Array substrate, manufacturing method, display panel, and display device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an array substrate, a manufacturing method, a display panel, and a display device. The pixel-defining layer includes a first sub-defining layer and a second sub-defining layer in contact with each other. The first sub-defining layer has a first height perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate that is greater than the second height of the second sub-defining layer perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. Thus, when the light-emitting layers are formed in the pixel openings by inkjet printing, the first sub-defining layer can separate the light-emitting layers of different colors. Because the second height of the second sub-defining layer is relatively low, the material of the light-emitting layer of the same color can flow between adjacent pixel openings, which corresponds to an increased diffusion range of the light-emitting material. This improves the uniformity of the film formation of the light-emitting layer and thereby the display effect of the display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display technology, and particularly to an array substrate, a manufacturing method, a display panel, and a display device.

Background Art

[0002] (Cross-reference to related applications) This application claims priority based on a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on May 29, 2020, with an application number of 202010471555.X and an invention title of "Array Substrate, Manufacturing Method, Display Panel and Display Device", and incorporates the entire disclosure thereof herein.

[0003] Since Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) has the advantages of self-emission, high-speed response, wide viewing angle, high luminous efficiency, bright color, and thinness, display technology using OLED has become an important display technology.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The array substrate provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a base substrate, a first electrode layer, a pixel definition layer, and a light-emitting functional layer. The first electrode layer is disposed on the base substrate, and the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other. The pixel definition layer is disposed on the side of the first electrode layer away from the base substrate, and the pixel definition layer includes a first sub-definition layer and a second sub-definition layer in contact with each other. The first sub-definition layer and the second sub-definition layer define a plurality of pixel apertures, and the orthographic projection of the pixel apertures on the base substrate is disposed within the orthographic projection of the first electrodes on the base substrate. The light-emitting functional layer is located on the side of the pixel-defining layer away from the base substrate, and the light-emitting functional layer comprises a plurality of light-emitting layers of different colors, the light-emitting layers are located within the pixel aperture, and the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures in a first direction are the same, and the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures in a second direction are different, and the first direction is different from the second direction. The first subdefining layer is positioned between two adjacent pixel apertures having different colored light-emitting layers, and the first subdefining layer has a first height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. The second subdefining layer is positioned between two adjacent pixel apertures having the same color light-emitting layer, and the second subdefining layer has a second height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. The first height is greater than the second height.

[0005] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the pixel aperture has a long side and a short side, and the orthographic projection of the second subdefining layer on the base substrate is close to the orthographic projection of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same colored light-emitting layers on the base substrate.

[0006] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the orthographic projection of the first subdefining layer on the base substrate is extended in a manner that is substantially bent along the first direction, and the first subdefining layer has a continuous folded line structure.

[0007] In the second direction, a plurality of the second sub-definition layers are arranged between two adjacent first sub-definition layers, and the plurality of the second sub-definition layers arranged between two adjacent first sub-definition layers are spaced apart.

[0008] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the orthographic projection of the first subdefining layer on the base substrate extends substantially along the first direction, and the first subdefining layer has a continuous linear structure. In the second direction, a plurality of the second sub-definition layers are arranged between two adjacent first sub-definition layers, and the plurality of the second sub-definition layers arranged between two adjacent first sub-definition layers are spaced apart.

[0009] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the array substrate includes a plurality of overlapping units, the plurality of overlapping units are arranged in a plurality of groups of overlapping units along a second direction, and the plurality of groups of overlapping units are arranged along the first direction. Each of the overlapping units includes a plurality of pixel apertures arranged sequentially along the second direction, wherein the light-emitting layers of the same group of overlapping units have different colors.

[0010] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the angle between the extension direction of the long side of the pixel aperture and the second direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0011] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, in the same overlapping unit, each of the pixel apertures has a first short side and a second short side facing each other, and with respect to two of the pixel apertures arranged sequentially along the first direction, the first short side of the first of the two pixel apertures and the second no Pi The second subdefining layer, positioned between the second short side of the xel aperture and the two pixel apertures, has an overlapping region in the first direction.

[0012] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the first short side of the first pixel aperture is located at one end of the second subdefining layer positioned between the two pixel apertures, and the second short side of the second pixel aperture is located at the other end of the second subdefining layer positioned between the two pixel apertures.

[0013] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the extension direction of the long side of the pixel aperture is substantially the same as the first direction. The orthographic projection of the second subdefining layer on the base substrate is positioned between the orthographic projections of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same colored light-emitting layers on the base substrate.

[0014] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the width of the second subdefining layer in the second direction is substantially the same as the orthographic width of the short side of adjacent pixel apertures on the base substrate.

[0015] Optionally, in embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting functional layer includes a first color light-emitting layer, a second color light-emitting layer, and a third color light-emitting layer. The plurality of pixel apertures include a first pixel aperture, a second pixel aperture, and a third pixel aperture, wherein the first color light-emitting layer is located in the first pixel aperture, the second color light-emitting layer is located in the second pixel aperture, and the third color light-emitting layer is located in the third pixel aperture. Each of the overlapping units includes a first pixel aperture, a second pixel aperture, and a third pixel aperture arranged sequentially along the second direction.

[0016] A method for manufacturing an array substrate provided by embodiments of the present invention is, The steps include forming a pattern of multiple first electrodes spaced apart from each other in a first electrode layer on a base substrate, The steps include forming the second subdefining layer on a base substrate on which the first electrode layer is formed, The steps include forming the first sub-defining layer on a base substrate on which the second sub-defining layer is formed, The process includes the step of forming a light-emitting functional layer in each of the pixel apertures using an inkjet printing process, The second sub-definition layer has a second height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate, the first sub-definition layer has a first height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate, the first height is greater than the second height, and in order to define a plurality of pixel apertures, the first sub-definition layer and the second sub-definition layer are in contact with each other, and the orthographic projection of the pixel aperture on the base substrate is disposed within the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the base substrate. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting layers of different colors. The light-emitting layers are disposed in the pixel apertures. The colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures adjacent in a first direction are the same, and the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures adjacent in a second direction are different. The first direction is different from the second direction. The second sub-definition layer is disposed between two adjacent pixel apertures provided with light-emitting layers of the same color, and the first sub-definition layer is disposed between two adjacent pixel apertures provided with light-emitting layers of different colors.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a display panel including the above array substrate.

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a display device including the above display panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic plan structure diagram of some array substrates according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2a] It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the array substrate in the AA' direction shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 2b] It is a schematic plan structure diagram of a further array substrate according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic plan structure diagram of another array substrate according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the array substrate shown in FIG. 3 in the AA' direction. [Figure 5]A flowchart of a method for manufacturing several array substrates according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6a] A schematic diagram of several cross-sectional structures of an array substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing. [Figure 6b] Another schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an array substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing. [Figure 6c] Another schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an array substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing. [Figure 6d] Another schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an array substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing. [Figure 6e] Another schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of an array substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention during manufacturing.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments according to the present invention clearer, hereinafter, while referring to the drawings of the embodiments according to the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments according to the present invention will be clearly and completely described. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work all belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the present invention shall have the ordinary meanings understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as "first", "second", etc. used in the present invention do not indicate order, quantity, or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the elements or items before the word cover the elements or items listed after the word and their equivalents without excluding other elements or items. Terms such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections and may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0022] It should be noted that the size and shape of all graphs in the drawings do not reflect the true scale and are intended solely to illustrate the content of the invention. The same or similar reference numbers represent the same or similar elements, or elements that have the same or similar function from beginning to end.

[0023] When manufacturing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the methods for forming the luminescent layer are as follows: 1. Vacuum deposition is suitable for small organic molecules, does not require a solvent for forming the luminescent layer, and produces a uniform film thickness. However, it has the characteristics of high capital investment, low material utilization rate, and is not suitable for large-scale product production. 2. The luminescent layer is made from a solution of organic light-emitting material, such as spin coating or inkjet printing, and is suitable for polymer materials and soluble small molecules. It has the advantages of low equipment costs and excellent suitability for large-scale production. When forming the luminescent layer by inkjet printing, it is necessary to form a pixel-defining layer on the base substrate 100 in advance to restrict ink droplets to be accurately sprayed onto the luminescent area of ​​the specified pixels. Generally, the above-mentioned pixel-defining layer has multiple openings, and in the inkjet printing process, the solution is accurately inkjet printed onto the openings of the pixel-defining layer to form the luminescent layer. However, the inkjet-printed ink may not spread uniformly within the openings, resulting in uneven thickness of the luminescent layer formed at different locations within the openings. In particular, if the lengths of the sides of the aperture are not equal, for example, if the aperture has a long side and a short side, and the width of the short side is narrower than the width of the long side, the uniformity of the light-emitting layer's spread along the short side is reduced compared to the spread along the long side. As a result, the brightness of the pixels when the display device emits light is not uniform, which seriously affects the display effect of the display device.

[0024] Taking this into consideration, embodiments of the present invention provide an array substrate including a base substrate 100, a first electrode layer 110, a pixel definition layer, and a light-emitting functional layer 140, as shown in Figures 1 to 2b.

[0025] The first electrode layer 110 is disposed on the base substrate 100, and the first electrode layer 110 includes a plurality of first electrodes 110 that are spaced apart from each other.

[0026] The pixel-defining layer is located on the side of the first electrode layer 110, away from the base substrate 100, and includes a first sub-defining layer 120 and a second sub-defining layer 130 that are in contact with each other. Here, the first sub-defining layer 120 and the second sub-defining layer 130 define a plurality of pixel apertures, and the orthographic projection of one pixel aperture on the base substrate 100 lies on the orthographic projection of the first electrode 110 on the base substrate 100.

[0027] The light-emitting functional layer 140 is located on the side of the pixel-defining layer, away from the base substrate 100, and the light-emitting functional layer 140 includes multiple light-emitting layers of different colors. Here, the light-emitting layers are arranged in pixel apertures, and the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures along a first direction F1 are the same, while the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures along a second direction F2 are different, and the first direction F1 is different from the second direction F2.

[0028] Here, the first subdefining layer 120 is positioned between two adjacent pixel apertures having different colored light-emitting layers, and the first subdefining layer 120 has a first height H1 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate 100.

[0029] The second subdefining layer 130 is positioned between two adjacent pixel apertures having light-emitting layers of the same color, and the second subdefining layer 130 has a second height H2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate 100.

[0030] The first height H1 is greater than the second height H2.

[0031] In the array substrate provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the pixel-defining layer includes a first sub-defining layer and a second sub-defining layer in contact with each other, wherein the first sub-defining layer is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. Its height is greater than the second height of the second sub-defining layer, which is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. Thus, when light-emitting layers are formed in the pixel apertures by an inkjet printing process, the first sub-defining layer can separate light-emitting layers of different colors. Since the second height of the second sub-defining layer is relatively low, the material of the light-emitting layer of the same color can flow between adjacent pixel apertures, which corresponds to expanding the diffusion range of the light-emitting material. This improves the uniformity of the film formation of the light-emitting layer and further improves the display effect of the display device.

[0032] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the pixel aperture has a long side and a short side, as shown in Figure 1. For example, if the shape of the pixel aperture is rectangular, the long side of the rectangle can be used as the long side of the pixel aperture, and the short side of the rectangle can be used as the short side of the pixel aperture. Of course, in actual applications, the pixel aperture may also have other shapes, which can be designed and determined according to the actual application environment, but this is not limited to this specification.

[0033] In certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figure 2a, a second electrode layer 150 is further provided on the side of the light-emitting functional layer 140 away from the base substrate 100, so that the first electrode layer 110, the light-emitting layer and the second electrode layer form a stacked structure, thereby forming an electroluminescent diode. Exemplarily, since the material of the light-emitting layer may be an organic electroluminescent material, the electroluminescent diode may be an organic light-emitting diode. The material of the light-emitting layer may also be a quantum dot electroluminescent material, so the electroluminescent diode may be a quantum dot light-emitting diode. Note that the region where the pixel aperture of the pixel-defining layer is located is the light-emitting region of the subpixel where the electroluminescent diode is located.

[0034] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a transistor array layer is further provided on the first electrode layer 110 and the base substrate 100. The transistor array layer may include a plurality of pixel circuits, the first electrode 110 being electrically connected to the pixel circuits to input a drive current to the first electrode 110 via the pixel circuits and apply a corresponding voltage to the second electrode to drive the emission of light from the light-emitting layer. Exemplaryly, the pixel circuits may include a memory capacitor and a transistor electrically connected to the memory capacitor. For example, the pixel circuits may include at least one of a 2T1C pixel circuit, a 3T1C pixel circuit, and a 7T1C pixel circuit. In practical applications, the structure of the pixel circuits is essentially the same as in related art and is not described in detail here.

[0035] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the orthographic projection of the second subdefining layer 130 on the base substrate 100 is close to the orthographic projection of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same colored light-emitting layers on the base substrate 100. In this way, the range of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same colored light-emitting layers can be expanded by the second subdefining layer 130, thereby expanding the range over which the light-emitting material is diffused by the short sides of the pixels.

[0036] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the first subdefining layer 120 is a continuous folded line structure, and the orthographic projection of the first subdefining layer 120 on the base substrate 100 is bent and extended substantially along a first direction F1. In this way, each of the first subdefining layers 120 is provided as a zigzag-shaped integral structure.

[0037] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, in a second direction F2, a plurality of second subdefining layers 130 are arranged between two adjacent first subdefining layers 120, and the plurality of second subdefining layers 130 arranged between the two adjacent first subdefining layers 120 are spaced apart. In this way, the second subdefining layers 130 can be arranged in a discontinuous structure.

[0038] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the array substrate may include a plurality of overlapping units PX, which are arranged in a plurality of groups of overlapping units PX in a second direction F2. The plurality of groups of overlapping units PX are arranged along a first direction F1, and each overlapping unit PX includes a plurality of pixel apertures arranged sequentially along the second direction F2. The light-emitting layers of the same group of overlapping units PX are different. That is, an overlapping unit PX may include a plurality of subpixels, and one subpixel includes one pixel aperture. In this way, the light-emitting layers of different subpixels within an overlapping unit PX can emit light and mix colors, thereby realizing a display function.

[0039] Exemplary, the first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. For example, the first direction may be the pixel row direction and the second direction may be the pixel column direction. Alternatively, the first direction may be the pixel column direction and the second direction may be the pixel row direction. These can be designed and determined according to the actual application, which is not limited to those described herein.

[0040] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 1 to 2b, the light-emitting functional layer 140 may include a first-color light-emitting layer 141, a second-color light-emitting layer 142, and a third-color light-emitting layer 143. In some examples, the first, second, and third colors may be selected from red, green, and blue. For example, the first color may be red, the second color green, and the third color blue. Of course, embodiments of the present invention may also have other colors than the first, second, and third colors described above, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 2b, the plurality of pixel apertures include a first pixel aperture KK1, a second pixel aperture KK2, and a third pixel aperture KK3. A first color light-emitting layer 141 is located in the first pixel aperture KK1, a second color light-emitting layer 142 is located in the second pixel aperture KK2, and a third color light-emitting layer 143 is located in the third pixel aperture KK3. Exemplarily, each overlapping unit PX includes the first pixel aperture KK1, the second pixel aperture KK2, and the third pixel aperture KK3 arranged sequentially along a second direction F2. That is, the overlapping unit PX includes a first color subpixel, a second color subpixel, and a third color subpixel arranged sequentially along the second direction F2.

[0042] In certain embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the angle β between the extension direction F3 of the long side of the pixel aperture and the second direction F2 may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Exemplarily, the angle β between the extension direction F3 of the long side of the pixel aperture and the second direction F2 is acute.

[0043] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, in the same overlapping unit PX, each pixel aperture has a first short side and a second short side that are opposite to each other. The first short side and the second short side are adjacent to different colored light-emitting layers. For example, the first pixel aperture KK1 has a first short side DS1-1 and a second short side DS2-1 that are opposite to each other, with the first short side DS1-1 adjacent to a third colored light-emitting layer 143 and the second short side DS2-1 adjacent to a second colored light-emitting layer 142. The second pixel aperture KK2 has a first short side DS1-2 and a second short side DS2-2 that are opposite to each other, with the first short side DS1-2 adjacent to a first colored light-emitting layer 141 and the second short side DS2-2 adjacent to a third colored light-emitting layer 143. The third pixel aperture KK3 has a first short side DS1-3 and a second short side DS2-3 facing each other, with the first short side DS1-3 being close to the second color light-emitting layer 142 and the second short side DS2-3 being close to the first color light-emitting layer 141.

[0044] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, for two pixel apertures sequentially arranged along a first direction F1, the first short side of the pixel aperture, the second short side of the second pixel aperture, and the second subdefining layer 130 positioned between the two pixel apertures have overlapping regions in the first direction F1. In this way, the short sides of adjacent pixel apertures along the first direction F1 are connected via the second subdefining layer 130 having a lower height. communication This is possible. It is equivalent to extending the short side of adjacent pixel apertures along the first direction F1. Therefore, by forming an emissive layer on the pixel apertures by the inkjet printing process, the fluidity on the short side of the pixel apertures can be improved, and the emissive material can be uniformly diffused on the short side of the pixel apertures. This improves the uniformity of the formed emissive layer.

[0045] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1, the first short side of the first pixel opening is located at one end of the second subdefining layer 130 positioned between the two pixel openings, and the second short side of the second pixel opening is located at the other end of the second subdefining layer 130 positioned between the two pixel openings. In this way, the short sides of adjacent pixel openings along the first direction F1 can be enlarged as much as possible. Thus, by forming an emissive layer on the pixel openings by an inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short sides of the pixel openings can be further improved, the emissive material can be uniformly diffused on the short sides of the pixel openings, and the uniformity of the formed emissive layer can be further improved.

[0046] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 1 and 2b, for two adjacent first pixel apertures KK1 along a first direction F1, the first short side DS1-1 of the first first pixel aperture KK1, the second short side DS2-1 of the second first pixel aperture KK1, and the second sub-defining layer 130 positioned between these two first pixel apertures KK1 have an overlapping region in the first direction F1. Here, the first short side DS1-1 of the first first pixel aperture KK1 is positioned at one end of the second sub-defining layer 130, and the second short side DS2-1 of the second first pixel aperture KK1 is positioned at the other end of the second sub-defining layer 130. Furthermore, the first sub-defining layer 120 is positioned adjacent to the first short sides DS1-1 and DS2-1 of the first pixel aperture KK1. In this way, the short sides of adjacent first pixel apertures KK1 along the first direction F1 can be connected via a second subdefining layer 130 of lower height. When an emissive layer is formed on the pixel apertures in the inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short sides of the first pixel apertures KK1 is improved. As a result, the emissive material can be uniformly diffused along the short sides of the first pixel apertures KK1, thereby improving the uniformity of the formed emissive layer.

[0047] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 1 and 2b, for two adjacent second pixel apertures KK2 along a first direction F1, the first short side DS1-2 of the first second pixel aperture KK2, the second short side DS2-2 of the second second pixel aperture KK2, and the second sub-defining layer 130 positioned between the two second pixel apertures KK2 have an overlapping region in the first direction F1. Here, the first short side DS1-2 of the first second pixel aperture KK2 is positioned at one end of the second sub-defining layer 130, and the second short side DS2-2 of the second second pixel aperture KK2 is positioned at the other end of the second sub-defining layer 130. Furthermore, the first sub-defining layer 120 is positioned adjacent to the first short sides DS1-2 and DS2-2 of the second pixel apertures KK2. In this way, the short sides of adjacent second pixel apertures KK2 along the first direction F1 can be connected via a second subdefining layer 130 of lower height. When the light-emitting layer is formed on the pixel apertures in the inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short sides of the second pixel apertures KK2 is improved. As a result, the light-emitting material can be uniformly diffused along the short sides of the second pixel apertures KK2, thereby improving the uniformity of the formed light-emitting layer.

[0048] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 1 and 2b, for two adjacent third pixel apertures KK3 along a first direction F1, the first short side DS1-3 of the first third pixel aperture KK3, the second short side DS2-3 of the second third pixel aperture KK3, and the second sub-defining layer 130 positioned between these two third pixel apertures KK3 have an overlapping region in the first direction F1. Here, the first short side DS1-3 of the first third pixel aperture KK3 is positioned at one end of the second sub-defining layer 130, and the second short side DS2-3 of the second third pixel aperture KK3 is positioned at the other end of the second sub-defining layer 130. Furthermore, the first sub-defining layer 120 is positioned adjacent to the first short sides DS1-3 and DS2-3 of the third pixel aperture KK3. In this way, the short sides of adjacent third pixel apertures KK3 along the first direction F1 can be connected via a second subdefining layer 130 of lower height. When the light-emitting layer is formed on the pixel apertures in the inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short sides of the third pixel apertures KK3 can be improved. As a result, the light-emitting material can be uniformly diffused along the short sides of the third pixel apertures KK3, thereby improving the uniformity of the formed light-emitting layer.

[0049] In embodiments of the present invention, the orthographic projection of the second subdefining layer 130 on the base substrate 100 is close to the orthographic projection of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same color light-emitting layers on the base substrate 100. It should be noted that the second subdefining layer 130 shown in Figure 1 is positioned between the long sides of two adjacent pixel apertures along a first direction F1, and the second subdefining layer 130 is simultaneously close to one of the short sides of these two adjacent pixel apertures. For example, taking the first pixel aperture KK1 as an example, the second subdefining layer 130 is simultaneously close to the first short side DS1-1 of the first first pixel aperture KK1 and the second short side DS1-2 of the second first pixel aperture KK1.

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention provide a further display panel, a schematic diagram of which is shown in Figure 3, which is a modification of the embodiments described above. Only the differences between this embodiment and the embodiments described above will be described below, and similarities will not be repeated here.

[0051] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the extension direction of the long side of the pixel aperture is substantially the same as the first direction F1. Here, the orthographic projection of the second subdefining layer 130 on the base substrate 100 is located between the orthographic projections of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same colored light-emitting layers on the base substrate 100. Furthermore, the width of the second subdefining layer 130 in the second direction F2 is substantially the same as the width of the orthographic projection of the short side of adjacent pixel apertures on the base substrate 100. In this way, the short sides of adjacent first pixel apertures KK1 along the first direction F1 can be connected via the second subdefining layer 130 of lower height, which is equivalent to canceling out the short sides, resulting in uniform diffusion of the light-emitting material and thereby improving the uniformity of the formed light-emitting layer.

[0052] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the first subdefining layer 120 is a continuous linear structure, and the orthographic projection of the first subdefining layer 120 on the base substrate 100 extends substantially along a first direction F1. In this way, each of the first subdefining layers 120 is provided as a linear integral structure.

[0053] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, in a second direction F2, a plurality of second subdefining layers 130 are arranged between two adjacent first subdefining layers 120, and the plurality of second subdefining layers 130 arranged between the two adjacent first subdefining layers 120 are spaced apart. In this way, the second subdefining layers 130 can be arranged in a discontinuous structure.

[0054] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a row of light-emitting layers has the same color. For two adjacent first pixel apertures KK1 in the same row, a second subdefining layer 130 is positioned between the first short side DS1-1 of the first first pixel aperture KK1 and the first short side DS2-1 of the second first pixel aperture KK1. In this way, the short sides of adjacent first pixel apertures KK1 along the first direction F1 can be connected via the second subdefining layer 130 of lower height, which is equivalent to canceling the short sides. When a light-emitting layer is formed on a pixel aperture in an inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short side of the first pixel aperture KK1 can be improved, and the light-emitting material can be uniformly diffused along the short side of the first pixel aperture KK1. This improves the uniformity of the formed light-emitting layer.

[0055] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for two adjacent second pixel apertures KK2 in the same row, a second subdefining layer 130 is positioned between the first short side DS1-2 of the first second pixel aperture KK2 and the first short side DS2-2 of the second second pixel aperture KK2. In this way, the short sides of adjacent second pixel apertures KK2 along the first direction F1 can be connected via a second subdefining layer 130 of lower height, which is equivalent to canceling the short sides. When an emissive layer is formed on the pixel aperture in the inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short side of the second pixel aperture KK2 is improved. The emissive material can be diffused uniformly along the short side of the second pixel aperture KK2, thereby improving the uniformity of the formed emissive layer.

[0056] Exemplary, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for two adjacent third pixel apertures KK3 in the same row, a second subdefining layer 130 is positioned between the first short side DS1-3 of the first third pixel aperture KK3 and the first short side DS2-3 of the second third pixel aperture KK3. In this way, the short sides of adjacent third pixel apertures KK3 along the first direction F1 can be connected via a lower-height second subdefining layer 130, which is equivalent to canceling the short sides. When an emissive layer is formed on the pixel aperture in the inkjet printing process, the fluidity of the short side of the third pixel aperture KK3 is improved. The emissive material can be uniformly diffused along the short side of the third pixel aperture KK3, thereby improving the uniformity of the formed emissive layer.

[0057] In embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the orthographic projection of the second subdefining layer 130 on the base substrate 100 is close to the orthographic projection of the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures having the same color light-emitting layers on the base substrate 100, meaning that the second subdefining layer 130 shown in Figure 3 is positioned between the short sides of two adjacent pixel apertures along the first direction F1. For example, taking the first pixel aperture KK1 as an example, the second subdefining layer 130 is simultaneously adjacent to the first short side DS1-1 of the first first pixel aperture KK1 and the second short side DS1-2 of the second first pixel aperture KK1.

[0058] In actual processes, due to constraints on process conditions, etc., the above characteristics may not be exactly the same, and some deviations may occur. Therefore, it is sufficient to state that the identical relationship between the above characteristics roughly satisfies the above conditions. In other words, everything falls within the scope of protection of the present invention. For example, the same thing described above may be the same as something that is permissible within the tolerance.

[0059] One embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the above array substrate, as shown in Figure 5, the method may include the following steps.

[0060] S510, a pattern of multiple first electrodes spaced apart from each other in the first electrode layer is formed on the base substrate.

[0061] S520, a second sub-defining layer is formed on the base substrate on which the first electrode layer is formed, where the second sub-defining layer 130 has a second height H2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate 100.

[0062] In step S530, a first sub-defining layer is formed on a base substrate on which a second sub-defining layer is formed. The first sub-defining layer 120 has a first height H1 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate 100. The first height H1 is greater than the second height H2. The first sub-defining layer 120 and the second sub-defining layer 130 define a plurality of pixel apertures by contacting each other. The orthogonal projection of one pixel aperture on the base substrate 100 lies on the orthogonal projection of the first electrode 110 on the base substrate 100.

[0063] S540, using an inkjet printing process, forms an emissive functional layer in each pixel aperture, where the emissive functional layer 140 includes multiple emissive layers of different colors. Here, the emissive layers are arranged within the pixel apertures, and the colors of the emissive layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures along a first direction F1 are the same, while the colors of the emissive layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures along a second direction F2 are different, with the first direction F1 being different from the second direction F2. Additionally, a second subdefining layer 130 is arranged between two adjacent pixel apertures having emissive layers of the same color, and a first subdefining layer 120 is arranged between two adjacent pixel apertures having emissive layers of different colors.

[0064] S550, a second electrode layer is formed on the side of the light-emitting functional layer that is away from the base substrate.

[0065] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the process includes forming a transistor array layer on the base substrate 100 prior to step S510.

[0066] The following describes a method for manufacturing an array substrate provided by an embodiment of the present invention, using specific embodiments and with reference to Figures 6a to 6e.

[0067] A method for manufacturing an array substrate provided by embodiments of the present invention may include the following steps.

[0068] (1) A transistor array layer is formed on the base substrate 100. For example, the film layers that need to be patterned in the manufacturing process of the transistor array layer are the active layer → gate metal layer → interlayer insulating layer → source / drain metal layer → flat layer.

[0069] (2) Using a patterning process, a pattern of multiple first electrodes 110 is formed, spaced apart from each other on the side of the planarization layer away from the base substrate 100, as shown in Figure 6a.

[0070] (3) As shown in Figure 6b, a patterning process is used to form a second sub-definition layer 130 on the base substrate 100 on which the first electrode layer 110 is formed.

[0071] (4) As shown in Figure 6c, a patterning process is used to form the first sub-definition layer 120 on the base substrate 100 on which the second sub-definition layer 130 is formed. The second sub-definition layer 130 has a second height H2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate 100, and the first sub-definition layer 120 has a first height H1 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate 100. The first height H1 is greater than the second height H2. The first sub-definition layer 120 and the second sub-definition layer 130 are in contact with each other to define a plurality of pixel apertures.

[0072] (5) Using an inkjet printing process as shown in Figure 6d, a light-emitting material is sprayed onto each pixel aperture to form light-emitting layers of different colors, and then a light-emitting functional layer 140 is formed.

[0073] (6) The second electrode layer is formed on the side of the light-emitting functional layer 140 away from the base substrate 100, as shown in Figure 6e. The second electrode layer may have a structure that covers the entire surface of the base substrate 100.

[0074] Based on the same inventive concept, one embodiment of the present invention also provides a display panel. Since the problem-solving principle of the display panel is similar to that of the array substrate described above, the implementation of the display panel can refer to the implementation of the array substrate described above, and the description herein will not be repeated.

[0075] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention further provide a display device, including the display panel described above provided by embodiments of the present invention. Since the problem-solving principle of the display device is similar to that of the aforementioned display panel, the implementation of the display device can refer to the implementation of the aforementioned display panel, and the details described herein will not be repeated.

[0076] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the display device may be any product or component with display capabilities, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, television, monitor, notebook computer, digital photo frame, and navigator. Other essential components of the display device should be understood by those skilled in the art and should not be repeated herein, nor should they be considered as limitations of the present invention.

[0077] In the array substrate, manufacturing method, display panel, and display device provided by embodiments of the present invention, the pixel-defining layer includes a first sub-defining layer and a second sub-defining layer in contact with each other. The first height of the first sub-defining layer in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate is greater than the second height of the second sub-defining layer in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. Thus, when the light-emitting layer is formed in the pixel apertures in the inkjet printing process, the first sub-defining layer can separate light-emitting layers of different colors. Since the second height of the second sub-defining layer is relatively low, the light-emitting layer material of the same color can flow between adjacent pixel apertures, which thereby improves the uniformity of film formation of the light-emitting layer and thereby improves the display effect of the display device.

[0078] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is also intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided that these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and its equivalents.

Claims

1. Array substrate, It includes a base substrate, a first electrode layer, a pixel definition layer, and a light-emitting functional layer. The first electrode layer is disposed on the base substrate, and the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other. The pixel definition layer is disposed on the base substrate and between the first electrode layers, and the pixel definition layer includes a first sub-definition layer and a second sub-definition layer in contact with each other, the first sub-definition layer and the second sub-definition layer define a plurality of pixel apertures, and the orthographic projection of the pixel apertures on the base substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the base substrate. The light-emitting functional layer is arranged on the first electrode layer and the second subdefining layer, and between the first subdefining layers, and the light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting layers of different colors, the light-emitting layers are arranged within the pixel aperture, the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures in a first direction are the same, the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures in a second direction are different, and the first direction is different from the second direction. The first subdefining layer is positioned between two adjacent pixel apertures having different colored light-emitting layers, and the first subdefining layer has a first height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. The second subdefining layer is positioned between two adjacent pixel apertures having light-emitting layers of the same color, and the second subdefining layer has a second height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate. The first height is greater than the second height. The first sub-defining layer is formed as a continuous W-shaped folded line structure, the orthographic projection of the first sub-defining layer on the base substrate is bent and extended along the first direction, and in the second direction, a plurality of the second sub-defining layers are arranged between two adjacent first sub-defining layers, and the plurality of the second sub-defining layers arranged between two adjacent first sub-defining layers are spaced apart. The array substrate includes a plurality of overlapping units, the plurality of overlapping units are arranged along the first direction, Each of the overlapping units includes a plurality of pixel apertures arranged sequentially along the second direction, wherein the colors of the light-emitting layers in the plurality of pixel apertures included in the same overlapping unit are different, and the angle between the extension direction of the long side of the pixel aperture and the second direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In the same overlapping unit, each of the pixel apertures has a first short side and a second short side, and a first long side and a second long side facing each other, and the orthographic projections of the two short sides of the second subdefining layer positioned between the two pixel apertures on the base substrate are collinearly tangent to the orthographic projection of the first short side portion of the first pixel aperture on the base substrate and to the orthographic projection of the second short side portion of the second pixel aperture on the base substrate, respectively. The orthographic projections of the two long sides of the second subdefining layer, positioned between the two pixel apertures on the base substrate, each partially overlap in the direction of extension of the long side of the pixel aperture with respect to the orthographic projections of the first long side portion of the first pixel aperture and the second long side portion of the second pixel aperture on the base substrate. In the first direction, the plurality of first sub-defining layers are parallel to each other. An array substrate characterized in that, in the extension direction of the long side of the pixel aperture, the maximum distance between two adjacent first subdefining layers is equal to the length of the long side of the pixel aperture, and the minimum distance between two adjacent first subdefining layers is equal to the length of the long side of the second subdefining layer.

2. The array substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that the first short side of the first pixel aperture is located at one end of the second subdefining layer positioned between the two pixel apertures, and the second short side of the second pixel aperture is located at the other end of the second subdefining layer positioned between the two pixel apertures.

3. The light-emitting functional layer includes a first color light-emitting layer, a second color light-emitting layer, and a third color light-emitting layer. The plurality of pixel openings include a first pixel opening, a second pixel opening, and a third pixel opening, wherein the first color light-emitting layer is located in the first pixel opening, the second color light-emitting layer is located in the second pixel opening, and the third color light-emitting layer is located in the third pixel opening. The array substrate according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the overlapping units includes a first pixel aperture, a second pixel aperture, and a third pixel aperture arranged sequentially along the second direction.

4. A method for manufacturing an array substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned method, The steps include forming a pattern of multiple first electrodes spaced apart from each other in a first electrode layer on a base substrate, The steps include forming the second subdefining layer on a base substrate on which the first electrode layer is formed, The steps include forming the first sub-defining layer on a base substrate on which the second sub-defining layer is formed, The process includes the step of forming a light-emitting functional layer in each of the pixel apertures using an inkjet printing process, The second sub-defining layer has a second height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate, The first subdefining layer has a first height in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the base substrate, the first height is greater than the second height, and the first subdefining layer and the second subdefining layer are in contact with each other in order to define a plurality of pixel apertures, and the orthographic projection of the pixel apertures on the base substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the base substrate. The light-emitting functional layer includes a plurality of light-emitting layers of different colors, the light-emitting layers are arranged in the pixel apertures, the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures in a first direction are the same, the colors of the light-emitting layers in at least two adjacent pixel apertures in a second direction are different, and the first direction is different from the second direction. A method for manufacturing an array substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second subdefining layer is located between two adjacent pixel apertures having the same colored light-emitting layer, and the first subdefining layer is located between two adjacent pixel apertures having different colored light-emitting layers.

5. A display panel comprising an array substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A display device including the display panel described in claim 5.

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