Display panel and display device

Abstract

The utility model provides a display panel 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 technology, and in particular to a display panel and a display device. Background Art

[0002] As we all know, the mainstream method for mass production of 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, the FMM evaporation process still has many limitations in practical applications. Therefore, the display panel field began to adopt the FMM-free process, that is, the photolithography process was used to replace the FMM evaporation process, and the pixels in the display panel were formed by exposure and etching to improve the pixel density and aperture ratio. At present, the FMM-free process mainly interrupts the pixel light-emitting material by designing an isolation structure. Therefore, unlike the common electrode formed in the traditional process, in the FMM-free process, the electrode located on the side of the light-emitting material layer away from the substrate will also be interrupted, thereby affecting the normal display. In addition, due to the structural characteristics of the side wall of the isolation structure in the display panel being concave due to the lateral etching (undercut) area, it is also easy to cause the encapsulation layer to be insufficiently encapsulated at the concave side wall of the isolation structure, resulting in encapsulation failure. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the related art, the present application proposes a display panel and a display device to solve the problems of electrode electrical connection failure of the display panel and display panel packaging failure in the related art non-FMM process.

[0004] The 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. The pixel defining layer is located on the substrate, and is used to define a plurality of pixel openings and a pixel defining block 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 convex structure is formed between the first groove and the pixel opening; the light-emitting device includes a first electrode, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode stacked in sequence on the substrate; the auxiliary electrode is at least partially located in the first groove and is interconnected with the second electrode; the isolation structure is located in the first groove on the pixel defining block and is arranged on the side of the auxiliary electrode away from the pixel defining layer, and a second groove is formed between the side of the isolation structure and the side of the first groove.

[0005] The display panel provided in this embodiment is provided with a first groove on the pixel defining block, and a convex structure is formed in the interval area between the pixel opening and the first groove, and a hook-shaped structure with a height difference is formed between the convex structure and the first groove. On the one hand, the first groove can promote the encapsulation layer material to flow into the second groove, thereby filling the gap between the isolation structure and the second electrode in the area where the isolation structure is laterally etched, so as to improve the insufficient encapsulation; on the other hand, the convex 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 defect that the side of the isolation structure may be insufficiently encapsulated due to lateral etching in the related art. Furthermore, the second groove can also promote the smooth overlap between the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode.

[0006] In addition, the hook-shaped structure formed between the protruding structure and the first groove can fix the position of the packaging layer material, avoid displacement of the packaging layer along the extension direction of the substrate, thereby causing packaging failure, and reduce the risk of peeling of the packaging layer.

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

[0008] Alternatively, the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are both at least partially located in the second groove, and the auxiliary electrode is at least partially covered by the second electrode.

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

[0010] In one embodiment, a side of each of the isolation structures 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.

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

[0012] In one embodiment, 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 the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first end face on the substrate is smaller than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate; the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second end face on the substrate is larger than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate; and the distance between the side surface of the protruding structure away from the isolation structure and the center of the isolation structure is larger 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 orthographic projection of the first isolation portion on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second isolation portion on the substrate and the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first isolation portion on the substrate is smaller than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second isolation portion on the substrate, the side surface of the first isolation portion and the side surface of the first groove jointly form the second groove, and the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second isolation portion on the substrate is larger than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate; along the direction perpendicular to the substrate, there is a 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 height difference between the two intervals is greater than or equal to a width of the second groove along a direction parallel to the substrate.

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

[0016] In one embodiment, along a direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the light-emitting layer in each of the light-emitting devices 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 orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the substrate.

[0018] In one embodiment, along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, an angle between a side surface of the first groove and a bottom surface of the first groove is α, and 120°≤α≤150°.

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

[0020] The present application also provides a display device, comprising the display panel as described in the above embodiment.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be partially given in the following description, which will become apparent from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0023] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic diagram of a film layer structure of a display panel in the related art;

[0024] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a film layer structure of a display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a film layer structure of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a film layer structure of another display panel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figures 5 to 20 Schematic diagrams of the structural film layers and layout of each step of the method for preparing two display panels provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0028] 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-convex 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 portion (first isolation layer); 52-second isolation portion (second isolation layer); 6-encapsulation layer; PA-pixel area; NPA-non-pixel area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, examples of which are shown in the accompanying 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.

[0030] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0031] It should be understood that when describing the structure of a component, when a layer or a region is referred to as being "on" or "over" another layer or another region, it may mean that it is directly on the other layer or another region, or that other layers or regions are included between it and the other layer or another region. Moreover, if the component is turned over, the layer or a region will be "below" or "beneath" another layer or another region.

[0032] The study found that Figure 1 As shown, in the related art, the display panel is designed with an isolation structure 5 through a non-FMM packaging process to interrupt the light-emitting material to form a light-emitting device 3 (pixel), but at the same time, it will also cause the second electrode 33 located on the side of the light-emitting layer 32 away from the substrate 1 to be interrupted and unable to display normally. Therefore, it is necessary to design an auxiliary electrode 4 to achieve electrical connection between the second electrode 33 on the side of the light-emitting layer 32 away from the substrate 1. However, the isolation structure 5 in the non-FMM process is usually composed of a body and a roof (i.e., a first isolation part 51 and a second isolation part 52) ​​stacked on the substrate 1 in sequence. The first isolation part 51 of the isolation structure 5 is easily etched (undercut) to form a recessed area A. In addition, the second isolation part 52 protrudes laterally in the extension direction of the substrate 1 with a certain width. 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, i.e., the recessed area A generated by the encapsulation layer 6, which further causes cracks to be easily generated. In addition, it is also possible that the auxiliary electrode 4 and the second electrode 33 cannot be smoothly overlapped. Furthermore, if there is a weak encapsulation area in the encapsulation layer 6 , residual water vapor in the subsequent etching process and inkjet printing process (IJP) may enter the light-emitting layer 32 along the boundary of the encapsulation layer 6 , which may cause the light-emitting device 3 to fail.

[0033] The display panel and display device provided in the present application are intended to solve the above technical problems in the related art.

[0034] The display panel and the display device in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the features in the following embodiments can complement or be combined with each other.

[0035] The present application embodiment provides a display panel, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes a substrate 1, a pixel defining layer 2, a light emitting device 3, an auxiliary electrode 4 and an isolation structure 5. The pixel defining layer 2 is located on the substrate 1, and is used to define a plurality of pixel openings 201 and a pixel defining block 21 located outside the pixel opening 201 on the substrate 1; a first groove 211 is provided on the side of the pixel defining block 21 away from the substrate 1, and a convex structure 212 is formed 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 sequentially stacked on the substrate 1; the auxiliary electrode 4 is at least partially located in the first groove 211 and is interconnected with the second electrode 33; the isolation structure 5 is located in the first groove 211 on the pixel defining block 21 and is arranged on the side of the auxiliary electrode 4 away from the pixel defining layer 2, and the side of the isolation structure 5 and the side of the first groove 211 jointly form a second groove 2111.

[0036] The display panel provided in this embodiment is provided with a first groove 211 on the pixel defining block 21, and a protruding structure 212 is formed in the interval area between the pixel opening 201 and the first groove 211, and a hook-shaped structure with a height difference is formed between the protruding 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, thereby filling the gap between the isolation structure 5 and the second electrode 33 in the area where the isolation structure 5 is laterally etched, so as to improve the insufficient encapsulation; on the other hand, the protruding structure 212 can promote the accumulation of the encapsulation layer 6 material in the second groove 2111 of the isolation structure 5, so that the encapsulation layer 6 material can more easily fill the lateral gap, making up for the defect that the side of the isolation structure 5 may be insufficiently encapsulated due to the lateral etching in the related art. Furthermore, the second groove 2111 can also promote the smooth overlap between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4.

[0037] In addition, the hook-shaped structure formed between the protrusion structure 212 and the first groove 211 can fix the position of the packaging layer 6, avoid displacement of the packaging layer 6 formed by the packaging layer material along the extension direction of the substrate 1, thereby causing packaging failure, and reduce the risk of peeling of the packaging layer 6.

[0038] It should be noted that the "side" of the isolation structure in the present application refers to the surface intersecting between the isolation structure and the plane extending from the substrate. For example, from the perspective of the isolation structure along the direction from the substrate 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 of the isolation structure. From another perspective, the side of the isolation structure can also be understood as the plane extending from the isolation structure along the direction from the substrate to the isolation structure. Furthermore, the definition of the side mentioned in the following structures is the same as the definition of the side of the isolation structure, which will not be repeated in the following text.

[0039] It should be further explained that the substrate 1 in the present application is an array substrate, and the array substrate includes a base substrate, a pixel driving circuit, a lead structure and a planarization layer. Among them, the base 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 may include a 3T1C, 5T2C or 7T1C driving circuit formed by multiple thin film transistors and multiple storage capacitors. The lead structure may include data lines and scan lines. Those skilled in the art can design according to actual conditions, and this application is not limited here.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electrical properties of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 33 are opposite. 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 of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 33 is formed by a semi-transparent electrode, and the other of the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 33 is formed by a reflective electrode. In the case where 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. In the case where 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 as an anode and formed by a reflective electrode and the second electrode 33 as a cathode and formed by a semi-transparent electrode are taken as examples.

[0042] In some embodiments, the material of the isolation structure 5 is a combination of multiple metals or metal nitrides. For example, the material of the isolation structure 5 can be Ti (titanium), Al (aluminum) or SiN (silicon nitride).

[0043] In some embodiments, the pixel defining layer 2 is an organic insulating material, which may be PI (polyimide), BCB (benzocyclobutene) and a photoresist material.

[0044] In some embodiments, the auxiliary electrode 4 is made of Mo (molybdenum), Ti (titanium) and ITO (Indium-Tin-Oxide).

[0045] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are at least partially located on the side of the protruding structure 212 facing away from the substrate 1 , and the auxiliary electrode 4 is at least partially covered by the second electrode 33 .

[0046] 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 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 low middle can be formed, so that the auxiliary electrode 4 is fixed by the recessed area of ​​the first groove 211, avoiding the displacement of the auxiliary electrode 4 in the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the risk of the auxiliary electrode 4 detaching from the display panel.

[0047] In other embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, 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 .

[0048] In this embodiment, the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are also overlapped in the second groove 2111, so the second electrode 33 is at least partially located in the second groove 2111. The position of the second electrode 33 can be further fixed by a hook-shaped structure formed between the protruding structure 212 and the first groove 211 to avoid horizontal displacement of the second electrode 33, thereby reducing the risk of the second electrode 33 detaching from the display panel.

[0049] In some embodiments, Figure 3 or Figure 4 As shown, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer 6. The encapsulation layer 6 is located on a side of the light emitting device 3 away from the substrate 1 and at least partially fills the second groove 2111. The encapsulation layer 6 located in the second groove 2111 at least partially covers the second electrode 33 and / or the auxiliary electrode 4.

[0050] In this embodiment, regardless of whether the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 are located in the second groove 2111, when the encapsulation layer 6 covers the second electrode 33 or the auxiliary electrode 4, the light-emitting device 3 in the display panel can be effectively encapsulated and fixed, thereby avoiding encapsulation failure and improving the yield of the display panel.

[0051] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer 6 is an organic encapsulation layer, an inorganic encapsulation layer, or a combination of the two. The encapsulation layer 6 may also be a structure formed by multiple layers of encapsulation materials.

[0052] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, a side of each isolation structure 5 away from the substrate 1 is at least partially covered by two light-emitting materials 32 a , and the light-emitting material 32 a is at least partially covered by the second electrode material 33 a .

[0053] In the present embodiment, since a non-FMM process is adopted, that is, the disconnection between pixels is achieved through the isolation structure 5, the light-emitting material 32a in adjacent pixels of different colors can be formed on the 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 second electrode material 33a, the side of the light-emitting material 32a facing away from the isolation structure 5 will be at least partially covered by the second electrode 33.

[0054] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure 212 on the substrate 1 .

[0055] The protruding structure 212 in the present embodiment can achieve electrical connection between the light-emitting layer 32 and the first electrode 31 by patterning the pixel defining layer 2 to expose at least a portion of the first electrode 31. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 31 is not completely exposed in its entirety, and a portion of the pixel defining layer 2 still exists on the side of the first electrode 31 away from the substrate 1 to at least partially cover the first electrode 31 so as to fix the position of the first electrode 31 and reduce the risk of displacement or falling off of the first electrode 31.

[0056] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the isolation structure 5 has a first end face 5a facing the pixel defining layer 2 and a second end face 5b away from the pixel defining layer 2, wherein the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first end face 5a on the substrate 1 is smaller than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1; and 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.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second end face 5b of the isolation structure 5 facing away from the substrate 1 is larger than the groove surface of the first groove 211, so that when the display panel forms the light-emitting layer 32, the material of the light-emitting layer 32 can be smoothly disconnected through the isolation structure 5 to form a plurality of pixels of different colors, thereby achieving normal display. If the first end face 5a is smaller than the groove surface of the first groove 211, the second groove 2111 can be formed in the area of ​​the first groove 211 except the first end face 5a, and the second groove 2111 can be used to accommodate and accumulate the materials of the second electrode 33 and the encapsulation layer 6, so as to achieve smooth overlap between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 and the material of the encapsulation layer 6 is fully encapsulated and filled on the side of the isolation structure 5, so as to reduce the risk of failure of the display panel due to water vapor erosion. Furthermore, a partial area of ​​the orthographic projection of the protruding structure 212 on the substrate 1 is not covered by the orthographic projection of the isolation structure 5 on the substrate 1, that is, 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, the materials of the second electrode 33 and the encapsulation layer 6 are at least partially not blocked by the isolation structure 5, so that they can smoothly cover the protruding structure 212 and accumulate above the protruding structure 212 until entering the second groove 2111, which is conducive to the electrical connection between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4 and the sufficient encapsulation of the encapsulation layer 6.

[0058] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the isolation structure 5 includes a first isolation portion 51 and a second isolation portion 52 which are sequentially stacked on the substrate 1, 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, the side of the first isolation portion 51 and the side of the first groove 211 jointly form a second groove 2111, and 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; along 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.

[0059] In the isolation structure 5 of this embodiment, in the extension 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, and the second isolation portion 52 forms a roof structure, so that the light-emitting layer 32 is smoothly disconnected to form multiple pixels. Furthermore, by providing a 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.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the height difference Δh is greater than or equal to the width d3 of the second groove 2111 in a 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 away from the substrate 1, since the 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 when flowing laterally, which is more conducive to achieving full filling of the package and avoiding insufficient packaging.

[0061] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, along the direction parallel to the substrate 1 , a width difference d4 between an edge of the first isolation portion 51 and an edge of the second isolation portion 52 extending in the same direction is less than 1 μm.

[0062] In this embodiment, the horizontal depth d4 of the etching of the side surface of the isolation structure 5 is less than 1 μm to ensure the overall stability of the isolation structure 5. In addition, the smaller the horizontal depth of the etching of the side surface, the smaller the horizontal depth of the etching of the side surface can be to avoid the situation where the opening of the second groove 2111 is too large, resulting in insufficient encapsulation of the encapsulation layer 6 on the side surface of the isolation structure 5. In some embodiments, the horizontal depth d4 of the etching of the side surface of the isolation structure 5 can be 0.2 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.6 μm and 0.8 μm.

[0063] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As 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 portion of the second electrode 33 covers the light-emitting layer 32. In this embodiment, the light-emitting layer 32 is smaller than the width of the second electrode 33, so the second electrode 33 can cover the light-emitting layer 32, which can prevent the light-emitting layer 32 from being corroded by water vapor, thereby improving the quality of the display panel and extending its service life.

[0064] 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 the second electrode 33 covering the light-emitting layer.

[0065] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, along the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1 , the angle between the side surface of the first groove 211 and the bottom surface of the first groove 211 is α, and 120°≤α≤150°.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the angle α between the side and bottom of the first groove 211 is an obtuse angle. Then, when the second electrode 33 covers the light-emitting layer 32, the side of the protruding structure 212 close to the first groove 211 forms a slope with a smaller slope, which helps the second electrode 33 to continuously cover the light-emitting layer 32 and the auxiliary electrode 4. This can avoid the second electrode 33 from breaking in the middle and causing electrical connection failure due to the large step difference and steep slope between the protruding structure 212 and the first groove 211. In addition, it can also avoid the uneven coverage of the encapsulation layer 6 when covering the second electrode 33, which helps the encapsulation layer 6 to evenly cover and fill the side depressions of the isolation structure 5.

[0067] Exemplarily, the angle α between the side surface of the first groove 211 and the bottom surface of the first groove 211 is 120°, 130°, 140° or 150°.

[0068] In some embodiments, the distance between the auxiliary electrode 4 and the substrate 1 is greater than or equal to the distance between the first electrode 31 and the substrate 1 and the side away from the substrate 1 .

[0069] In this embodiment, there is a certain height difference between the auxiliary electrode 4 and the first electrode 31 to avoid the possibility of crosstalk of electrical signals caused by the auxiliary electrode 4 and the first electrode 31 being too close to each other.

[0070] like Figures 5 to 20 As shown, the present application also provides a method for preparing a display panel, comprising the following steps:

[0071] Step 100: Figure 5 As shown, the substrate 1 includes a pixel area PA and a non-pixel area NPA located outside the pixel area, and a first electrode 31 is formed in the pixel area PA of the substrate;

[0072] Step 200: Figure 6-7 or Figure 8-Figure 9 As shown, a pixel defining layer 2 is formed on a substrate 1, the pixel defining layer 2 located in the pixel area PA covers the first electrode 31, and a first groove 211 is formed on a side of the pixel defining layer 2 located in the non-pixel area NPA away from the substrate 1;

[0073] Step 300: Figure 10-11 As shown, an auxiliary electrode 4 is formed on the pixel defining layer 2 located in the non-pixel area NPA; it should be noted that Fig.11 for Fig.10 The schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure corresponds to the schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure. Correspondingly, Fig.10 for Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel along the dashed line BB.

[0074] Step 400: Fig.12 As shown, a first isolation layer 51 and a second isolation layer 52 are sequentially formed on the pixel defining layer 2;

[0075] Step 500: Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the second isolation layer 52, the first isolation layer 51 and the pixel defining layer 2 are patterned in sequence to form a pixel opening 201 located in the pixel area 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 protrusion structure 212 is formed between the pixel opening 201 and the first groove 211; a second groove 2111 is formed 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 Fig.14 for Fig.13 The schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure corresponds to the schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure. Correspondingly, Fig.13 for Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel along the dashed line BB.

[0076] Step 600: Figure 15 to Figure 18 As shown, the first electrode 31 covers the light-emitting layer 32, the second electrode 33 and the encapsulation layer 6 in sequence on the side facing away from the substrate 1, the light-emitting layer 32 and the second electrode 33 are at least partially located in the pixel opening 201, the second electrode 33 is in contact with the auxiliary electrode 4, and there is a height difference between the second electrode 33 and the second isolation layer 52 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, and the encapsulation layer 6 is at least partially filled in the second groove 2111. It should be noted that Fig.16 for Fig.15 The schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure corresponds to the schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure. Correspondingly, Fig.15 for Fig.16 The cross-sectional view of the display panel along the dashed line BB is a cross-sectional view. Fig.18 for Fig.17 The schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure corresponds to the schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure. Correspondingly, Fig.17 for Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel along the dashed line BB.

[0077] The manufacturing method of the display panel provided in this embodiment adopts a non-FMM process, forms a first groove 211 in the non-pixel area NPA where the isolation structure 5 is located, forms a convex structure 212 at the interval between the isolation structure 5 and the light-emitting device 3, and forms a hook-shaped structure with different heights between the first groove 211 and the convex 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 the insufficient encapsulation. At the same time, the convex 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 gap, and make up for the defect that the side of the isolation structure 5 may be insufficiently encapsulated due to lateral etching in the related art. Furthermore, the second groove 2111 can also promote the smooth overlap between the second electrode 33 and the auxiliary electrode 4. In addition, the hook-shaped structure formed by the convex structure 212 and the first groove 211 can realize the fixed position of the encapsulation layer 6, avoid the displacement of the encapsulation layer 6 along the extension direction of the substrate 1, thereby causing encapsulation failure, and reduce the risk of peeling of the encapsulation layer 6.

[0078] It should be noted that the above embodiment takes the packaging process of a single light emitting device 3 as an example. In some embodiments, Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, for a display panel having a plurality of light-emitting devices 3, along a 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, and the light emitted by the first light-emitting layer 321, the second light-emitting layer 322 and the third light-emitting layer 323 are different in color. It should be noted that Fig. 20 for Fig.19 The schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure corresponds to the schematic diagram of the layout of the membrane layer structure. Correspondingly, Fig.19 for Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display panel along the dashed line BB.

[0079] Illustratively, 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.

[0080] In some embodiments, Fig.19 As shown, the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the auxiliary electrode 4 on the substrate 1 is larger than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1 , and the second electrode 33 at least partially covers the auxiliary electrode 4 .

[0081] When the width of the auxiliary electrode 4 on the substrate 1 in this embodiment is greater than the width of the first groove 211 on the substrate 1, the auxiliary electrode 4 forms a structure with high sides and low middle. The position of the auxiliary electrode 4 can be fixed by the recessed area of ​​the first groove 211, thereby fixing the position of the auxiliary electrode 4 to achieve a fixed position overlap with the second electrode 33, and is not prone to displacement or detachment.

[0082] In some embodiments, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, step 200 specifically includes the following steps:

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, a first pixel defining layer 2a is formed in a non-pixel area NPA of a first electrode 31 through a first photomask;

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, the 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 the second photomask, and the 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 conventional photomask in the photolithography process, specifically, the first pixel defining layer 2a and the second pixel defining layer 2b are formed through two patterning processes, and the first groove 211 is formed in the second pixel defining layer 2b.

[0085] In other embodiments, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, step 200 specifically includes the following steps:

[0086] A pixel defining layer 2 is formed on the substrate 1 through a semi-transparent 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 having the first groove 211 is formed by using a semi-transparent mask, and the patterning process can be completed in one time, thereby simplifying the process steps and improving production efficiency.

[0087] The present application also provides a display device, comprising the display panel provided in the above embodiment. The display device has the advantages of the display panel in the above embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0088] It should be noted that the display device can be any device that displays images, whether in motion (e.g., video) or fixed (e.g., still images), and whether text or images. More specifically, it is contemplated that the embodiments may 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, camcorders, game consoles, watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, computer monitors, automotive displays (e.g., odometer displays, etc.), navigators, cockpit controls and / or displays, displays of camera views (e.g., displays of rear-view cameras in vehicles), electronic photographs, electronic billboards or signs, projectors, architectural structures, packaging, and aesthetic structures (e.g., displays of images of a piece of jewelry), etc.

[0089] The above embodiments of the present application may complement each other if no conflict occurs.

[0090] It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It is also understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate layer. In addition, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "under" another element or layer, it may be directly under the other element, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. In addition, it is also understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers or two elements, it may be the only layer between the two layers or two elements, or there may also be more than one intermediate layer or element. Similar reference numerals throughout the text indicate similar elements.

[0091] The orientation or position relationship indicated by terms such as "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to 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.

[0092] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the disclosure disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any modification, use or adaptation of the present application, which follows the general principles of the present application and includes common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present application. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the claims.

[0094] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that: include: substrate; A pixel defining layer, located on the substrate, and used to define a plurality of pixel openings and pixel defining blocks located at the periphery of the pixel openings on the substrate; A first groove is provided on a side of the pixel defining block away from the substrate, and a convex structure is formed between the first groove and the pixel opening; A light emitting device, comprising a first electrode, a light emitting layer, and a second electrode sequentially stacked on the substrate; an auxiliary electrode, at least partially located in the first groove and interconnected with the second electrode; The isolation structure is located in the first groove on the pixel defining block and is arranged on a side of the auxiliary electrode away from the pixel defining layer, and a second groove is formed between a side surface of the isolation structure and a side surface of the first groove.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are at least partially located on a side of the protruding structure away from the substrate, and the auxiliary electrode is at least partially covered by the second electrode; Alternatively, the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode are both 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, characterized in that: Also includes an encapsulation layer; The encapsulation layer is located at a side of the light-emitting device away from the substrate and at least partially fills the second groove. The encapsulation layer located in the second groove at least partially 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 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: The orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure on the substrate.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The isolation structure has a first end surface facing the pixel defining layer and a second end surface facing away from the pixel defining layer, wherein: The projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first end surface on the substrate is smaller than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate; the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second end surface on the substrate is larger than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate; The distance between the side surface of the protruding structure away from the isolation structure and the center of the isolation structure is greater than the distance between the edge of the second end surface and the center of the isolation structure.

7. The display panel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The isolation structure comprises a first isolation part and a second isolation part sequentially stacked on the substrate, the orthographic projection of the first isolation part on the substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second isolation part on the substrate, and the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first isolation part on the substrate is smaller than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second isolation part on the substrate, the side surface of the first isolation part and the side surface of the first groove jointly form the second groove, and the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the second isolation part on the substrate is larger than the projection area of ​​the orthographic projection of the first groove on the substrate; Along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, there is a height difference between a side of the second electrode facing away from the substrate and a side of the second isolation portion close to the substrate.

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

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

10. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along a direction parallel to the substrate, the width of the light-emitting layer in each of the light-emitting devices is smaller 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, characterized in that: 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, characterized in that: Along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, an angle between a side surface of the first groove and a bottom surface of the first groove is α, and 120°≤α≤150°.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the auxiliary electrode and the substrate at a side close to the substrate is greater than or equal to the distance between the first electrode and the substrate at a side away from the substrate.

14. A display device, characterized in that: include: A display panel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images