Display device, display panel, and manufacturing method for the same

Abstract

To provide a display device, a display panel, and a manufacturing method for the display panel.SOLUTION: A display panel includes a substrate 1, a first insulating layer 2, a first electrode layer 3, a pixel defining layer 4, a light-emitting functioning layer 5, and a second electrode 6. The first insulating layer 2 provided on the substrate 1 includes a plurality of pixel regions 202 distributed in an array form, and a separation region 201 that separates the pixel regions. The first electrode layer 3 includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 provided on the first insulating layer 2 on the substrate 1. The orthogonal projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 exists in each pixel region 202. The pixel defining layer 4 is provided on the first insulating layer 2 apart from the substrate 1 and exposes each first electrode 31. In the pixel defining layer 4, a pixel defining groove 41 is formed in the separation region 201. The central part of the pixel defining groove 41 includes a first projection 42, and a sub-groove 40 is formed between the side wall of the first projection 42 and the side wall of the pixel defining groove 41. The light-emitting functioning layer 5 covers the pixel defining layer 4, and the first electrode 31 and the first insulating layer 2 that are exposed by the pixel defining layer 4. The second electrode 6 cover the light-emitting functioning layer 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims priority based on a PCT application with an application date of April 21, 2020, an application number of PCT / CN2020 / 085955, and an invention title of "Display Device, Display Panel, and Manufacturing Method Thereof", and incorporates all of the content of the PCT application herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular, to a display device, a display panel, and a manufacturing method of the display panel.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, OLED (Organic Light - Emitting Diode) display panels are being used more and more widely. In an OLED display panel, the light - emitting elements usually include a plurality of OLED light - emitting elements distributed in an array. Each light - emitting element can emit light independently to display an image. However, due to reasons in the manufacturing process, it is necessary to improve the light - emitting stability of the OLED light - emitting elements.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background art is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present invention, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention is to overcome the above - mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a display device, a display panel, and a manufacturing method of the display panel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display panel is provided. The display panel includes a substrate, A first insulating layer provided on one side of the substrate; A first electrode layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and including a plurality of first electrodes; A pixel definition layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and exposing each of the first electrodes; A light-emitting functional layer covering the pixel definition layer and the first electrodes exposed by the pixel definition layer; A second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer, where the first insulating layer has a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array and a separation region separating the pixel regions, the orthographic projection of each of the first electrodes on the first insulating layer is located within each pixel region, the pixel definition layer has pixel definition grooves formed in a region corresponding to the separation region, a central portion of the pixel definition groove has a first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate, and a sub-groove is formed between a side wall of the first protrusion and a side wall of the pixel definition groove.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two side walls of the first protrusion are inclined surfaces expanding toward the substrate, and two side walls of the pixel definition groove are inclined surfaces shrinking toward the substrate.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a gradient of a side wall of the first protrusion is different from a gradient of a side wall of the pixel definition groove.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a thickness of the first protrusion is smaller than a depth of the pixel definition groove.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an orthographic projection of a central portion of the pixel definition groove on the first insulating layer is located within the separation region.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pixel definition layer includes a separation portion and an extension portion, the separation portion is located in a region other than the first electrode, at least a part of the pixel definition groove is provided in the separation portion, the extension portion is connected to the separation portion, extends to a surface of the first electrode away from the substrate, and does not completely cover the first electrode.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the width of the extension covering any one of the first electrodes is smaller than the width of the separation portion located between two adjacent first electrodes.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thicknesses of at least two of the first electrodes are different.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum depth of the pixel definition groove is 60% or less of the total thickness of the light-emitting functional layer and the first electrode.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, a display panel is provided. The display panel includes a substrate, a first insulating layer provided on one side of the substrate, a first electrode layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and including a plurality of first electrodes, a pixel definition layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and exposing each of the first electrodes, a light-emitting functional layer covering the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer and including a recess and a plurality of smooth portions separated by the recess, wherein the orthographic projection of each smooth portion on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode, at least a part of the region of the recess is recessed toward one side of the smooth portion approaching the substrate, the orthographic projection of the recess on the first insulating layer is at least partially located outside the first electrode, the central portion of the recess has a second protrusion, and a sub-recess is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion and the side surface of the recess.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first insulating layer has a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array and separation regions separating the pixel regions, and the orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode. The pixel definition layer exposes each of the first electrodes, and pixel definition grooves are formed in regions corresponding to the separation regions. A central portion of the pixel definition groove has a first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate. A sub-groove is formed between a sidewall of the first protrusion and a sidewall of the pixel definition groove. A positive projection of the recess on the first insulating layer is at least partially located within the pixel definition groove.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a point of the sub-recess closest to the substrate is located within the sub-groove in a positive projection on the first insulating layer.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the recess includes a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface are connected to both sides of the second protrusion so as to face each other, and the first side surface and the second side surface are reduced toward the substrate.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second protrusion includes a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, and a connection surface connected between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. The connection surface is located on a side away from the substrate at a bottom of the first side surface and the second side surface. The first inclined surface is connected to a bottom of the first side surface, and the second inclined surface is connected to a bottom of the second side surface.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a minimum thickness of a region of the second electrode corresponding to the first side surface and the second side surface is greater than a minimum thickness of a region of the second electrode corresponding to the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pixel definition layer includes a separation portion and an extension portion. The separation portion is located in a region other than the first electrode. The pixel definition groove is provided in the separation portion. The extension portion is connected to the separation portion, extends to a surface of the first electrode away from the substrate, and does not completely cover the first electrode. The second electrode further has a protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate, the smooth portion is connected to the concave portion via the protrusion, and the orthographic projection of the protrusion on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the extension portion on the substrate at least partially overlap.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, among the two protrusions connected to both sides of the concave portion, the distance between the point of one of the protrusions farthest from the substrate and the substrate is different from the distance between the point of the other protrusion farthest from the substrate and the substrate.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the display panel further includes a first encapsulation layer that covers the second electrode and forms pits in a region corresponding to the concave portion.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the two side walls of the pit are reduced and connected in a direction approaching the substrate.

[0025] According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel is provided. The manufacturing method includes forming a first insulating layer on one side of the substrate, forming a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate, forming a pixel definition layer on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and exposing each first electrode, forming a light-emitting functional layer, forming a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer, where the first insulating layer has a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array and a separation region separating the pixel regions, the orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located within each pixel region, a pixel definition groove is formed in the region of the pixel definition layer corresponding to the separation region, a central portion of the pixel definition groove has a first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate, a sub-groove is formed between a sidewall of the first protrusion and a sidewall of the pixel definition groove, and the light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel is provided. The manufacturing method includes forming a first insulating layer on one side of a substrate; forming a first electrode layer on a surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate; forming a pixel definition layer on a surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate; forming a light-emitting functional layer; forming a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer, where the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes, the pixel definition layer exposes each first electrode, the light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer, the second electrode includes a recess and a plurality of smooth portions separated by the recess, the orthographic projection of each smooth portion on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode, at least a partial region of the recess is recessed toward one side of the smooth portion approaching the substrate, the orthographic projection of the recess on the first insulating layer is at least partially located outside the first electrode, a central portion of the recess has a second protrusion, and a sub-recess is formed between a side surface of the second protrusion and a side surface of the recess.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device including the display panel according to any one of the above is provided.

[0028] Note that the above general description and the detailed description below are merely illustrative and interpretive descriptions and do not limit the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] The following drawings are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of this specification, exemplify embodiments corresponding to the present invention, and interpret the principles of the present invention together with the specification. Note that the drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings on the premise of not exerting creative labor.

[0030]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention is comprehensive and complete, and can fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, so detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Also, the drawings are only schematic diagrams of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to a certain scale.

[0032] The terms "one", "a", "this", "the", and "at least one" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components, etc., and the terms "comprising" and "having" are used to mean unlimited inclusion, meaning that in addition to the recited elements / components, etc., there may be other elements / components, etc. The terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used only as symbols and do not limit the number of objects.

[0033] In the related art, an OLED display panel includes a driving backplane, a plurality of first electrodes, a pixel definition layer, a light-emitting functional layer, a second electrode, and a color filter layer. Here, the first electrodes are distributed in an array on the driving backplane, the pixel definition layer is provided on the surface of the driving backplane where the first electrodes are provided and exposes each first electrode, the light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the surface of the first electrode away from the driving backplane, and the second electrode covers the surface of the light-emitting functional layer away from the driving backplane. Therefore, the pixel definition layer can define a plurality of light-emitting elements. Driven by a driving signal, holes injected by the first electrode and electrons injected by the second electrode enter the light-emitting functional layer to form excitons, and the radiative transition of the excitons emits photons to form electroluminescence. The color filter layer is provided on one side of the second electrode away from the driving backplane and has a plurality of filter regions corresponding one-to-one to each light-emitting element. Each filter region and the corresponding light-emitting element can be used as a sub-pixel.

[0034] Since the thickness of the pixel definition layer is greater than that of the first electrode, when the light-emitting functional layer is formed by a deposition process, the light-emitting functional layer is recessed at the joint between the first electrode and the pixel definition layer, that is, at the edge of the light-emitting element. Accordingly, a recessed region is formed in the second electrode, the distance between the recessed region of the second electrode and the first electrode becomes close, tip discharge is likely to occur, and even short circuit is likely to occur, which affects the stability of the light-emitting element, so that the display panel is difficult to emit light stably. At the same time, since the recessed region of the second electrode corresponds to the first electrode, it also emits light. However, the shape of the recessed region is not a planar structure but a structure recessed toward the driving backplane. Therefore, the light emitted within the range of this recessed region is in a scattered state, and at least a part of the light is deflected to adjacent sub-pixels, so that the light emission of adjacent sub-pixels interferes with each other, affecting the display effect.

[0035] Since the light-emitting functional layer is recessed at the junction between the first electrode and the pixel definition layer, the second electrode forms a recessed area in the area corresponding to this recess, and this recessed area faces the first electrode directly. That is, the orthographic projection of the recessed area on the driving backplane is located within the first electrode, which may cause tip discharge and even short circuit between the two. At the same time, the recessed area emits light, and since the shape of the recessed area is a bent shape, the light emitted therefrom forms a scattered state. Therefore, it interferes with the light emission of adjacent sub-pixels.

[0036] Also, since the light-emitting functional layer is an overall continuous film layer, the sub-pixels are connected to each other, and at least a part of the film layer of the light-emitting functional layer (including but not limited to the hole injection layer) causes crosstalk between adjacent sub-pixels. In particular, in the case of a serial OLED display panel, the light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting unit layers, and two adjacent light-emitting unit layers are connected in series via a charge generation layer. However, since the charge generation layer has excellent charge conduction characteristics, it causes crosstalk between adjacent sub-pixels and affects the light-emitting effect.

[0037] In order to solve at least one technical problem in the above related art, embodiments of the present invention provide various display panels.

[0038] The first display panel As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display panel may include a substrate 1, a first insulating layer 2, a first electrode layer 3, a pixel definition layer 4, a light-emitting functional layer 5, and a second electrode 6.

[0039] Here, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1, and on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, a plurality of separation grooves 201 for dividing a plurality of pixel regions 202 on the first insulating layer 2 are provided, and each pixel region 202 is distributed in an array.

[0040] The first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 distributed in an array. The orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202 in a one-to-one correspondence. The first electrode 31 includes a flat intermediate portion 310 and an edge portion 311 surrounding the intermediate portion 310. The edge portion 311 includes a flat portion 3110 surrounding the intermediate portion 310 and an inclined portion 3111 connected between the intermediate portion 310 and the flat portion 3110. The thickness of the flat portion 3110 is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion 310.

[0041] The pixel definition layer 4 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and exposes at least a partial region of the intermediate portion 310.

[0042] The light-emitting functional layer 5 covers the pixel definition layer 4, the intermediate portion 310 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4, and the first insulating layer 2.

[0043] The second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5.

[0044] In the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the region of the intermediate portion 310 of each first electrode 31 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4, the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5, and the second electrode 6 can form a light-emitting element for emitting light.

[0045] Since the orthographic projection of the first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202 in a one-to-one correspondence manner, the isolation groove 201 is located outside the first electrode 31. When forming the light-emitting functional layer 5, the light-emitting functional layer 5 can be recessed toward the substrate 1 at the position of the isolation groove 201, so that the second electrode 6 forms a recess 61 in this recessed portion. Further, the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is located at least partially outside the intermediate portion 310 of the first electrode 31, that is, outside the light-emitting element. Therefore, since the position of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 is restricted by the isolation groove 201, not only tip discharge between the recess 61 and the intermediate portion 310 but also short circuit can be prevented, which is advantageous for ensuring stable light emission of the light-emitting element. At the same time, the light emission within the range of the recess 61 can be reduced and even avoided, and the mutual interference of the light emission of adjacent light-emitting elements can be reduced.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a partial electron micrograph of an embodiment of the first display panel of the present invention. Since the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is located at least partially outside the range of the first electrode 31, it can be seen that the risk of tip discharge between the first electrode 31 can be reduced. At the same time, the light emission of the recess 61 can be reduced and even avoided, and the interference to adjacent sub-pixels can be prevented.

[0047] Hereinafter, each part of the first display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the material of the substrate 1 may be a semiconductor material such as single-crystal silicon or polysilicon, or may be another hard or soft material such as glass.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of driving transistors for displaying an image by driving each light-emitting element to emit light may be provided on the substrate 1. Taking one driving transistor with a top-gate structure as an example, the display panel further includes a gate insulating layer 7, a gate electrode 8, a second insulating layer 9, and a first wiring layer 10. Here, the material of the substrate 1 may be a semiconductor material such as single-crystalline silicon or polysilicon. Further, the substrate 1 includes an active region 101, a source electrode 1011 and a drain electrode 1012 located at both ends of the active region 101. The gate insulating layer 7 covers the active region 101, the gate electrode 8 is provided on the surface of the gate insulating layer 7 away from the substrate 1, and the material of the gate electrode 8 may include a polysilicon material. The second insulating layer 9 covers the gate electrode 8 and the substrate 1, and its material may include at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride. The first wiring layer 10 is provided on the surface of the second insulating layer 9 away from the substrate 1, and the gate electrode 8, the source electrode 1011, and the drain electrode 1012 are all connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals.

[0050] Further, the display panel may further include a third insulating layer 11 and a second wiring layer 12. The third insulating layer 11 covers the first wiring layer 10 and the second insulating layer 9. The second wiring layer 12 is provided on the surface of the third insulating layer 11 away from the substrate 1. The specific pattern of the second wiring layer 12 may be connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals, but is not particularly limited here.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first insulating layer 2 can cover the second wiring layer 12. The first electrode 31 may be connected to the second wiring layer 12 through a via hole filled with tungsten or other metals. The material of the first insulating layer 2 may include at least one of silicon nitride and silicon oxide, and of course, may further include other insulating materials. For example, the first insulating layer 2 can be planarized by a polishing process.

[0052] On the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, a plurality of separation grooves 201 may be opened. The depth of the separation groove 201 is smaller than the thickness of the first insulating layer 2. That is, the separation groove 201 does not penetrate the first insulating layer 2 in the depth direction. The separation groove 201 can divide a plurality of pixel regions 202 on the first insulating layer 2. Also, each pixel region 202 is distributed in an array.

[0053] The shape of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 on the substrate 1 may be a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or other polygons. Of course, it may also be circular or other shapes, and is not particularly limited here. At the same time, the shapes and sizes of different pixel regions 202 may be different.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, for example, the separation groove 201 may include a first separation groove and a second separation groove. Here, the number of the first separation grooves is plural, and each first separation groove extends linearly along the first direction and is distributed at intervals along the second direction. The number of the second separation grooves is plural, and each second separation groove extends linearly along the second direction and is distributed at intervals along the first direction. The first direction and the second direction are directions that intersect each other. For example, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the intersecting first separation grooves and second separation grooves can divide a plurality of pixel regions 202 distributed in an array on the first insulating layer 2.

[0055] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first separation groove and the second separation groove may extend along a curved or broken-line trajectory, whereby pixel regions 202 of other shapes can be divided.

[0056] Each separation groove 201 may include two opposing side walls 2011 and a bottom wall 2012 connected between the two side walls 2011. Here, the two side walls 2011 may be installed in parallel, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the two side walls 2011 and their extension planes do not intersect. Alternatively, the two side walls 2011 may be installed at a predetermined angle.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom wall 2012 can be substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the bottom wall 2012 may be a curved surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate 1, and the curvature and shape of this curved surface are not particularly limited here. Also, in a cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1, the contour of the bottom wall 2012 may form a substantially arc shape, a parabola shape, or a wavy line shape. Of course, it may be other regular or irregular shapes as long as it protrudes in a direction away from the substrate 1.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the two side walls 2011 shrink in a direction approaching the bottom wall 2012. That is, the interval between the two side walls 2011 is gradually decreased in a direction approaching the bottom wall 2012. Thereby, the side wall 2011 forms a gradient with respect to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. This gradient is the angle between the side wall 2011 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. Further, this gradient is 70° or more and 90° or less. For example, this inclination may be 70°, 80°, 90°, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum interval S between the two side walls 2011 of the separation groove 201 may be 0.2 μm to 0.7 μm, and may be, for example, 0.2 μm, 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, or 0.7 μm, etc.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 distributed in an array. The orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202 in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the boundary of the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 is located within the boundary of the orthographic projection of each pixel region 202 on the substrate 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. Only one first electrode 31 is installed on each pixel region 202. The pixel regions 202 are separated by separation grooves 201, and since the first electrode 31 is located on the pixel region 202, the separation grooves 201 are located outside the first electrode 31. The shape of the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 may be the same as the shape of the pixel region 202 where it is located. The boundary of the first electrode 31 is located within the pixel region 202 where it is located.

[0061] In a direction parallel to the substrate 1, at least one first electrode 31 may include an intermediate portion 310 and an edge portion 311 surrounding the intermediate portion 310. Here, the intermediate portion 310 has a flat structure. That is, the intermediate portion 310 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the intermediate portion 310 of each first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 may be located within the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the intermediate portion 310 on the substrate 1 is located. That is, there is a non-zero interval L between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the intermediate portion 310 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the intermediate portion 310 on the substrate 1 is located. Further, this interval L is 0.15 μm or more. For example, this interval may be 0.15 μm, 0.2 μm, 0.25 μm, etc.

[0063] The edge portion 311 may include a flat portion 3110 and an inclined portion 3111. Here, the flat portion 3110 is located on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and is installed so as to surround the intermediate portion 310. Also, the flat portion 3110 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. At the same time, the thickness of the flat portion 3110 is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion 310. In some embodiments of the present invention, there is a non-zero interval between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 is located. Of course, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 is located overlap.

[0064] The inclined portion 3111 is connected between the intermediate portion 310 and the flat portion 3110. That is, the inclined portion 3111 surrounds the intermediate portion 310, and the flat portion 3110 is installed so as to surround the inclined portion 3111. In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient of the inclined portion 3111 with respect to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 is 30° or more. This gradient is the angle between the surface of the inclined portion 3111 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0065] The first electrode 31 includes a first conductive layer 320, a second conductive layer 321, and a third conductive layer 322. The first conductive layer 320 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The second conductive layer 321 is provided on the surface of the first conductive layer 320 away from the substrate 1. The third conductive layer 322 is provided on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1 and extends to the first insulating layer 2 at a predetermined gradient. Thereby, since the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 are covered, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 can be protected.

[0066] The middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 includes a region for positioning the third conductive layer 322 on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1, the first conductive layer 320, and the second conductive layer 321. The edge portion 311 includes a region where the edges of the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 are covered by the third conductive layer 322, that is, a region extending toward the first insulating layer 2. Exemplarily, the material of the first conductive layer 320 may include titanium (Ti), the material of the second conductive layer 321 may include silver (Ag), and the material of the third conductive layer 322 may include indium tin oxide (ITO). Of course, other materials may also be used.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the pixel definition layer 4 is made of an insulating material and is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 together with the first electrode layer 3. At the same time, the pixel definition layer 4 exposes at least a part of the region of the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31. The middle portion 310 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4 can form a light-emitting element together with the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, each first electrode 31 does not completely cover the pixel region 202 where it is located. Also, there is a predetermined interval between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 of the first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 is located on the substrate 1. The pixel definition layer 4 extends to the side wall 2011 and the bottom wall 2012 of the isolation groove 201. That is, the pixel definition layer 4 is tightly coupled to the pixel region 202 not covered by the first electrode 31. Thereby, the pixel definition layer 4 is recessed in the region corresponding to the isolation groove 201. The pixel definition layer 4 is provided with a plurality of openings 401 that expose at least a part of the region of each middle portion 310 in a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the light-emitting range of the light-emitting element can be limited by the pixel definition layer 4.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments of the present invention, the opening 401 of the pixel definition layer 4 may have a hexagonal or other polygonal structure. The first electrode 31 may also have a polygonal structure and may be the same as the shape of the opening 401. Of course, the first electrode 31 may have other shapes.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is a continuous film layer, and at least a part of it can cover the middle part 310 of each first electrode 31. That is, it covers the area exposed by the opening 401. At the same time, the light-emitting functional layer 5 further covers the pixel definition layer 4 and the area of the first insulating layer 2 not covered by the pixel definition layer 4 and the first electrode 31. When forming the light-emitting functional layer 5 by vapor deposition or other processes, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is recessed in a direction approaching the substrate 1 in the area corresponding to the separation groove 201.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes a plurality of light-emitting unit layers 501. The distribution patterns of the hole injection layer, hole transport layer, light-emitting layer, electron transport layer, and electron injection layer of each light-emitting unit layer 501 are the same. At the same time, a charge generation layer 502 is provided between two adjacent light-emitting unit layers 501. Therefore, the charge generation layer 502 can connect each light-emitting unit layer 501 in series to form a series-type OLED light-emitting element.

[0072] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes one light-emitting unit layer. The light-emitting unit layer includes a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer sequentially laminated from the first electrode 31 along the direction away from the substrate 1.

[0073] The charge generation layer 502 cannot cover the side wall 2011 of the separation groove 201. Therefore, by blocking the charge generation layer 502 of the light-emitting element with the separation groove 201, crosstalk between two adjacent light-emitting elements can be avoided. Of course, since the separation groove 201 can also block the hole injection layer or other film layers, crosstalk can be prevented in the same way.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, the second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5, and drive signals can be applied to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6. Thereby, the part of the light-emitting functional layer 5 located between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6 emits light.

[0075] The shape of the second electrode 6 coincides with that of the light-emitting functional layer 5. By being recessed at the recessed portion of the light-emitting functional layer 5, a recess 61 is formed, and a smooth portion 62 is formed in a region corresponding to the intermediate portion 310 of the first electrode 31. Accordingly, the front projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is at least partially located outside the intermediate portion 310 of the first electrode 31, so that tip discharge between the first electrode 31 and the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 can be reduced or avoided. The material of the second electrode 6 may be an alloy material. For example, the material of the second electrode 6 may contain Mg and Ag, or the second electrode 6 may use an alloy of Al and Li. Of course, the second electrode 6 may use other alloys or elemental metals, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0076] In addition, when the pixel defining layer 4 covers the edge of the intermediate portion 310, the region of the smooth portion 62 corresponding to the pixel defining layer 4 covering the intermediate portion 310 may protrude in a direction away from the substrate 1. However, the protruding height is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the first intermediate portion 310, so that the smooth portion 62 is maintained in a substantially smooth state.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lowest point of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 in a cross section perpendicular to the substrate 1 is located completely within the separation groove 201 in the front projection on the first insulating layer 2, that is, completely outside the intermediate portion 310.

[0078] In order to ensure that the isolation groove 201 can block the hole injection layer, the charge generation layer 502 or other film layers, the isolation groove 201 should have a predetermined depth. However, it is also necessary to prevent the isolation groove 201 from being too deep and penetrating the first insulating layer 2 to affect the driving element. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the maximum depth H of the isolation groove 201 is 30% or more of the total thickness of the light-emitting functional layer 5 and the first electrode 31. At the same time, the maximum depth H of the isolation groove 201 is 60% or less of the total thickness of the light-emitting functional layer 5 and the first electrode 31. Here, the maximum depth H of the isolation groove 201 is the distance between the point on the bottom wall 2012 of the isolation groove 201 where the distance from the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 is the largest and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum depth H of the isolation groove 201 is 1000 Å to 3000 Å.

[0079] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the first display panel may further include a first encapsulation layer 13, a color filter layer 14, a second encapsulation layer 15, and a transparent cover plate 16.

[0080] Here, the first encapsulation layer 13 can cover the second electrode 6. For example, the first encapsulation layer 13 may include two inorganic layers and an organic layer located between the two inorganic layers.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, the region of the first encapsulation layer 13 corresponding to the recess 61 can form a pit 1301 by being recessed. Of course, when the thickness of the first encapsulation layer 13 is thick, the surface of the first encapsulation layer 13 away from the substrate 1 can maintain a substantially flat state.

[0082] The color filter layer 14 is provided on one side of the first encapsulation layer 13 away from the second electrode 6. Also, the color filter layer 14 includes filter regions corresponding one-to-one with each first electrode 31. The colors of the filter regions are, for example, red, blue, and green, etc.

[0083] The second encapsulation layer 15 can cover the color filter layer 14, and its structure may be the same as that of the first encapsulation layer 13.

[0084] The transparent cover plate 16 can cover the second encapsulation layer 15, and its material may be glass or other materials.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the first display panel may further include a light extraction layer 17. The light extraction layer 17 is covered on the surface of the second electrode 6 away from the substrate 1, and is recessed in a region corresponding to the recess 61. The first encapsulation layer 13 is provided on one side of the light extraction layer 17 away from the substrate 1. Since the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17 is formed to be larger than the refractive index of the second electrode 6, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. Also, the higher the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17, the higher the light extraction efficiency.

[0086] The second display panel As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second display panel of the present invention may include a substrate 1, a first insulating layer 2, a first electrode layer 3, a light-emitting functional layer 5, and a second electrode 6.

[0087] Here, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1, The first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31. The first electrode 31 includes a flat intermediate portion 310 and an edge portion 311 surrounding the intermediate portion 310. The edge portion 311 includes a flat portion 3110 surrounding the intermediate portion 310 and an inclined portion 3111 connected between the intermediate portion 310 and the flat portion 3110. The thickness of the flat portion 3110 is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion 310.

[0088] The light-emitting functional layer 5 covers at least a part of the region of the intermediate portion 310.

[0089] The second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5 and includes a recess 61 and a plurality of smooth portions 62 separated by the recess 61. The orthographic projection of each smooth portion 62 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each first electrode 31 so as to correspond one-to-one. The recess 61 is recessed toward the side of the smooth portion 62 closer to the substrate 1. The orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is at least partially located outside the intermediate portion 310.

[0090] In the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, each first electrode 31, the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5, and the second electrode 6 can constitute a light-emitting element capable of emitting light. By making the orthographic projection of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 on the first insulating layer 2 be at least partially located outside the thick intermediate portion 310 and not directly facing the intermediate portion 310, the risk of tip discharge between the recess 61 and the first electrode 31 can be reduced, which is advantageous for ensuring stable light emission of the light-emitting element. At the same time, since the light emission within the range of the recess 61 can be reduced, the mutual interference of the light emission of adjacent light-emitting elements can be reduced.

[0091] Hereinafter, each part of the second display panel of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of driving transistors for displaying an image by driving each light-emitting element to emit light may be provided on the substrate 1. Taking one driving transistor with a top-gate structure as an example, the display panel further includes a gate insulating layer 7, a gate electrode 8, a second insulating layer 9, and a first wiring layer 10. Here, the material of the substrate 1 may be a semiconductor material such as single-crystalline silicon or polysilicon. Further, the substrate 1 may include an active region 101, a source electrode 1011 and a drain electrode 1012 located at both ends of the active region 101. The gate insulating layer 7 covers the active region 101, and the gate electrode 8 is provided on the surface of the gate insulating layer 7 away from the substrate 1. The second insulating layer 9 covers the gate electrode 8 and the substrate 1, and its material may include at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride. The first wiring layer 10 is provided on the surface of the second insulating layer 9 away from the substrate 1. Also, the gate electrode 8, the source electrode 1011, and the drain electrode 1012 are all connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals.

[0093] Further, the display panel may further include a third insulating layer 11 and a second wiring layer 12. The third insulating layer 11 covers the first wiring layer 10 and the second insulating layer 9. The second wiring layer 12 is provided on the surface of the third insulating layer 11 away from the substrate 1, and the specific pattern of the second wiring layer 12 may be connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals, but is not particularly limited here.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first insulating layer 2 can cover the second wiring layer 12, and the first electrode 31 may be connected to the second wiring layer 12 through a via hole filled with tungsten or other metals. The material of the first insulating layer 2 may include at least one of silicon nitride and silicon oxide. Of course, other insulating materials may be further included.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 7, the first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31. The first electrodes 31 are distributed in an array, and adjacent first electrodes 31 are spaced apart.

[0096] In the direction parallel to the substrate 1, each first electrode 31 may include an intermediate portion 310 and an edge portion 311 surrounding the intermediate portion 310. Here, the intermediate portion 310 has a flat structure. That is, the intermediate portion 310 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0097] The edge portion 311 may include a flat portion 3110 and an inclined portion 3111. Here, the flat portion 3110 is located on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and is installed so as to surround the intermediate portion 310. Also, the flat portion 3110 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. At the same time, the thickness of the flat portion 3110 is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion 310. In some embodiments of the present invention, there is a non-zero interval between the flat portion 3110 and the boundary of the pixel region 202 where it is located. Of course, the boundary of the flat portion 3110 can overlap with the boundary of the pixel region 202.

[0098] The inclined portion 3111 is connected between the intermediate portion 310 and the flat portion 3110. That is, the inclined portion 3111 surrounds the intermediate portion 310, and the flat portion 3110 is installed so as to surround the inclined portion 3111. In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient of the inclined portion 3111 with respect to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 is 30° or more. This gradient is the angle between the surface of the inclined portion 3111 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0099] The first electrode 31 includes a first conductive layer 320, a second conductive layer 321, and a third conductive layer 322. The first conductive layer 320 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The second conductive layer 321 is provided on the surface of the first conductive layer 320 away from the substrate 1. The third conductive layer 322 is provided on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1 and extends with a predetermined gradient to the surface away from the substrate 1 of the pixel region 202 where it is located. Thereby, since it covers the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 can be protected.

[0100] The middle part 310 of the first electrode 31 includes a region for positioning the third conductive layer 322 on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321. The edge part 311 includes a region where the edges of the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 are covered by the third conductive layer 322, that is, a region extending toward the first insulating layer 2. Exemplarily, the material of the first conductive layer 320 may include titanium (Ti), the material of the second conductive layer 321 may include silver (Ag), and the material of the third conductive layer 322 may include indium tin oxide (ITO). Of course, other materials may also be used.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is a continuous film layer and can cover at least a part of the region of each first electrode 31 at the same time. In some embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes one light-emitting unit layer. The light-emitting unit layer includes a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer sequentially laminated from the first electrode 31 along the direction away from the substrate 1.

[0102] In another embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes a plurality of light-emitting unit layers. The distribution patterns of the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the light-emitting layer, the electron transport layer, and the electron injection layer in each light-emitting unit layer are the same. At the same time, since a charge generation layer is provided between two adjacent light-emitting unit layers, each light-emitting unit layer is connected in series by the charge generation layer to form a series-type OLED light-emitting element.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, the second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5, and by applying a driving signal to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6, the portion of the light-emitting functional layer 5 located between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6 can emit light. The second electrode 6 includes a plurality of recesses 61 and a plurality of smooth portions 62.

[0104] Here, each smooth portion 62 is distributed in an array and is installed so as to correspond one-to-one with the middle portion 310 of each first electrode 31. That is, the orthographic projection of each smooth portion 62 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each first electrode 31 so as to correspond one-to-one. The smooth portion 62 is parallel or substantially parallel to the middle portion 310.

[0105] The recess 61 corresponds to the region of the first insulating layer 2 not covered by the middle portion 310 and is used to separate the smooth portions 62. The recess 61 is recessed toward one side of the smooth portion 62 approaching the substrate 1. The recess 61 has a ring structure and the number thereof is plural. Each recess 61 surrounds each smooth portion 62 so as to correspond one-to-one. That is, the recess 61 is the transition region between two adjacent smooth portions 62.

[0106] Since the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the substrate 1 is at least partially located outside the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31, it directly faces the region other than the first electrode 31 or the thin edge portion 311 without directly facing the thick middle portion 310. Therefore, the risk of tip discharge and short circuit between the recess 61 and the first electrode 31 can be reduced, and the light emission stability of the light-emitting element can be improved.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present invention, in a cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1, the orthographic projection of the lowest point of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is located outside the middle portion 310. For example, this lowest point corresponds to one of the inclined portion 3111 and the flat portion 3110 in order to avoid tip discharge with the middle portion 310. The lowest point of the recess 61 in the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1 is the point closest to the first electrode 31 in the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1, that is, the point farthest from the smooth portion 62.

[0108] Note that the number of the recesses 61 in the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1 may be plural, and the lowest points in different cross-sections may be different. For example, this lowest point may be the point closest to the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 in the depth direction, or may be other points in the depth direction, specifically, determined by the position of the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in some embodiments of the present invention, the recess 61 has two side surfaces and includes a first side surface 611, a second side surface 612, and a bottom surface 613. Here, the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 are oppositely arranged and are respectively connected to both sides of the bottom surface 613. At the same time, the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 can extend so as to shrink in the direction approaching the substrate 1. The first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 may be curved surfaces or flat surfaces, but are not particularly limited here.

[0110] The bottom surface 613 may be a curved surface protruding in the direction away from the substrate 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom surface 613 of the recess 61 includes a first inclined surface 6131, a second inclined surface 6132, and a connecting surface 6133. Here, both the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132 may be curved surfaces or flat surfaces. The connecting surface 6133 is located on one side of the bottom edges of the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 away from the substrate 1. Also, the connecting surface 6133 is connected between the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132. The first inclined surface 6131 is connected to the bottom edge of the first side surface 611, and the second inclined surface 6132 is connected to the bottom edge of the second side surface 612.

[0111] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient of the first inclined surface 6131 with respect to the middle portion 310 is not smaller than the gradient of the first side surface 611 with respect to the middle portion 310. At the same time, the gradient of the second inclined surface 6132 with respect to the middle portion 310 is not smaller than the gradient of the second side surface 612 with respect to the middle portion 310.

[0112] Furthermore, the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132 are symmetric with respect to the connection surface 6133 in a cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1. That is, the cross-section of the first inclined surface 6131 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1 and the cross-section of the second inclined surface 6132 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1 are symmetric with respect to the cross-section of the connection surface 6133 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1. At the same time, in a cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1, the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 are symmetric with respect to the bottom surface 613. That is, the cross-section of the first side surface 611 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1 and the cross-section of the second side surface 612 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1 are symmetric with respect to the cross-section of the bottom surface 613 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present invention, the minimum thickness of the region of the second electrode 6 corresponding to the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 is greater than the minimum thickness of the region of the second electrode 6 corresponding to the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the present invention, the depth of the recess 61 is less than twice the maximum thickness of the second electrode 6. For example, the maximum thickness of the second electrode 6 is 90 nm, and the depth of the recess 61 is less than 180 nm, for example, 120 nm, 100 nm, 80 nm, 70 nm, 60 nm, 50 nm, 40 nm, etc. The depth of the recess 61 refers to the maximum depth of the recess 61. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, it refers to the distance between the point of the recess 61 closest to the substrate 1 and the surface of the smooth portion 62 away from the substrate 1.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the orthographic projection of each recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 surrounds the outside of the middle portion 310 of one first electrode 31. The minimum value of the distance between the bottom surface 613 of the recess 61 and the middle portion 310 of the adjacent first electrode 31 (in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the distance between the point of the recess 61 closest to the middle portion 310 and the middle portion 310) is 70% or more of the total thickness of the smooth portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5. The total thickness of the smooth portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5 is the total thickness of the smooth portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5. For example, when the total thickness of the smooth portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5 is about 365 nm, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the minimum value of the distance between the middle portion 310 of the adjacent first electrode 31 and the bottom of the recess 61 is at most about 255 nm.

[0116] Furthermore, the maximum value of the distance between the bottom of the recess 61 and the middle portion 310 of the adjacent first electrode 31 (in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the distance between the middle portion 310 and the point of the recess 61 closest to the middle portion 310) is 400 nm or more at most, and this maximum value is 450 nm or less.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments of the present invention, in order to easily form the second electrode 6, a plurality of separation grooves 201 can be formed on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The depth of the separation groove 201 is smaller than the thickness of the first insulating layer 2. That is, the separation groove 201 does not penetrate the first insulating layer 2 in the depth direction. The plurality of pixel regions 202 can be divided on the first insulating layer 2 by using the separation groove 201. Further, each pixel region 202 is distributed in an array. For the specific structure of the separation groove 201, reference can be made to the above embodiments of the first display panel, and thus detailed description is omitted here. At the same time, the second display panel of the present invention further includes a pixel definition layer 4. The pixel definition layer 4 is made of an insulating material and is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 together with the first electrode layer 3. At the same time, the pixel definition layer 4 exposes at least a part of the intermediate portion 310 of the first electrode 31 and is recessed in the region corresponding to the separation groove 201. The intermediate portion 310 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4 can form a light-emitting element together with the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6. For the structure of the pixel definition layer 4, reference can be made to the above embodiments of the first display panel, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0118] The light-emitting functional layer 5 further covers the pixel definition layer 4 and the region of the first insulating layer 2 not covered by the pixel definition layer 4 and the first electrode 31. When the light-emitting functional layer 5 is formed by evaporation or other processes, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is recessed in the direction approaching the substrate 1 in the region corresponding to the separation groove 201. The orthographic projection of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 on the first insulating layer 2 is at least partially located within the range of the separation groove 201.

[0119] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the first display panel of the present invention may further include a first encapsulation layer 13. The first encapsulation layer 13 can cover the second electrode 6. For example, the first encapsulation layer 13 may include two inorganic layers and an organic layer located between the two inorganic layers. The first encapsulation layer 13 forms a pit 1301 in the region corresponding to the recess 61. The two side walls of the pit 1301 extend so as to shrink in the direction approaching the substrate 1, and the two side walls are connected.

[0120] Further, this display panel may further include a color filter layer 14, a second sealing layer 15, and a transparent cover plate 16.

[0121] Here, the color filter layer 14 is provided on one side of the first sealing layer 13 away from the second electrode 6. Also, the color filter layer 14 includes filter regions that correspond one-to-one with the respective first electrodes 31. The colors of the filter regions are, for example, red, blue, and green.

[0122] The second sealing layer 15 can cover the color filter layer 14, and its structure may be the same as that of the first sealing layer 13.

[0123] The transparent cover plate 16 can cover the second sealing layer 15, and its material may be glass or other materials.

[0124] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the second display panel may further include a light extraction layer 17. The light extraction layer 17 is covered on the surface of the second electrode 6 away from the substrate 1 and is recessed in a region corresponding to the recess 61. The first sealing layer 13 is provided on one side of the light extraction layer 17 away from the substrate 1. Since the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17 is larger than that of the second electrode 6, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. Also, the higher the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17, the higher the light extraction efficiency.

[0125] The third display panel As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the display panel may include a substrate 1, a first insulating layer 2, a first electrode layer 3, a pixel definition layer 4, a light-emitting functional layer 5, and a second electrode 6.

[0126] Here, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1. Also, the first insulating layer 2 has a plurality of pixel regions 202 distributed in an array and a separation region 201 that separates the pixel regions 202.

[0127] The first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 distributed in an array. The orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202.

[0128] The pixel definition layer 4 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and exposes each first electrode 31. A pixel definition groove 41 is formed in the region of the pixel definition layer 4 corresponding to the separation region 201. The central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 has a first protrusion 42 protruding in a direction away from the substrate 1. A sub-groove 40 is formed between the side wall of the first protrusion 42 and the side wall of the pixel definition groove 41.

[0129] The light-emitting functional layer 5 covers the pixel definition layer 4 and the first electrode 31 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4.

[0130] The second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5.

[0131] Note that the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 in this specification refers to any region on the bottom surface between the two side walls of the pixel definition groove 41, and is not limited to a region where the distances to the two side walls between the two side walls of the pixel definition groove 41 are equal.

[0132] In the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the regions of the first electrodes 31 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4, the corresponding light-emitting functional layers 5, and the second electrodes 6 can be used to form light-emitting elements so as to be capable of emitting light.

[0133] Since the orthographic projection of the first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202, the pixel defining groove 41 is located outside the first electrode 31. When forming the light-emitting functional layer 5, the light-emitting functional layer 5 can be recessed toward the substrate 1 at the position of the pixel defining groove 41. Thereby, the second electrode 6 forms a recess 61 in this recessed portion. Further, the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is located at least partly within the range of the pixel defining layer 4 and at least partly outside the light-emitting element. Therefore, since the position of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 is restricted by the pixel defining groove 41, not only tip discharge between the recess 61 and the first electrode 31 but also short circuit can be prevented, which is advantageous for ensuring stable light emission of the light-emitting element. At the same time, light emission within the range of the recess 61 can be reduced and even avoided, and mutual interference of light emission between adjacent light-emitting elements can be reduced.

[0134] In addition, since a sub-groove 40 is formed between the first protrusion 42 at the center of the pixel defining groove 41 and the side wall of the pixel defining groove 41, the center portion of the pixel defining groove 41 has a concavo-convex form. When the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes a charge generation layer, it is difficult to form the charge generation layer on the side walls of the two sub-grooves 40. Therefore, it is advantageous to block the charge generation layer within the pixel defining groove 41, and the formation of crosstalk between two adjacent light-emitting elements can be avoided. Of course, the sub-groove 40 of the pixel defining groove 41 can also block a hole injection layer or other film layers, and crosstalk can be similarly prevented.

[0135] Hereinafter, each part of the third display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 10, the material of the substrate 1 may be a semiconductor material such as single crystal silicon or polysilicon, or may be another hard or soft material such as glass.

[0137] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of driving transistors for displaying an image by driving each light-emitting element to emit light may be provided on the substrate 1. Taking one driving transistor with a top-gate structure as an example, the display panel further includes a gate insulating layer 7, a gate electrode 8, a second insulating layer 9, and a first wiring layer 10. Here, the material of the substrate 1 may be a semiconductor material such as single-crystalline silicon or polysilicon. Further, the substrate 1 includes an active region 101, a source electrode 1011 and a drain electrode 1012 located at both ends of the active region 101. The gate insulating layer 7 covers the active region 101, and the gate electrode 8 is provided on the surface of the gate insulating layer 7 away from the substrate 1. The material of the gate electrode 8 may include a polysilicon material. The second insulating layer 9 covers the gate electrode 8 and the substrate 1, and its material may include at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride. The first wiring layer 10 is provided on the surface of the second insulating layer 9 away from the substrate 1. Further, the gate electrode 8, the source electrode 1011, and the drain electrode 1012 are all connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals.

[0138] Further, the display panel may further include a third insulating layer 11 and a second wiring layer 12. The third insulating layer 11 covers the first wiring layer 10 and the second insulating layer 9. The second wiring layer 12 is provided on the surface of the third insulating layer 11 away from the substrate 1. The specific pattern of the second wiring layer 12 can be connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals, but is not particularly limited here.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 10, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first insulating layer 2 can cover the second wiring layer 12. The first electrode 31 may be connected to the second wiring layer 12 through a via hole filled with tungsten or other metals. The material of the first insulating layer 2 may include at least one of silicon nitride and silicon oxide. Of course, other insulating materials may be further included. For example, the first insulating layer 2 can be planarized by a polishing process.

[0140] The first insulating layer 2 can be divided into a plurality of pixel regions 202. Each pixel region 202 is distributed in an array and is spaced apart. Since the region other than the driving region 201 is the separation region 201, the separation region 201 separates the pixel regions 202.

[0141] The shape of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 on the substrate 1 may be a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or other polygons. Of course, it may also be circular or other shapes, but it is not particularly limited here. At the same time, the shapes and sizes of different pixel regions 202 may be different.

[0142] In some embodiments of the present invention, for example, the separation region 201 may include a first separation region and a second separation region. Here, the number of the first separation regions is plural, and each first separation region extends linearly along the first direction and is distributed spaced apart along the second direction. The number of the second separation regions is plural, and each second separation region extends linearly along the second direction and is distributed spaced apart along the first direction. The first direction and the second direction are directions that intersect each other. For example, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the plurality of pixel regions 202 distributed in an array on the first insulating layer 2 can be divided by the intersecting first separation region and second separation region.

[0143] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first separation region and the second separation region can also extend along the trajectory of a curve or a broken line, so that pixel regions 202 of other shapes can be divided.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 10, the first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 distributed in an array. The orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202 in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the boundary of the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 is located within the boundary of the orthographic projection of each pixel region 202 on the substrate 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. Only one first electrode 31 is installed on each pixel region 202. The pixel regions 202 are separated by the separation regions 201, and since the first electrodes 31 are located on the pixel regions 202, the separation regions 201 are located outside the first electrodes 31. The shape of the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 may be the same as the shape of the pixel region 202 where it is located, and the boundary of the first electrode 31 is located within the pixel region 202 where it is located.

[0145] In the direction parallel to the substrate 1, at least one first electrode 31 may include a middle portion 310 and an edge portion 311 surrounding the middle portion 310. Here, the middle portion 310 has a flat structure. That is, the middle portion 310 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0146] In some embodiments of the present invention, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the middle portion 310 of each first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 can be located within the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the middle portion 310 on the substrate 1 is located. That is, there is a non-zero interval L between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the middle portion 310 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the middle portion 310 on the substrate 1 is located. Further, this interval L is 0.15 μm or more. For example, this interval L may be 0.15 μm, 0.2 μm, 0.25 μm, etc.

[0147] The edge portion 311 may include a flat portion 3110 and an inclined portion 3111. Here, the flat portion 3110 is located on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and is installed so as to surround the intermediate portion 310. Also, the flat portion 3110 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. At the same time, the thickness of the flat portion 3110 is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion 310. In some embodiments of the present invention, there is a non-zero interval between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 is located on the substrate 1. Of course, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 is located on the substrate 1 may overlap.

[0148] The inclined portion 3111 is connected between the intermediate portion 310 and the flat portion 3110. That is, the inclined portion 3111 surrounds the intermediate portion 310. The flat portion 3110 is installed so as to surround the inclined portion 3111. In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient of the inclined portion 3111 with respect to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 is 30° or more. This gradient is the angle between the surface of the inclined portion 3111 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0149] The first electrode 31 may include a first conductive layer 320, a second conductive layer 321, and a third conductive layer 322. The first conductive layer 320 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The second conductive layer 321 is provided on the surface of the first conductive layer 320 away from the substrate 1. The third conductive layer 322 is provided on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1 and extends to the first insulating layer 2 at a predetermined gradient. Thereby, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 can be covered and protected.

[0150] The middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 includes a region for positioning the third conductive layer 322 on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321. The edge portion 311 includes a region where the edges of the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 are covered by the third conductive layer 322, that is, a region extending toward the first insulating layer 2. Exemplarily, the material of the first conductive layer 320 may include titanium (Ti), the material of the second conductive layer 321 may include silver (Ag), and the material of the third conductive layer 322 may include indium tin oxide (ITO). Of course, other materials may also be used.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 10, the pixel definition layer 4 is made of an insulating material and is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 together with the first electrode layer 3, exposing at least a part of the region of the first electrode 31.

[0152] For example, the pixel definition layer 4 is provided with a plurality of openings 401 that expose at least a part of each middle portion 310 in a one-to-one manner. The first electrode 31 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4 can form a light-emitting element together with the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6. In some embodiments of the present invention, the opening 401 of the pixel definition layer 4 may have a hexagonal or other polygonal structure. The first electrode 31 may also have a polygonal structure and be the same as the shape of the opening 401. Of course, the first electrode 31 may have other shapes. Specifically, reference can be made to the embodiments of the first display panel in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 10, a pixel definition groove 41 is formed in the region of the pixel definition layer 4 corresponding to the separation region 201. When forming the pixel definition layer 4, the pixel definition groove 41 can be formed by a photolithography process. Of course, by providing a separation groove in the separation region 201 of the first insulating layer 2 and recessing the pixel definition layer 4 in the separation groove, the pixel definition groove 41 can also be formed.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pixel definition layer 4 may include a separation portion 400 and an extension portion 410. Here, the separation portion 400 is located in a region of the first insulating layer 2 that is not covered by the first electrode 31, that is, in a region other than the first electrode 31. The pixel definition groove 41 is provided in the separation portion 400. The extension portion 410 is connected to the separation portion 400, extends to the surface of the first electrode 31 away from the substrate 1, and does not completely cover the first electrode 31. For example, the extension portion 410 extends along the circumferential direction of the first electrode 31 to the circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 310 away from the substrate 1 and does not completely cover the intermediate portion 310 so that the opening 401 is formed.

[0155] Furthermore, the width of the extension portion 410 covering any one of the first electrodes 31 is smaller than the width of the separation portion 400 located between two adjacent first electrodes 31. That is, for any one of the first electrodes 31, the region of the extension portion 410 located on the surface of the first electrode 31 away from the substrate 1 forms a ring structure. The width of the ring structure is smaller than the width of the separation portion 400 adjacent to the first electrode 31. The width of the ring structure is the distance between two side walls.

[0156] In the above pixel definition layer 4, the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 may have a first protrusion 42 protruding in a direction away from the substrate 1. A sub-groove 40 is formed between the side wall of the first protrusion 42 and the side wall of the pixel definition groove 41. Compared with the case where the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 is flat, the first protrusion 42 can make the form of the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 more complex, which is advantageous for blocking the charge generation layer or other film layers of the upper light-emitting functional layer 5, thereby preventing crosstalk between adjacent light-emitting elements.

[0157] Note that the central portion of the sub-groove 40 in this specification refers to any region on the bottom surface between the two side walls of the sub-groove 40 and is not limited to the region where the distances to the two side walls between the two side walls of the sub-groove 40 are equal.

[0158] In some embodiments of the present invention, the two side walls of the first protrusion 42 are inclined surfaces that expand toward the substrate 1, and the two side walls of the pixel definition groove 41 are inclined surfaces that contract toward the substrate 1. That is, the distance between the two side walls of the first protrusion 42 gradually increases toward the substrate 1, and the distance between the two side walls of the pixel definition groove 41 gradually decreases toward the substrate 1. Therefore, the sub-groove 40 is a groove in which the two side walls contract toward the substrate 1.

[0159] Furthermore, the gradient of the side wall of the first protrusion 42 is different from the gradient of the side wall of the pixel definition groove 41. The gradient of the side wall of the first protrusion 42 is the angle between the side wall of the first protrusion 42 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The gradient of the side wall of the pixel definition groove 41 is the angle between the side wall of the pixel definition groove 41 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. Here, when the side walls of the first protrusion 42 and the pixel definition groove 41 form an arc surface, the gradients of both are the maximum value or the average value of the angle between each cross-section of the arc surface and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0160] Furthermore, the thickness of the first protrusion 42 may be smaller than the depth of the pixel definition groove 41. Thereby, the first protrusion 42 does not protrude from the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and is completely located within the pixel definition groove 41.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 10, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is a continuous film layer, and at least a part thereof covers the middle portion 310 of each first electrode 31. That is, the light-emitting functional layer 5 may cover the region exposed by the opening 401 and further cover at least a part of the region of the pixel definition layer 4. When the light-emitting functional layer 5 is formed by vapor deposition or other processes, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is recessed in a direction approaching the substrate 1 in a region corresponding to the pixel definition groove 41.

[0162] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes a plurality of light-emitting unit layers 501. In each light-emitting unit layer 501, the distribution patterns of the hole injection layer, hole transport layer, light-emitting layer, electron transport layer, and electron injection layer are the same. At the same time, a charge generation layer 502 is provided between two adjacent light-emitting unit layers 501, so that each light-emitting unit layer 501 is connected in series by the charge generation layer 502 to form a series-type OLED light-emitting device.

[0163] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes one light-emitting unit layer. The light-emitting unit layer includes a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer sequentially stacked from the first electrode 31 along the direction away from the substrate 1.

[0164] Since the charge generation layer 502 is difficult to cover the sidewall of the sub-groove 40 of the pixel definition groove 41, the pixel definition groove 41 can block the charge generation layer 502 of the light-emitting device, and crosstalk between two adjacent light-emitting devices can be avoided. Of course, since the pixel definition groove 41 can block the hole injection layer or other film layers, crosstalk can be similarly prevented.

[0165] Note that the light-emitting functional layer 5 is a continuous film layer, but not each of its film layers is a continuous film layer. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting functional layer 5 may include a plurality of light-emitting portions distributed separately. Each light-emitting portion is located within one opening 401, so that each light-emitting device has an independent light-emitting portion. Since the materials of different light-emitting portions may be different, the light-emitting colors of different light-emitting devices are different. The other film layers of the light-emitting functional layer 5 may be the continuous film layers described above. That is, each light-emitting device can share these continuous film layers.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 10, the second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5, and drive signals can be applied to the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6. Thereby, the portion of the light-emitting functional layer 5 located between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6 can emit light.

[0167] Since there is a predetermined distance between the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 31, a microcavity can be formed. The light emitted by the light-emitting functional layer 5 is reflected to some extent at the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 6. When the wavelength of the light and the depth of the microcavity satisfy the resonance condition, the light is enhanced according to the principle of constructive interference, which is advantageous for improving the luminance of the light-emitting element. However, since the wavelengths of light of different colors are different, the depths of the microcavities of light-emitting elements having different emission colors may also be different.

[0168] In some embodiments of the present invention, the emission colors of the light-emitting layers of different light-emitting elements may be different. In order for the microcavity to have the same enhancement effect on lights of different colors, the thicknesses of the first electrodes 31 of the light-emitting elements of different emission colors can be made different. Thereby, the depth of the microcavity coincides with the wavelength of the light, and the longer the wavelength of the emission, the greater the depth of the microcavity. Further, the first electrode 31 includes a first conductive layer 320, a second conductive layer 321, and a third conductive layer 322. The first conductive layer 320 may be a reflective material. The depth of the microcavity may be the distance between the first conductive layer 320 and the second electrode 6. The thicknesses of the two first electrodes 31 can be made different by making the thickness of the first conductive layer 320 different, making the thickness of the second conductive layer 321 the same, and making the thickness of the third conductive layer 322 the same.

[0169] The shape of the second electrode 6 coincides with that of the light-emitting functional layer 5. By forming a recess 61 by recessing in the recessed portion of the light-emitting functional layer 5 and forming a smooth portion 62 in a region corresponding to the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31, at least a part of the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is located outside the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31. Therefore, tip discharge between the first electrode 31 and the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 can be reduced or avoided. The material of the second electrode 6 may be an alloy material. For example, the material of the second electrode 6 may contain Mg and Ag. Alternatively, the second electrode 6 may use an alloy of Al and Li. Of course, the second electrode 6 may use other alloys or elemental metals, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0170] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extension portion 410 of the pixel definition layer 4 covers the edge of the middle portion 310. The second electrode 6 may protrude in a direction away from the substrate 1 in a region corresponding to the extension portion 410. However, the protruding height of the second electrode 6 is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the middle portion 310 so that the joint portion between the smooth portion 62 and the recess 61 maintains a substantially smooth state.

[0171] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lowest point of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 in a cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1 is completely located within the pixel definition groove 41 in the orthographic projection on the first insulating layer 2, that is, completely outside the middle portion 310.

[0172] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first display panel may further include a first sealing layer 13, a color filter layer 14, a second sealing layer 15, and a transparent cover plate 16.

[0173] Here, the first sealing layer 13 can cover the second electrode 6. For example, the first sealing layer 13 may include two inorganic layers and an organic layer located between the two inorganic layers.

[0174] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first encapsulation layer 13 may form pits 1301 by being recessed in a region corresponding to the recess 61. Of course, when the thickness of the first encapsulation layer 13 is large, the surface of the first encapsulation layer 13 away from the substrate 1 can be maintained in a substantially flat state.

[0175] Furthermore, the color filter layer 14 is provided on one side of the first encapsulation layer 13 away from the second electrode 6. Also, the color filter layer 14 includes filter regions corresponding one-to-one to each of the first electrodes 31. The colors of the filter regions are, for example, red, blue, and green.

[0176] The second encapsulation layer 15 can cover the color filter layer 14, and its structure may be the same as that of the first encapsulation layer 13.

[0177] The transparent cover plate 16 can cover the second encapsulation layer 15, and its material may be glass or other materials.

[0178] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the third display panel may further include a light extraction layer 17. The light extraction layer 17 is covered on the surface of the second electrode 6 away from the substrate 1 and is recessed in a region corresponding to the recess 61. The first encapsulation layer 13 is provided on one side of the light extraction layer 17 away from the substrate 1. Since the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17 is greater than that of the second electrode 6, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. Also, the higher the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17, the higher the light extraction efficiency.

[0179] Fourth display panel As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the display panel may include a substrate 1, a first insulating layer 2, a first electrode layer 3, a pixel definition layer 4, a light-emitting functional layer 5, and a second electrode 6.

[0180] Here, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1.

[0181] The first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 distributed in an array.

[0182] The pixel definition layer 4 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, and exposes each first electrode 31.

[0183] The light-emitting functional layer 5 covers the pixel definition layer 4, the first electrode 31 and the first insulating layer 2 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4.

[0184] The second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5 and includes a recess 61 and a plurality of smooth portions 62 separated by the recess 61. The orthographic projection of each smooth portion 62 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each first electrode 31, and at least a part of the region of the recess 61 is recessed toward the side of the smooth portion 62 approaching the substrate 1. The orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is at least partially located within the pixel definition groove 41. The central portion of the recess 61 corresponding to the first protrusion 42 has a second protrusion 600. A sub-recess 610 is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion 600 and the side surface of the recess 61.

[0185] Note that the central portion of the recess 61 in this specification refers to any region on the bottom surface between the two side walls of the recess 61, and is not limited to the region where the distances to the two side walls between the two side walls of the recess 61 are equal.

[0186] In the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention, the region of each first electrode 31 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4, the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6 can constitute a light-emitting element capable of emitting light. Since at least a part of the orthographic projection of the recess 61 of the second electrode 6 on the first insulating layer 2 is located outside the first electrode, it is possible to prevent tip discharge between the recess 61 and the first electrode 31 and even prevent short circuit, which is advantageous for ensuring stable light emission of the light-emitting element. At the same time, the light emission within the range of the recess 61 can be reduced or even avoided, and the mutual interference of the light emission of adjacent light-emitting elements can be reduced.

[0187] Hereinafter, each part of the fourth display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of driving transistors for driving each light-emitting element to emit light to display an image may be provided on the substrate 1. Taking one driving transistor with a top-gate structure as an example, the display panel further includes a gate insulating layer 7, a gate electrode 8, a second insulating layer 9, and a first wiring layer 10. Here, the material of the substrate 1 may be a semiconductor material such as single-crystalline silicon or polysilicon. Further, the substrate 1 includes an active region 101, a source electrode 1011 and a drain electrode 1012 located at both ends of the active region 101. The gate insulating layer 7 covers the active region 101. The gate electrode 8 is provided on the surface of the gate insulating layer 7 away from the substrate 1. The material of the gate electrode 8 may include a polysilicon material. The second insulating layer 9 covers the gate electrode 8 and the substrate 1, and its material may include at least one of silicon oxide and silicon nitride. The first wiring layer 10 is provided on the surface of the second insulating layer 9 away from the substrate 1. Also, the gate electrode 8, the source electrode 1011, and the drain electrode 1012 are all connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals.

[0189] Further, the display panel may further include a third insulating layer 11 and a second wiring layer 12. The third insulating layer 11 covers the first wiring layer 10 and the second insulating layer 9. The second wiring layer 12 is provided on the surface of the third insulating layer 11 away from the substrate 1. The specific pattern of the second wiring layer 12 may be connected to the first wiring layer 10 through via holes filled with tungsten or other metals, but is not particularly limited here.

[0190] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first insulating layer 2 is provided on one side of the substrate 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first insulating layer 2 can cover the second wiring layer 12. The first electrode 31 may be connected to the second wiring layer 12 through a via hole filled with tungsten or other metals. The material of the first insulating layer 2 may include at least one of silicon nitride and silicon oxide, and of course, may further include other insulating materials. For example, the first insulating layer 2 can be planarized by a polishing process.

[0191] The first insulating layer 2 has a separation region 201. The separation region 201 can divide a plurality of pixel regions 202 on the first insulating layer 2 and can distribute each pixel region 202 in an array.

[0192] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first electrode layer 3 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and includes a plurality of first electrodes 31 distributed in an array.

[0193] In some embodiments of the present invention, the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each pixel region 202 in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the boundary of the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 is located within the boundary of the orthographic projection of each pixel region 202 on the substrate 1 in a one-to-one correspondence. Only one first electrode 31 is installed on each pixel region 202. Since the pixel region 202 is separated by the separation region 201 and the first electrode 31 is located on the pixel region 202, the separation region 201 is located outside the first electrode 31. The shape of the orthographic projection of each first electrode 31 on the first insulating layer 2 may be the same as the shape of the pixel region 202 where it is located. The boundary of the first electrode 31 is located within the pixel region 202 where it is located.

[0194] In the direction parallel to the substrate 1, at least one first electrode 31 may include a middle portion 310 and an edge portion 311 surrounding the middle portion 310. Here, the middle portion 310 has a flat structure. That is, the middle portion 310 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0195] In some embodiments of the present invention, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the middle portion 310 of each first electrode 31 on the substrate 1 may be located within the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the middle portion 310 on the substrate 1 is located. That is, there is a non-zero interval L between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the middle portion 310 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the middle portion 310 on the substrate 1 is located. Furthermore, this interval L is 0.15 μm or more. For example, this interval L may be 0.15 μm, 0.2 μm, 0.25 μm, etc.

[0196] The edge portion 311 may include a flat portion 3110 and an inclined portion 3111. Here, the flat portion 3110 is located on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 and is installed so as to surround the middle portion 310. Also, the flat portion 3110 is substantially parallel to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. At the same time, the thickness of the flat portion 3110 is smaller than the thickness of the middle portion 310. In some embodiments of the present invention, there is a non-zero interval between the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 is located. Of course, the boundary of the orthographic projection of the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 and the boundary of the orthographic projection of the pixel region 202 where the flat portion 3110 on the substrate 1 is located can overlap.

[0197] The inclined portion 3111 is connected between the middle portion 310 and the flat portion 3110. That is, the inclined portion 3111 surrounds the middle portion 310, and the flat portion 3110 is installed so as to surround the inclined portion 3111. In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient of the inclined portion 3111 with respect to the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 is 30° or more. This gradient is the angle between the surface of the inclined portion 3111 and the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1.

[0198] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first electrode 31 may include a first conductive layer 320, a second conductive layer 321, and a third conductive layer 322. The first conductive layer 320 is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1. The second conductive layer 321 is provided on the surface of the first conductive layer 320 away from the substrate 1. The third conductive layer 322 is provided on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1 and extends to the first insulating layer 2 at a predetermined inclination. Thereby, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 can be covered and the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 can be protected.

[0199] The middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 includes a region for positioning the third conductive layer 322 on the surface of the second conductive layer 321 away from the substrate 1, the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321. The edge portion 311 includes a region where the edges of the first conductive layer 320 and the second conductive layer 321 are covered by the third conductive layer 322, that is, a region extending toward the first insulating layer 2. Exemplarily, the material of the first conductive layer 320 may include titanium (Ti), the material of the second conductive layer 321 may include silver (Ag), and the material of the third conductive layer 322 may include indium tin oxide (ITO). Of course, other materials may be used.

[0200] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the pixel definition layer 4 is made of an insulating material and is provided on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1 together with the first electrode layer 3, exposing at least a part of the region of the first electrode 31.

[0201] For example, the pixel definition layer 4 is provided with a plurality of openings 401 that expose at least a part of each middle portion 310 in a one-to-one correspondence. The first electrode 31 exposed by the pixel definition layer 4 can form a light-emitting element together with the corresponding light-emitting functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6. In some embodiments of the present invention, the opening 401 of the pixel definition layer 4 may have a hexagonal or other polygonal structure. The first electrode 31 may also have a polygonal structure and may be the same as the shape of the opening 401. Of course, the first electrode 31 may have other shapes. Specifically, reference may be made to the first display panel shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0202] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the pixel definition layer 4, a pixel definition groove 41 is formed in a region corresponding to the separation region 201.

[0203] In the above-mentioned pixel definition layer 4, the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 may have a first protrusion 42 protruding in a direction away from the substrate 1. A sub-groove 40 is formed between the side wall of the first protrusion 42 and the side wall of the pixel definition groove 41. Compared with the case where the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 is flat, the first protrusion 42 can make the form of the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 more complex, so it is advantageous for blocking the charge generation layer or other film layers of the upper light-emitting functional layer 5, thereby preventing crosstalk between adjacent light-emitting elements. Further, in order to block a part of the upper film layer by ensuring a sufficient depth of the pixel definition groove 41, the central portion of the pixel definition groove 41 is positioned within the separation region 201, that is, on the side closer to the substrate 1 on the surface of the first insulating layer 2 away from the substrate 1, one or more points of the pixel definition groove 41 closest to the substrate 1 can be positioned. Correspondingly, the central portion of the sub-groove 40 is positioned within the separation region 201.

[0204] For the detailed structure of the pixel definition layer 4 and its pixel definition groove 41, reference can be made to the above-described embodiment of the third display panel, so detailed description is omitted here.

[0205] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the light-emitting functional layer 5 may be a continuous film layer, and at least a part thereof covers the intermediate portion 310 of each first electrode 31, that is, covers the region exposed by the opening 401. At the same time, the light-emitting functional layer 5 also covers the pixel definition layer 4 and the region of the first insulating layer 2 not covered by the pixel definition layer 4 and the first electrode 31. When the light-emitting functional layer 5 is formed by vapor deposition or other processes, the light-emitting functional layer 5 is recessed in a direction approaching the substrate 1 in a region corresponding to the pixel definition groove 41.

[0206] In one embodiment of the present invention, referring to the light-emitting functional layer 5 of the third display panel, as shown in FIG. 10, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes a plurality of light-emitting unit layers 501, and the distribution patterns of the hole injection layer, hole transport layer, light-emitting layer, electron transport layer, and electron injection layer in each light-emitting unit layer 501 are the same. At the same time, a charge generation layer 502 is provided between two adjacent light-emitting unit layers 501, so that each light-emitting unit layer 501 is connected in series by the charge generation layer 502 to form a series-type OLED light-emitting element.

[0207] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting functional layer 5 includes one light-emitting unit layer. The light-emitting unit layer includes a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer sequentially laminated from the first electrode 31 along the direction away from the substrate 1.

[0208] Since the charge generation layer 502 is difficult to cover the sidewall of the sub-groove 40 of the pixel definition groove 41, the charge generation layer 502 of the light-emitting element can be blocked by the pixel definition groove 41, and crosstalk between two adjacent light-emitting elements can be avoided. Of course, the pixel definition groove 41 can also block the hole injection layer or other film layers, and can similarly prevent crosstalk.

[0209] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second electrode 6 covers the light-emitting functional layer 5 and includes a recess 61 and a plurality of smooth portions 62 separated by the recess 61. The orthographic projection of each smooth portion 62 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each first electrode 31 in a one-to-one correspondence manner. The recess 61 is recessed toward the side of the smooth portion 62 approaching the substrate 1. The orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is at least partially located outside the first electrode 31. The central portion of the recess 61 has a second protrusion 600. A sub-recess 610 is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion 600 and the side surface of the recess 61.

[0210] In some embodiments of the present invention, the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is at least partially located within the pixel definition groove 41. Further, the central portion of the recess 61 corresponding to the first protrusion 42 has a second protrusion 600. A sub-recess 610 is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion 600 and the side surface of the recess 61. The point of the sub-recess 610 closest to the substrate 1 is located within the sub-groove 40 in the orthographic projection on the first insulating layer 2.

[0211] Each smoothing portion 62 is distributed in an array and is installed so as to correspond one-to-one with the middle portion 310 of each first electrode 31. That is, the orthographic projection of each smoothing portion 62 on the first insulating layer 2 is located within each first electrode 31 so as to correspond one-to-one. The smoothing portion 62 is parallel or substantially parallel to the middle portion 310.

[0212] The recess 61 corresponds to the region of the first insulating layer 2 not covered by the middle portion 310 and is used to separate the smoothing portions 62. The recess 61 is recessed toward one side of the smoothing portion 62 closer to the substrate 1. The recess 61 has a ring structure and the number thereof is plural. Each recess 61 surrounds each smoothing portion 62 so as to correspond one-to-one. That is, the recess 61 is the transition region between two adjacent smoothing portions 62.

[0213] Since at least a part of the orthographic projection of the recess 61 on the substrate 1 is located outside the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31, it directly faces the region other than the first electrode 31 or the thin edge portion 311 of the thickness without directly facing the thick middle portion 310. Therefore, the risk of tip discharge and short circuit between the recess 61 and the first electrode 31 can be reduced, and the light emission stability of the light emitting element can be improved.

[0214] In some embodiments of the present invention, in a cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1, the orthographic projection of the lowest point of the recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 is located outside the intermediate portion 310. For example, this lowest point corresponds to one of the inclined portion 3111 and the flat portion 3110 in order to avoid tip discharge between the intermediate portion 310. The lowest point of the recess 61 in the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1 is the point of the recess 61 closest to the first electrode 31 in the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1, that is, the point farthest from the smooth portion 62.

[0215] Note that the number of the recesses 61 in the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1 may be plural, and the lowest points in different cross-sections may be different. For example, this lowest point may be the point closest to the intermediate portion 310 of the first electrode 31 in the depth direction, or may be other points in the depth direction, specifically, determined by the position of the cross-section perpendicular to the substrate 1.

[0216] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments of the present invention, the recess 61 has two side surfaces and includes a first side surface 611, a second side surface 612, and a second protrusion 600. Here, the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 are oppositely arranged and connected to both sides of the second protrusion 600. At the same time, the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 can extend so as to shrink in the direction approaching the substrate 1. The first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 may be curved surfaces or flat surfaces, but are not particularly limited here.

[0217] The second protrusion 600 may be a curved surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate 1. In some embodiments of the present invention, the second protrusion 600 of the recess 61 includes a first inclined surface 6131, a second inclined surface 6132, and a connecting surface 6133. Here, both the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132 may be curved surfaces or flat surfaces. The connecting surface 6133 is located on one side away from the substrate 1 at the bottom edges of the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612. The connecting surface 6133 is connected between the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132. The first inclined surface 6131 is connected to the bottom edge of the first side surface 611 and forms one sub-recess 610. The second inclined surface 6132 is connected to the bottom edge of the second side surface 612 and forms another sub-recess 610.

[0218] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gradient of the first inclined surface 6131 with respect to the middle portion 310 is not smaller than the gradient of the first side surface 611 with respect to the middle portion 310. At the same time, the gradient of the second inclined surface 6132 with respect to the middle portion 310 is not smaller than the gradient of the second side surface 612 with respect to the middle portion 310.

[0219] In some embodiments of the present invention, the minimum thickness of the region of the second electrode 6 corresponding to the first side surface 611 and the second side surface 612 is greater than the minimum thickness of the region of the second electrode 6 corresponding to the first inclined surface 6131 and the second inclined surface 6132.

[0220] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments of the present invention, the depth of the recess 61 is smaller than twice the maximum thickness of the second electrode 6. For example, the maximum thickness of the second electrode 6 is 90 nm, and the depth of the recess 61 is smaller than 180 nm, such as 120 nm, 100 nm, 80 nm, 70 nm, 60 nm, 50 nm, 40 nm, etc. The depth of the recess 61 refers to the maximum depth of the recess 61. That is, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, it refers to the distance between the point of the recess 61 closest to the substrate 1 and the surface of the smooth portion 62 away from the substrate 1.

[0221] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the orthographic projection of each recess 61 on the first insulating layer 2 surrounds the outside of the middle portion 310 of one first electrode 31. The minimum value of the distance between the second protrusion 600 of the recess 61 and the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 adjacent thereto (in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the distance between the point of the recess 61 closest to the middle portion 310 and the middle portion 310) is 70% or more of the total thickness of the smoothing portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5. The total thickness of the smoothing portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5 is the sum of the thicknesses of the smoothing portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5. For example, when the total thickness of the smoothing portion 62 and the light-emitting functional layer 5 is about 365 nm, in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the minimum value of the distance between the central portion of the recess 61 and the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 adjacent thereto is at most about 255 nm.

[0222] Furthermore, the maximum value of the distance between the central portion of the recess 61 and the middle portion 310 of the first electrode 31 adjacent thereto (in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 1, the distance between the point of the recess 61 closest to the middle portion 310 and the middle portion 310) is 400 nm or more at most, and this maximum value is 450 nm or less.

[0223] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in some embodiments of the present invention, the pixel defining layer 4 may include a separation portion 400 and an extension portion 410. Here, the separation portion 400 is located in a region of the first insulating layer 2 not covered by the first electrode 31, that is, in a region other than the first electrode 31. The pixel defining groove 41 is provided in the separation portion 400. The extension portion 410 is connected to the separation portion 400, extends to the surface of the first electrode 31 away from the substrate 1, and does not completely cover the first electrode 31. For example, the extension portion 410 extends along the circumferential direction of the first electrode 31 to the circumferential surface of the middle portion 310 away from the substrate 1 and does not completely cover the middle portion 310.

[0224] Since the extension portion 410 covers the boundary of the first electrode 31, the region of the second electrode 6 corresponding to the extension portion 410 further has a protrusion 63 protruding in the direction away from the substrate 1. The smoothing portion 62 is connected to the recess 61 via the protrusion 63. The orthographic projection of the protrusion 63 on the substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the extension portion 410 on the substrate 1 at least partially overlap.

[0225] When the thicknesses of two adjacent first electrodes 31 are different, the distances between the surfaces of the extension portions 410 on the two first electrodes 31 away from the substrate 1 and the substrate 1 are different. In the two protrusion portions 63 connected to both sides of the recess 61, the distance between the point of one protrusion portion 63 farthest from the substrate 1 and the substrate 1 is different from the distance between the point of the other protrusion portion 63 farthest from the substrate 1 and the substrate 1.

[0226] Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, this display panel may further include a first sealing layer 13, a color filter layer 14, a second sealing layer 15, and a transparent cover plate 16.

[0227] Here, the first sealing layer 13 can cover the second electrode 6. For example, the first sealing layer 13 may include two inorganic layers and an organic layer located between the two inorganic layers.

[0228] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first sealing layer 13 can form a pit 1301 by the region corresponding to the recess 61 being recessed. Of course, when the thickness of the first sealing layer 13 is thick, the surface of the first sealing layer 13 away from the substrate 1 can maintain a substantially flat state.

[0229] The color filter layer 14 is provided on one side of the first sealing layer 13 away from the second electrode 6. Also, the color filter layer 14 includes filter regions corresponding one-to-one with the respective first electrodes 31. The colors of the filter regions are, for example, red, blue, green, etc.

[0230] The second sealing layer 15 can cover the color filter layer 14, and its structure may be the same as that of the first sealing layer 13.

[0231] The transparent cover plate 16 can cover the second sealing layer 15, and its material may be glass or other materials.

[0232] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the fourth display panel may further include a light extraction layer 17. The light extraction layer 17 is covered on the surface of the second electrode 6 away from the substrate 1 and is recessed in a region corresponding to the recess 61. The first sealing layer 13 is provided on one side of the light extraction layer 17 away from the substrate 1. Since the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17 is formed to be larger than the refractive index of the second electrode 6, the light extraction efficiency can be improved. Also, the higher the refractive index of the light extraction layer 17, the higher the light extraction efficiency. In the display panel according to any one of the above items, the two side walls of the pit extend and are connected so as to shrink in a direction approaching the substrate.

[0233] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel is further provided. This display panel may be the above-described first display panel. As shown in FIG. 14, this manufacturing method includes steps S110 to S160.

[0234] Here, in step S110, a first insulating layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0235] In step S120, a plurality of separation grooves are formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate so as to divide a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array.

[0236] In step S130, a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate. The orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located within each pixel region so as to correspond one-to-one. The first electrode includes a flat intermediate portion and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion. The edge portion includes a flat portion surrounding the intermediate portion and an inclined portion connected between the intermediate portion and the flat portion. The thickness of the flat portion is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion.

[0237] In step S140, a pixel defining layer is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate. The pixel defining layer exposes at least a part of the region of the intermediate portion.

[0238] In step S150, a light-emitting functional layer is formed, and the light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer, the intermediate portion and the first insulating layer exposed by the pixel definition layer.

[0239] In step S160, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer is formed.

[0240] The details and beneficial effects of each layer structure of the manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described in the above embodiment of the first display panel, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0241] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel is further provided. The above display panel may be the above first display panel. As shown in FIG. 15, the manufacturing method includes steps S210 to S250.

[0242] Here, in step S210, a first insulating layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0243] In step S220, a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes and separation grooves are formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate. The first electrode includes a flat intermediate portion and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion. The edge portion includes a flat portion surrounding the intermediate portion and an inclined portion connected between the intermediate portion and the flat portion. The thickness of the flat portion is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion. The separation grooves divide a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array in the first insulating layer, and the orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located in each pixel region in a one-to-one correspondence manner.

[0244] In step S230, a pixel definition layer is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate, and the pixel definition layer exposes at least a part of the region of the intermediate portion.

[0245] In step S240, a light-emitting functional layer is formed, and the light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer, the intermediate portion and the first insulating layer exposed by the pixel definition layer.

[0246] In step S250, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer is formed.

[0247] In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, a conductive layer can first be formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate, and the conductive layer is patterned by a single grayscale masking process to obtain a first electrode layer. At the same time, a separation groove can also be formed together by this single grayscale masking process. Compared with the method of separately forming the first electrode layer and the separation groove by two masking processes, the manufacturing process of the display panel can be simplified.

[0248] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing method of a display panel is further provided. The above display panel may be the above second display panel. As shown in FIG. 16, the above manufacturing method includes steps S310 to S340.

[0249] Here, in step S310, a first insulating layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0250] In step S320, a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate. The first electrode includes a flat intermediate portion and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion. The edge portion includes a flat portion surrounding the intermediate portion and an inclined portion connected between the intermediate portion and the flat portion. The thickness of the flat portion is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion.

[0251] In step S330, a light-emitting functional layer covering at least a part of the region of the intermediate portion is formed.

[0252] In step S340, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer is formed. The second electrode includes a concave portion and a plurality of smooth portions separated by the concave portion. The orthographic projection of each smooth portion on the first insulating layer is located in each first electrode in a one-to-one correspondence manner. The concave portion is recessed toward one side of the smooth portion approaching the substrate, and at least a part of the orthographic projection of the concave portion on the first insulating layer is located outside the intermediate portion.

[0253] Details of each layer structure and beneficial effects of the manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described in the above embodiment of the second display panel, and thus detailed description is omitted here.

[0254] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing method of a display panel is further provided. The above display panel may be the above third display panel. As shown in FIG. 17, the manufacturing method of the display panel includes steps S410 to S450.

[0255] Here, in step S410, a first insulating layer is formed on one side of the substrate. The first insulating layer has a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array and a separation region separating the pixel regions.

[0256] In step S420, a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate. The orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located within each pixel region.

[0257] In step S430, a pixel definition layer is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and each first electrode is exposed. Pixel definition grooves are formed in a region corresponding to the separation region in the pixel definition layer. A first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate is provided at a central portion of the pixel definition groove. A sub-groove is formed between a side wall of the first protrusion and a side wall of the pixel definition groove.

[0258] In step S440, a light-emitting functional layer is formed. The light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer.

[0259] In step S450, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer is formed.

[0260] Since the details and beneficial effects of the layer structures of the manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described in the above embodiment of the third display panel, detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0261] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display panel is further provided. The display panel may be the above-described fourth display panel. As shown in FIG. 18, the method for manufacturing a display panel includes steps S510 to S550.

[0262] Here, in step S510, a first insulating layer is formed on one side of the substrate.

[0263] In step S520, a first electrode layer is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate, and the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes.

[0264] In step S530, a pixel definition layer is formed on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate, and the pixel definition exposes each of the first electrodes.

[0265] In step S540, a light-emitting functional layer is formed, and the light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer.

[0266] In step S550, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer is formed. The second electrode includes a concave portion and a plurality of smooth portions separated by the concave portion. The orthographic projection of each smooth portion on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode. At least a part of the region of the concave portion is recessed toward the side closer to the substrate of the smooth portion. The orthographic projection of the concave portion on the first insulating layer is at least partially located outside the first electrode. The central portion of the concave portion has a second protrusion, and a sub-concave portion is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion and the side surface of the concave portion.

[0267] Details of each layer structure and beneficial effects of the manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described in the above embodiment of the fourth display panel, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0268] In the drawings, although various steps of the manufacturing method in the present invention are described in a specific order, this does not require or imply that these steps must be executed in this specific order or that all the steps shown must be executed in order to achieve the desired result. Additionally or alternatively, some steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined and executed as one step, and / or one step may be decomposed into multiple steps and executed.

[0269] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device is further provided. The display device may include any one of various embodiments of the above first display panel, second display panel, third display panel, and fourth display panel. For specific structures and beneficial effects, reference may be made to the above embodiments, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The display device of the present invention can be used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and televisions, and will not be listed one by one here.

[0270] Those skilled in the art can easily obtain other embodiments of the present invention through understanding the specification and implementing the invention described in the specification. The present invention includes any modifications, applications, or adaptive changes to the present invention, and such modifications, applications, or adaptive changes follow the general principles of the present invention and include common knowledge or ordinary technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present invention. The specification and examples are merely illustrative, and the true scope and gist of the present invention are shown by the following claims.

[0271] Furthermore, it is also preferable that the following examples are included in the present invention. [Item 1] A display panel, a substrate, A first insulating layer provided on one side of the substrate; A first electrode layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and including a plurality of first electrodes; A pixel definition layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and exposing each of the first electrodes; A light-emitting functional layer covering the pixel definition layer and the first electrodes exposed by the pixel definition layer; A second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer, comprising: The first insulating layer has a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array and a separation region separating the pixel regions; The orthographic projection of each of the first electrodes on the first insulating layer is located within each of the pixel regions; The pixel definition layer has pixel definition grooves formed in a region corresponding to the separation region; A central portion of the pixel definition groove has a first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate; Sub-grooves are formed between the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the pixel definition groove A display panel. [Item 2] Two side walls of the first protrusion are inclined surfaces expanding toward the substrate; Two side walls of the pixel definition groove are inclined surfaces shrinking toward the substrate The display panel according to Item 1. [Item 3] The gradient of the side wall of the first protrusion is different from the gradient of the side wall of the pixel definition groove The display panel according to Item 1. [Item 4] The thickness of the first protrusion is smaller than the depth of the pixel definition groove The display panel according to Item 1. [Item 5] The orthographic projection of the central portion of the pixel definition groove on the first insulating layer is located within the separation region The display panel according to Item 1. [Item 6] The pixel definition layer includes a separation portion and an extension portion; The separation portion is located in a region other than the first electrode, and the pixel definition groove is provided in the separation portion The extension part is connected to the separation part, extends to the surface of the first electrode away from the substrate, and does not completely cover the first electrode. The display panel according to item 1. [Item 7] The width of the extension part covering any one of the first electrodes is smaller than the width of the separation part located between two adjacent first electrodes. The display panel according to item 6. [Item 8] The thicknesses of at least two of the first electrodes are different. The display panel according to item 1. [Item 9] The maximum depth of the pixel definition groove is not greater than 60% of the sum of the thicknesses of the light-emitting functional layer and the first electrode. The display panel according to item 1. [Item 10] A display panel, a substrate, a first insulating layer provided on one side of the substrate, a first electrode layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and including a plurality of first electrodes, a pixel definition layer provided on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate and exposing each of the first electrodes, a light-emitting functional layer covering the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer, a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer and including a concave portion and a plurality of smooth portions separated by the concave portion, The orthographic projection of each smooth portion on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode, At least a part of the region of the concave portion is recessed toward one side of the smooth portion approaching the substrate, The orthographic projection of the concave portion on the first insulating layer is at least partially located outside the first electrode, The central portion of the concave portion has a second protrusion, A sub-concave portion is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion and the side surface of the concave portion. Display panel. [Item 11] The first insulating layer is A plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array, and a separation region that separates the pixel regions, The orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode, The pixel definition layer exposes each first electrode, and a pixel definition groove is formed in a region corresponding to the separation region, The central portion of the pixel definition groove has a first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate, A sub-groove is formed between the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the pixel definition groove, The orthographic projection of the recess on the first insulating layer is at least partially located within the pixel definition groove The display panel according to item 10. [Item 12] The point of the sub-recess closest to the substrate is located within the sub-groove in the orthographic projection on the first insulating layer The display panel according to item 11. [Item 13] The recess includes a first side surface and a second side surface, The first side surface and the second side surface are oppositely connected to both sides of the second protrusion, The first side surface and the second side surface taper toward the substrate The display panel according to item 11. [Item 14] The second protrusion includes a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface, and a connection surface connected between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, The connection surface is located on a side away from the substrate at the bottom of the first side surface and the second side surface, The first inclined surface is connected to the bottom of the first side surface, The second inclined surface is connected to the bottom of the second side surface The display panel according to item 13. [Item 15] The minimum thickness of the region of the second electrode corresponding to the first side surface and the second side surface is greater than the minimum thickness of the region of the second electrode corresponding to the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface The display panel according to item 14. [Item 16] The pixel definition layer includes a separation portion and an extension portion, The separation portion is located in a region other than the first electrode, and at least a part of the pixel definition groove is provided in the separation portion, The extension portion is connected to the separation portion, extends to the surface of the first electrode away from the substrate, and does not completely cover the first electrode, The second electrode further has a protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate, The smooth portion is connected to the recess through the protrusion, The orthographic projection of the protrusion on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the extension portion on the substrate at least partially overlap, The display panel according to item 11. [Item 17] Among the two protrusions connected to both sides of the recess, the distance between the point of one of the protrusions farthest from the substrate and the substrate is different from the distance between the point of the other protrusion farthest from the substrate and the substrate, The display panel according to item 16. [Item 18] The display panel is, Further includes a first sealing layer that covers the second electrode and forms pits in a region corresponding to the recesses, The display panel according to item 10. [Item 19] Two side walls of the pit are reduced and connected in a direction approaching the substrate, The display panel according to item 18. [Item 20] A method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising: Forming a first insulating layer on one side of a substrate; Forming a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate; Forming a pixel definition layer on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate to expose each first electrode; Forming a light-emitting functional layer; Forming a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer, The first insulating layer has a plurality of pixel regions distributed in an array and a separation region separating the pixel regions. The orthographic projection of each first electrode on the first insulating layer is located within each pixel region. The pixel definition layer has pixel definition grooves formed in a region corresponding to the separation region. The central portion of the pixel definition groove has a first protrusion protruding in a direction away from the substrate. Sub-grooves are formed between the side wall of the first protrusion and the side wall of the pixel definition groove. The light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer. A method for manufacturing a display panel. [Item 21] A method for manufacturing a display panel, comprising: forming a first insulating layer on one side of a substrate; forming a first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate; forming a pixel definition layer exposing each first electrode on the surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate; forming a light-emitting functional layer; forming a second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer. The light-emitting functional layer covers the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer. The second electrode includes a concave portion and a plurality of smooth portions separated by the concave portion. The orthographic projection of each smooth portion on the first insulating layer is located within each first electrode. At least a part of the region of the concave portion is recessed toward one side of the smooth portion approaching the substrate. The orthographic projection of the concave portion on the first insulating layer has at least a part located outside the first electrode. The central portion of the concave portion has a second protrusion. A sub-recess is formed between the side surface of the second protrusion and the side surface of the concave portion. A method for manufacturing a display panel. [Item 22] Including the display panel according to any one of items 1 to 19 Display device.

Explanation of symbols

[0272] 1 Substrate 10 First wiring layer 11 Third insulating layer 12 Second wiring layer 13 First sealing layer 1301 Pit 14 Color filter layer 15 Second sealing layer 16 Transparent cover plate 17 Light extraction layer 101 Active region 1011 Source electrode 1012 Drain electrode 2 Flattening layer 201 Separation groove 2011 Side wall 2012 Bottom wall 202 Pixel region 3 First electrode layer 31 First electrode 310 Intermediate part 311 Edge part 3110 Flat part 3111 Inclined part 320 First conductive layer 321 Second conductive layer 322 Third conductive layer 4 Pixel definition layer 401 Opening 41 Pixel definition groove 42 First protrusion 40 Sub groove 400 Spacing part 410 Extension part 5 Light-emitting functional layer 501 Light-emitting unit layer 502 Charge generation layer 6 Second electrode 61 Recess 611 First side 612 Second side 613 Bottom surface 6131 First inclined surface 6132 Second inclined surface 6133 Connection surface 600 Second protrusion 62 Smooth part 63 Protruding part 7 Gate insulating layer 8 Gate electrode 9 Second insulating layer

Claims

1. A display panel, A substrate; a first insulating layer provided on one side of the substrate; a first electrode layer provided on a surface of the first insulating layer remote from the substrate, the first electrode layer including a plurality of first electrodes; a pixel-defining layer disposed on a surface of the first insulating layer remote from the substrate and exposing each of the first electrodes; a light-emitting functional layer covering the pixel definition layer and the first electrode exposed by the pixel definition layer; A second electrode covering the light-emitting functional layer, the plurality of first electrodes include a first sub-electrode for forming a first sub-pixel and a second sub-electrode for forming a second sub-pixel; the pixel definition layer covers an edge of the first electrode, the pixel definition layer covering the edge of the first sub-electrode is higher than the pixel definition layer covering the edge of the second sub-electrode; The second electrode has a first protruding structure formed at a position corresponding to an edge of the first sub-electrode. Display panel.

2. A first distance of the first sub-electrode from the second electrode is less than a second distance of the second sub-electrode from the second electrode, the first distance being a microcavity depth of the first sub-pixel and the second distance being a microcavity depth of the second sub-pixel. The display panel according to claim 1 .

3. The first sub-electrode is provided adjacent to the second sub-electrode. The display panel according to claim 1 .

4. A second protruding structure is formed at a position of the second electrode corresponding to an edge of the second sub-electrode, and a thickness of the second protruding structure is smaller than a thickness of the first protruding structure. The display panel according to claim 1 .

5. The light emitting functional layer has a third protruding structure formed at a position corresponding to the age of the first sub-electrode, and the light emitting functional layer has a fourth protruding structure formed at a position corresponding to the age of the second sub-electrode, the first protruding structure covers the third protruding structure, and the second protruding structure covers the fourth protruding structure. The display panel according to claim 3 .

6. A surface of the first insulating layer away from the substrate is provided with a plurality of separation grooves for dividing a plurality of pixel regions, each of the pixel regions being distributed in an array, the separation groove including two opposing side walls and a bottom wall connected between the two side walls, and the contour of the bottom wall being a curved surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate. The display panel according to claim 4.

7. The light-emitting functional layer is recessed toward the substrate in a region corresponding to the separation groove, and the second electrode is recessed into the recessed portion of the light-emitting functional layer to form a recess, the recess including a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom surface, the first side surface and the second side surface are disposed opposite each other and connected to both sides of the bottom surface, and the bottom surface is a curved surface protruding in a direction away from the substrate. The display panel according to claim 6.

8. A side surface of the recess connected to the first protruding structure is the first side surface, a side surface of the recess connected to the second protruding structure is the second side surface, and a slope of the first side surface is greater than a slope of the second side surface. The display panel according to claim 7.

9. The height to which the first protruding structure and the second protruding structure are protruded is smaller than the depth of the recess. The display panel according to claim 7.

10. A plurality of driving transistors are provided on the substrate, and a region of the substrate corresponding to the driving transistors includes an active region and a source electrode and a drain electrode located at both ends of the active region, and an overlapping region exists between the orthogonal projection of the first protruding structure onto the substrate and the orthogonal projection of the active region onto the substrate. The display panel according to claim 1 .

11. The maximum depth of the separation groove is 30% or more of the total thickness of the light-emitting functional layer and the first electrode. The display panel according to claim 6.

12. The maximum depth of the separation groove is 60% or less of the total thickness of the light-emitting functional layer and the first electrode. The display panel according to claim 6.

13. The maximum distance between the two side walls is between 0.2 μm and 0.7 μm. The display panel according to claim 6.

14. The slope of the two side walls is 70° or more. The display panel according to claim 6.

15. The maximum depth of the separation groove is 1000 to 3000 Å. The display panel according to claim 6.

16. The thickness of the first electrode is greater than the thickness of the second electrode. The display panel according to claim 2 .

17. the first electrode includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer stacked along a direction away from the substrate, the first conductive layer is a reflective material, and the microcavity depth is the distance between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; The thickness of the first conductive layer of the first sub-electrode is greater than the thickness of the first conductive layer of the second sub-electrode, the thicknesses of the second conductive layers of the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode are the same, and the thicknesses of the third conductive layers of the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode are the same. The display panel according to claim 16.

18. The recess is provided on a side of the first electrode that is away from the substrate. The display panel according to claim 7.

19. The pixel definition layer has a pixel definition groove formed in a region corresponding to the separation groove, the pixel definition groove has a bottom that is curved and protrudes away from the substrate, and the protruding height of the bottom is smaller than the depth of the pixel definition groove. The display panel according to claim 6.

20. The height to which the bottom wall of the pixel-defining groove is protruded is greater than the thickness of the pixel-defining layer.

20. The display panel according to claim 19.

21. The depth of the pixel-defining groove is less than the thickness of the first electrode.

20. The display panel according to claim 19.

22. The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 21 is included. Display device.

Images