Display panel, preparation method thereof and display device

Abstract

The invention provides a display panel, a preparation method thereof and a display device. The display panel comprises a substrate, a pixel defining layer, a light emitting device, an auxiliary electrode and an isolation structure. A first groove is formed in the side, away from the substrate, of the pixel limiting layer, and a protruding structure is formed between the first groove and the pixel opening at intervals. The light emitting device includes a first electrode, a light emitting layer, and a second electrode stacked in this order on a substrate. The auxiliary electrode is at least partially located in the first groove and is connected with the second electrode. The isolation structure is located in the first groove in the pixel limiting block and arranged on the side, away from the pixel limiting layer, of the auxiliary electrode, and a second groove is jointly formed between the side face of the isolation structure and the side face of the first groove. Normal display of the display panel can be ensured, and the problem of insufficient packaging of the isolation structure can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of display technologies, and particularly to a display panel, a preparation method thereof, and a display device. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, the mainstream method for mass-producing traditional display panels is vacuum evaporation, and the fine metal mask (FMM) evaporation process is the mainstream process of vacuum evaporation technology. However, due to the influence of FMM materials, there are still many limitations in the actual application of the FMM evaporation process. Therefore, the display panel field has started to adopt the FMM-free process, that is, using the lithography process to replace the FMM evaporation process, and forming pixels in the display panel through exposure and etching to improve the pixel density and aperture ratio. Currently, the FMM-free process mainly interrupts the pixel light-emitting material by designing an isolation structure. Therefore, different from the common electrode formed in the traditional process, in the FMM-free process, the electrode on the side of the light-emitting material layer away from the substrate will also be interrupted, thus affecting normal display. In addition, due to the concave structural characteristics of the sidewalls of the isolation structure in the display panel due to the undercut area, it is also easy to cause insufficient encapsulation of the encapsulation layer at the concave parts of the sidewalls of the isolation structure, resulting in encapsulation failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aiming at the shortcomings of the related technologies, the present application provides a display panel, a preparation method thereof, and a display device, so as to solve the problems of electrode electrical connection failure of the display panel and encapsulation failure of the display panel in the FMM-free process of the related technologies.

[0004] An embodiment of the present application provides a display panel, including a substrate, a pixel defining layer, a light-emitting device, an auxiliary electrode, and an isolation structure. Among them, the pixel defining layer is located on the substrate and is used to define a plurality of pixel openings and pixel defining blocks located outside the pixel openings on the substrate; a first groove is provided on the side of the pixel defining block away from the substrate, and a raised structure is formed at an interval between the first groove and the pixel opening; the light-emitting device includes a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode that are sequentially stacked on the substrate; the auxiliary electrode is at least partially located in the first groove and is connected to the second electrode; the isolation structure is located in the first groove on the pixel defining block and is disposed on the side of the auxiliary electrode away from the pixel defining layer, and a second groove is jointly formed between the side surface of the isolation structure and the side surface of the first groove.

[0005] In this embodiment, a first groove is provided on the pixel defining block of the display panel, and a raised structure is formed in the spaced area between the pixel opening and the first groove. A hook-shaped structure with a height difference is formed between the raised structure and the first groove. On the one hand, the first groove can promote the inflow of the encapsulation layer material into the second groove, so as to fill the gap between the isolation structure and the second electrode in the laterally etched area of the isolation structure, thereby improving the insufficient encapsulation. On the other hand, the raised structure can promote the accumulation of the encapsulation layer material in the second groove of the isolation structure, so that the encapsulation layer material can more easily fill the lateral gap, making up for the possible insufficient encapsulation on the side of the isolation structure caused by lateral etching in the related art. Moreover, the second groove can also promote the smooth connection between the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode.

[0006] In addition, the hook-shaped structure jointly formed between the raised structure and the first groove can fix the position of the encapsulation layer material, prevent the encapsulation layer from shifting in the substrate extension direction, which may cause encapsulation failure, and reduce the risk of encapsulation layer peeling.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least a part of the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are both located on the side of the raised structure away from the substrate, and at least a part of the auxiliary electrode is covered by the second electrode;

[0008] Or, at least a part of the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are both located in the second groove, and at least a part of the auxiliary electrode is covered by the second electrode.

[0009] In one embodiment, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer is located on the side of the light-emitting device away from the substrate and at least partially fills the second groove, and at least a part of the encapsulation layer located in the second groove covers the second electrode and / or the auxiliary electrode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the side of each isolation structure away from the substrate is at least partially covered by two light-emitting materials, and the light-emitting materials are at least partially covered by the second electrode material.

[0011] In one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the raised structure on the substrate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the isolation structure has a first end face facing the pixel definition layer and a second end face facing away from the pixel definition layer, wherein the projected area of the first end face on the substrate is smaller than the projected area of the first groove on the substrate; the projected area of the second end face on the substrate is larger than the projected area of the first groove on the substrate; the distance between the side face of the protruding structure on the side away from the isolation structure and the center of the isolation structure is greater than the distance between the edge of the second end face and the center of the isolation structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the isolation structure includes a first isolation portion and a second isolation portion stacked in sequence on the substrate. The projected area of the first isolation portion on the substrate is located within the projected area of the second isolation portion on the substrate and the projected area of the first isolation portion on the substrate is smaller than the projected area of the second isolation portion on the substrate. The side face of the first isolation portion and the side face of the first groove together form the second groove. The projected area of the second isolation portion on the substrate is larger than the projected area of the first groove on the substrate; in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, there is a spacing height difference between the side of the second electrode facing away from the substrate and the side of the second isolation portion close to the substrate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the spacing height difference is greater than or equal to the width of the second groove in the direction parallel to the substrate.

[0015] In one embodiment, in the direction parallel to the substrate, the width difference between the edge of the first isolation portion and the edge extending in the same direction of the second isolation portion is less than 1 μm.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the light-emitting layer in each light-emitting device is smaller than the width of the second electrode, and the second electrode at least partially covers the light-emitting layer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the projected area of the light-emitting layer on the substrate is located within the projected area of the second electrode on the substrate.

[0018] In one embodiment, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, the included angle between the side face of the first groove and the bottom face of the first groove is α, and 120° ≤ α ≤ 150°.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distance between the side of the auxiliary electrode close to the substrate and the substrate is greater than or equal to the distance between the side of the first electrode away from the substrate and the substrate.

[0020] The present application also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, including:

[0021] A substrate, including a pixel region and a non-pixel region located outside the pixel region, forming a first electrode in the pixel region of the substrate;

[0022] Forming a pixel defining layer on the substrate, the pixel defining layer in the pixel region covering the first electrode, and a first groove being formed on a side of the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region facing away from the substrate;

[0023] Forming an auxiliary electrode on the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region;

[0024] Sequentially forming a first isolation layer and a second isolation layer on the pixel defining layer;

[0025] Sequentially patterning the second isolation layer, the first isolation layer, and the pixel defining layer to form a pixel opening in the pixel region and at least partially expose the first electrode, and at least partially expose the auxiliary electrode in the first groove; a raised structure is formed at an interval between the pixel opening and the first groove; a second groove is jointly formed between a side surface of the first isolation layer and a side surface of at least one of the first grooves;

[0026] Covering a light-emitting layer, a second electrode, and a packaging layer on a side of the first electrode facing away from the substrate in sequence, the light-emitting layer and the second electrode both being at least partially located in the pixel opening, the second electrode being in contact with the auxiliary electrode, and there being a spacing height difference between the second electrode and the second isolation layer in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, and the packaging layer at least partially filling the second groove.

[0027] In one embodiment, in a direction parallel to the substrate, the light-emitting layer includes a first light-emitting layer or a second light-emitting layer or a third light-emitting layer arranged in an array, the pixel opening is used to accommodate the first light-emitting layer or the second light-emitting layer or the third light-emitting layer, and the light rays emitted by the first light-emitting layer, the second light-emitting layer, and the third light-emitting layer have different colors.

[0028] In one embodiment, a projection area of the auxiliary electrode on the substrate in a positive projection is larger than a projection area of the first groove on the substrate in a positive projection, and the second electrode at least partially covers the auxiliary electrode.

[0029] In one embodiment, the forming a pixel defining layer on the substrate, the pixel defining layer in the pixel region covering the first electrode, and a first groove being formed on a side of the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region facing away from the substrate specifically includes:

[0030] Form a first pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region of the first electrode through a first photomask template;

[0031] Form a second pixel defining layer in the pixel region on the side of the first pixel defining layer facing away from the first electrode through a second photomask template, and form a first groove in the non-pixel region of the second pixel defining layer;

[0032] Alternatively, form a pixel defining layer on the substrate through a semi-transmissive mask template. The pixel defining layer in the pixel region covers the first electrode, and a first groove is formed on the side of the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region facing away from the substrate.

[0033] This application also provides a display device, including a display panel as described in the foregoing embodiments or a display panel prepared by the preparation method of the display panel as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0034] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be given in part in the following description, will become apparent from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of this application. Description of the Drawings

[0035] The drawings here are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of this specification, showing embodiments consistent with this application, and are used together with the specification to explain the principles of this application.

[0036] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of a display panel in the related art;

[0037] Figure 2 Shown is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of a display panel provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 Shown is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of another display panel provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 Shown is a schematic diagram of the film layer structure of yet another display panel provided by an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figures 5 to 20 Schematic diagrams of the structural film layers and layout diagrams of each step of the preparation methods of two display panels provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0041] In the figure: 1 - substrate; 2 - pixel defining layer; 2a - first pixel defining layer; 2b - second pixel defining layer; 21 - pixel defining block; 211 - first groove; 212 - protruding structure; 2111 - second groove; 201 - pixel opening; 3 - light emitting device; 31 - first electrode; 32 - light emitting layer; 32a - light emitting material; 321 - first light emitting layer; 322 - second light emitting layer; 323 - third light emitting layer; 33 - second electrode; 33a - second electrode material; 4 - auxiliary electrode; 5 - isolation structure; 5a - first end face; 5b - second end face; 51 - first isolation part (first isolation layer); 52 - second isolation part (second isolation layer); 6 - encapsulation layer; PA - pixel region; NPA - non - pixel region. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] Here, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and examples thereof are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0043] The terms used in the present application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] It should be understood that when describing the structure of a component, when a layer or a region is referred to as being "above" or "over" another layer or another region, it may mean directly above the other layer or another region, or there may be other layers or regions between it and the other layer or another region. And if the component is flipped, this layer or region will be "below" or "beneath" the other layer or another region.

[0045] Research findings show that, as Figure 1As shown, in the related art, the display panel designs an isolation structure 5 through a maskless FMM encapsulation process to interrupt the light-emitting material to form a light-emitting device 3 (pixel). However, this also causes the second electrode 33 on the side of the light-emitting layer 32 away from the substrate 1 to be interrupted and unable to display normally. Therefore, an auxiliary electrode 4 needs to be designed to electrically connect the second electrodes 33 on the side of the light-emitting layer 32 away from the substrate 1. However, the isolation structure 5 in the maskless FMM process is usually composed of a main body part (body) and a roof part (roof) (i.e., the first isolation part 51 and the second isolation part 52) stacked on the substrate 1 in sequence. The first isolation part 51 of the isolation structure 5 is prone to form a recessed area A due to lateral etching (undercut). In addition, the second isolation part 52 laterally protrudes with a certain width in the extending direction of the substrate 1. Therefore, the second isolation part 52 has a certain blocking effect on the encapsulation layer 6 covering the substrate 1, resulting in a weak area on the side of the first isolation part 51 of the isolation structure 5, that is, the recessed area A generated by the encapsulation layer 6, which further easily causes cracks. In addition, it may also cause the auxiliary electrode 4 and the second electrode 33 to fail to be smoothly lapped. Moreover, if there is a weak encapsulation area in the encapsulation layer 6, the water vapor remaining in the subsequent etching process and inkjet printing process (IJP, Ink-jet Printing) may enter the light-emitting layer 32 along the boundary of the encapsulation layer 6, posing a risk of causing the light-emitting device 3 to fail.

[0046] The display panel, its manufacturing method, and the display device provided by this application aim to solve the above technical problems in the related art.

[0047] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the display panel, its manufacturing method, and the display device in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail. Without conflict, the features in the following embodiments can be supplemented or combined with each other.

[0048] An embodiment of this application provides a display panel, as Figure 2 shown, including a substrate 1, a pixel defining layer 2, a light-emitting device 3, an auxiliary electrode 4, and an isolation structure 5. Among them, the pixel defining layer 2 is located on the substrate 1 and is used to define a plurality of pixel openings 201 and pixel defining blocks 21 located outside the pixel openings 201 on the substrate 1; a first groove 211 is provided on the side of the pixel defining block 21 facing away from the substrate 1, and a raised structure 212 is formed at an interval between the first groove 211 and the pixel opening 201; the light-emitting device 3 includes a first electrode 31, a light-emitting layer 32, and a second electrode 33 stacked on the substrate 1 in sequence; at least a part of the auxiliary electrode 4 is located in the first groove 211 and is electrically connected to the second electrode 33; the isolation structure 5 is located in the first groove 211 on the pixel defining block 21 and is disposed on the side of the auxiliary electrode 4 facing away from the pixel defining layer 2, and a second groove 2111 is jointly formed between the side surface of the isolation structure 5 and the side surface of the first groove 211.

[0049] In this embodiment, a first groove 211 is provided on the pixel defining block 21 of the display panel, and a raised structure 212 is formed in the spaced area between the pixel opening 201 and the first groove 211. A hook-shaped structure with a height difference is formed between the raised structure 212 and the first groove 211. On the one hand, the first groove 211 can promote the material of the encapsulation layer 6 to flow into the second groove 2111, so as to fill the gap between the isolation structure 5 and the second electrode 33 in the laterally etched area of the isolation structure 5, thereby improving the insufficient encapsulation. On the other hand, the raised structure 212 can promote the accumulation of the material of the encapsulation layer 6 in the second groove 2111 of the isolation structure 5, so that the material of the encapsulation layer 6 can more easily fill the lateral gap, making up for the defect that the side of the isolation structure 5 may be insufficiently encapsulated caused by lateral etching in the related art. Moreover, the second groove 2111 can also promote the smooth connection between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4.

[0050] In addition, the hook-shaped structure jointly formed between the raised structure 212 and the first groove 211 can fix the position of the encapsulation layer 6, prevent the encapsulation layer 6 formed by the encapsulation layer material from shifting along the extension direction of the substrate 1, thereby causing encapsulation failure, and reducing the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer 6.

[0051] It should be noted that the "side surface" of the isolation structure in this application refers to the surface where the isolation structure intersects with the plane extending from the substrate. For example, when viewed from the direction of the substrate pointing to the isolation structure, the plane on the side of the isolation structure facing the substrate is the bottom surface, and the surface intersecting with the bottom surface is the side surface of the isolation structure. From another perspective, the side surface of the isolation structure can also be understood as the plane extending from the isolation structure along the direction of the substrate pointing to the isolation structure. Further, the definition of the side surface mentioned in the following structures is the same as that of the side surface of the isolation structure, and will not be elaborated later.

[0052] It should be further noted that the substrate 1 in this application is an array substrate, and the array substrate includes a substrate, a pixel driving circuit, a lead structure, and a planarization layer. Among them, the substrate can be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. The material of the rigid substrate can be glass or quartz, and the flexible substrate can be a polymer material, such as polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or graphite. The pixel driving circuit can include a 3T1C, 5T2C, or 7T1C driving circuit formed by multiple thin film transistors and multiple storage capacitors. The lead structure can include data lines and scan lines. Those skilled in the art can design according to actual situations, and this application does not limit here.

[0053] In some embodiments, the light-emitting device 3 may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, or may include a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a white sub-pixel.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 33 have opposite electric polarities. In one example, the first electrode 31 is an anode and the second electrode 33 is a cathode. In another example, the first electrode 31 is a cathode and the second electrode 33 is an anode. Either the first electrode 31 or the second electrode 33 is formed of a semi-transparent electrode, and the other of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 33 is formed of a reflective electrode. When the first electrode 31 is a semi-transparent electrode and the second electrode 33 is a reflective electrode, the display panel is configured to have a bottom-emission structure that emits light downward. When the second electrode 33 is a semi-transparent electrode and the first electrode 31 is a reflective electrode, the display panel is configured to have a top-emission structure that emits light upward. In the present application, the first electrode 31 that is an anode and formed of a reflective electrode and the second electrode 33 that is a cathode and formed of a semi-transparent electrode are taken as examples.

[0055] In some embodiments, the material of the isolation structure 5 is a combination of multiple metals or metal nitrides. Exemplarily, the material of the isolation structure 5 can be Ti (titanium), Al (aluminum), or SiN (silicon nitride).

[0056] In some embodiments, the pixel defining layer 2 is an organic insulating material, which can be PI (polyimide), BCB (benzocyclobutene), and photoresist material.

[0057] In some embodiments, the material of the auxiliary electrode 4 is Mo (molybdenum), Ti (titanium), and ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide).

[0058] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, both the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are at least partially located on the side of the protruding structure 212 away from the substrate 1, and the auxiliary electrode 4 is at least partially covered by the second electrode 33.

[0059] In this embodiment, the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are overlapped on the protruding structure 212, which can prevent the display panel from being unable to display normally due to the breakage of the second electrode 33 located between adjacent light-emitting devices. In addition, when the auxiliary electrode 4 extends to the protruding structure 212, a clamping structure with high sides and a low middle can be formed, so that the auxiliary electrode 4 is fixed by the concave region of the first groove 211, avoiding the displacement of the auxiliary electrode 4 in the horizontal direction, and further reducing the risk of the auxiliary electrode 4 detaching from the display panel.

[0060] In other embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, both the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are at least partially located in the second groove 2111, and the auxiliary electrode 4 is at least partially covered by the second electrode 33.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 in the second groove 2111 are also in an overlapping state. Then, at least a part of the second electrode 33 is located in the second groove 2111. Further, the hook-shaped structure formed by the protrusion structure 212 and the first groove 211 can be used to further fix the position of the second electrode 33, so as to avoid the displacement of the second electrode 33 in the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the risk of the second electrode 33 detaching from the display panel.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown, the display panel further includes a packaging layer 6. The packaging layer 6 is located on the side of the light-emitting device 3 away from the substrate 1 and at least partially fills the second groove 2111. At least a part of the packaging layer 6 located in the second groove 2111 covers the second electrode 33 and / or the auxiliary electrode 4.

[0063] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are located in the second groove 2111, when the packaging layer 6 covers the second electrode 33 or the auxiliary electrode 4, effective packaging and fixing of the light-emitting device 3 in the display panel can be achieved, thereby avoiding packaging failure and improving the yield of the display panel.

[0064] In some embodiments, the packaging layer 6 is an organic packaging layer, an inorganic packaging layer, or a combination of both. The packaging layer 6 can also be a structure formed by multiple packaging materials.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, one side of each isolation structure 5 away from the substrate 1 is at least partially covered by two light-emitting materials 32a, and the light-emitting materials 32a are at least partially covered by the second electrode material 33a.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the non-FMM process is adopted, that is, the disconnection between pixels is realized through the isolation structure 5, the light-emitting materials 32a in adjacent pixels of different colors can be formed on one side of each isolation structure 5 facing away from the substrate 1. And since the second electrode 33 is formed by laying a whole layer of the second electrode material 33a, at least a part of the side of the light-emitting material 32a facing away from the isolation structure 5 will be covered by the second electrode 33.

[0067] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 at least partially coincides with the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure 212 on the substrate 1.

[0068] In this embodiment, the protruding structure 212 can be formed by patterning the pixel defining layer 2 to expose at least a partial area of the first electrode 31 to achieve electrical connection between the light emitting layer 32 and the first electrode 31. In this embodiment, not all of the first electrode 31 is completely exposed, and a partial pixel defining layer 2 still exists on the side of the first electrode 31 facing away from the substrate 1 to at least partially cover the periphery of the first electrode 31, thereby fixing the position of the first electrode 31 and reducing the risk of displacement or detachment of the first electrode 31.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the isolation structure 5 has a first end face 5a facing the pixel defining layer 2 and a second end face 5b facing away from the pixel defining layer 2. Among them, the projected area of the first end face 5a on the substrate 1 is smaller than the projected area of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1; the distance d1 between the side of the protruding structure 212 away from the isolation structure 5 and the center of the isolation structure 5 is greater than the distance d2 between the edge of the second end face 5b and the center of the isolation structure 5.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second end face 5b of the isolation structure 5 facing away from the substrate 1 is larger than the groove face of the first groove 211, which enables the material of the light emitting layer 32 to be smoothly disconnected through the isolation structure 5 to form a plurality of pixels of different colors when the light emitting layer 32 is formed on the display panel, thereby achieving normal display. If the first end face 5a is made smaller than the groove face of the first groove 211, a second groove 2111 can be formed in the area of the first groove 211 other than the first end face 5a. Then, the second groove 2111 can be used to accommodate and stack the materials of the second electrode 33 and the encapsulation layer 6, thereby achieving smooth connection between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 and fully encapsulating and filling the materials of the encapsulation layer 6 on the side of the isolation structure 5 to reduce the risk of display panel failure caused by moisture erosion. Furthermore, if a partial area of the projection of the protruding structure 212 on the substrate 1 is not covered by the projection of the isolation structure 5 on the substrate 1, that is, when viewed along the extension direction of the substrate 1, the protruding structure 212 at least partially protrudes from the edge of the isolation structure 5, then when the second electrode 33 and the encapsulation layer 6 are formed, at least a part of the materials of the second electrode 33 and the encapsulation layer 6 are not blocked by the isolation structure 5 and can thus smoothly cover the protruding structure 212 and accumulate above the protruding structure 212 until they enter the second groove 2111, which helps with the electrical connection between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 and the full encapsulation of the encapsulation layer 6.

[0071] In some embodiments, as Figure 2As shown, the isolation structure 5 includes a first isolation portion 51 and a second isolation portion 52 that are stacked on the substrate 1 in sequence. The orthographic projection of the first isolation portion 51 on the substrate 1 is located within the orthographic projection of the second isolation portion 52 on the substrate 1, and the projection area of the orthographic projection of the first isolation portion 51 on the substrate 1 is smaller than the projection area of the orthographic projection of the second isolation portion 52 on the substrate 1. A second groove 2111 is jointly formed between the side surface of the first isolation portion 51 and the side surface of the first groove 211. The projection area of the orthographic projection of the second isolation portion 52 on the substrate 1 is larger than the projection area of the orthographic projection of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1; in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, there is a spacing height difference Δh between the side of the second electrode 33 facing away from the substrate 1 and the side of the second isolation portion 52 close to the substrate 1.

[0072] In the isolation structure 5 of this embodiment, in the extending direction of the substrate 1, the width x1 of the first isolation portion 51 is smaller than the width x2 of the second isolation portion 52. The second isolation portion 52 forms a roof structure, so that the light-emitting layer 32 is smoothly disconnected to form a plurality of pixels. Further, by making there be a spacing height difference Δh between the second isolation portion 52 and the second electrode 33, the encapsulation layer 6 can smoothly enter the second groove 2111 and fill the drilled area on the side of the isolation structure 5, so as to improve the structural stability and anti-extrusion ability of the second isolation portion in the isolation structure 5.

[0073] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the spacing height difference Δh is greater than or equal to the width d3 of the second groove 2111 in the direction parallel to the substrate 1. In this embodiment, when the encapsulation layer 6 is formed on the side of the light-emitting device 3 facing away from the substrate 1, since the spacing height difference Δh is greater than or equal to the width d3 of the second groove 2111, the encapsulation layer 6 is more likely to quickly enter the second groove 2111 during lateral flow, so that it is more conducive to achieving sufficient filling and encapsulation and avoiding insufficient encapsulation.

[0074] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, in the direction parallel to the substrate 1, the width difference d4 between the edge of the first isolation portion 51 and the edge of the second isolation portion 52 extending in the same direction is less than 1 μm.

[0075] In this embodiment, the horizontal depth d4 of the side etching of the isolation structure 5 is less than 1 μm to ensure the overall stability of the isolation structure 5. And making the horizontal depth of the side etching smaller can avoid the situation that the opening of the second groove 2111 is too large resulting in insufficient encapsulation of the encapsulation layer 6 on the side of the isolation structure 5. In some embodiments, the horizontal depth d4 of the side etching of the isolation structure 5 can be 0.2 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.6 μm, and 0.8 μm.

[0076] In some embodiments, as Figure 3As shown, along the direction parallel to the substrate 1, the width x3 of the light-emitting layer 32 in each light-emitting device 3 is smaller than the width x4 of the second electrode 33, and at least a part of the second electrode 33 covers the light-emitting layer 32. In this embodiment, since the width of the light-emitting layer 32 is smaller than that of the second electrode 33, the second electrode 33 can cover the light-emitting layer 32, thereby preventing the light-emitting layer 32 from being eroded by water vapor, improving the quality of the display panel and extending its service life.

[0077] Specifically, the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer 32 on the substrate 1 is located within the orthographic projection of the second electrode 33 on the substrate 1, so as to achieve the purpose of covering the light-emitting layer 32 with the second electrode.

[0078] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, along the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the included angle between the side surface and the bottom surface of the first groove 211 is α, and 120° ≤ α ≤ 150°.

[0079] In this embodiment, the included angle α between the side surface and the bottom surface of the first groove 211 is an obtuse angle. When the second electrode 33 covers the light-emitting layer 32, a slope with a smaller gradient is formed on the side of the convex structure 212 close to the first groove 211, which helps the second electrode 33 to continuously cover the light-emitting layer 32 and the auxiliary electrode 4. Thus, it can be avoided that the second electrode 33 fails in electrical connection due to too large a step difference and too steep a slope between the convex structure 212 and the first groove 211. In addition, it can also be avoided that the encapsulation layer 6 has an uneven coverage when covering the second electrode 33, which helps the encapsulation layer 6 to evenly cover and fill the side recesses of the isolation structure 5.

[0080] Exemplarily, the included angle α between the side surface and the bottom surface of the first groove 211 is 120°, 130°, 140° or 150°.

[0081] In some embodiments, the distance between the side of the auxiliary electrode 4 close to the substrate 1 and the substrate 1 is greater than or equal to the distance between the side of the first electrode 31 far from the substrate 1 and the substrate 1.

[0082] In this embodiment, a certain height difference is provided between the auxiliary electrode 4 and the first electrode 31 to prevent crosstalk of electrical signals that may occur due to the close distance between the auxiliary electrode 4 and the first electrode 31.

[0083] Based on the same inventive concept, as Figures 5 to 20 shown, the present application also provides a method for manufacturing a display panel, including the following steps:

[0084] Step 100: As Figure 5As shown, the substrate 1 includes a pixel region PA and a non-pixel region NPA located outside the pixel region. A first electrode 31 is formed in the pixel region PA of the substrate;

[0085] Step 200: As Figures 6 to 7 or Figures 8 to 9 shown, a pixel defining layer 2 is formed on the substrate 1. The pixel defining layer 2 in the pixel region PA covers the first electrode 31, and a first groove 211 is formed on the side of the pixel defining layer 2 in the non-pixel region NPA facing away from the substrate 1;

[0086] Step 300: As Figures 10 to 11 shown, an auxiliary electrode 4 is formed on the pixel defining layer 2 in the non-pixel region NPA; It should be noted that Figure 11 is Figure 10 the layout schematic diagram corresponding to the film layer structure schematic diagram. Correspondingly, Figure 10 is Figure 11 the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel in

[0087] Step 400: As Figure 12 shown, a first isolation layer 51 and a second isolation layer 52 are sequentially formed on the pixel defining layer 2;

[0088] Step 500: As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, the second isolation layer 52, the first isolation layer 51, and the pixel defining layer 2 are sequentially patterned to form a pixel opening 201 in the pixel region PA and at least partially expose the first electrode 31, and at least partially expose the auxiliary electrode 4 in the first groove 211; A raised structure 212 is formed at an interval between the pixel opening 201 and the first groove 211; A second groove 2111 is formed jointly between the side surface of the first isolation layer 51 and the side surface of at least one first groove 211; It should be noted that Figure 14 is Figure 13 the layout schematic diagram corresponding to the film layer structure schematic diagram. Correspondingly, Figure 13 is Figure 14 the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel in

[0089] Step 600: As Figures 15 to 18 shown, a light-emitting layer 32, a second electrode 33, and a packaging layer 6 are sequentially covered on the side of the first electrode 31 facing away from the substrate 1. The light-emitting layer 32 and the second electrode 33 are both at least partially located in the pixel opening 201. The second electrode 33 is in contact with the auxiliary electrode 4. In the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, there is a spacing height difference between the second electrode 33 and the second isolation layer 52. The packaging layer 6 at least partially fills the second groove 2111. It should be noted that Figure 16 isFigure 15 The layout schematic diagram corresponding to the schematic diagram of the film layer structure, correspondingly, Figure 15 is Figure 16 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel in [reference] along the dotted line BB as the section line. Similarly, Figure 18 is Figure 17 The layout schematic diagram corresponding to the schematic diagram of the film layer structure, correspondingly, Figure 17 is Figure 18 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel in [reference] along the dotted line BB as the section line.

[0090] The manufacturing method of the display panel provided in this embodiment adopts a non-FMM process. A first groove 211 is formed in the non-pixel area NPA where the isolation structure 5 is located, and a protrusion structure 212 is formed at the interval between the isolation structure 5 and the light-emitting device 3. A hook-shaped structure with high and low levels is formed between the first groove 211 and the protrusion structure 212, so that the encapsulation layer 6 can form a sufficient and complete encapsulation in the weak area on the side of the isolation structure 5 to improve insufficient encapsulation. At the same time, the protrusion structure 212 can promote the accumulation of the encapsulation layer material in the second groove 2111 of the isolation structure 5, so that the encapsulation layer material can more easily fill the lateral voids, making up for the possible insufficient encapsulation on the side of the isolation structure 5 caused by lateral etching in the related art. Moreover, the second groove 2111 can also promote the smooth connection between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4. In addition, the hook-shaped structure jointly formed between the protrusion structure 212 and the first groove 211 can fix the position of the encapsulation layer 6, avoid the displacement of the encapsulation layer 6 along the extending direction of the substrate 1, which may lead to encapsulation failure, and reduce the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer 6.

[0091] It should be noted that the above embodiment takes the encapsulation process of a single light-emitting device 3 as an example. In some embodiments, as Figure 19 and Figure 20 shown, for a display panel with multiple light-emitting devices 3, along the direction parallel to the substrate 1, the light-emitting layer 32 includes a first light-emitting layer 321 or a second light-emitting layer 322 or a third light-emitting layer 323 arranged in an array, and the pixel opening 201 is used to accommodate the first light-emitting layer 321 or the second light-emitting layer 322 or the third light-emitting layer 323. The first light-emitting layer 321, the second light-emitting layer 322, and the third light-emitting layer 323 emit light of different colors. It should be noted that, Figure 20 is Figure 19 The layout schematic diagram corresponding to the schematic diagram of the film layer structure, correspondingly, Figure 19 is Figure 20 The cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel in [reference] along the dotted line BB as the section line.

[0092] Exemplarily, the first light-emitting layer 321 in the present application emits blue light, the second light-emitting layer 322 emits green light, and the third light-emitting layer 323 emits red light.

[0093] In some embodiments, as Figure 19 shown, the projected area of the auxiliary electrode 4 on the substrate 1 is larger than the projected area of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1, and the second electrode 33 at least partially covers the auxiliary electrode 4.

[0094] When the width of the auxiliary electrode 4 on the substrate 1 in this embodiment is larger than the width of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1, the auxiliary electrode 4 forms a structure with higher sides and a lower middle. Then, the position of the auxiliary electrode 4 can be fixed through the concave area of the first groove 211, so as to fix the position of the auxiliary electrode 4, facilitating the lap joint with a fixed position between the second electrode 33, and it is not easy to generate deviation or detachment.

[0095] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, step 200 specifically includes the following steps:

[0096] As Figure 6 shown, a first pixel defining layer 2a is formed in the non-pixel area NPA of the first electrode 31 through a first photomask.

[0097] As Figure 7 shown, a second pixel defining layer 2b is formed in the pixel area PA on the side of the first pixel defining layer 2a away from the first electrode 31 through a second photomask, and a first groove 211 is formed in the non-pixel area NPA of the second pixel defining layer 2b. In this embodiment, the first groove 211 is formed on the pixel defining layer 2 by using a traditional photomask in the lithography process. Specifically, the first pixel defining layer 2a and the second pixel defining layer 2b are formed through two patterning processes, and the structure of the first groove 211 is formed in the second pixel defining layer 2b.

[0098] In some other embodiments, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, step 200 specifically includes the following steps:

[0099] A pixel defining layer 2 is formed on the substrate 1 through a halftone mask. The pixel defining layer 2 located in the pixel area PA covers the first electrode 31, and a first groove 211 is formed on the side of the pixel defining layer 2 located in the non-pixel area NPA away from the substrate 1. In this embodiment, the pixel defining layer 2 with the first groove 211 is formed by using a halftone mask, and it can be completed through a single patterning process, simplifying the process steps and improving the production efficiency.

[0100] The present application further provides a display device, including the display panel provided in the foregoing embodiment or the display panel prepared by the preparation method of the display panel provided in the foregoing embodiment. This display device has the advantages of the display panel or the preparation method of the display panel in the foregoing embodiment, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0101] It should be noted that the display device can be any device that displays whether it is moving (e.g., video) or stationary (e.g., still image), and whether it is text or image. More specifically, the expected embodiments can be implemented in or associated with a variety of electronic devices, such as (but not limited to) mobile phones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld or portable computers, GPS receivers / navigators, cameras, MP4 video players, video cameras, game consoles, watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, computer monitors, automotive displays (e.g., odometer displays, etc.), navigators, cockpit controllers and / or displays, displays of camera views (e.g., displays of rearview cameras in vehicles), electronic photos, electronic billboards or signs, projectors, architectural structures, packaging, and aesthetic structures (e.g., displays of images of a piece of jewelry), etc.

[0102] The above embodiments of the present application can complement each other without conflict.

[0103] It should be noted that in the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. Also, it can be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate layer. Additionally, it can be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "under" another element or layer, it can be directly under the other element, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Additionally, it can also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers or two elements, it can be the only layer between the two layers or two elements, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Like reference numerals throughout indicate like elements.

[0104] The orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0105] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality of" is two or more than two.

[0106] Other embodiments of the present application will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application that follow the general principles of the present application and include known common general knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present application. The specification and examples are only to be considered as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are pointed out by the claims.

[0107] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present application is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, Comprising: Substrate; Pixel defining layer, located on the substrate, for defining a plurality of pixel openings and pixel defining blocks located around the pixel openings on the substrate; A first groove is provided on a side of the pixel defining block facing away from the substrate, and a raised structure is formed by a gap between the first groove and the pixel opening; Light-emitting device, including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode stacked in sequence on the substrate; Auxiliary electrode, at least partially located in the first groove and interconnected with the second electrode; Isolation structure, located in the first groove on the pixel defining block and disposed on a side of the auxiliary electrode facing away from the pixel defining layer, a second groove is formed jointly between a side surface of the isolation structure and a side surface of the first groove.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein Both the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are at least partially located on a side of the raised structure facing away from the substrate, and the auxiliary electrode is at least partially covered by the second electrode; Or, both the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are at least partially located in the second groove, and the auxiliary electrode is at least partially covered by the second electrode.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising a packaging layer; The packaging layer is located on a side of the light-emitting device away from the substrate and at least partially fills the second groove, and at least a part of the packaging layer located in the second groove covers the second electrode and / or the auxiliary electrode.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that A side of each isolation structure facing away from the substrate is at least partially covered by two light-emitting materials, and the light-emitting materials are at least partially covered by a second electrode material.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, A positive projection of the first electrode on the substrate at least partially coincides with a positive projection of the raised structure on the substrate.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein The isolation structure has a first end face facing the pixel defining layer and a second end face facing away from the pixel defining layer, wherein, A projected area of the first end face on the substrate is smaller than a projected area of the first groove on the substrate; a projected area of the second end face on the substrate is larger than a projected area of the first groove on the substrate; A distance between a side of the raised structure away from the isolation structure and the center of the isolation structure is greater than a distance between an edge of the second end face and the center of the isolation structure.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, wherein The isolation structure includes a first isolation part and a second isolation part stacked in sequence on the substrate, a positive projection of the first isolation part on the substrate is located within a positive projection of the second isolation part on the substrate and a projected area of the positive projection of the first isolation part on the substrate is smaller than a projected area of the positive projection of the second isolation part on the substrate, the second groove is formed jointly between a side surface of the first isolation part and a side surface of the first groove, and a projected area of the positive projection of the second isolation part on the substrate is larger than a projected area of the first groove on the substrate; In a direction perpendicular to the substrate, there is a spacing height difference between a side of the second electrode facing away from the substrate and a side of the second isolation part close to the substrate.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, wherein The spacing height difference is greater than or equal to a width of the second groove in a direction parallel to the substrate.

9. The display panel according to claim 7, wherein In a direction parallel to the substrate, the width difference between the edge of the first isolation portion and the edge of the second isolation portion extending in the same direction is less than 1 μm.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the light-emitting layer in each of the light-emitting devices is less than the width of the second electrode, and the second electrode at least partially covers the light-emitting layer.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein The orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the substrate.

12. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein In a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the included angle between the side surface and the bottom surface of the first groove is α, and 120° ≤ α ≤ 150°.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the side of the auxiliary electrode close to the substrate and the substrate is greater than or equal to the distance between the side of the first electrode far from the substrate and the substrate.

14. A method for manufacturing a display panel, characterized in that, Comprising: A substrate, including a pixel region and a non-pixel region located outside the pixel region, and a first electrode is formed in the pixel region of the substrate; A pixel defining layer is formed on the substrate. The pixel defining layer in the pixel region covers the first electrode, and a first groove is formed on the side of the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region facing away from the substrate; An auxiliary electrode is formed on the pixel defining layer located in the non-pixel region; A first isolation layer and a second isolation layer are sequentially formed on the pixel defining layer; The second isolation layer, the first isolation layer, and the pixel defining layer are sequentially patterned to form a pixel opening in the pixel region and at least partially expose the first electrode, and at least partially expose the auxiliary electrode in the first groove; A raised structure is formed at an interval between the pixel opening and the first groove; The side surface of the first isolation layer and the side surface of at least one of the first grooves together form the second groove; A light-emitting layer, a second electrode, and a packaging layer are sequentially covered on the side of the first electrode facing away from the substrate. The light-emitting layer and the second electrode are both at least partially located in the pixel opening. The second electrode is in contact with the auxiliary electrode. In a direction perpendicular to the substrate, there is a spacing height difference between the second electrode and the second isolation layer, and the packaging layer at least partially fills the second groove.

15. The manufacturing method of the display panel according to claim 14, characterized in that, In a direction parallel to the substrate, the light-emitting layer includes a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer, or a third light-emitting layer arranged in an array. The pixel opening is used to accommodate the first light-emitting layer, the second light-emitting layer, or the third light-emitting layer. The light emitted by the first light-emitting layer, the second light-emitting layer, and the third light-emitting layer has different colors.

16. The method for manufacturing a display panel according to claim 14, wherein The projected area of the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode on the substrate is greater than the projected area of the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate, and the second electrode at least partially covers the auxiliary electrode.

17. The method for manufacturing a display panel according to claim 14, wherein, Forming a pixel defining layer on the substrate, the pixel defining layer in the pixel region covering the first electrode, and a first groove being formed on the side of the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region facing away from the substrate specifically includes: Forming a first pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region of the first electrode through a first photomask; A second pixel defining layer is formed in the pixel region on a side of the first pixel defining layer facing away from the first electrode through a second photomask, and a first groove is formed in a non-pixel region of the second pixel defining layer; Alternatively, a pixel defining layer is formed on the substrate through a semi-transmissive photomask, the pixel defining layer in the pixel region covers the first electrode, and a first groove is formed on a side of the pixel defining layer in the non-pixel region facing away from the substrate.

18. A display device, characterized in that, Comprising: The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the display panel prepared by the method for preparing the display panel according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

Images