Display panel and display device

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a display panel and a display device. The display panel comprises a substrate, a pixel defining layer, light-emitting units and protruding structures. The pixel defining layer comprises a plurality of openings, each opening corresponding to at least two light-emitting units of the same color, such that light-emitting layers of the light-emitting units corresponding to the same opening can be formed simultaneously. Each opening is provided with protruding structures, which are staggered, and the regions where the light-emitting layers of the at least two light-emitting units corresponding to each opening are located are in communication with each other by means of the protruding structures. Thus, ink for manufacturing the light-emitting layers can flow in the openings, and the protruding structures can slow down the flow rate of the ink to prevent ink aggregation during drying. A designated region is the region between adjacent light-emitting units in each opening, such that the protruding structures can be prevented from occupying light-emitting regions of the light-emitting units to avoid a reduction in the light-emitting area, thereby improving the light-emitting performance.

Description

Display panel and display device

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410684658.2, filed on May 29, 2024, entitled “Display Panel and Display Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel and display device. Background Technology

[0003] A display panel is a device with display function.

[0004] A display panel includes a substrate, a pixel defining layer on the substrate, and a plurality of light-emitting units. The pixel defining layer includes a plurality of openings, and the plurality of light-emitting units are respectively located in the plurality of openings. The pixel defining layer has a plurality of protrusion structures that protrude toward the light-emitting units. The organic functional layer of the light-emitting units is formed by inkjet printing technology, and the protrusion structures can slow down the movement rate of the ink used to manufacture the organic functional layer.

[0005] However, the aforementioned protruding structures occupy the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit, resulting in a smaller light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit and thus poor light-emitting performance of the display panel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a display panel and a display device. The technical solution is as follows:

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, a display panel is provided, the display panel comprising:

[0008] substrate;

[0009] A pixel defining layer and multiple light-emitting units are located on the substrate. The pixel defining layer includes multiple openings, each opening corresponding to at least two light-emitting units of the same color. Each light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting layer. The orthographic projection of the opening on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layers of the corresponding at least two light-emitting units on the substrate. Each opening includes at least one designated area, which is the area between adjacent light-emitting units in the opening.

[0010] Multiple protrusion structures are located on a substrate on which the pixel defining layer is disposed. At least two of the protrusion structures are disposed in the at least one designated area. The at least two protrusion structures are arranged alternately, and the areas where the light-emitting layers of the at least two light-emitting units corresponding to the opening are located are connected through the at least two protrusion structures.

[0011] Optionally, the pixel defining layer further includes a first spacing structure located on the substrate, the first spacing structure being located in the designated area, and the edge of the opening away from the substrate being located on the side of the first spacing structure away from the substrate;

[0012] The protruding structure is located on the side of the first spacer structure away from the substrate.

[0013] Optionally, the opening includes two opposing edges;

[0014] One end of the protrusion is connected to one of the two edges, and the other end has a gap with the other edge. Two adjacent protrusions in the same designated area are respectively connected to the two edges.

[0015] Optionally, the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged in rows and columns, with at least two light-emitting units corresponding to each opening located in the same row, and two adjacent protrusions in the same opening being connected to the two edges respectively.

[0016] Optionally, the thickness of the protrusion structure is greater than the thickness of the first spacer structure, and the thickness of the protrusion structure is less than or equal to the depth of the opening.

[0017] Optionally, the protrusion structure satisfies: 0.5H2≤H3≤H2;

[0018] Wherein, H2 is the depth of the opening, and H3 is the thickness of the protrusion structure.

[0019] Optionally, the protrusion structure satisfies: 1 / 7 ≤ C2 / K1 ≤ 6 / 7;

[0020] Wherein, in the direction parallel to the extension direction of the protrusion structure, C2 is the length of the protrusion structure, and K1 is the width of the opening.

[0021] Optionally, the protruding structure satisfies: 2*K2+S1≤C1; 1 / 7*K1≤S1;

[0022] Wherein, in the direction parallel to the extension direction of the protrusion structure, K1 is the width of the opening; in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the protrusion structure, S1 is the spacing between adjacent protrusion structures in the same designated area; K2 is the width of the protrusion structure; and C1 is the width of the first spacing structure in the second direction.

[0023] Optionally, within the same opening, there is at least one designated area where the protrusion structure is provided between designated areas where the protrusion structure is provided.

[0024] Optionally, each of the designated areas is provided with the protruding structure.

[0025] Optionally, the pixel defining layer includes a second spacing structure, the second spacing structure including the opening, and the protrusion structure and the second spacing structure are in the same layer.

[0026] Optionally, the opening includes at least two designated areas, each of which is provided with three protruding structures. The three protruding structures in the at least two designated areas correspond to each other, and the corresponding protruding structures are connected to the same edge.

[0027] Optionally, the protrusion structure includes a hydrophobic material, and the surface of the protrusion structure at the end away from the substrate is hydrophobic.

[0028] Optionally, the shape of the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure onto the substrate includes at least one of a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, and a triangle.

[0029] On the other hand, a display device is provided, the display device including a housing and any of the above-described display panels.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this application include at least the following:

[0031] A display panel is provided, comprising a substrate, a pixel defining layer, light-emitting units, and raised structures. The pixel defining layer includes multiple openings, each corresponding to at least two light-emitting units of the same color, allowing the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the same opening to be formed simultaneously. Each opening has a raised structure, which are staggered and connected to the areas containing the light-emitting layers of the at least two light-emitting units corresponding to the opening. Therefore, ink used to manufacture the light-emitting layer can flow within the openings, and the raised structures can slow down the ink flow to prevent ink aggregation during drying. The designated area is the region between adjacent light-emitting units within the opening; this prevents the raised structures from occupying the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting units, thus avoiding a reduction in the light-emitting area and improving light-emitting performance. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a display panel structure;

[0034] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel shown in Figure 2;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel shown in Figure 4;

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel shown in Figure 4;

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a display panel provided by related technologies;

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel shown in Figure 4;

[0044] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional structure of the display panel shown in Figure 13;

[0047] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel shown in Figure 13;

[0048] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel shown in Figure 13;

[0049] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel shown in Figure 13.

[0050] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a display panel structure. The display panel 10 includes a substrate 11, a pixel defining layer 12 and multiple light-emitting units 13 located on the substrate 11. The pixel defining layer 12 includes multiple openings K, and multiple light-emitting units 13 of the same color located in the same row are located in the same opening K; that is, the pixel defining layer 12 has a line bank structure. The organic functional layer of the light-emitting unit 13 is formed using inkjet printing (IJP) technology. The organic functional layer may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, and a light-emitting layer. In the manufacturing process of the organic functional layer, compared to the pixel bank structure where multiple light-emitting units 12 are independently arranged, the line bank structure can improve the leveling effect of the organic functional layer and has lower requirements for the alignment accuracy of the equipment.

[0053] In addition, the pixel defining layer 12 has multiple protrusion structures 14 that protrude toward the light-emitting unit 13. The protrusion structures 14 can increase the travel distance of the ink used to manufacture the organic functional layer and narrow the area of ​​ink flow, thereby slowing down the rate of ink movement and preventing ink aggregation.

[0054] However, the aforementioned protrusions 14 occupy the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit 13, resulting in a smaller light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit 13, which in turn leads to poor light-emitting performance of the display panel 10.

[0055] This application provides a display panel. Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment provided by this application, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 2 (Figure 3 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 2 at B1-B1). The display panel 20 includes:

[0056] Substrate 21.

[0057] The pixel defining layer 22 and a plurality of light-emitting units 23 are located on the substrate 21. The pixel defining layer 22 includes a plurality of openings K, each opening K corresponding to at least two light-emitting units 23 of the same color. The light-emitting unit 23 includes a light-emitting layer 231. The orthographic projection of the opening K on the substrate 21 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the light-emitting layer 231 of the corresponding at least two light-emitting units 23 on the substrate 21. Each opening K includes at least one designated area A, which is the area between adjacent light-emitting units 23 in the opening K.

[0058] Multiple protrusions 24 are located on a substrate on which a pixel defining layer 22 is disposed. At least two protrusions 24 are disposed in at least one designated region A. The at least two protrusions 24 are staggered, and the regions where the light-emitting layers 231 of at least two light-emitting units 23 corresponding to the opening K are located are connected through the at least two protrusions 24. During the manufacturing process of the light-emitting layer 231, the ink used to manufacture the light-emitting layer 231 can flow along the channels formed by the protrusions 24. G1 is an exemplary ink flow trajectory. The ink used to manufacture the light-emitting layer 231 may include organic light-emitting materials and solvents.

[0059] It should be noted that the light-emitting unit 23 shown in Figure 2 is a region where the light-emitting unit 23 can be set, not the specific structure of the light-emitting unit 23. The light-emitting layer 231 of the light-emitting unit 23 can be located in this region. Figure 3 only shows the first electrode 232, the light-emitting layer 231, and the second electrode 233 of the light-emitting unit 23, but the light-emitting unit 23 may also include other structures (not shown in Figures 2 and 3), and this application embodiment does not limit this. In addition, the number of light-emitting units 23 corresponding to each opening K can be two or more. For example, the number of light-emitting units 23 corresponding to each opening K shown in Figure 3 is three, and the three light-emitting units 23 are located in the same row, but this application embodiment does not limit this. The light-emitting units 23 of the same color corresponding to each opening K can also be located in different rows. Furthermore, the number of protrusion structures 24 provided in at least one designated area A can be two or more. For example, the number of protrusion structures 24 provided in the designated area A shown in Figure 3 is two or three.

[0060] In summary, this application provides a display panel including a substrate, a pixel defining layer, light-emitting units, and raised structures. The pixel defining layer includes multiple openings, each corresponding to at least two light-emitting units of the same color, allowing the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the same opening to be formed simultaneously. Each opening contains a raised structure, which are staggered and connected to the areas containing the light-emitting layers of the at least two light-emitting units corresponding to each opening. Therefore, the ink used to manufacture the light-emitting layer can flow within the openings, and the raised structures slow down the ink flow to prevent ink accumulation during drying. The designated area is the region between adjacent light-emitting units within the opening; this prevents the raised structures from occupying the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting units, thus avoiding a reduction in the light-emitting area and improving light-emitting performance.

[0061] The display panel provided in this application embodiment can be an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display panel. OLED display panels have the characteristics of self-illumination, wide viewing angle, wide color gamut, thinness, and flexibility, and can be applied to various display fields. The material of the light-emitting layer 231 of the OLED display panel is an organic light-emitting material, and the manufacturing process of the light-emitting layer 231 of the OLED display panel can include inkjet printing technology or vapor deposition technology. The working principle of inkjet printing technology is as follows: ink containing organic light-emitting material is precisely sprayed into the corresponding pixel pits (i.e., the openings of the pixel boundary layer) on the OLED display panel using a print head containing nozzles, and then the ink solvent is evaporated and removed through vacuum drying and high-temperature baking to form the light-emitting layer 231. In addition, organic functional layers such as the hole injection layer (HIL) and hole transport layer (HTL) can also be formed using inkjet printing technology. Compared with vapor deposition technology, inkjet printing technology has many advantages, such as high utilization rate of organic light-emitting materials, reaching approximately 90%, and no need for a vacuum vapor deposition environment.

[0062] Inkjet printing technology produces display panels with pixel delimiting layers that include two structures. One is the pixel dam structure, where each light-emitting unit corresponds to an opening. The nozzles of the inkjet printer must be aligned with the openings of each light-emitting unit to form an organic functional layer of multiple light-emitting units. Therefore, the pixel dam structure requires high alignment precision from the equipment. The other structure is the linear dam structure, where multiple light-emitting units of the same color are located in the same opening. This opening can be elongated or linear. The nozzles of the inkjet printer only need to be aligned with the openings of multiple light-emitting units, and by utilizing the flow of ink, the light-emitting layers of multiple light-emitting units in the same opening can be formed simultaneously. Therefore, the pixel dam structure requires lower alignment precision, reducing the difficulty of the inkjet printing process and effectively increasing the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels of the display panel, thus improving the luminous performance of the display panel. Furthermore, the linear dam structure has a larger opening area, increasing the area available for ink flow and effectively improving the leveling effect. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, substrate 21 can be used to support multiple film layers in display panel 20, such as pixel defining layer 22, multiple light-emitting units 23, and multiple protrusion structures 24. Substrate 21 may include a thin film transistor (TFT) array and a substrate, and the thin film transistor array can be used to control the light-emitting function of the multiple light-emitting units 23.

[0063] The pixel defining layer 22 is located on the substrate 21. The pixel defining layer 22 includes multiple openings K, each opening K corresponding to at least two light-emitting units 23 of the same color. Thus, the pixel defining layer 22 can divide the multiple light-emitting units 23 into multiple groups, and the light-emitting units 23 in each group have the same color. The pixel defining layer 22 provided in this embodiment can be the above-mentioned linear dam structure. Therefore, it can not only reduce the alignment accuracy requirements of inkjet printing equipment and reduce the difficulty of inkjet printing process, but also effectively increase the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels of the display panel and improve the light-emitting performance of the display panel.

[0064] The light-emitting unit 23 is located on the substrate 21. The light-emitting unit 23 can emit light in different colors and brightness levels, thus enabling display functionality. The light-emitting unit 23 may include a first electrode 232, a light-emitting layer 231, and a second electrode 233 stacked together. The first electrode 232 and the second electrode 233 cooperate to drive the light-emitting layer 231 to emit light. The first electrode 232 can be an anode, and the second electrode 233 can be a cathode. A hole injection layer and a hole transport layer may also be disposed between the first electrode 232 and the light-emitting layer 231, and an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer may also be disposed between the light-emitting layer 231 and the second electrode 233. The hole injection layer can be used to adjust the injection speed and amount of holes, and the hole injection layer can be used to adjust the injection speed and amount of electrons. The hole transport layer can increase the injection amount of holes, and the electron transport layer can increase the injection amount of electrons. After the ink for manufacturing the light-emitting layer 231 is sprayed into the opening K using inkjet printing technology, the solvent in the ink needs to be removed by vacuum drying to form the light-emitting layer 231. During vacuum drying, the significant difference in evaporation rates of ink at different locations within opening K can easily lead to ink aggregation. For example, the outer portion of the ink in the light-emitting layer 231 evaporates faster, causing the inner ink to move outwards. This results in uneven thickness of the outer light-emitting layer 231, which in turn can cause uneven brightness (mura) on the display panel. For linear dam structures, the large area of ​​opening K exacerbates the problem of uneven thickness due to rapid ink flow.

[0065] The raised structures 24 are located on the substrate where the pixel defining layer 22 is provided. Channels for ink flow can be formed between the raised structures 24. The raised structures 24 have a certain blocking effect on the ink, effectively slowing down the ink flow speed and preventing excessive ink flow that could lead to significant differences in ink evaporation rates at different locations during drying. This effectively suppresses ink aggregation, thereby improving the thickness uniformity of the light-emitting layer 231 and consequently improving the light emission uniformity. Furthermore, the raised structures 24 are located in a designated area A, which is the area between adjacent light-emitting units 23 in the opening K. Therefore, the raised structures 24 do not occupy the light-emitting area, thus preventing them from affecting the light-emitting area of ​​the display panel and effectively improving the light emission performance of the display panel.

[0066] Optionally, the raised structure 24 includes a hydrophobic material. The surface of the end of the raised structure 24 away from the substrate 21 is hydrophobic. Hydrophobicity means that the contact angle between the liquid and the solid surface is large, resulting in a weak interaction between the liquid and the solid, making it difficult for the liquid to adhere to the solid surface. Therefore, by making the surface of the end of the raised structure 24 away from the substrate 21 hydrophobic, ink residue on the surface of the end of the raised structure 24 away from the substrate 21 after inkjet printing can be avoided, thereby reducing the risk of residual ink flowing into other openings K and thus avoiding color bleeding problems.

[0067] For example, the hydrophobicity of the surface of the protrusion 24 can include two cases: one is that all surfaces of the protrusion 24 are hydrophobic; the other is that the surface of the protrusion 24 at the end away from the substrate 21 is hydrophobic, while the surface of the other parts of the protrusion 24 is hydrophilic. Hydrophilicity means that the contact angle between the liquid and the solid surface is small, resulting in a stronger interaction between the liquid and the solid, allowing the liquid to adhere to the solid surface and spread easily. This not only avoids color bleeding problems, but the hydrophilicity of the surface of the protrusion 24 at the end near the substrate 21 also facilitates the flow of ink in the designated area A, thereby improving the leveling effect of the light-emitting layer 231. For example, the area of ​​the surface of the protrusion 24 at the end away from the substrate 21 can account for 10% to 90% of the total surface area of ​​the protrusion 24.

[0068] In one exemplary embodiment, the pixel defining layer further includes a first spacer structure located on the substrate. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another structure provided in this embodiment, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 4 (Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 4 at B2-B2). The first spacer structure 221 is located in a designated area A. The edge L1 of the opening K away from the substrate 21 is located on the side of the first spacer structure 221 away from the substrate 21, and the protruding structure 24 is located on the side of the first spacer structure 221 away from the substrate 21. The first spacer structure 221 can be used to divide two adjacent light-emitting units 23 in the opening K. Additionally, the first spacer structure 221 may include a hydrophilic material to make the surface of the first spacer structure 221 hydrophilic, thereby improving the flowability of ink in the same opening K between the regions corresponding to different light-emitting units 23, and thus improving the leveling effect of the light-emitting layer.

[0069] The pixel defining layer 22 may further include a second spacing structure 222. Multiple openings K are multiple openings of the second spacing structure 222. The edge L1 of the opening K away from the substrate 21 can be an extension line of the edge of the second spacing structure 222 away from the substrate 21. In the cross-sectional structure at B2-B2, the depth H2 of the opening K is equal to the thickness of the second spacing structure 222. Therefore, the thickness H1 of the first spacing structure 221 is less than the depth H2 of the opening K, that is, the thickness H1 of the first spacing structure 221 is less than the thickness of the second spacing structure 222. For example, the thickness H1 of the first spacing structure 221 can range from 0.2 micrometers to 0.8 micrometers, and the thickness of the second spacing structure 222 can range from 1 micrometer to 1.5 micrometers. The smaller thickness H1 of the first spacing structure 221 facilitates the flow of ink from the light-emitting layer 231 of the light-emitting unit 23 corresponding to the same opening K on the first spacing structure 221. In addition, only the light-emitting layer 231 is shown between the protrusions 24, but other film layers may also be included between the protrusions 24, such as a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer. This is because the manufacturing process of the hole transport layer and the hole injection layer may also include inkjet printing technology, so the ink of the hole transport layer and the hole injection layer can also flow onto the designated area A.

[0070] Optionally, the pixel defining layer 22 includes a second spacing structure 222, which includes an opening K. Since the protrusion structure 24 and the second spacing structure 222 are in the same layer, they can be formed simultaneously, thus simplifying the process. Furthermore, the protrusion structure 24 and the second spacing structure 222 can be made of the same material but manufactured separately; this embodiment does not limit this. For example, the second spacing structure 222 may also include a hydrophobic material to make its surface hydrophobic, thus preventing ink residue from remaining on the surface of the protrusion structure 24 away from the substrate 21 after inkjet printing, thereby avoiding color bleeding. Specifically, the surface of the second spacing structure 222 can all be hydrophobic, or the surface of the second spacing structure 222 away from the substrate 21 can be hydrophobic, while the surface of the other parts of the second spacing structure 222 can be hydrophilic.

[0071] The raised structure provided in this application embodiment is positioned in various ways within a designated area. Optionally, one scenario can be referred to Figures 4 and 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 4 (Figure 6 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 4 at B3-B3). The opening K includes two opposing edges L2 and L3, which are the two opposing side surfaces of the second spacing structure 222 at the opening K. One end of the raised structure 24 is connected to one of the two edges, and the other end has a gap with the other edge. For example, as shown in Figure 6, one end of the raised structure 24 is connected to edge L2, which can improve the structural stability of the raised structure 24. The other end of the raised structure 24 has a gap with edge L3, so that ink can flow through the gap to the adjacent light-emitting unit 23. Furthermore, in the same designated area A, two adjacent protrusions 24 are connected to two edges respectively. For example, one end of the protrusion 24 adjacent to the protrusion 24 shown in Figure 6 is connected to edge L3, and the other end has a gap with edge L2. With this arrangement, the protrusions 24 in the same designated area A can be staggered and form an "S"-shaped channel, so that ink can flow along the "S"-shaped channel. G2 is an exemplary ink flow trajectory.

[0072] Please refer to Figures 4 and 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a display panel structure provided by related technologies. In this type of display panel, no protruding structure is provided, and the ink flow trajectory G3 is parallel to the extension direction of the opening K. During the drying process, if the ink flow speed is too fast, the ink evaporation rate at different locations will vary significantly, leading to ink aggregation. In contrast, in the display panel shown in Figure 4, the protruding structure 24 provides some obstruction to the ink flow, and the "S"-shaped channel formed by the protruding structure 24 allows the ink to travel a longer distance. Under the same drying conditions and time, this effectively slows down the ink flow speed, preventing ink aggregation and improving the thickness uniformity of the light-emitting layer 231, thereby enhancing the uniformity of light emission.

[0073] Alternatively, another configuration of the raised structure within the designated area can be seen in Figure 2. The raised structure 24 may not be connected to either of the two opposite edges of the opening K. In this case, there is a gap between both ends of the raised structure 24 and the pixel defining layer 24, allowing ink to flow through these gaps. This configuration also provides some obstruction to the ink flow, effectively slowing down the ink flow and preventing ink accumulation. This improves the uniformity of the light-emitting layer 231's thickness, thereby enhancing the uniformity of light emission.

[0074] In the display panel provided in this application embodiment, the area where the raised structure is set has various forms. Optionally, referring to Figure 4, in one form, a raised structure 24 is provided in each designated area A. This ensures that a raised structure 24 is provided between each light-emitting unit 23 in each opening K, thereby effectively slowing down the flow rate of ink in each opening K, thereby improving the thickness uniformity of the light-emitting layer, and thus improving the light emission uniformity.

[0075] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of this application. In the same opening K, there is at least one designated area A without a raised structure 24 between designated areas A where the raised structure 24 is provided. This allows for the suppression of ink flow in the opening K using fewer raised structures 24. For example, in the display panel shown in Figure 8, there are two designated areas A without raised structures 24. Furthermore, embodiments of this application can determine the area where the raised structure 24 is provided based on the area of ​​the light-emitting unit 23 and the aperture ratio. For example, the larger the area of ​​the light-emitting unit 23, the more raised structures 24 can be provided, and the smaller the interval between designated areas A with raised structures 24 can be, thereby achieving a stronger suppression effect on ink flow in the opening K.

[0076] The arrangement of the protrusion structure provided in this application embodiment includes multiple cases. For one case, please refer to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in this application embodiment. The opening K includes at least two designated areas A, each of which is provided with three protrusion structures 24. The three protrusion structures 24 in the at least two designated areas A correspond to each other, and the corresponding protrusion structures 24 are connected to the same edge. Therefore, the arrangement of the protrusion structures 24 in each designated area A is the same, which facilitates manufacturing.

[0077] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 10 for another arrangement. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in the embodiment of this application. Multiple light-emitting units 23 are arranged in rows and columns. At least two light-emitting units 23 corresponding to each opening K are located in the same row. Two adjacent protrusions in the same opening K are connected to two edges respectively. Then the arrangement of protrusions 24 in each designated area A can also be different, so that multiple protrusions 24 in the same opening K can also be arranged in an alternating manner. This arrangement can also effectively slow down the ink flow speed and avoid the problem of ink accumulation, thereby improving the uniformity of light emission.

[0078] The protrusion structure provided in this application embodiment has various shapes. Optionally, referring to FIG10, the protrusion structure 24 can be an elongated structure, which facilitates the formation of channels for ink flow, allowing ink to flow between the regions corresponding to the multiple light-emitting units 23 in the opening K. The shape of the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure 24 on the substrate 21 includes at least one of a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, and a triangle. In addition, based on the shape of the specified region A, the protrusion structure 24 may also include other structures. For example, the shape of the orthographic projection of the protrusion structure 24 on the substrate 21 may also include a trapezoid or a semi-circle.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the extending direction of the protruding structure 24 is the same as the extending direction of the first spacing structure 221. Alternatively, the extending direction of the protruding structure 24 can also be staggered with the extending direction of the first spacing structure 221, which can also achieve a certain effect of slowing down the ink flow speed. In addition, the shape and arrangement of the protruding structure 24 can be adjusted according to the shape of the light-emitting unit 23 and the shape of the first spacing structure 221. For example, the shape of the light-emitting unit 23 can be rhomboid, and the extending direction of the protruding structure 24 can be parallel to the edge of the light-emitting unit 23. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0080] The dimensions of the protruding structure are explained below:

[0081] Optionally, the thickness of the raised structure includes two cases. In one case, referring to Figure 6, the raised structure 24 is positioned within the opening K, with a thickness H3 greater than the thickness H1 of the first spacer structure 221, and a thickness H3 less than the depth H2 of the opening K. This allows for further material savings while ensuring the raised structure 24 provides some ink blocking. In the other case, referring to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 4 (Figure 11 can be a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 4 at B3-B3), the raised structure 24 is positioned within the opening K, with a thickness H3 greater than the thickness H1 of the first spacer structure 221, and a thickness H3 equal to the depth H2 of the opening K. That is, the edge of the second spacer structure 222 away from the substrate 21 can be flush with the edge of the raised structure 24 away from the substrate 21. This improves the ink blocking effect of the raised structure 24 and ensures that the thickness of the raised structure does not excessively affect the overall thickness of the display panel. Furthermore, this also facilitates the simultaneous formation of the second spacer structure 222 and the protrusion structure 24. In addition, the cross-sectional shapes of the first spacer structure 221, the second spacer structure 222, and the protrusion structure 24 provided in this application embodiment can be rectangular as shown in FIG. 6 or trapezoidal as shown in FIG. 11, and this application embodiment does not limit them.

[0082] Optionally, the thickness of the protrusion structure 24 can be determined according to the depth of the opening K, and the protrusion structure 24 can satisfy: 0.5H2≤H3≤H2.

[0083] Wherein, H2 is the depth of the opening K, and H3 is the thickness of the protrusion 24. For example, the depth H2 of the opening K can range from 1 micrometer to 1.5 micrometers, and the thickness H3 of the protrusion 24 can range from 0.5 micrometers to 1.5 micrometers.

[0084] Optionally, the length of the protruding structure can be limited. Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of another display panel provided in an embodiment of this application. The protruding structure 24 can also satisfy: 1 / 7≤C2 / K1≤6 / 7.

[0085] In the direction T1 parallel to the extension direction of the protruding structure 24, for the display panel shown in FIG12, the extension direction of the protruding structure 24 is the same as the extension direction of the first spacing structure 221. C2 is the length of the protruding structure 24, and K1 is the width of the opening K. Based on the above relationship, the range of the length C2 of the protruding structure 24 can be determined by the width K1 of the opening K, so that the protruding structure 24 can achieve a certain blocking effect on the ink to slow down the flow speed of the ink, and can ensure that there is a certain gap between the protruding structure 24 and the edge of the opening K to ensure that the ink can flow. For example, the protruding structure 24 can further satisfy: 1 / 2≤C2 / K1≤6 / 7, so as to improve the effect of slowing down the flow speed of the ink, thereby effectively improving the thickness uniformity of the light-emitting layer, and thus improving the light emission uniformity.

[0086] Optionally, the width of the protrusion and the spacing between adjacent protrusions can be limited. Referring to Figure 12, the protrusion 24 can also satisfy: 2*K2+S1≤C1. 1 / 7*K1≤S1.

[0087] In this equation, in direction T1 parallel to the extension direction of the protruding structure 24, K1 is the width of the opening K; in direction T2 perpendicular to the extension direction of the protruding structure 24, S1 is the spacing between adjacent protruding structures 24 in the same designated area A, K2 is the width of the protruding structure 24, and C1 is the width of the first spacing structure 221. Based on the above equations, the range of the width K2 of the protruding structure 24 can be determined, thereby ensuring that the orthographic projection of the protruding structure 24 on the substrate is within the orthographic projection of the first spacing structure 221 on the substrate. This avoids the protruding structure 24 being placed within the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting unit, thus preventing it from affecting the light-emitting area. Furthermore, based on the above equations, the range of the spacing S1 between adjacent protruding structures 24 can also be determined according to the width K1 of the opening K, preventing ink from being unable to flow in the designated area due to an excessively small spacing S1 between adjacent protruding structures 24.

[0088] In one exemplary embodiment, please refer to FIG13, which is a schematic diagram of another display panel structure provided in an embodiment of this application. The pixel defining layer 22 may include a first spacing structure 221 and a second spacing structure 222. The second spacing structure 222 is the side away from the substrate from the first spacing structure 221. The first spacing structure 221 includes a plurality of first dams D1 extending along a first direction X1, and the second spacing structure 222 includes a plurality of second dams D2 extending along a second direction X2. The first direction X1 is a direction that intersects with the second direction X2. The plurality of first dams D1 and the plurality of second dams D2 intersect to define a plurality of rectangular areas. A plurality of light-emitting units 23 are respectively located in the plurality of rectangular areas, so the light-emitting units 23 can be arranged in rows and columns. The second spacing structure 222 also includes a plurality of third dams D3 extending along the first direction X1. The plurality of first dams D1 and the plurality of third dams D3 can be connected to form a plurality of openings K. The light-emitting units 23 corresponding to the openings K are located in the same row. In addition, the colors of the light-emitting units 23 arranged at intervals along the first direction X1 in the same column can be set in a periodic repeating manner. For example, the colors of the same column of light-emitting units 23 can be periodically repeated according to red light-emitting units, green light-emitting units, and blue light-emitting units.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 13 (Figure 14 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the display panel provided in Figure 13 at B4-B4). In the first direction X1, multiple second dams D2 are arranged at intervals. The area between the multiple second dams D2 is the opening K. The second dams D2 have a large thickness and can include hydrophobic materials, thereby avoiding ink residue of the light-emitting layer 231 on the second dams D2, and thus effectively preventing color bleeding between adjacent light-emitting units 23.

[0090] Please refer to Figures 13 and 15. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 13 (Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 13 at B5-B5). In the same row of light-emitting units 23 arranged at intervals along the second direction X2, the light-emitting units 23 corresponding to the same opening K have the same color. During the manufacturing process of the light-emitting layer 231, the nozzle of the inkjet printing equipment only needs to be aligned with the opening K. Due to the fluidity of ink, the thickness of the first spacing structure 221 is small, and the protrusions 24 are arranged in an alternating manner, so the ink can flow between multiple light-emitting units 23 corresponding to the same opening K. The protrusions 24 are located on the side of the first spacing structure 221 away from the substrate 21. When the ink flows to the area on the first spacing structure 221, the protrusions 24 can play a certain blocking role for the ink. Thus, the protrusions 24 can slow down the flow speed of the ink while ensuring its flow. In addition, the thickness of the protrusions 24 can be greater than the thickness of the first spacing structure 221 to improve the blocking effect.

[0091] Please refer to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 13 (Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 13 at B6-B6), and Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 13 (Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the display panel provided in Figure 13 at B7-B7). The orthographic projection of the first spacing structure 221 on the substrate 21 and the orthographic projection of the second spacing structure 222 on the substrate may overlap. The area where the orthographic projections overlap is the location where multiple first dams D1 and multiple second dams D2 intersect. Additionally, please refer to Figures 4 and 6. In the display panel provided in this embodiment, the orthographic projection of the first spacing structure 221 on the substrate 21 may also be located outside the orthographic projection of the second spacing structure 222 on the substrate, that is, the first spacing structure is disposed in the opening K. Compared to the second spacing structure 222 independently disposed in multiple openings K, the first dam D1 shown in Figure 16 can simplify the manufacturing process.

[0092] In summary, this application provides a display panel including a substrate, a pixel defining layer, light-emitting units, and raised structures. The pixel defining layer includes multiple openings, each corresponding to at least two light-emitting units of the same color, allowing the light-emitting layer of the light-emitting unit corresponding to the same opening to be formed simultaneously. Each opening contains a raised structure, which are staggered and connected to the areas containing the light-emitting layers of the at least two light-emitting units corresponding to each opening. Therefore, the ink used to manufacture the light-emitting layer can flow within the openings, and the raised structures slow down the ink flow to prevent ink accumulation during drying. The designated area is the region between adjacent light-emitting units within the opening; this prevents the raised structures from occupying the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting units, thus avoiding a reduction in the light-emitting area and improving light-emitting performance.

[0093] On the other hand, this application also provides a display device, which includes a housing and any of the display panels provided in the above embodiments, wherein the display panel may be located within the housing. This display device can be various devices including display functions, such as monitors, televisions, vertical advertising displays, digital signage devices, mobile phones, and various smart wearable devices.

[0094] Since the display device includes the display panel provided in the above embodiments, the display device can also have a similar effect, that is, it can improve the light emission uniformity of the display device.

[0095] In summary, this application provides a display device including a substrate, a pixel defining layer, light-emitting units, and raised structures. The pixel defining layer includes multiple openings, each corresponding to at least two light-emitting units of the same color, allowing the light-emitting layers of the light-emitting units corresponding to the same opening to be formed simultaneously. Each opening has a raised structure, which are staggered and connected to the regions containing the light-emitting layers of the at least two light-emitting units corresponding to the opening. Therefore, the ink used to manufacture the light-emitting layers can flow within the openings, and the raised structures slow down the ink flow to prevent ink accumulation during drying. The designated region is the area between adjacent light-emitting units within the opening; this prevents the raised structures from occupying the light-emitting area of ​​the light-emitting units, thus avoiding a reduction in the light-emitting area and improving light-emitting performance.

[0096] In this application, the term "at least one of A and B" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "at least one of A and B" can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Similarly, "at least one of A, B, and C" indicates that seven relationships can exist, representing seven cases: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, A and C exist simultaneously, C and B exist simultaneously, and A, B, and C exist simultaneously.

[0097] It should be noted that the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings for clarity. Furthermore, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate layers. Additionally, it is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "below" another element or layer, it can be directly below the other element, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Furthermore, it is also understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers or two elements, it can be the only layer between the two layers or two elements, or there may be more than one intermediate layer or element. Similar reference numerals throughout indicate similar elements.

[0098] In this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0099] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized by, The display panel comprises: a substrate; a pixel defining layer and a plurality of light emitting units, the pixel defining layer and the light emitting units are located on the substrate, the pixel defining layer comprises a plurality of openings, each of the openings corresponds to at least two light emitting units of the same color, the light emitting units comprise a light emitting layer, the orthographic projection of the opening on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the light emitting layer of the corresponding at least two light emitting units on the substrate all exist overlapping, each of the openings comprises at least one designated area, the designated area is the area between adjacent light emitting units in the opening; a plurality of protruding structures, the protruding structures are located on the substrate provided with the pixel defining layer, at least two protruding structures are provided in the at least one designated area, the at least two protruding structures are staggered, and the area where the light emitting layer of the at least two light emitting units corresponding to the opening is connected through the at least two protruding structures.

2. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The pixel defining layer further comprises a first spacing structure located on the substrate, the first spacing structure is located in the designated area, and the edge of the opening away from the substrate is located on the side of the first spacing structure away from the substrate. The protruding structure is located on the side of the first spacing structure away from the substrate.

3. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The opening comprises two opposite edges; One end of the protruding structure is connected with one of the two edges, and a gap exists between the other end of the protruding structure and the other of the two edges, and two adjacent protruding structures in the same designated area are respectively connected with the two edges.

4. The display panel of claim 3, wherein, The plurality of light emitting units are arranged in rows and columns, the at least two light emitting units corresponding to each of the openings are located in the same row, and two adjacent protruding structures in the same opening are respectively connected with the two edges.

5. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The thickness of the protruding structure is greater than the thickness of the first spacing structure, and the thickness of the protruding structure is less than or equal to the depth of the opening.

6. The display panel of claim 5, wherein, The protruding structure satisfies: 0.5H2≤H3≤H2; Wherein, H2 is the depth of the opening, and H3 is the thickness of the protruding structure.

7. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The protruding structure satisfies: 1 / 7≤C2 / K1≤6 / 7; Wherein, C2 is the length of the protruding structure in the direction parallel to the extension direction of the protruding structure, and K1 is the width of the opening.

8. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The protruding structure satisfies: 2*K2+S1≤C1; 1 / 7*K1≤S1; Wherein, K1 is the width of the opening in the direction parallel to the extension direction of the protruding structure, S1 is the spacing of adjacent protruding structures in the same designated area in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the protruding structure, K2 is the width of the protruding structure, and C1 is the width of the first spacing structure in the second direction.

9. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, In the same opening, at least one designated area not provided with the protruding structure exists between the designated areas provided with the protruding structure.

10. The display panel of claim 1, wherein, The protruding structure is provided in each of the designated areas.

11. The display panel of claim 2, wherein, The pixel defining layer comprises a second spacing structure, the second spacing structure comprises the opening, and the protruding structure and the second spacing structure are the same layer structure.

12. The display panel of claim 3, wherein, The three protruding structures in each of the at least two designated areas correspond to each other, and the corresponding protruding structures are connected to the same edge.

13. The display panel of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The protruding structures comprise a liquid-repellent material, and surfaces of the protruding structures away from the substrate are liquid-repellent.

14. The display panel of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The shape of the orthographic projection of the protruding structures on the substrate comprises at least one of a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, and a triangle.

15. A display device comprising: The display device comprises a housing and the display panel of any one of claims 1 to 14.

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