connected to a plurality of data signal lines (D1 to Dn), the scan driver is respectively connected to a plurality of scan signal lines (S1 to Sm), and the light emitting driver is respectively connected to a plurality of light emitting signal lines (E1 to Eo). The pixel array may include a plurality of sub-pixels Pxij, i and j may be natural numbers, at least one sub-pixel Pxij may include a circuit unit and a light emitting unit connected to the circuit unit, the circuit unit may include a pixel driving circuit, and the pixel driving circuit is connected to the scan signal line, the light emitting signal line and the data signal line. In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller may provide a grayscale value and a control signal suitable for the specifications of the data driver to the data driver, may provide a clock signal suitable for the specifications of the scan driver, a scan start signal, etc. to the scan driver, and may provide a clock signal suitable for the specifications of the light emitting driver, an emission stop signal, etc. to the light emitting driver. The data driver can generate data voltages to be provided to data signal lines D1, D2, D3, ... and Dn using grayscale values ​​and control signals received from the timing controller. For example, the data driver can sample grayscale values ​​using a clock signal, and apply data voltages corresponding to grayscale values ​​to data signal lines D1 to Dn in units of unit lines, where n can be a natural number. The scan driver can generate scan signals to be provided to scan signal lines S1, S2, S3, ... and Sm by receiving clock signals, scan start signals, etc. from the timing controller. For example, the scan driver can sequentially provide scan signals with conduction level pulses to scan signal lines S1 to Sm. For example, the scan driver can be constructed in the form of a shift register, and can sequentially transmit scan start signals provided in the form of conduction level pulses to the next level circuit under the control of the clock signal to generate scan signals, where m can be a natural number. The light-emitting driver can generate emission signals to be provided to light-emitting signal lines E1, E2, E3, ... and Eo by receiving clock signals, emission stop signals, etc. from the timing controller. For example, the light emitting driver may sequentially provide an emission signal having a cut-off level pulse to the light emitting signal lines E1 to Eo. For example, the light emitting driver may be configured in the form of a shift register, and may generate an emission signal in a manner of sequentially transmitting an emission stop signal provided in the form of a cut-off level pulse to a next stage circuit under the control of a clock signal, and o may be a natural number. In an exemplary embodiment, a pixel array may be provided on a display panel.

[0085] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of a display panel. Figure 2As shown, the display panel may include a plurality of pixel units P arranged in a matrix, and at least one pixel unit P may include a first sub-pixel P1 emitting a first color light, a second sub-pixel P2 emitting a second color light, and a third sub-pixel P3 emitting a third color light. Each sub-pixel may include a circuit unit and a light-emitting unit, and the circuit unit may include at least a pixel driving circuit, and the pixel driving circuit is respectively connected to the scanning signal line, the light-emitting signal line, and the data signal line, and the pixel driving circuit is configured to receive the data voltage transmitted by the data signal line under the control of the scanning signal line and the light-emitting signal line, and output a corresponding current to the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit in each sub-pixel is respectively connected to the pixel driving circuit of the sub-pixel, and the light-emitting unit is configured to emit light of corresponding brightness in response to the current output by the pixel driving circuit of the sub-pixel.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the first sub-pixel P1 may be a red sub-pixel (R) emitting red light, the second sub-pixel P2 may be a blue sub-pixel (B) emitting blue light, and the third sub-pixel P3 may be a green sub-pixel (G) emitting green light. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape of the sub-pixel may be a rectangle, a rhombus, a pentagon, or a hexagon, and the three sub-pixels P may be arranged in a horizontal parallel, vertical parallel, or in a square, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, the first sub-pixel P1, the second sub-pixel P2, and the third sub-pixel P3 may be arranged along a straight line, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first sub-pixel P1, the second sub-pixel P2, and the third sub-pixel P3 may be arranged in a non-linear manner such as a square arrangement. In some exemplary embodiments, the pixel unit P may include four sub-pixels, and the four sub-pixels may be arranged in a horizontal parallel, vertical parallel, or in a square, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure of a display panel, such as Figure 3 As shown, on a plane perpendicular to the display panel, the display panel may include a circuit structure layer 200 disposed on a substrate 100, a light emitting structure layer 300 disposed on a side of the circuit structure layer 200 away from the substrate 100, and an encapsulation structure layer 400 disposed on a side of the light emitting structure layer 300 away from the substrate 100. In some possible implementations, the display panel may include other film layers, such as a touch structure layer, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate. The rigid substrate may be, but is not limited to, one or more of glass and quartz, and the flexible substrate may be, but is not limited to, one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyetheretherketone, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyarylate, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and textile fiber. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate 100 may be a flexible substrate.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the light emitting structure layer 300 may include a pixel definition layer and a plurality of light emitting units, the light emitting unit may include at least an anode, an organic light emitting layer and a cathode, the anode may be connected to the second electrode of the transistor through a connecting electrode, the organic light emitting layer is connected to the anode, the cathode is connected to the organic light emitting layer, the cathode is connected to the second power line, and the organic light emitting layer emits light under the drive of the anode and the cathode. In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer may include a light emitting layer (EML for short), and any one or more of the following: a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron blocking layer (EBL), a hole blocking layer (HBL), an electron transport layer (ETL) and an electron injection layer (EIL). The pixel definition layer may be provided with a plurality of pixel openings, and a pixel opening may expose at least a portion of the surface of a corresponding anode.

[0090] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a packaging structure layer of a display panel. In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the encapsulation structure layer includes encapsulation glass 401, pressure-sensitive adhesive (not shown in the figure) and glass glue 402 (Frit), and the pressure-sensitive adhesive and glass glue 402 (Frit) can bond the encapsulation glass 401 to the light-emitting structure layer 300. The pixel definition layer is provided with a spacer column 403 on the side away from the substrate 100, and the spacer column 403 can support the encapsulation glass 401 with the glass glue 402. In the display panel, the structure composed of metal materials and organic materials in the light-emitting structure layer 300 is extremely sensitive to water vapor and oxygen. If water vapor and oxygen penetrate into the light-emitting structure layer 300, the device performance will be aged and the device life will be shortened. In addition, once the light-emitting structure layer 300 is exposed to water vapor and oxygen outside, the organic light-emitting layer and the cathode will be oxidized, and the light-emitting area will shrink (PixelShrinkage, which can be called pixel shrinkage), etc., so the encapsulation structure layer is required to encapsulate the light-emitting structure layer 300.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, if the height of the glass glue 402 and the spacer column 403 are inconsistent, it will cause uneven box thickness after packaging, and then light interference will produce interference fringes (i.e. Newton rings). Therefore, it is usually necessary to make the height of the glass glue 402 and the spacer column 403 as consistent as possible during the preparation process to prevent uneven force on the top from causing the glass glue 402 to deform and dent, etc., resulting in Newton rings and NG (Not Good) for the whole machine drop ball. The whole machine drop ball is a test method used to evaluate the performance and durability of materials or products when they are impacted. NG for the whole machine drop ball means that the result of the whole machine drop ball test is not good or unqualified. In addition, the spacer column 403 will also support the mask plate during the subsequent mask plate patterning process to prevent it from being deformed when subjected to external force, thereby affecting the evaporation accuracy of the organic light-emitting material, causing the position of the evaporation material to shift, and resulting in color mixing, especially at the boundary of the light-emitting area.

[0092] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the spacer column 403 and the pixel definition layer of the light emitting structure layer 300 can be formed simultaneously by using a patterning process of a halftone mask. The halftone process can avoid the situation of switching equipment, thereby solving the bottleneck of production capacity, improving production capacity, and improving efficiency. However, the applicant found that the height of the spacer column 403 formed simultaneously by the patterning process of the halftone mask is usually lower than the height of the glass glue 402, and after research, it was found that the reason for this situation is that the spacer column 403 will collapse during the curing process.

[0093] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0094] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a display panel of this exemplary embodiment, Figure 6 for Figure 5 AA cross-sectional diagram in FIG. 1 , this embodiment provides a display panel such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the display panel may include a substrate 100, a light emitting structure layer 300 and a plurality of spacer columns 401. The light emitting structure layer 300 may be disposed on the substrate 100, and the light emitting structure layer 300 may include a pixel definition layer 301. The plurality of spacer columns 401 are located on a side of the pixel definition layer 301 away from the substrate 100. A groove 302 may be provided on the end surface of the pixel definition layer 301 away from the substrate 100, and the groove 302 is located on the periphery of the spacer column 401 and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401, and the groove 302 is configured to prevent the spacer column 401 from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate 100. Therefore, in the display panel of the embodiment of the present application, the pixel definition layer is slit, that is, a groove is provided to prevent the spacer column from collapsing and reducing in height during the curing process, thereby ensuring the height of the spacer column and avoiding problems such as Newton rings caused by inconsistent heights between the spacer column and the glass glue.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, on a plane parallel to the substrate 100, the light emitting structure layer of the display panel may include a plurality of light emitting units 303 arranged regularly, and the plurality of light emitting units 303 may constitute a plurality of sub-pixel rows and a plurality of sub-pixel columns. The sub-pixel rows may include a plurality of light emitting units 303 sequentially arranged along a first direction, and the sub-pixel columns may include a plurality of light emitting units 303 sequentially arranged along a second direction. Both the first direction and the second direction are parallel to the substrate 100, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of light emitting units 303 may include a red light emitting unit emitting red light, a blue light emitting unit emitting blue light, and a green light emitting unit emitting green light. The red light emitting units, blue light emitting units, and green light emitting units in each sub-pixel row may be periodically arranged in the first direction. The red light emitting units, blue light emitting units, and green light emitting units in odd sub-pixel rows and even sub-pixel rows are staggered, and six light emitting units share a surrounding light emitting unit to form a Delta pixel arrangement. The Delta pixel arrangement has the characteristic of a large pixel aperture ratio. However, it is not limited thereto, and the plurality of light emitting units 303 may form a Magic pixel arrangement, etc. In each sub-pixel row, there is a spacer column 401 between two adjacent light-emitting units 303 , so that a plurality of spacer columns 401 are evenly arranged in an array in a direction parallel to the substrate 100 .

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the spacer column 401 and the pixel definition layer 301 may be made of the same material, and the spacer column 401 and the pixel definition layer 301 are in the same layer, and the spacer column 401 and the pixel definition layer 301 may include polyimide or acrylic, etc. The pixel definition layer 301 is provided with a pixel opening (not shown in the figure), and the above-mentioned light-emitting units 303 are arranged one by one corresponding to the pixel openings. The spacer column 401 may be arranged staggered with the pixel openings, that is, the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the pixel opening on the substrate 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the spacer column 401 and the pixel definition layer 301 may be formed simultaneously by a patterning process of a half-tone mask, that is, the pattern formed by the patterning process of the half-tone mask includes the spacer column 401 and the pixel openings.

[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cross section of the spacer column 401 may be a rectangle, and the cross section of the spacer column 401 may be a cross section of the spacer column 401 on a plane parallel to the substrate 100, but is not limited thereto. The cross section of the spacer column 401 may be a regular shape such as a rhombus, a trapezoid, a parallelogram, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or an irregular shape. The groove 302 may be formed by the end surface of the pixel definition layer 301 away from the substrate 100 being recessed toward the substrate 100. The groove 302 may be formed synchronously with the spacer column 401 and the pixel definition layer 301 through the patterning process of the half-tone mask, that is, the pattern formed in the patterning process of the half-tone mask includes the groove 302 in addition to the spacer column 401 and the pixel opening. The groove depth of the groove 302 may be the maximum dimension of the groove 302 in the third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the substrate.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the groove 302 extends on a plane parallel to the substrate 100, and the groove 302 is located at the outer periphery of the spacer column 401 and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401. The circumferential edge of the spacer column 401 may be the outer edge of the spacer column 401 in a direction parallel to the substrate 100. The groove 302 may be in a ring shape. On the basis that the cross section of the spacer column 401 is rectangular, the groove 302 may be a rectangular ring surrounding the spacer column 401, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the cross section of the spacer column 401 is rhombus-shaped, the groove 302 may be a rhombus-shaped ring surrounding the spacer column 401; for another example, when the cross section of the spacer column 401 is trapezoidal, the groove 302 may be a trapezoidal ring surrounding the spacer column 401; for another example, when the cross section of the spacer column 401 is hexagonal, the groove 302 may be a hexagonal ring surrounding the spacer column 401.

[0099] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another display panel of the present exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the groove width of the groove 302 may be a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove 302 and parallel to the substrate 100. In some exemplary embodiments, the extension direction of a portion of the groove 302 is the second direction, and the groove width of the portion of the groove 302 may be the dimension of the groove 302 in the first direction. In some exemplary embodiments, the groove width of the groove 302 may be d, wherein 0.5μm≤d≤1.5μm. In some exemplary embodiments, the groove width of the groove 302 is constant along the third direction, and the groove width of the groove 302 at one end close to the substrate 100 is equal to the groove width of the groove 302 at one end away from the substrate 100. In this example, d=1μm, which can effectively prevent the spacer column 401 from collapsing without affecting the arrangement of other components, and is convenient for processing and forming, but is not limited to this, for example, d=0.8μm, or d=1.5μm, or d=1.2μm. As Figure 6 As shown, the groove width of the groove 302 gradually decreases along the direction close to the substrate 100, so that the cross section of the groove 302 can be an inverted trapezoid, but is not limited thereto. For example, the groove wall of the groove 302 can be an arc, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the cross-section of the groove 302 may be semi-elliptical.

[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the groove depth of the groove 302 is set to h, and the groove depth of the groove 302 may be the maximum dimension of the groove 302 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (the third direction). In some exemplary embodiments, the value of h may be 0.1 μm to 0.8 μm. The thickness of the pixel definition layer 301 is set to H, and the thickness of the pixel definition layer 301 may be the maximum dimension of the pixel definition layer 301 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (the third direction), wherein 1 / 5≤h / H≤3 / 4. The minimum distance between the end of the groove 302 close to the substrate 100 and the end surface of the pixel definition layer 301 close to the substrate 100 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 is set to h3, and h3≥0.5 μm. The groove 302 does not penetrate the pixel definition layer 301 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (the third direction), but is not limited thereto, and the groove 302 may penetrate the pixel definition layer 301 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (the third direction).

[0101] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of a display panel according to this exemplary embodiment, Fig. 9 for Figure 8 In the BB cross-sectional diagram, in some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the light-emitting unit 303 of the light-emitting structure layer may form a Magic pixel arrangement, and the light-emitting unit 303 of the light-emitting structure layer may include a first electrode 304, and the first electrode 304 may be located on a side of the pixel definition layer 301 close to the substrate 100, and the first electrode 304 and the pixel opening 305 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the pixel opening 305 may expose a portion of the first electrode 304. The orthographic projection of the spacer column 401 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, and the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, and the groove 302 is surrounded in a ring.

[0102] Fig.10 is another schematic diagram of a display panel according to this exemplary embodiment, Fig.11 for Fig.10 Schematic diagram of CC section, Fig.12 for Fig.11 Schematic diagram of projection on the substrate in, in some exemplary embodiments, as Figures 10 to 12 As shown, one end of the first electrode 304 may extend to the side of the partition column 401 close to the substrate 100, so that the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the partition column 401 on the substrate 100. The groove 302 is staggered with the first electrode 304 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (i.e., the third direction), that is, the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100.

[0103] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the cross section of the spacer column 401 may be rectangular, and the groove 302 extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401 and forms a semi-enclosed figure. In this example, the groove 302 may extend from point a of the pixel definition layer 301 along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401 to point b of the pixel definition layer 301, and the groove 302 may be surrounded in a C shape, so that the groove 302 is not surrounded in a ring. The pixel definition layer 301 is not provided with a groove 302 between point a and point b, and the portion of the pixel definition layer 301 between point a and point b is the middle portion 306, and one end of the first electrode 304 may be arranged corresponding to the middle portion 306 in the third direction, so that the first electrode 304 is staggered with the groove 302 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (i.e., the third direction).

[0104] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 10 to 12As shown, the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100 includes a first projection s1, and the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100 includes a second projection s2. The second projection s2 may be a semi-enclosed figure with an opening 307. In this example, the semi-enclosed figure may be C-shaped, and the position of the opening 307 may correspond to the above-mentioned middle portion 306 in the third direction. One end of the first projection s1 may be located within the orthographic projection of the spacer column 401 on the substrate 100, and the other end of the first projection s1 extends from the opening 307 along the first direction to the semi-enclosed figure surrounded by the second projection s2, so that the second projection s2 and the first projection s1 do not overlap.

[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 10 to 12 As shown, there are multiple spacer columns 401, and the cross-sections of the multiple spacer columns 401 are the same and rectangular, and all the grooves 302 extend along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401 to form a C shape, so that the outer contours of all the spacer columns 401 are the same, and the shapes formed by all the grooves 302 are also the same. However, it is not limited to this, for example, the outer contours of the multiple spacer columns 401 are also different, and the shapes formed by the multiple grooves 302 are also different.

[0106] Fig.13 is another schematic diagram of a display panel of the exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.13As shown, the plurality of spacer columns 401 may include a first spacer column 401-1 and a second partition column 401-2, the outer contours of the first spacer column 401-1 and the second partition column 401-2 are consistent, and the cross-sections of the first spacer column 401-1 and the second partition column 401-2 are the same and both are rectangular. The groove 302 at the periphery of the first spacer column 401-1 may be the first groove 302-1, and the groove 302 at the periphery of the second partition column 401-2 may be the second groove 302-2. The first groove 302-1 extends along the circumferential edge of the first spacer column 401-1 and forms a semi-enclosed figure, and the orthographic projection of the first spacer column 401-1 on the substrate 100 may overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, and the first groove 302-1 may be staggered with the first electrode 304 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (the third direction), and the orthographic projection of the first groove 302-1 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100. The second groove 302-2 extends along the circumferential edge of the second spacer column 401-2 and forms a rectangular ring, so that the figures enclosed by the second groove 302-2 and the first groove 302-1 are inconsistent. The orthographic projection of the second spacer column 401-2 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, and the second groove 302-2 may be staggered from the first electrode 304 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (the third direction), and the orthographic projection of the second groove 302-2 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100.

[0107] Fig.14 is another schematic diagram of a display panel according to this exemplary embodiment, Fig.15 for Fig.14 DD section diagram, Fig.16 for Fig.14 In the locally enlarged schematic diagram at E in some exemplary embodiments, as Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100 may overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100. Because the electrode material of the first electrode 304 has a strong light-reflecting effect, the exposure amount at the groove 302 overlapping with the first electrode 304 is greater than the exposure amount at the groove 302 not overlapping with the first electrode 304. When the groove 302 overlapping with the first electrode 304 is formed, it may be cut through. If it is cut through, there is a risk of color mixing. In some exemplary embodiments, the groove width of the overlapping portion of the groove 302 and the first electrode 304 can be narrowed accordingly to avoid the situation of cutting through.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 14 to 16As shown, the cross section of the spacer column 401 may be rectangular, and the groove 302 includes a first groove 302-1 and a second groove 302-2 connected end to end, and the first groove 302-1 and the second groove 302-2 together form a ring. In this example, the second groove 302-2 may extend from point c of the pixel definition layer 301 along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401 to point f of the pixel definition layer 301, and the second groove 302-2 may form a semi-enclosed pattern. The first groove 302-1 may also extend from point c of the pixel definition layer 301 along the circumferential edge of the spacer column 401 to point f of the pixel definition layer 301, so that the first groove 302-1 may be a groove body extending along the second direction.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the groove width of the first groove 302-1 is set to d1, and the groove width of the second groove 302-2 is set to d2. The groove width of the second groove 302-2 is smaller than the groove width of the first groove 302-1, that is, d1<d2, so as to prevent the second groove 302-2 from cutting through the pixel definition layer 301. In some exemplary embodiments, d1≤0.8μm, in this example, d1=0.5μm, but not limited thereto, for example, d1=0.6μm, or d1=0.7μm, or d1=0.9μm. The groove depth of the first groove 302-1 is set to h1, and the groove depth of the second groove 302-2 is set to h2. The groove depth of the second groove 302-2 is greater than the groove depth of the first groove 302-1, that is, h1>h2. The groove depth of the first groove 302-1 may be the maximum dimension of the first groove 302-1 in the third direction, and the groove depth of the second groove 302-2 may be the maximum dimension of the second groove 302-2 in the third direction.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 14 to 16As shown, the plurality of spacer columns 401 may include a first spacer column 401-1 and a second partition column 401-2, the outer contours of the first spacer column 401-1 and the second partition column 401-2 are consistent, and the cross-sections of the first spacer column 401-1 and the second partition column 401-2 are the same and both are rectangular. The orthographic projection of the first spacer column 401-1 on the substrate 100 may overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, and the orthographic projection of the second spacer column 401-2 on the substrate 100 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100. The grooves 302 on the periphery of the first spacer column 401-1 may include a first groove 302-1 and a second groove 302-2 in an annular shape, and the grooves 302 on the periphery of the second spacer column 401-2 may be an annular groove with a uniform groove width, so that the shapes of the plurality of grooves 302 are different, a portion of the grooves 302 have a first groove 302-1 and a second groove 302-2, and another portion of the grooves 302 have a groove width d at all locations in the circumferential direction. However, this is not limited thereto, for example, all the grooves 302 may have a first groove 302-1 and a second groove 302-2.

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the orthographic projection of the first groove 302-1 on the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, the second groove 302-2 can be staggered with the first electrode 304 in the third direction, and the orthographic projection of the second groove 302-2 on the substrate 100 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100.

[0112] Fig.17 is another schematic diagram of a display panel according to this exemplary embodiment, Fig.18 for Fig.17 Schematic diagram of the first electrode in some exemplary embodiments, as Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the orthographic projection of at least one groove 302 on the substrate 100 may overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode 304 on the substrate 100, the plurality of first electrodes 304 include at least one first electrode unit 308, the plurality of grooves 302 include at least one first groove 302-1, and the orthographic projection of the first groove 302-1 on the substrate 100 may overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode unit 308 on the substrate 100. In some exemplary embodiments, in order to prevent the groove 302 from engraving through the pixel definition layer 301, the overlapping portion of the first electrode 304 and the groove 302 may be narrowed, and the overlapping area of ​​the first electrode 304 and the groove 302 is reduced.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.17 and Fig.18As shown, the first electrode 304 includes a first segment 304-1 and a second segment 304-2 sequentially arranged along the first direction, the first segment 304-1 and the second segment 304-2 both extend along the first direction, and the second segment 304-2 may be located on a side of the first segment 304-1 close to the spacer column 401 in the first direction. The orthographic projection of the first segment 304-1 on the substrate 100 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100, and the orthographic projection of the second segment 304-2 on the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the groove 302 on the substrate 100. The width of the first segment 304-1 is set to the minimum dimension of the first segment 304-1 in the second direction, and the width of the second segment 304-2 is set to the minimum dimension of the second segment 304-2 in the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the substrate 100, wherein the width of the first segment 304-1 is L1, and the width of the second segment 304-2 is L2. The width of the second segment 304-2 is smaller than the width of the first segment 304-1, that is, L1>L2.

[0114] In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the first electrode 304 further includes a third segment 304-3, which may be located on a side of the second segment 304-2 away from the first segment 304-1, and the orthographic projection of the third segment 304-3 on the substrate 100 may overlap with the orthographic projection of the spacer column 401 on the substrate 100. The width of the third segment 304-3 is set to be the minimum dimension of the third segment 304-3 in the second direction, wherein the width of the second segment 304-2 is L2, the width of the third segment 304-3 is L3, and the width of the second segment 304-2 is smaller than the width of the third segment 304-3, that is, L3>L2.

[0115] Fig.19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a spacer column of this exemplary embodiment, Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another spacer column of this exemplary embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.19 As shown, the spacer column 401 can extend along the first direction, and the spacer column 401 has protrusions 404 protruding toward the second direction at both ends of the first direction, so that the cross section of the spacer column 401 is H-shaped instead of rectangular, so that the spacer column 401 flows with the material during the curing process, but the spacer column 401 can still maintain a good shape and height. But not limited to this, for example Fig. 20 As shown, the spacer column 401 has notches 405 at the four corners, so that the cross section of the spacer column 401 is no longer rectangular, but forms a "+" shape, which can also enable the spacer column 401 to maintain a good shape and height after the curing process.

[0116] The following is an exemplary description of the preparation process of the display panel. The "patterning process" mentioned in the present disclosure includes processes such as coating photoresist, mask exposure, development, etching, and stripping photoresist for metal materials, inorganic materials, or transparent conductive materials, and includes processes such as coating organic materials, mask exposure, and development for organic materials. Deposition can be any one or more of sputtering, evaporation, and chemical vapor deposition, coating can be any one or more of spraying, spin coating, and inkjet printing, and etching can be any one or more of dry etching and wet etching, which are not limited in the present disclosure. "Thin film" refers to a layer of thin film made of a certain material on a substrate 100 by deposition, coating, or other processes. If the "thin film" does not require a patterning process during the entire production process, the "thin film" can also be called a "layer". If the "thin film" requires a patterning process during the entire production process, it is called a "thin film" before the patterning process and a "layer" after the patterning process. The "layer" after the patterning process contains at least one "pattern". The "A and B are arranged in the same layer" mentioned in the present disclosure means that A and B are formed simultaneously through the same patterning process, and the "thickness" of the film layer is the size of the film layer in the direction perpendicular to the display panel. In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, "the orthographic projection of B is within the range of the orthographic projection of A" or "the orthographic projection of A includes the orthographic projection of B" means that the boundary of the orthographic projection of B falls within the boundary of the orthographic projection of A, or the boundary of the orthographic projection of A overlaps with the boundary of the orthographic projection of B.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, a process of preparing a display panel may include the following steps.

[0118] Step 1: forming a circuit structure layer on a substrate.

[0119] The circuit structure layer process is completed to form a pixel driving circuit, which may include a transistor and a capacitor. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate 100, or may be a flexible substrate 100. The rigid substrate 100 may be made of materials such as glass or quartz, and the flexible substrate 100 may be made of materials such as polyimide (PI). The flexible substrate 100 may be a single-layer structure, or may be a laminated structure composed of an inorganic material layer and a flexible material layer, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0120] Step 2: forming an anode (ie, a first electrode).

[0121] A conductive film is deposited on the substrate 100 formed with the pattern in the previous step, and the conductive film is patterned by a patterning process to form an anode electrode layer pattern. The anode electrode layer pattern of each sub-pixel may include at least a first electrode.

[0122] The conductive film can be made of metal material, transparent conductive material or a multilayer composite structure of metal material and transparent conductive material. The metal material can include any one or more of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo), or alloy materials of the above metals. The transparent conductive material can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The multilayer composite structure can be ITO / Al / ITO, etc.

[0123] Step 3: Forming pixel definition layers and spacer columns.

[0124] A pixel definition film is coated on the substrate 100 with the aforementioned pattern formed thereon, and the pixel definition film is patterned by a patterning process to form a pixel definition layer 301 and spacer columns 304. The pixel definition layer 301 is provided with a pixel opening, and the pixel definition film in the pixel opening is removed to expose the surface of the first electrode.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the pixel definition film may include polyimide or acrylic, etc. The patterning process may be a patterning process of a half tone mask, and the patterning process forms a first pattern, and the first pattern includes a pixel opening, a spacer column 401 and a groove 302. The patterning process may include first coating a photoresist on the pixel definition film; then, exposing using an optical proximity correction technology (OPC), which is beneficial for maintaining the shape and height of the spacer column 401; then, developing and etching in sequence.

[0126] Subsequently, an organic light emitting layer located in each sub-pixel is formed on the substrate 100 on which the first pattern is formed by evaporation or inkjet printing, and the organic light emitting layer is connected to the first electrode through the pixel opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light emitting layer may include a light emitting layer (EML), and any one or more of the following: a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron blocking layer (EBL), a hole blocking layer (HBL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, the organic light-emitting layer may be prepared in the following manner: first, an open mask (OPM) evaporation process or an inkjet printing process is used to sequentially form a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and an electron blocking layer, and a common layer of the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, and the electron blocking layer is formed on the display panel. Subsequently, a fine metal mask (FMM) evaporation process or an inkjet printing process is used to form different light-emitting layers in different sub-pixels, and the light-emitting layers of adjacent sub-pixels may have a small amount of overlap (for example, the overlapping portion occupies less than 10% of the area of ​​each light-emitting layer pattern), or may be isolated. Subsequently, an open mask evaporation process or an inkjet printing process is used to sequentially form a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer, and a common layer of the hole blocking layer, the electron transport layer, and the electron injection layer is formed on the display panel.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the organic light-emitting layer may include a microcavity adjustment layer so that the thickness of the organic light-emitting layer between the cathode and the anode meets the design of the microcavity length. In some exemplary embodiments, a hole transport layer, an electron blocking layer, a hole blocking layer or an electron transport layer may be used as the microcavity adjustment layer, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0129] Subsequently, a cathode pattern is formed by evaporation using an open mask. In some exemplary embodiments, the cathode material may be any one or more of magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and lithium (Li), or an alloy made of any one or more of the above metals. At this point, the light-emitting structure layer pattern is prepared, and the encapsulation structure layer, optical structure layer and cover plate are subsequently formed to obtain a display panel.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, a display device includes the above-mentioned display panel. The display device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to electronic devices, which can be mobile phones, tablet computers, televisions, monitors, laptop computers, digital photo frames, navigators, car displays, wearable devices, and any products or components with display functions, such as smart watches, smart bracelets, smart glasses, smart headphones, smart clothing, head-mounted displays, etc.

[0131] In some exemplary embodiments, a method for preparing a display panel includes:

[0132] A light-emitting structure layer and a plurality of spacer columns are formed on a substrate, wherein the light-emitting structure layer is arranged on the substrate, and the light-emitting structure layer includes a pixel definition layer; the plurality of spacer columns are located on a side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate; a groove is provided on an end surface of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate, the groove is located on the periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column, and the groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate.

[0133] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0134] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features.

[0135] In the description of the present application, “plurality” means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0136] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0137] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being “above”, “above”, and “above” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being “below”, “below”, and “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0138] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0139] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: include: substrate; A light emitting structure layer is disposed on the substrate, wherein the light emitting structure layer includes a pixel definition layer; A plurality of spacer columns are located on a side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate; A groove is provided on the end surface of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate. The groove is located at the periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column. The groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The groove width of the groove is set to d, 0.5 μm≤d≤1.5 μm.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that: d=1μm.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light emitting structure layer comprises a first electrode, the first electrode is located on a side of the pixel definition layer close to the substrate, and the pixel definition layer is provided with a pixel opening for exposing the first electrode; An orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the pixel opening on the substrate.

5. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate is arranged not to overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate, and the groove is in a ring shape.

7. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate; The orthographic projection of the groove on the base is arranged to be a semi-enclosed figure with an opening; The orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate includes a first projection, one end of which is located within the orthographic projection of the spacer column on the substrate, and the other end of which extends out of the semi-enclosed figure from the opening.

8. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The groove comprises a first groove and a second groove connected end to end, and the first groove and the second groove together form a ring; The orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second groove on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate; The groove width of the first groove is set to d1, and the groove width of the second groove is set to d2, d1<d2.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that: d1≤0.8μm.

10. The display panel according to claim 8, characterized in that: The groove depth of the first groove is set to h1, and the groove depth of the second groove is set to h2, where h1>h2.

11. The display panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first electrode comprises a first segment and a second segment arranged in sequence along a first direction, the orthographic projection of the first segment on the substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate, the orthographic projection of the second segment on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the groove on the substrate, and the first direction is parallel to the substrate; The width of the first segment is L1, the width of the second segment is L2, and L1>L2; The width of the first segment is set to be the minimum dimension of the first segment in a second direction, and the width of the second segment is set to be the minimum dimension of the second segment in the second direction, wherein the second direction is parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The cross section of the spacer column is configured to be H-shaped or cross-shaped.

13. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The groove width of the groove gradually decreases along a direction approaching the substrate.

14. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The groove depth of the groove is set to h, the thickness of the pixel definition layer is set to H, and 1 / 5≤h / H≤3 / 4.

15. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The minimum distance between one end of the groove close to the substrate and the end surface of the pixel definition layer close to the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is set to h3, and h3≥0.5 μm.

16. A method for preparing a display panel, characterized in that: include: forming a light emitting structure layer and a plurality of spacer columns on a substrate, wherein the light emitting structure layer is disposed on the substrate, and the light emitting structure layer includes a pixel definition layer; The multiple spacer columns are located on a side of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate; a groove is provided on the end surface of the pixel definition layer away from the substrate, the groove is located on the outer periphery of the spacer column and extends along the circumferential edge of the spacer column, and the groove is configured to prevent the spacer column from collapsing in a direction parallel to the substrate.

17. The method for manufacturing a display panel according to claim 16, characterized in that: The step of forming a light emitting structure layer and a plurality of spacer columns on a substrate comprises: depositing a pixel definition film; A first pattern is simultaneously formed on the pixel definition film by using a patterning process of a half-tone mask, wherein the first pattern includes the plurality of spacer columns and the grooves.

18. The method for preparing a display panel according to claim 17, characterized in that: The pixel definition film is subjected to a patterning process using a half-tone mask to simultaneously form a first pattern, wherein the first pattern includes the plurality of spacer columns and the groove, including: coating a photoresist on the pixel definition film; Exposure is performed using optical proximity correction technology.

19. A display device, characterized in that: Comprising the display panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images