Display substrate and manufacturing method therefor, and display apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a display substrate and a manufacturing method therefor, and a display apparatus. The display substrate comprises a base substrate, a pixel definition layer and light-emitting sub-pixels, wherein the pixel definition layer defines a plurality of pixel opening regions and a plurality of connection regions; the light-emitting sub-pixels are arranged in corresponding pixel opening regions; at least some pairs of adjacently arranged pixel opening regions are connected by means of the connection regions; and the connection regions are used as channels for printing ink of the light-emitting sub-pixels to pass through. Each connection region has a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite in the extension direction of a channel, and comprises a first channel region located on the first side, a second channel region located on the second side, and a middle channel region located between the first channel region and the second channel region, wherein the width direction of the orthographic projection of the connection region on the base substrate is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel, and the width of at least one of the first channel region and the second channel region is greater than the width of the middle channel region. The display substrate, the manufacturing method therefor and the display apparatus in the present disclosure can ameliorate the phenomenon of image unevenness.

Description

A display substrate, its manufacturing method, and a display device.

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410488960.0, filed in China on April 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a method for manufacturing a display substrate and a display device thereof. Background Technology

[0004] Compared with traditional liquid crystal displays, organic light emission diode (OLED) display devices are not only thinner and lighter, but also have advantages such as self-illumination, low power consumption, no need for backlight, no viewing angle limitation, and fast response speed, and have broad application prospects.

[0005] There are two main methods for OLED film deposition: vacuum evaporation and solution processing. Solution processing methods include inkjet printing, inkjet coating, spin coating, and screen printing. Among these, inkjet printing technology has become the primary method for mass production of large-size OLEDs due to its high material utilization and ability to achieve large sizes. However, inkjet printing can result in uneven image quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display substrate and a display device, which can improve the phenomenon of uneven screen display.

[0007] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure are as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, a display substrate includes:

[0009] Substrate; and

[0010] A pixel defining layer and light-emitting sub-pixels are located on the substrate. The pixel defining layer defines a plurality of pixel opening regions and a plurality of connecting regions. The light-emitting sub-pixels are disposed within corresponding pixel opening regions. At least partially adjacent pixel opening regions are connected through corresponding connecting regions, which serve as channels through which printing ink can pass for the light-emitting sub-pixels.

[0011] The connecting region has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along the extension direction of its channel. The channel of the connecting region includes a first channel region located on the first side, a second channel region located on the second side, and a middle channel region located between the first channel region and the second channel region. The width direction of the orthographic projection of the connecting region on the substrate is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel, and the width of at least one of the first channel region and the second channel region is greater than the width of the middle channel region.

[0012] For example, the first channel region is connected to one of the two corresponding pixel opening regions, and the second channel region is connected to the other of the two corresponding pixel opening regions; the maximum width of the first channel region is less than or equal to the width of the pixel opening region it is connected to, and the maximum width of the second channel region is less than or equal to the width of the pixel opening region it is connected to.

[0013] For example, the maximum width of the first channel area and / or the maximum width of the second channel area is greater than or equal to a first threshold, which is the minimum droplet size that the printing ink can bounce onto.

[0014] For example, the first threshold is 10 micrometers.

[0015] For example, the width of the central channel region is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 50 micrometers; and the length of the central channel region along the extension direction of the channel is greater than or equal to 5 micrometers and less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

[0016] For example, along the direction from the first side to the second side, the width of the first channel area gradually decreases, and the width of the second channel area gradually increases.

[0017] For example, the orthographic projection pattern of the first channel region on the substrate includes a first contour line extending along a direction from the first side to the second side. The first contour line is an arcuate curve or an oblique straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, so that the channel of the first channel region gradually expands along the direction from the first side to the second side; and / or

[0018] The orthographic projection pattern of the second channel region on the substrate includes a second contour line extending along the direction from the first side to the second side. The second contour line is in the form of an arc curve or an oblique straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, so that the channel of the second channel region gradually converges along the direction from the first side to the second side.

[0019] For example, the width of the central channel area remains constant in the direction from the first side to the second side; or, the width of the central channel area gradually decreases and then gradually increases along the direction from the first side to the second side.

[0020] For example, when the width of the central channel area gradually decreases and then gradually increases along the direction from the first side to the second side, the central channel area includes a third contour line extending along the direction from the first side to the second side, and the third contour line is an arc curve formed by the smooth extension of at least one of the first contour line and the second contour line, or a straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel.

[0021] For example, the central channel region has a midpoint in the extension direction of the channel, and the orthographic projection patterns of the first channel region and the second channel region on the substrate are symmetrical about a first axis of symmetry, which passes through the midpoint and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel.

[0022] For example, the pixel defining layer includes a plurality of first pixel barriers and a plurality of second pixel barriers, wherein the extension directions of the plurality of first pixel barriers and the plurality of second pixel barriers intersect each other to jointly define a plurality of pixel opening regions arranged in an array; wherein, the first pixel barriers are used to separate two adjacent pixel opening regions, and the height of the second pixel barriers in the direction perpendicular to the substrate is less than the height of the first pixel barriers in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, so that the second pixel barriers form a channel of the connecting region on the side away from the substrate.

[0023] For example, the first pixel barrier extends along a first direction, and the second pixel barrier extends along a second direction, with the first direction intersecting the second direction; wherein, the light-emitting sub-pixels of the same color are arranged along the first direction so that the connecting area formed by the second pixel barrier connects two adjacent columns of pixel opening areas in the first direction; the light-emitting sub-pixels of different colors are arranged alternately along the second direction so that the first pixel barrier is used to separate two adjacent rows of pixel opening areas in the second direction.

[0024] For example, the light-emitting sub-pixels in two adjacent rows are staggered such that the pixel opening area of ​​one of the light-emitting sub-pixels in the two adjacent rows is directly opposite the connecting area between the other light-emitting sub-pixels in the second direction, wherein the minimum width of the first pixel barrier in the area between the two adjacent rows of light-emitting sub-pixels along the second direction is greater than or equal to 7.5 and the maximum width is less than or equal to 10.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a display device, which includes a display substrate as described above.

[0026] Thirdly, this disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a display substrate, used to manufacture the display substrate as described above; the method includes:

[0027] Provide a substrate;

[0028] A pixel defining layer and light-emitting sub-pixels are formed on the substrate. The pixel defining layer defines a plurality of pixel opening regions and a plurality of connecting regions. The light-emitting sub-pixels are formed in the corresponding pixel opening regions by inkjet printing. At least two adjacent pixel opening regions are connected by the corresponding connecting regions. The connecting regions serve as channels through which printing ink for the light-emitting sub-pixels can pass. The connecting regions have a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other along the extension direction of their channels. The channel of the connecting regions includes a first channel region located on the first side, a second channel region located on the second side, and a middle channel region located between the first channel region and the second channel region. The width direction of the orthographic projection of the connecting regions on the substrate is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channels, and the width of at least one of the first channel region and the second channel region is greater than the width of the middle channel region.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows:

[0030] In the above scheme, multiple pixel opening regions and multiple connecting regions are defined on the pixel defining layer of the display substrate. Light-emitting sub-pixels are disposed within the pixel opening regions, and the connecting regions are located between two partially adjacent pixel opening regions. At least a portion of the film layer of the light-emitting sub-pixels can be formed by inkjet printing. The connecting regions serve as channels through which printing ink for the light-emitting sub-pixels can pass. The channel shape of the connecting regions is designed such that the widths of the first and second channel regions on opposite sides along the channel's extension direction are greater than the width of the middle channel region. In other words, the channel is wider near the pixel opening regions and narrower in the middle. This narrower channel in the middle of the connecting regions maximizes the opening area of ​​the pixel opening regions, while the wider channel near the pixel opening regions reduces the risk of ink flow interruption within the channels, maintains ink droplet flowability, improves ink droplet uniformity between different light-emitting sub-pixels, and thus improves image quality. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 shows the cross-sectional view along the E-E' direction in Figure 1;

[0033] Figure 3 shows a second schematic diagram of the structure of the display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 shows a partial structural diagram of the display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 shows a third schematic diagram of the structure of the display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 shows a fourth schematic diagram of the structure of the display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 shows a fifth schematic diagram of the structure of the display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 shows a sixth schematic diagram of the structure of a display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0041] Before providing a detailed description of the display substrate and its manufacturing method, as well as the display device, provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the following description of the related technologies is given:

[0042] The main methods for OLED film formation are vapor deposition and solution deposition. Vapor deposition is a mature process for small-size applications and is already in mass production. Solution deposition methods for OLED film formation mainly include inkjet printing, nozzle coating, spin coating, and screen printing. Among these, inkjet printing technology has become the main method for achieving mass production of large-size OLEDs due to its high material utilization and ability to achieve large sizes.

[0043] Inkjet printing is a method for creating the light-emitting layer in OLED displays. It involves using a solvent to melt the OLED organic material and then directly spraying the melted OLED organic material onto the surface of the display back panel to form the light-emitting layer. However, inkjet printing can result in uneven image quality.

[0044] The inventors of this publication have discovered through research that one of the reasons for uneven images during inkjet printing is:

[0045] In related technologies, a linear pixel bank structure is used to improve the uniformity of light emission in display devices. That is, two or more consecutive light-emitting sub-pixels in the same column or row (e.g., light-emitting sub-pixels of the same color in the same column or row) are confined within a pixel bank. Specifically, the portion of the pixel bank extending along the column direction of the light-emitting sub-pixels is higher than the film thickness of the light-emitting sub-pixels, while the portion of the pixel bank between two light-emitting sub-pixels of the same color is lower than the film thickness of the light-emitting sub-pixels. In this way, a connecting area is formed between light-emitting sub-pixels of the same color within a pixel bank. This connecting area can be used as a channel for pixel printing ink to pass through, allowing pixel printing ink of the same color to flow and spread evenly within the channel.

[0046] Due to the high resolution requirements of display devices, the pixel aperture ratio is reduced. Therefore, the channel design in the connecting area is narrower, with the channel width smaller than the width of the light-emitting sub-pixels, in order to provide as much space as possible for the light-emitting sub-pixels and improve the pixel aperture ratio. However, when the channel in the connecting area becomes too narrow, there is a risk of ink droplets interrupting their flow inside the channel. The flowability of the ink droplets is restricted, resulting in uneven distribution of local ink droplet agglomeration, leading to uneven ink droplet distribution between pixels and producing defects such as uneven image quality.

[0047] Furthermore, since the channel of the connecting area suddenly shrinks compared to the opening of the light-emitting sub-pixel, the droplet's bounce range is reduced, and the droplet can only bounce in the area where the light-emitting sub-pixel is located. This increases the accuracy requirement for droplet bounce in the direction of light-emitting sub-pixels of the same color, and also increases the risk of color bleeding between light-emitting sub-pixels of different colors that are adjacent to each other.

[0048] To improve the above-mentioned problems, this disclosure provides a display substrate and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, which can improve poor image quality.

[0049] As shown in FIG1, the display substrate provided in this embodiment includes: a substrate 100 and a plurality of pixel units 200 disposed on the substrate 100. The plurality of pixel units 200 are arranged in an array, and each pixel unit 200 includes a plurality of light-emitting sub-pixels 210. The light-emitting sub-pixels 210 are light-emitting devices capable of emitting a single color.

[0050] When displaying on the display substrate, color display is achieved by controlling the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of different colors to emit light and mixing the different colors of light. In some embodiments, each pixel unit 200 includes three types of light-emitting sub-pixels 210, namely a first sub-pixel R, a second sub-pixel G, and a third sub-pixel B. The first sub-pixel R is an R sub-pixel that can emit red light, the second sub-pixel G is a G sub-pixel that can emit green light, and the third sub-pixel B is a B sub-pixel that can emit blue light. However, it is not limited to this.

[0051] The display substrate provided in this application embodiment can be an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display substrate. However, it is not limited to this. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display substrate provided in this application embodiment along the E-E' direction in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the display substrate includes a substrate 100, a barrier layer 300, a pixel driving layer 400, a planarization layer 500, a pixel defining layer 600 (PDL), light-emitting sub-pixels 210, and an encapsulation layer 700. The light-emitting sub-pixels 210 may include a first electrode 211, an organic light-emitting functional layer 212, and a second electrode 213. The substrate 100, barrier layer 300, pixel driving layer 400, planarization layer 500, first electrode 211, and pixel defining layer 600 can be collectively referred to as a display backplane.

[0052] In some embodiments, the substrate 100 is a plate-like structure, including a first surface 110 and a second surface 120 opposite each other. Taking the orientation shown in FIG2 as an example, the first surface 110 is located above the second surface 120. The substrate 100 has a barrier layer 300 on the first surface 110. The barrier layer 300 is an inorganic insulating film layer, which may include inorganic materials, such as oxides or nitrides, and may include multiple layers or a single layer containing inorganic materials. By utilizing the material properties of inorganic materials, the substrate 100 and the structures on the substrate 100 are isolated, reducing or blocking the penetration of foreign substances, moisture, or outside air from below the substrate 100, and providing a flat surface.

[0053] Taking Figure 2 as an example, in some embodiments, the barrier layer 300 has a pixel driving layer 400 on the side away from the substrate 100. The pixel driving layer 400 includes thin-film transistors and pixel circuits. The pixel circuits include cross-arranged data lines and scan lines, etc. The thin-film transistors can be top-gate, bottom-gate, or dual-gate types. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific type of thin-film transistor.

[0054] As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the pixel driving layer 400 has a planarization layer 500 on the side away from the blocking layer 300. The planarization layer 500 covers the pixel driving layer 400 and has a flat surface on the side away from the pixel driving layer 400. This flat surface facilitates the fabrication of the structure above it. The planarization layer 500 has an electrode opening that penetrates the pixel driving layer 400.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the planarization layer 500 has a pixel defining layer 600 on the side away from the pixel driving layer 400. The pixel defining layer 600 defines a plurality of pixel opening regions P1, and the light-emitting sub-pixel 210 is disposed in the corresponding pixel opening region P1.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first electrode 211 is disposed between the planarization layer 500 and the pixel defining layer 600, opposite to the pixel opening region P1, and connected to the pixel circuit in the pixel driving layer 400 through the electrode opening. An organic light-emitting functional layer 212 is disposed in the pixel opening region P1 of the pixel defining layer 600, and a second electrode 213 is located on the opposite side of the organic light-emitting functional layer 212 from the first electrode 211; that is, the organic light-emitting functional layer 212 is disposed between the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 213.

[0057] In some embodiments, the organic light-emitting functional layer 212 includes an organic light-emitting layer (EML). The organic light-emitting functional layer 212 is different for different color sub-pixels. For example, the R sub-pixel includes a red light-emitting layer, the G sub-pixel includes a green light-emitting layer, and the B sub-pixel includes a blue light-emitting layer.

[0058] The organic light-emitting functional layer 212 may include one or more of the following layers: a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a hole block layer (HBL), an electron block layer (EBL), an electron injection layer (EIL), and an electron transport layer (ETL). To reduce process complexity and improve yield, the hole injection layer, hole transport layer, hole block layer, electron block layer, electron block layer, and electron block layer can be shared among the light-emitting sub-pixels 210, i.e., designed as shared layers.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the display substrate may further include an encapsulation layer 700, which covers the pixel unit 200 to seal and encapsulate the pixel unit 200, preventing external water and oxygen from entering the organic light-emitting functional layer 212 and protecting the pixel unit 200. The display substrate may employ cover plate encapsulation or thin-film encapsulation, etc. The specific structure of the encapsulation layer 700 varies depending on the encapsulation type, and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 211 is the anode, and the second electrode 213 is the cathode. The anode can be gold (Au), a transparent conductive polymer (such as polystyrene), or ITO (indium tin oxide) conductive glass, and the cathode material can be aluminum (Al), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), or indium (In), etc. The organic light-emitting functional layer 212 between the anode and the cathode is fabricated by inkjet printing. The inkjet printing ink includes OLED organic materials and a solvent that dissolves the OLED organic materials. The inkjet printing process requires pre-fabricating pixel pits, i.e., the pixel opening region P1, in the pixel defining layer 600 to limit the ink droplets to flow precisely into the designated positions.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1 and FIG2, the pixel defining layer 600 further defines a plurality of connecting regions P2, and at least two adjacent pixel opening regions P1 are connected through the corresponding connecting regions P2, wherein the connecting regions P2 are used as channels through which printing ink of the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 can pass.

[0062] For example, the pixel opening areas P1 corresponding to two adjacent light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color can be connected through the connecting area P2, so that the pixel printing ink of the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color can flow to each other in the channel formed by the connecting area P2, and the ink spread more evenly.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the connecting region P2 has a first side PA and a second side PB disposed opposite to each other along the extension direction of its channel. The channel of the connecting region P2 includes a first channel region P21 located on the first side PA, a second channel region P22 located on the second side PB, and a central channel region P23 located between the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22. The width direction of the orthographic projection of the connecting region P2 onto the substrate 100 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel (i.e., the Y direction in Figure 1), and the width (D1 / D2) of at least one of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 is greater than the width D3 of the central channel region P23.

[0064] In the above scheme, at least a portion of the film layer (e.g., the light-emitting functional layer) of the light-emitting sub-pixel 210 can be formed by inkjet printing. The connecting area P2 serves as a channel through which printing ink can pass for the light-emitting sub-pixel 210. The channel shape of the connecting area P2 is designed such that the width of at least one of the first channel area P21 and the second channel area P22 on opposite sides along the extension direction of the channel is greater than the width of the middle channel area P23. In other words, the channel of the connecting area P2 is wider near the pixel opening area P1, while the channel is narrower in the middle. In this way, the narrower channel in the middle of the connecting area P2 can maximize the opening area of ​​the pixel opening area P1, while the wider channel near the pixel opening area P1 can reduce the risk of ink flow interruption inside the channel, maintain ink droplet flowability, improve the ink droplet uniformity between different light-emitting sub-pixels 210, and thus improve image quality.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, since the channel near the pixel opening area P1 in the connecting area P2 is relatively wide, the possible landing position of the ink droplet E is not limited to the pixel opening area P1. The landing position of the ink droplet E can also be partially located in the connecting area P2 near the pixel opening area P1. Therefore, the landing space of the ink droplet E is increased, the landing accuracy requirement of the ink droplet E in the arrangement direction of the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color is reduced, and the risk of ink droplet E color mixing is reduced.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG3, the first channel region P21 is connected to one of the two corresponding pixel aperture regions P1, and the second channel region P22 is connected to the other of the two corresponding pixel aperture regions P1; the maximum width of the first channel region P21 is less than or equal to the width of the pixel aperture region P1 to which it is connected, and the maximum width of the second channel region P22 is less than or equal to the width of the pixel aperture region P1 to which it is connected. Using the above scheme, the maximum width of the connecting region P2 will not be greater than the width of the pixel aperture region P1, thus increasing the channel width while maximizing the pixel aperture ratio.

[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the maximum width of the first channel region P21 and / or the maximum width of the second channel region P22 is greater than or equal to a first threshold, which is the minimum bounce size of the ink droplet E of the printing ink. Thus, the first channel region P21 can provide bounce space for the ink droplet E of the printing ink, thereby reducing the bounce accuracy requirement of the ink droplet E. For example, the first threshold is 10 micrometers. However, it is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the maximum width of the first channel region P21 may also be less than the first threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the width D3 of the central channel region P23 is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 50 micrometers. Further, the width D3 of the central channel region P23 can be 5 to 10 micrometers. And the length L of the central channel region P23 along the channel extension direction is greater than or equal to 5 micrometers and less than or equal to 100 micrometers. This reduces the space occupied by the connecting region P2, providing more space for the pixel aperture region P1 to improve the pixel aperture ratio. However, this is not a limitation; in practical applications, the width and length of the central channel region P23 can be reasonably designed according to the pixel aperture ratio and other requirements of the actual product.

[0069] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG3, along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the width D1 of the first channel region P21 gradually decreases, while the width D2 of the second channel region P22 gradually increases. That is, the entire channel of the connecting region P2 gradually narrows and then gradually widens along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, presenting a dumbbell-like shape. The widest part of the channel is the position closest to the pixel opening region P1, and the narrowest part is the middle channel region P23. This design, with a wider beginning and end and a narrower middle, can improve the flowability of ink droplets E and reduce ink droplet E interruption.

[0070] It should be understood that the above are merely examples and are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG5, the first channel region P21 may also be wider than the middle channel region P23 and its width remains constant along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, rather than gradually narrowing; the second channel region P22 may also be wider than the middle channel region P23 and its width remains constant along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, rather than gradually narrowing.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the orthographic projection pattern of the first channel region P21 on the substrate 100 includes a first contour line a extending along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB. The first contour line a is an arc-shaped curve or an oblique straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, so that the channel of the first channel region P21 gradually expands along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB; and / or, the orthographic projection pattern of the second channel region P22 on the substrate 100 includes a second contour line b extending along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB. The second contour line b is an arc-shaped curve or an oblique straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, so that the channel of the second channel region P22 gradually converges along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG5, the width of the central channel region P23 remains constant in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB. For example, as shown in FIG5, the orthographic projection of the central channel region P23 on the substrate 100 is rectangular.

[0073] In some other exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7, the width of the central channel region P23 gradually decreases and then gradually increases along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, when the width of the central channel region P23 gradually decreases and then gradually increases along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the central channel region P23 includes a third contour line c extending along the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, and the third contour line c is an arc curve formed by the smooth extension of at least one of the first contour line a and the second contour line b, or a straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel.

[0075] Specifically, taking Figure 4 as an example, in some embodiments, the first contour line a is an arc-shaped curve, the second contour line b is an arc-shaped curve, and the central channel region P23 remains unchanged in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB. In this case, in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the channel shape of the connecting region P2 first gradually narrows in an arc-shaped curve, then maintains a constant width in the central channel region P23, and then gradually widens in an arc-shaped curve. The channel widths of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 gradually transition slowly, which is beneficial for ink flow within the channel. Further, exemplaryly, both the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 have a minimum width on the side closest to the central channel region P23, and the minimum width is equal to the width of the central channel region P23. However, this is not a limitation.

[0076] Taking Figure 3 as an example, in some embodiments, the first contour line a is an arc-shaped curve, the second contour line b is an arc-shaped curve, and the third contour line c is an arc-shaped curve formed by the smooth extension of at least one of the first contour line a and the second contour line b. In this case, in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the channel of the first channel region P21 gradually narrows, the width of the middle channel region P23 first gradually decreases and then gradually increases, and the channel of the second channel region P22 gradually expands and widens. In this case, in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the channel shape of the connecting region P2 first gradually narrows in an arc-shaped curve, then maintains a constant width in the middle channel region P23, and then gradually expands and widens in an arc-shaped curve. The channel widths of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 gradually transition slowly, which is beneficial for ink flow within the channels. Furthermore, both the first channel area P21 and the second channel area P22 have their minimum width on the side closest to the central channel area P23, and the central channel area P23 has its maximum width on both sides closest to the first channel area P21. The minimum width of the first channel area P21 and the second channel area P22 is equal to the maximum width of the central channel area P23. However, this is not a limitation.

[0077] Furthermore, taking Figure 5 as an example, in some other embodiments, the first contour line a is a slanted straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, and the second contour line b is a slanted straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel. In this case, the patterns of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 on the substrate 100 are both trapezoidal, such as an isosceles trapezoid or other arbitrary trapezoidal shapes. The middle channel region P23 remains unchanged in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB. At this time, in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the channel shape of the connecting region P2 first gradually narrows in an arc-shaped curve, then maintains a constant width in the middle channel region P23, and then gradually expands and widens in an arc-shaped curve. The channel widths of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 gradually and slowly transition, which is beneficial for ink flow within the channel. Furthermore, both the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 have a minimum width on the side closest to the middle channel region P23, and the minimum width is equal to the width of the middle channel region P23. However, it is not limited to this.

[0078] Furthermore, taking Figure 7 as an example, in some other embodiments, the first contour line a is a slanted straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, and the second contour line b is a slanted straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel. In this case, the patterns of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 on the substrate 100 are both triangular, such as isosceles triangles or other arbitrary triangular shapes. The middle channel region P23 remains unchanged in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB. At this time, in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the channel shape of the connecting region P2 first gradually narrows in an arc-shaped curve, then maintains a constant width in the middle channel region P23, and then gradually expands and widens in an arc-shaped curve. The channel widths of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 gradually and slowly transition, which is beneficial for ink flow within the channel. Furthermore, both the first channel area P21 and the second channel area P22 have a minimum width on the side closest to the central channel area P23, and this minimum width is equal to the width of the central channel area P23. In this case, the width of the central channel area P23 can be close to 0. However, it is not limited to this.

[0079] Furthermore, taking Figure 6 as an example, in some other embodiments, the first contour line a is a slanted straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, the second contour line b is a slanted straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, and the third contour line c is a slanted straight line formed by the smooth extension of at least one of the first contour line a and the second contour line b. In this case, the orthographic projection shape of the connecting region P2 on the substrate 100 can be similar to two trapezoids designed top-to-top. In this case, in the direction from the first side PA to the second side PB, the channel shape of the connecting region P2 first gradually narrows in an arc-shaped curve, and then gradually widens in an arc-shaped curve. The channel widths of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 gradually transition slowly, which is beneficial for ink flow within the channel. Further, both the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 have a minimum width on the side closest to the central channel region P23, and the minimum width is equal to the width of the central channel region P23. In this case, the width of the central channel region P23 can be close to 0. However, this is not a limitation.

[0080] The above are merely examples illustrating several embodiments of the channel shape of the connecting area P2, and are not limited thereto.

[0081] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the central channel region P23 has a midpoint O in the channel extension direction, and the orthographic projection patterns of the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 on the substrate 100 are symmetrical about a first axis of symmetry d, which passes through the midpoint O and is perpendicular to the channel extension direction. However, this is not a limitation; in practical applications, the first channel region P21 and the second channel region P22 may also be asymmetrical in shape.

[0082] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the pixel defining layer 600 includes a plurality of first pixel barriers 610 and a plurality of second pixel barriers 620. The extension directions of the plurality of first pixel barriers 610 and the plurality of second pixel barriers 620 intersect each other to jointly define a plurality of pixel opening regions P1 arranged in an array. The first pixel barriers 610 are used to separate two adjacent pixel opening regions P1. The height of the second pixel barriers 620 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 is less than the height of the first pixel barriers 610 in the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100, so that the second pixel barriers 620 form a channel of the connecting region P2 on the side away from the substrate 100.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a plurality of pixel units 200 are arranged in multiple rows and columns along a first direction X and a second direction Y. That is, a plurality of pixel units 200 are uniformly arranged in pixel rows along the first direction X, and a plurality of pixel rows are uniformly arranged in the second direction Y. The first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular to each other, and the pixel units 200 in the plurality of pixel rows are aligned in the second direction Y to form pixel columns; that is, the first direction X is the row direction of the pixel array, and the second direction Y is the column direction of the pixel array.

[0084] The first pixel barrier 610 extends along the first direction X, and the second pixel barrier 620 extends along the second direction Y, with the first direction X and the second direction Y intersecting; wherein, the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color are arranged along the first direction X, so that the connecting area P2 formed by the second pixel barrier 620 connects two adjacent columns of pixel opening areas P1 in the first direction X; the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of different colors are arranged alternately along the second direction Y, so that the first pixel barrier 610 is used to separate two adjacent rows of pixel opening areas P1 in the second direction Y.

[0085] Each pixel unit 200 includes multiple light-emitting sub-pixels 210. For example, each pixel unit 200 may include a first sub-pixel R, a second sub-pixel G, and a third sub-pixel B. The first sub-pixel R is an R sub-pixel capable of emitting red light, the second sub-pixel G is a G sub-pixel capable of emitting green light, and the third sub-pixel B is a B sub-pixel capable of emitting blue light. The pixel defining layer 600 may include multiple parallel extending connecting regions P2, and the multiple connecting regions P2 may correspond to multiple light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of different colors in the pixel unit 200.

[0086] It is understood that the above is only an example. In other embodiments, the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color can also be arranged in an alternating manner. In this case, the connecting area P2 can also be configured to connect the light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color that are arranged adjacently in different rows or columns.

[0087] Furthermore, in some embodiments, all pixel units 200 in the display area of ​​the display substrate can be arranged in multiple rows and columns. Specifically, all light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color in the same row or column can be connected through the connecting area P2. In other embodiments, all light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color in the same row or column can be divided into multiple groups, with each group of light-emitting sub-pixels 210 connected through the connecting area P2, and different groups of light-emitting sub-pixels 210 separated from each other.

[0088] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG8, the display substrate includes a display area AA and a peripheral area D located around the display area AA. Light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color in the same row or column of the display area AA are connected through the connecting area P2. Light-emitting sub-pixels 210 of the same color in adjacent rows or adjacent columns can also be connected by setting the connecting area P2 in the peripheral area D.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG3, adjacent rows of light-emitting sub-pixels 210 are staggered, such that the pixel opening region P1 of one of the adjacent rows of light-emitting sub-pixels 210 is directly opposite the connecting region P2 between the other light-emitting sub-pixels 210 in the second direction Y. The width D4 of the first pixel barrier 610 in the region between adjacent rows of light-emitting sub-pixels 210 along the second direction Y satisfies a minimum width greater than or equal to 7.5 and a maximum width less than or equal to 10. Thus, while reducing ink droplet E flow interruptions within the channel, the connecting region P2 has a sufficiently large spacing between it and adjacent, non-connected, light-emitting sub-pixels of different colors, preventing inter-pixel color mixing.

[0090] Furthermore, in a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a display device, which includes the display substrate provided in embodiments of this disclosure. A display device provided in this application may include any embodiment of the aforementioned display panel or an arrangement or combination of embodiments. The display device is a product with image display capabilities, such as: a monitor, television, billboard, digital photo frame, laser printer with display capabilities, telephone, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), digital camera, portable camcorder, viewfinder, navigator, vehicle, large-area wall, home appliance, information query equipment (such as e-government, banking, hospital, power sector business query equipment, monitors, etc.).

[0091] The display device of the above embodiments includes the corresponding display substrate in any of the foregoing embodiments and has the beneficial effects of the corresponding display substrate embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0092] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a display substrate, used to manufacture the display substrate described above; the method includes:

[0093] Step S01: Provide a substrate 100;

[0094] Step S02: A pixel defining layer 600 and a light-emitting sub-pixel 210 are formed on the substrate 100. The pixel defining layer 600 defines a plurality of pixel opening regions P1 and a plurality of connecting regions P2. The light-emitting sub-pixel 210 is formed within the corresponding pixel opening region P1 by inkjet printing. At least two adjacent pixel opening regions P1 are connected through the corresponding connecting regions P2. The connecting regions P2 serve as channels through which printing ink from the light-emitting sub-pixel 210 can pass. The connecting regions P2 have a channel along their respective channels. The first side PA and the second side PB are arranged with their extension directions opposite to each other. The channel of the connecting area P2 includes a first channel area P21 located on the first side PA, a second channel area P22 located on the second side PB, and a middle channel area P23 located between the first channel area P21 and the second channel area P22. The width direction of the orthographic projection of the connecting area P2 on the substrate 100 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel, and the width of at least one of the first channel area P21 and the second channel area P22 is greater than the width of the middle channel area P23.

[0095] The method for manufacturing the display substrate in the above embodiments is used to prepare the corresponding display substrate in any of the foregoing embodiments, and has the beneficial effects of the corresponding display substrate embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] The following points need to be explained:

[0097] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0098] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions is enlarged or reduced in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to actual scale. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being “above” or “below” another element, the element may be “directly” located “above” or “below” the other element or there may be intermediate elements.

[0099] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0100] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display substrate, characterized in that, include: Substrate; and A pixel defining layer and light-emitting sub-pixels are located on the substrate. The pixel defining layer defines a plurality of pixel opening regions and a plurality of connecting regions. The light-emitting sub-pixels are disposed within corresponding pixel opening regions. At least partially adjacent pixel opening regions are connected through corresponding connecting regions, which serve as channels through which printing ink can pass for the light-emitting sub-pixels. The connecting region has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along the extension direction of its channel. The channel of the connecting region includes a first channel region located on the first side, a second channel region located on the second side, and a middle channel region located between the first channel region and the second channel region. The width direction of the orthographic projection of the connecting region on the substrate is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel, and the width of at least one of the first channel region and the second channel region is greater than the width of the middle channel region.

2. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first channel region is connected to one of the two corresponding pixel opening regions, and the second channel region is connected to the other of the two corresponding pixel opening regions; the maximum width of the first channel region is less than or equal to the width of the pixel opening region it is connected to, and the maximum width of the second channel region is less than or equal to the width of the pixel opening region it is connected to.

3. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum width of the first channel area and / or the maximum width of the second channel area are greater than or equal to a first threshold, where the first threshold is the minimum size at which the ink droplets of the printing ink can bounce.

4. The display substrate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first threshold is 10 micrometers.

5. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the central channel area is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 50 micrometers; and the length of the central channel area along the extension direction of the channel is greater than or equal to 5 micrometers and less than or equal to 100 micrometers.

6. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction from the first side to the second side, the width of the first channel area gradually decreases, and the width of the second channel area gradually increases.

7. The display substrate according to claim 6, characterized in that, The orthographic projection pattern of the first channel region on the substrate includes a first contour line extending along the direction from the first side to the second side. The first contour line is in the shape of an arc curve or an oblique straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, so that the channel of the first channel region gradually expands along the direction from the first side to the second side. and / or The orthographic projection pattern of the second channel region on the substrate includes a second contour line extending along the direction from the first side to the second side. The second contour line is in the form of an arc curve or an oblique straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel, so that the channel of the second channel region gradually converges along the direction from the first side to the second side.

8. The display substrate according to claim 7, characterized in that, The width of the central passage area remains constant in the direction from the first side to the second side; or, the width of the central passage area gradually decreases and then gradually increases along the direction from the first side to the second side.

9. The display substrate according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the width of the central channel area gradually decreases and then gradually increases along the direction from the first side to the second side, the central channel area includes a third contour line extending along the direction from the first side to the second side, and the third contour line is an arc curve formed by the smooth extension of at least one of the first contour line and the second contour line, or a straight line inclined relative to the extension direction of the channel.

10. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central channel region has a midpoint in the extension direction of the channel, and the orthographic projection patterns of the first channel region and the second channel region on the substrate are symmetrical about a first axis of symmetry, which passes through the midpoint and is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channel.

11. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pixel defining layer includes a plurality of first pixel barriers and a plurality of second pixel barriers. The extension directions of the plurality of first pixel barriers and the plurality of second pixel barriers intersect each other to jointly define a plurality of pixel opening regions arranged in an array. The first pixel barriers are used to separate two adjacent pixel opening regions. The height of the second pixel barriers in the direction perpendicular to the substrate is less than the height of the first pixel barriers in the direction perpendicular to the substrate, so that the second pixel barriers form a channel of the connecting region on the side away from the substrate.

12. The display substrate according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first pixel barrier extends along a first direction, and the second pixel barrier extends along a second direction, with the first direction intersecting the second direction; wherein, the light-emitting sub-pixels of the same color are arranged along the first direction so that the connecting area formed by the second pixel barrier connects two adjacent columns of pixel opening areas in the first direction; the light-emitting sub-pixels of different colors are arranged alternately along the second direction so that the first pixel barrier is used to separate two adjacent rows of pixel opening areas in the second direction.

13. The display substrate according to claim 12, characterized in that, The light-emitting sub-pixels in two adjacent rows are arranged in an alternating manner, such that the pixel opening area of ​​one of the light-emitting sub-pixels in two adjacent rows is directly opposite the connecting area between the other light-emitting sub-pixels in the second direction, wherein the minimum width of the first pixel barrier in the area between the two adjacent rows of light-emitting sub-pixels along the second direction is greater than or equal to 7.5 and the maximum width is less than or equal to 10.

14. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display substrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for manufacturing a display substrate, characterized in that, A method for manufacturing a display substrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 13; the method includes: Provide a substrate; A pixel defining layer and light-emitting sub-pixels are formed on the substrate. The pixel defining layer defines a plurality of pixel opening regions and a plurality of connecting regions. The light-emitting sub-pixels are formed in the corresponding pixel opening regions by inkjet printing. At least two adjacent pixel opening regions are connected by the corresponding connecting regions. The connecting regions serve as channels through which printing ink for the light-emitting sub-pixels can pass. The connecting regions have a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other along the extension direction of their channels. The channel of the connecting regions includes a first channel region located on the first side, a second channel region located on the second side, and a middle channel region located between the first channel region and the second channel region. The width direction of the orthographic projection of the connecting regions on the substrate is perpendicular to the extension direction of the channels, and the width of at least one of the first channel region and the second channel region is greater than the width of the middle channel region.

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