DISPLAY PANEL AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR, DISPLAY SUBSTRATE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR, AND DISPLAY APPARATUS

A display panel includes: a base, a first electrode, a pixel definition layer and a first light-emitting functional layer. The first electrode is disposed on a side of the base; the pixel definition layer is disposed on the side of the base, and includes a first hollowed-out portion; the first hollowed-out portion includes a first opening and a second opening arranged oppositely, the first opening is closer to the base than the second opening, and the first opening exposes at least part of the first electrode; and the first light-emitting functional layer is disposed on sides of the pixel definition layer and the first electrode away from the base, and includes a second hollowed-out portion; an orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion on the base is non-overlapping with an orthogonal projection of the first opening on the base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of display technologies, and in particular, to a display panel and a manufacturing method therefor, a display substrate and a manufacturing method therefore, and a display apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) are organic thin film electroluminescence devices, and are commonly used in display apparatuses. The OLED display apparatuses have the advantages such as self-luminescence, high luminous efficiency, short response time, high definition and contrast, and can realize flexible display, so that the OLED display apparatuses are used in more and more occasions.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, a display panel is provided. The display panel includes a base, a first electrode, a pixel defining layer and a first light-emitting functional layer.

The first electrode is disposed on a side of the base.

The pixel defining layer is disposed on the side of the base, and includes a first hollowed-out portion. The first hollowed-out portion includes a first opening and a second opening that are arranged oppositely; the first hollowed-out portion is closer to the base than the second opening, and the first opening exposes at least part of the first electrode.

The first light-emitting functional layer is disposed on sides of the pixel defining layer and the first electrode away from the base, and includes a second hollowed-out portion. An orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion on the base is non-overlapping with an orthogonal projection of the first opening on the base.

In some embodiments, the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion on the base and the orthogonal projection of the second opening on the base have a gap therebetween.

In some embodiments, a maximum size of the second hollowed-out portion is smaller than a maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion.

In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a second electrode disposed on a side of the first light-emitting functional layer away from the base, and the second electrode covers the second hollowed-out portion.

In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a thin film transistor disposed between the base and the first electrode, and including a source and a drain.

The source or the drain of the thin film transistor is electrically connected to the first electrode.

In some embodiments, the thin film transistor further includes: a portion of each of an active layer, a first gate insulating layer, a gate layer, a second gate insulating layer, and an interlayer insulating layer that are stacked in a direction moving away from the base; the source and the drain of the thin film transistor are arranged on a side of the interlayer insulating layer away from the base, and are in contact with the active layer through via holes passing through the interlayer insulating layer, the second gate insulating layer and the first gate insulating layer.

In some embodiments, the display panel further includes a first metal layer disposed between the thin film transistor and the base. The first metal layer is configured to be electrically connected to a compensation voltage terminal, and the compensation voltage terminal is configured to provide a compensation voltage signal for compensating a threshold voltage of the thin film transistor.

In some embodiments, the display panel further includes an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer includes a first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer, an organic encapsulation sub-layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer that are stacked in a direction of moving away from the base.

In another aspect, a display substrate is provided. The display substrate includes a base, a first electrode, a pixel defining layer, a sacrifice pattern, a spacer and a second light-emitting functional layer.

The first electrode is disposed on a side of the base.

The pixel defining layer is disposed on the side of the base, and includes a first hollowed-out portion. The first hollowed-out portion includes a first opening and a second opening that are arranged oppositely; the first opening is closer to the base than the second opening, and the first opening exposes at least part of the first electrode.

The sacrifice pattern is disposed on aside of the pixel definition layer away from the base, and an orthogonal projection of the sacrifice pattern on the base being non-overlapping with an orthogonal projection of the first opening on the base.

The spacer is disposed on a side of the sacrifice pattern away from the base, and an orthogonal projection of the spacer on the base being non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening on the base.

The second light-emitting functional layer is disposed on sides of the pixel definition layer and the first electrode away from the base.

In some embodiments, the spacer includes a first surface and a second surface that are arranged oppositely in a direction moving away from the base, and the first surface is closer to the base than the second surface; an orthogonal projection of the first surface on the pixel-defining layer is located within an orthogonal projection of the second surface on the pixel-defining layer, and a border of the orthogonal projection of the first surface on the pixel defining layer and a border of the orthogonal projection of the second surface on the pixel defining layer have a gap therebetween.

In some embodiments, a maximum size of the second hollowed-out portion is smaller than a maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion.

In some embodiments, the orthogonal projection of the spacer on the base and an orthogonal projection of the second opening on the base have a gap therebetween.

In some embodiments, a thickness of the sacrifice pattern is greater than a thickness of the second light-emitting functional layer.

In some embodiments, the display substrate further includes a thin film transistor disposed between the base and the first electrode, and including a source and a drain. The source or the drain of the thin film transistor is electrically connected to the first electrode.

In yet another aspect, a display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes the display panel described above.

In yet another aspect, a manufacturing method for a display substrate is provided. The method includes:

forming a first electrode on a base;

forming a pixel defining layer on the base on which the first electrode is formed; the pixel defining layer including a first hollowed-out portion, and the first hollowed-out portion including a first opening and a second opening that are arranged oppositely; the first opening being closer to the base than the second opening, and the first opening exposing at least part of the first electrode;

forming a sacrifice pattern and a spacer that are stacked on the pixel defining layer, the sacrifice pattern being closer to the base than the spacer;

providing a mask opposite to the base on which the spacer is formed, the spacer being in contact with the mask; and evaporating a light-emitting functional material onto a side, on which the spacer is formed, of the base through the mask to form a second light-emitting functional layer.

In some embodiments, forming the sacrifice pattern and the spacer that are stacked on the pixel defining layer includes: forming a first film on the base on which the pixel defining layer is formed, and patterning the first film to form the sacrifice pattern on a side of the pixel defining layer away from the base; and

forming a second film on the base on which the sacrifice pattern is formed, and patterning the second film to form the spacer on a side of the sacrifice pattern away from the base.

In some other embodiments, forming the sacrifice pattern and the spacer that are stacked on the pixel defining layer includes: forming a first film on the base on which the pixel defining layer is formed;

forming a second thin film on the first film; and

patterning the first film and the second film simultaneously to form the sacrifice pattern and the spacer that are stacked.

In yet another aspect, a manufacturing method for a display panel is provided.

The method includes:

the manufacturing method for the display substrate as above; and

removing the sacrifice pattern in the display substrate, so that the spacer, located on a side of the sacrifice pattern away from the base, in the display substrate is detached from the display substrate to form a first light-emitting functional layer through the second light-emitting functional layer.

In some embodiments, the manufacturing method for the display panel further includes:

forming a second electrode on the base on which the first light-emitting functional layer is formed;

forming a first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer on the second electrode;

forming an organic encapsulation sub-layer on the first inorganic encapsulation: and

forming a second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer on the organic encapsulation sub-layer, the first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer, the organic encapsulation sub-layer and the second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer constituting an encapsulation layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s) or example(s). In addition, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any suitable manner.

As used herein, the term “if” is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting”, depending on the context. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is optionally construed as “in a case where it is determined”, “in response to determining”, “in a case where [the stated condition or event] is detected”, or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]”.

The use of the phase “applicable to” or “configured to” herein means an open and inclusive language, which does not exclude devices that are applicable to or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

As used herein, the terms such as “about” or “approximately” include a stated value and an average value within an acceptable range of deviation of a particular value. The acceptable range of deviation is determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art, in consideration of measurement in question and errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of a measurement system).

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display apparatus, and the display apparatus may be an electroluminescent display apparatus.

In some embodiments, the electroluminescent display apparatus includes, for example, a display panel. The display panel may be, for example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting diodes (OLED) display panel.

Referring toFIGS.1A to1G, the display panel1includes, for example, a base11, at least one first electrode12, a pixel defining layer13, and a first light-emitting functional layer14.

The base11may be a flexible base, and a material of the flexible base is, for example, polyimide (PI).

The at least one first electrode12is disposed on a side of the base11. The first electrode12is, for example, a transparent electrode, or an anode, and a material thereof includes, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). In some embodiments, there are a plurality of first electrodes12.

The pixel defining layer13is disposed on the side of the base11, and includes at least one first hollowed-out portion130. The first hollowed-out portion130includes a first opening1301and a second opening1302that are arranged oppositely. The first opening1301is closer to the base11than the second opening1302, and the first opening1301exposes at least part of the first electrode12.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.1A to1E, a size of the first opening1301and a size of the second opening1302are exactly the same, and the size here includes, for example, a length and a width.

In some other embodiments, referring toFIGS.1F and1G, the size of the first opening1301and the size of the second opening1302are different, for example, at least one of the length and the width is different.

In some embodiments, the number of the first hollowed-out portions130is, for example, greater than or equal to the number of the first electrodes12, and the redundant first hollowed-out portions130are used, for example, to achieve electrical connection between film layers that are separated by layer(s) in the display panel1.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.1A to1D,1F and1G, the first hollowed-out portion130exposes a portion of a surface of the first electrode12away from the base11.

In some other embodiments, referring toFIG.1E, the first hollowed-out portion130exposes an entire surface of the first electrode12away from the base11.

The first light-emitting functional layer14is disposed on sides of the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12away from the base11, and includes a second hollowed-out portion140. An orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11is non-overlapping with an orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11.

The first light-emitting functional layer14includes at least a light-emitting layer.

A material of the light-emitting layer may include, for example, an organic electroluminescent material.

As shown inFIG.2, in addition to the light-emitting layer141, the first light-emitting functional layer14may further includes an electron transporting layer (ETL)142, an electron injection layer (EIL)143, a hole transporting layer (HTL)144and a hole injection layer (HIL)145. It will be noted that, the first light-emitting functional layer14is not limited to include only a combination of the light-emitting layer141, the ETL142, the EIL143, the HTL144and the HIL145, and may include other functional layers.

The description that “the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11is non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11” includes following cases.

Referring toFIGS.1A to1C,1E and1F, in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the base11(the thickness direction of the base11is a direction perpendicular to one side of the base11and the other side of the base11), the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11and an orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11have a gap therebetween, and the gap is located in an orthogonal projection of the first light-emitting functional layer14on the base11.

Referring toFIG.1D, in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the base11, the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11is adjacent to the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11, that is, there is no gap between the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11. Moreover, the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11is also adjacent to an orthogonal projection of the second opening1302on the base11.

Referring toFIG.1G, in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the base11, there is a gap between the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11, and moreover, the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11partially overlaps the orthogonal projection of the second opening1302on the base11.

When manufacturing the first light-emitting functional layer14, a fine metal mask (FFM) needs to be used to evaporate a material for forming the first light-emitting functional layer14, but in order to avoid scratches made by FFM on film layers (e.g., the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12) which have been manufactured before the first light-emitting functional layer14is manufactured, spacer(s)17may be provided on the pixel defining layer13to support the FMM, so that there is a certain distance between the FMM and the manufactured film layers, and the FMM is not in direct contact with the film layers, so as to protect the manufactured film layers.

Referring toFIGS.3A to3C, in a process of manufacturing the display panel1, a sacrifice pattern18and a spacer17are stacked on the pixel defining layer13. The sacrifice pattern18is located between the spacer17and the pixel defining layer13, and the sacrifice pattern18will be removed subsequently (for example, it may be removed by dissolving), so that the spacer17may be detached from the display panel1. The second light-emitting functional layer24is formed on sides, away from the base11, of the first electrode12, the pixel defining layer13and the spacer17, and the second light-emitting functional layer24covers the first electrode12and the pixel defining layer13.

In some embodiments, the second light-emitting functional layer24also covers the spacer17. After the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are removed, or after the sacrifice pattern18, the spacer17and a portion of the second light-emitting functional layer24on the spacer17are removed, a hollowed-out portion may be formed in the second light-emitting functional layer24, the hollowed-out portion may be understood as the second hollowed-out portion140, and the process can be understood as forming the first light-emitting functional layer14with the second hollowed-out portion140through the second light-emitting functional layer24.

Referring toFIGS.3A and3B, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers the pixel defining layer13, the spacer17and the first electrode12; referring toFIG.3C, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12; referring toFIGS.1A to1G, the first light-emitting functional layer14covers the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12. That is to say, the structure of the second light-emitting functional layer24may be different from that of the first light-emitting functional layer14. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, in order to distinguish the structure of the light-emitting functional layer at different periods, the first light-emitting functional layer14and the second light-emitting functional layer24are used to distinguish, and those skilled in the art can understand that, the first light-emitting functional layer14is manufactured through the second light-emitting functional layer, or it can also be understood that the first light-emitting functional layer14is at least part of the second light-emitting functional layer24.

The spacer17exists in the manufacturing process of the display panel1, and it plays the role of supporting the FMM, so that the second light-emitting functional layer24may be smoothly manufactured; and after the second light-emitting functional layer24is manufactured, the sacrifice pattern18is removed, so that the spacer17is detached from the display panel1, and foreign particles, generated by the spacer17during the process of removing the FMM, may be removed, thereby providing a good support surface for the subsequent manufacturing of an encapsulation layer.

The sacrifice pattern18is removed by, for example, wet etching or dry etching. The wet etching, for example, uses a stripping solution to dissolve the sacrifice pattern18; and dry etching, for example, uses a gas to react with the sacrifice pattern18, thereby etching the sacrifice pattern18.

After the sacrifice pattern18is removed, the spacer17loses its support, so that the spacer17is detached (also referred to as falling off) from the display panel1.

In the related art, since a material of the spacer17is an organic material, when the FMM is used, the FMM may scratch the spacer17during the installation or removal of the FMM, thereby generating foreign particles. The density of the spacers17and the foreign particles generated by the spacers17will affect the quality of a film layer manufactured after the first light-emitting functional layer14. The film layer manufactured after the first light-emitting functional layer14includes, for example, the encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer includes at least an organic encapsulation sub-layer, and the organic encapsulation sub-layer may be formed by, for example, ink jet printing (IJP). A material of the organic encapsulation sub-layer has certain fluidity, so that the density of the spacers17may affect the fluidity of the organic encapsulation sub-layer. For example, in some regions where the density of the spacers17is great, the fluidity of the material of the organic encapsulation sub-layer is reduced, thereby forming a portion of the organic encapsulation sub-layers with a large thickness; while in some regions where the density of the spacers17is low, the fluidity of the material of the organic encapsulation sub-layer is increased, thereby forming a portion of the organic encapsulation sub-layer with a small thickness. As a result, the thicknesses of different portions of the organic encapsulation sub-layer are different, and the thickness uniformity is poor; moreover, the foreign particles may cause defects in the organic encapsulation sub-layer, which affects the encapsulation effect of the organic encapsulation sub-layer. In addition, due to a height difference of the spacers17(for example, in a length direction of the display panel1, the heights of the spacers17on the left and right sides are different), the brightness of the edge of the display panel1may be different from that of other areas of the display panel1, so that the display panel1has a color shift phenomenon, and the display effect is affected. Therefore, in the related art, the existence of the spacers17may affect the quality of the film layer manufactured after the first light-emitting functional layer14, and further affect the display effect of the display panel1.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, during the manufacturing of the display panel1, the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are formed on the pixel defining layer13to support the FMM, and after the second light-emitting functional layer24is manufactured, the spacers17is removed by removing the sacrifice pattern18, so that the first light-emitting functional layer14having the second hollowed-out portions140is manufactured through the second light-emitting functional layer24. Therefore, when manufacturing the organic encapsulation sub-layer in the embodiments of the present disclosure, since there is no barrier of the spacers17, the film thicknesses of the different areas of the manufactured organic encapsulation sub-layer are closer to each other, and the film thickness uniformity is good, and thus the encapsulation effect of the panel1may be improved; furthermore, the foreign particles generated by the spacer17due to being scratched by the FMM may also be removed, so that the manufactured organic encapsulation sub-layer may not have defects due to the foreign particles, and the quality of the film layer may be good, and thus the encapsulation effect of the display panel1may be further improved. Moreover, since there is no spacers17, the display panel1may not have the color shift phenomenon due to the height difference of the spacers17, so that the display effect of the display panel1may be increased; in addition, since there is no spacers17, a thickness of the display panel1may be reduced, so that the display panel1with a small thickness may be manufactured, which is more in line with the trend of the display panel1developing towards lightness and thinness, and improves the market competitiveness of the display panel1.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.1A to1C,1E and1F, the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the second opening1302on the base11have a gap therebetween. In a case there is a gap between the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the second opening1302on the base11, the gap is located in the orthogonal projection of the formed first light-emitting functional layer14on the base11, thereby ensuring that the first light-emitting functional layer14is completely covered the first opening1301, and further ensuring a large contact area between the first light-emitting functional layer14and the first electrode12. If the first light-emitting functional layer14does not completely cover the first opening1301, the first light-emitting functional layer14also does not completely cover the portion of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301. That is, only a part of the portion of the electrode12exposed by the first opening1301is covered with the first light-emitting functional layer14, and the remaining part thereof is not covered by the first light-emitting functional layer14, so that the contact area between the first light-emitting functional layer14and the first electrode12is small, resulting in a small light-emitting area of the organic light-emitting diode. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to ensure a large contact area between the first light-emitting functional layer14and the first electrode12, thereby ensuring a large light-emitting area of the organic light-emitting diode.

In some embodiments, in a case where an orthogonal projection of the first hollowed-out portion130on the base11is in a shape of a rectangle, referring toFIGS.1A to1G, the length of the first opening1301is less than or equal to the length of the second opening1302.

A length direction of the first opening1301and the second opening1302is, for example, the length direction of the display panel1, and the length direction of the display panel1is, for example, from left to right or from right to left referring toFIGS.1A to1G.

Referring toFIGS.1A to1E, the length of the first opening1301is equal to the length of the second opening1302, which is convenient to form the first opening1301and the second opening1302.

Referring toFIGS.1F and1G, the length of the first opening1301is smaller than the length of the second opening1302, so that a sidewall of the first hollowed-out portion130is an inclined plane, which facilitates the subsequent manufactured first light-emitting functional layer14to be attached to the sidewall of the first hollowed-out portion130. As a result, it is possible to ensure that the first light-emitting functional layer14completely covers the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301.

In some embodiments, the maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130is the maximum distance between any two points on a boundary of the orthogonal projection of the first hollowed-out portion130on the base11, and the maximum size of the second hollowed-out portion140is the maximum distance between any two points in a boundary of the orthogonal projection of the second hollowed-out portion140on the base11.

For example, the maximum dimension of the first hollowed-out portion130is, for example, the maximum length thereof, and the maximum size of the second hollowed-out portion140is, for example, the maximum length thereof. Factors affecting the lengths of the first hollowed-out portion130and the second hollowed-out portion140are analyzed as follows.

Referring toFIGS.3A to3C, the length of the second hollowed-out portion140is related to the lengths of the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17.

For example, referring toFIGS.3A and3C, the length of the second hollowed-out portion140is equal to the length of the sacrifice pattern18.

For another example, referring toFIG.3B, the length of the second hollowed-out portion140is equal to a length of a surface of the spacer17away from the base11. Therefore, adjusting the length of the second hollowed-out portion140may be achieved by changing the length of the sacrifice pattern18and/or the surface of the spacer17away from the base11.

On this basis, the maximum size (e.g., the length) of the second hollowed-out portion140and the maximum size (e.g., the length) of the first hollowed-out portion130have following relationships.

For example, referring toFIGS.1A,1D,1E,1F and1G, the length of the second hollowed-out portion140is smaller than the length of the first hollowed-out portion130.

Referring toFIG.1B, the length of the second hollowed-out portion140is equal 20) to the length of the first hollowed-out portion130.

Referring toFIG.1C, the length of the second hollowed-out portion140is greater than the length of the first hollowed-out portion130.

In a case where the maximum size of the second hollowed-out portion140is smaller than the maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130, the overall size of the second hollowed-out portion140is relatively small, which facilitates to form the second hollowed-out portion140in the first light-emitting functional layer14, and enable the orthogonal projections of the second hollowed-out portion140and the second opening1302on the base11to have a gap therebetween.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.4A, the display panel1further includes a second electrode15disposed on a side of the first light-emitting functional layer14away from the base11. The second electrode15covers the second hollowed-out portion140.

The second electrode15covers the second hollowed-out portion140, that is, a material for forming the second electrode15is filled into the second hollowed-out portion140.

The material of the second electrode15is, for example, silver, and the second electrode15is, for example, a translucent electrode, so that the light generated by the organic light-emitting diode may exit penetrating the second electrode15. The first electrode12is, for example, an anode, and the second electrode15is, for example, a cathode.

Those skilled in the art can understand that, the organic light-emitting diode includes the first electrode12, the second electrode15, and a portion, located between the first electrode12and the second electrode15, of the first light-emitting functional layer14. The organic light-emitting diode may also referred to as a light-emitting device D, and the light emitting device D is used to provide a light source for the display panel1.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.4B, the display panel1further includes an encapsulation layer111. The encapsulation layer111includes a first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1111, an organic encapsulation sub-layer1113and a second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1112that are stacked in the thickness direction of the base11.

A material of the first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1111and the second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1112is, for example, at least one of silicon nitride or silicon oxide. The first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1111and the second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1112may be formed through, for example, a magnetron sputtering process.

The organic encapsulation sub-layer1113is formed by inkjet printing, and in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the organic encapsulation sub-layer1113is formed, the spacer(s)17no longer exist in the display panel1. Therefore, in the process of forming the organic encapsulation sub-layer1113, the fluidity of the material used for forming the organic encapsulation sub-layer1113is good, so that the manufactured organic encapsulation sub-layer1113has good film quality and good film thickness uniformity.

As shown inFIG.5, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pixel driving circuit3. The pixel circuit3includes a reset sub-circuit31, a data writing sub-circuit32, a driving sub-circuit33and a light-emitting control sub-circuit34.

The reset sub-circuit31is electrically connected to a reset signal terminal Reset, an initialization signal terminal Vint, a node N and the first electrode of the light-emitting device D. In some other embodiments, the reset sub-circuit31may further be electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate. The reset sub-circuit31is configured to transmit an initialization signal provided by the initialization signal terminal Vint to the node N to reset the node N under the control of the reset signal terminal Reset; the reset sub-circuit31is further configured to transmit the initialization signal provided by the initialization signal terminal Vint to the first electrode of the light emitting device D to reset the first electrode of the light-emitting device D under the control of the reset signal terminal Reset or the gate driving signal terminal.

The data writing sub-circuit32is electrically connected to the data signal terminal Data, the gate driving signal terminal Gate and the driving sub-circuit33. The data writing sub-circuit32is configured to write a data signal provided by the data terminal Data into the driving sub-circuit33under the control of the gate driving signal terminal Gate.

The driving sub-circuit33is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, the node N, the first power voltage signal terminal VDD and the light-emitting control sub-circuit34. The driving sub-circuit33is configured to: under the control is of the gate driving signal, write the data signal and a threshold voltage of a driving transistor into the first node to charge a capacitor C; and under the control of the first power voltage signal terminal VDD and the node N, output a driving signal, for example, a driving current signal, to the light-emitting device D.

The light-emitting control sub-circuit34is electrically connected to the first power voltage terminal VDD, the light-emitting control signal terminal EM, the driving sub-circuit33, and the first electrode of the light-emitting device D. The light-emitting control sub-circuit34is configured to: under the control of the light-emitting control signal terminal EM, make a first electrode of the driving transistor electrically to be connected to the first power voltage signal terminal VDD, and make a second electrode of the driving transistor to be electrically connected to the light-emitting device D.

For example, the pixel driving circuit3may be a 7T1C pixel driving circuit. The 7T1C pixel driving circuit includes, for example, a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a third transistor T3, a fourth transistor T4, a fifth transistor T5, a sixth transistor T6, a seventh transistor T7and a capacitor C. The third transistor T3is the driving transistor.

Some or all of the first transistor T1to the seventh transistor T7may be, for example, P-type thin film transistors.

For example, the first electrodes of the transistors may be sources, and second electrodes of the transistors may be drains.

As shown inFIG.5, a gate of the first transistor T1is electrically connected to the reset signal terminal Reset, the first electrode of the first transistor T1is electrically connected to the initialization signal terminal Vint, and a second electrode of the first transistor T1is electrically connected to the node N.

A gate of the second transistor T2is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, a first electrode of the second transistor T2is electrically connected to the second electrode of the third transistor T3, and the second electrode of the second transistor T2is electrically connected to the node N. The second transistor T2is a compensation transistor, so that a sum of a threshold voltage of the third transistor T3and the data signal is written into the node N.

A gate of the third transistor T3is electrically connected to the node N, the first electrode of the third transistor T3is electrically connected to the second electrode of the fourth transistor T4.

A gate of the fourth transistor T4is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, and the first electrode of the fourth transistor T4is electrically connected to the data signal terminal Data.

A gate of the fifth transistor T5is electrically connected to the light-emitting control signal terminal EM, a first electrode of the fifth transistor T5is electrically connected to the first power voltage signal terminal VDD, and a second electrode of the fifth transistor T5is electrically connected to the first electrode of the third transistor T3.

A gate of the sixth transistor T6is electrically connected to the light-emitting control signal terminal EM, the first electrode of the sixth transistor T6is electrically connected to the second electrode of the third transistor T3, and the second electrode of the sixth transistor T6is electrically connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting device D.

A gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, the first electrode of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the initialization signal terminal Vint, and the second electrode of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting device D. In some other embodiments, the gate of the seventh transistor T7may be electrically connected to the reset signal terminal Reset, so as to control the working state of the seventh transistor T7by the reset signal.

A terminal of the capacitor C is electrically connected to the node N, and another terminal of the capacitor C is electrically connected to the first power voltage signal terminal VDD. For example, one terminal of the capacitor C is a first electrode plate thereof, the other terminal of the capacitor C is a second plate thereof.

A second electrode of the light-emitting device D is electrically connected to a second voltage terminal VSS.

For example, the first power voltage signal terminal VDD is, for example, electrically connected to the first electrode12in the display panel1, and the second power voltage signal terminal VSS is electrically connected, for example, to the second electrode15in the display panel1.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, an operation phase of the pixel driving circuit3includes a reset phase D1, a data writing phase D2, and a light-emitting phase D3.

In the reset phase D1, under the control of the reset signal terminal Reset, the first transistor T1is turned on, and the initialization signal provided by the initialization signal terminal Vint is transmitted to the node N to reset the node N.

In a case where the gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the reset signal terminal Reset, under the control of the reset signal terminal Reset, the seventh transistor T7is turned on, and the initialization signal provided by the initialization signal terminal Vint is transmitted to the first electrode of the light-emitting device D to reset the first electrode of the light-emitting device D.

In the data writing phase D2, under the control of the gate driving signal, the second transistor T2and the fourth transistor T4are turned on, and the data signal provided by the data signal terminal Data and the threshold voltage of the third transistor T3are written into the node N.

In a case where the gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, under the control of the gate driving signal terminal Gate, the seventh transistor T7is turned on, and the initialization signal provided by the initialization signal terminal Vint is transmitted to the first electrode of the light-emitting device D to reset the first electrode of the light-emitting device D.

In the light-emitting phase D3, under the control of the light-emitting control signal terminal EM, the fifth transistor T5and the sixth transistor T6are turned on; the first electrode of the third transistor T3is electrically connected to the first power voltage signal terminal VDD by the fifth transistor T5, and the second electrode of the third transistor T3is electrically connected to the first electrode of the light-emitting device D by the sixth transistor T6, so that the third transistor T3may drive the light-emitting device D to emit light.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that in the above process, whether the gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate or the reset signal terminal Reset, when the seventh transistor T7is turned on, the first electrode of the light-emitting device D may be reset. In a case where the gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, the gate driving signal is an effective signal in the data writing phase D2, so that the reset process of the light-emitting device D is in the data writing phase D2; while in a case where the gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the reset signal terminal Reset, the reset signal is an effective signal in the reset phase D1, so that the reset process of the light-emitting device D is in the reset phase D1. The two embodiments do not affect the function of the reset sub-circuit31. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the seventh transistor T7is included in the reset sub-circuit31.

Based on the above, for the specific structures of all thin film transistors (the first transistor T1to the seventh transistor T7) of the pixel driving circuit3in the display panel1, reference may be made toFIG.7Ain which the gate of the seventh transistor T7is electrically connected to the reset signal terminal Reset.

The first electrode of the third transistor T3of the pixel driving circuit3is electrically connected to the first electrode12, and the at least part of the first electrode12is exposed by the first hollowed-out portion130. The gate of the third transistor T3serves as the first electrode plate C1of the capacitor C, the second electrode plate C2and the first electrode plate C1of the capacitor C are arranged oppositely in the thickness direction of the base11. The second electrode plate C2of the capacitor C and the initialization signal line Vint are disposed in the same layer and made of the same material.

For example, the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2may be, for example, double-gate thin film transistors, and two gate layers of the double-gate thin film transistor are disposed in the same layer and made of the same material.

For example, as shown inFIG.7B, in the thickness direction of the base11, the display panel1further includes a first metal layer191, a buffer layer192, an active layer193, a first gate insulating layer194, a gate metal layer195, a second gate insulating layer196, a second metal layer197, an interlayer insulating layer198, a third metal layer199and a planarization layer16that are sequentially moving away from the base11.

The buffer layer192, the first gate insulating layer194, the second gate insulating layer196and the interlayer insulating layer198are all insulating layers, which play a role of insulation. Materials of these insulating layers are, for example, at least one of silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

As shown inFIGS.7A,7B, and7D, a portion of each of the active layer193, the first gate insulating layer194, the gate layer1951, the second gate insulating layer196, the interlayer insulating layer198, the source1992and the drain1991constitute the thin film transistor. In some other embodiments, the thin film transistor may further include a portion of the buffer layer192.

The planarization layer16plays a role of planarization, and a material thereof is, for example, an organic material, such as at least one of photoresist and resin.

The first metal layer191may serve as a light-shielding layer or a second gate layer of the first transistors T1to the thin film transistor T7. A material of the first metal layer191is, for example, a metal such as silver or aluminum, or an alloy. In a case where the first metal layer191severs as the light-shielding layer, the leakage current of the first transistors T1to the thin film transistors T7may be reduced; in a case where the first metal layer191severs as the second gate layer, the first metal layer191needs to be electrically connected to a compensation voltage terminal, and the compensation voltage terminal may provide a compensation voltage signal, and the compensation voltage signal is used to compensate the threshold voltage of the thin film transistor. In the case where the first metal layer191serves as the second gate layer, each of the first transistor T1to the seventh transistor T7includes at least two gate layers that are arranged oppositely in the thickness direction of the base11, and any thin film transistor of the first transistor T1and the second transistor T2, that both including two gate layers disposed in the same layer and made of the same material, has three gate layers.

In a case where the threshold voltage Vth of the thin film transistor deviates from the preset value due to the influence of the manufacturing process of each film layer in the thin film transistor, the deviation value of the threshold voltage Vth may be compensated by the compensation voltage signal provided by the compensation voltage terminal. In a case where the thin film transistor is a P-type transistor, the threshold voltage Vth of the thin film transistor is less than 0, and a voltage of the compensation is voltage signal provided by the compensation voltage terminal is greater than 0. The threshold voltage Vth of the thin film transistor decreases with the increase of the voltage of the compensation voltage signal provided by the compensation voltage terminal. Therefore, when the threshold voltage Vth is larger than the preset value due to process reasons, the compensation may be performed by increasing the voltage of the compensation voltage signal provided by the compensation voltage terminal, so that the larger threshold voltage Vth is reduced to the preset value.

For example, the preset value of the threshold voltage Vth of the thin film transistor is −3.0 V. In a case where the actual value of the threshold voltage Vth is −2.5 V due to process reasons, the threshold voltage Vth is reduced from −2.5 V to −3.0 V by increasing the voltage of the compensation voltage signal provided by the compensation voltage terminal, thereby realizing the function of compensating the threshold voltage of the thin film transistor.

As shown inFIGS.7A and7B, the gate metal layer195is used to provide the gate layer1951of the thin film transistor, a gate line Gate, a reset signal line Vint, and a light-emitting control signal line EM. The gate layer of the driving transistor may also serves as the first electrode plate C1of the capacitor C. A material of the gate metal layer195is, for example, a metal such as silver, aluminum, or molybdenum, or an alloy.

The gate line Gate is electrically connected to the gate driving signal terminal Gate, and is used to provide the gate driving signal terminal Gate with the gate driving signal; the reset signal line Reset is electrically connected to the reset signal terminal Reset, and is used to provide the reset signal terminal Reset with the reset signal; the light-emitting control signal line EM is electrically connected to the light-emitting control signal terminal EM, and is used to provide the light-emitting control signal terminal EM with the light-emitting control signal.

The second metal layer197is used to provide an initialization signal line Vint and the second electrode plate C2of the capacitor C. A material of the second metal layer197is, for example, silver, aluminum or molybdenum, an alloy or the like.

As shown inFIGS.7A and7B, the third metal layer199is used to provide the source1992and drain1991of the thin film transistor, the data signal line Data, the first power voltage signal line VDD, a compensation voltage signal line1993and a connection electrode. The data signal line Data is electrically connected to the data signal terminal Data for providing the data signal for the data signal terminal Data; the first power voltage signal line VDD is electrically connected to the first power voltage signal terminal VDD for providing the first power voltage signal for the first power voltage signal terminal VDD; the compensation voltage signal line is electrically connected to the compensation voltage terminal for providing the compensation voltage terminal with a compensation voltage signal; the connection electrode is used to electrically connect film layer (e.g., the first metal layer191and the third metal layer199) that need to be electrically connected. A material of the second metal layer197is, for example, silver, aluminum or molybdenum, an alloy or the like.

For example, referring toFIG.7C, which is a structural diagram of the first metal layer191, the first metal layer191is provided with a through hole1910therein, and the through hole1910is used, for example, to electrically connect the first metal layer191to the compensation voltage signal line, i.e., to electrically connect the first metal layer191to the compensation voltage terminal.

In some embodiments, the voltage provided by the compensation voltage signal line is equal to that of the first power voltage signal provided by the first power voltage signal line VDD. In this case, referring toFIGS.7A and7G, the first power voltage signal line VDD is also the compensation voltage signal line, that is, the first power voltage signal line VDD also serves as the compensation voltage signal line.

In some other embodiments, in a case where the voltage provided by the compensation voltage signal line is different from that of the first power voltage signal provided by the first power voltage signal line VDD, the compensation voltage signal line and the first power voltage signal line VDD are two signal lines that are disposed in the same layer and made of the same material.

In the same display panel1, the voltage of the compensation voltage signal provided by the compensation voltage signal line is a constant value, e.g., equal to the voltage of the power voltage signal. In different display panels, due to the influence of manufacture process, the degree to which the threshold voltages of the thin film transistors in different display panels1deviate from the preset values may be different, so that the magnitude of the compensation voltage signals provided by the compensation voltage terminals in different display panels1may be different.

In some embodiments, the thin film transistors in the pixel driving circuit are all, for example, P-type transistors, and the first power voltage signal terminal VDD provides, for example, a high constant voltage, so that the operation of the thin film transistor is more stable, and further, the threshold voltage of the thin film transistor is adjusted by the interaction between the active layer and the first metal layer191.

For example, a material of the active layer193is, for example, polysilicon (P-si).

For example, referring toFIG.7E, which is a structural diagram of the gate metal layer195, the gate layer of the driving transistor (the third transistor T3) also serves as the first electrode plate C1of the capacitor C.

For example, referring toFIG.7F, which is a structural diagram of the second metal layer197, the second electrode plate C2of the capacitor C is provided with a through hole1970therein, and the through hole1970is used to electrically connect the capacitor C to the third metal layer199.

For example, referring toFIG.7G, which is a structural diagram of the third metal layer199, the first power voltage signal line VDD and the connection electrode1990are provided with a through hole1991therein for achieving electrical connection between each thin film transistors and signal line(s) (for example, including the data signal line Data, the first power supply voltage signal line VDD, the light-emitting control signal line EM, the gate line Gate, the initialization signal line Vint, etc.). Those skilled in the art can understand that the overlapping parts of both of the data signal line Data and the first power voltage signal line VDD and the thin film transistors serve as the sources or the drains of the thin film transistors.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.7B and7H, the display panel1further includes a barrier layer110disposed on the base11. The barrier layer110is used to isolate the base11from the thin film transistors to avoid the influence of substances in the base11on the active layer193of thin film transistors.

Based on the above, after the first light-emitting functional layer14is formed on the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12, the overall structure of the display panel1may be referred to, for example,FIG.7H.

Referring toFIG.8AtoFIG.81, the present disclosure further provides a display substrate1′. The display substrate1′ includes a base11, a first electrode12, a pixel defining layer13, a sacrifice pattern18, a spacer17, and a second light-emitting functional layer24.

The first electrode12is disposed on a side of the base11.

The pixel defining layer13is disposed on the side of the base11, and includes a first hollowed-out portion130. The first hollowed-out portion130includes a first opening1301and a second opening1302that are arranged oppositely; the first opening1301is closer to the base11than the second opening1302, and the first opening1301exposes at least part of the first electrode12.

For the description of the base11, the first electrode12and the pixel defining layer13, reference may be made to the description of the base11, the first electrode12and the pixel defining layer13in the display panel1, and will not be repeated.

The sacrifice pattern18is disposed on a side of the pixel definition layer13away from the base11, and an orthogonal projection of the sacrifice pattern18on the base11is non-overlapping with an orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11.

In some embodiments, a material of the sacrifice pattern18is, for example, an organic material, such as an organic material containing fluorine.

In some other embodiments, the material of the sacrifice pattern18is, for example, a metal material, such as a metal, such as silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), or titanium (Ti), or an alloy.

The selected material of the sacrifice pattern18corresponds to, for example, a stripping liquid, and different materials correspond to different stripping liquids. The selected stripping liquid cannot react with other film layers in the display substrate1′ except for dissolving the sacrifice pattern18. For example, for the sacrifice pattern18of the metal material, an acidic or alkaline stripping solution may be selected; for the sacrifice pattern18of a negative photoresist material, hydrofluoroethers may be selected as the stripping solution.

The description that “the orthogonal projection of the sacrifice pattern18on the base11is non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11” includes following cases. Referring toFIGS.8E and8I, the orthogonal projection of the sacrifice pattern18on the base11partially coincides with a border of an orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11; referring toFIGS.8A to8DandFIGS.8F to8H, there is a gap between the orthogonal projection of the sacrifice pattern18on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11.

The orthogonal projection of the sacrifice pattern18on the base11is non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11, so as to avoid that a material for forming the second light-emitting functional layer24(e.g., light-emitting material) cannot completely cover the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301due to the blocking of the sacrifice pattern18.

The spacer17is disposed on a side of the sacrifice pattern18away from the base11, and an orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11is non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11.

The second light-emitting functional layer24is disposed on sides of the pixel definition layer13and the first electrode12away from the base11.

A material of the spacer17is, for example, an organic material, such as a photosensitive organic material (e.g., a photoresist). In some embodiments, the material of the spacers17is a negative photoresist.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.8A and8I, the spacer17includes a first surface171and a second surface172that are arranged oppositely in the thickness direction of the base11. The first surface171is closer to the base11than the second surface172. An orthogonal projection of the first surface171on the pixel definition layer13is located within an orthogonal projection of the second surface172on the pixel definition layer13, and a border of the orthogonal projection of the first surface171on the pixel definition layer13and a border of the orthogonal projection of the second surface172on the pixel definition layer13have a gap therebetween.

In some embodiments, a center of the orthogonal projection of the first surface on the pixel defining layer13coincides with a center of the orthogonal projection of the second surface on the pixel defining layer13.

The orthogonal projection of the first surface on the pixel defining layer13is located within the orthogonal projection of the second surface on the pixel defining layer13, which means that an area of the first surface is smaller than that of the second surface. The first surface is, for example, a lower surface (a surface proximate to the base11in the thickness direction of the base11), and the second surface is an upper surface (a surface away from the base11in the thickness direction of the base11).

Referring toFIGS.8A to8I, a longitudinal section of the spacer17is, for example, in a shape of an inverted trapezoid, and a length of a bottom base of the inverted trapezoid is smaller than a length of a top base of the inverted trapezoid. In a case where the longitudinal section of the spacer17is in the shape of an inverted trapezoid, a three-dimensional structure of the spacer17is, for example, a prism, an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface of the prism are, for example, in a shape of a rectangle, and an area of the upper surface is larger than an area of the lower surface. Alternatively, the three-dimensional structure of the spacer17may be a conical frustum, an upper surface and a lower surface of the conical frustum may be both in a shape of a circle or an ellipse, and an area of the upper surface is larger than an area of the lower surface. In a case where the material of the spacer17is the negative photoresist, the spacer17with an inverted trapezoidal longitudinal section may be formed by a patterning process (e.g., including exposure, development and etching).

In some other embodiments, the longitudinal section the spacer17may also be T-shaped. In a case where the material of the spacer17is a metal with two layers of different materials, the T-shaped spacer17may be formed according to the principle that the same stripping solution has different etching rates for different metals.

For example, a height of the spacer17is, for example, 0.5 μm to 3 μm, inclusive.

In a case where the longitudinal section of the spacer17is in the shape of an inverted trapezoid or a T-shaped, the second light-emitting functional layer24, which is subsequently evaporated on the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12, disconnect at a sidewall of the spacer17and a sidewall of the sacrifice pattern18, that is, the second light-emitting functional layer24do not completely cover the sidewall of the spacers17and the sidewall of the sacrifice pattern18. For example, referring to8A, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers part of the sidewall of the sacrifice pattern18, and the remaining part of the side wall of the sacrifice pattern18is exposed; the second light-emitting functional layer24further covers the upper surface of the spacer17, the sidewall of the spacers17are exposed. For another example, referring toFIG.8B, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers part of the upper surface of the spacer17, and the sidewall of the sacrifice pattern18and the sidewall of the spacer17are exposed. That the sidewall of the sacrifice patterns18is exposed may facilitate the entry of the stripping liquid into the sacrifice patterns18, so as to rapidly dissolve the sacrifice patterns18; and that the sidewall of the spacers17is exposed may facilitate to remove the spacers17subsequently.

It will be noted that, even if the shape of the longitudinal section of the spacer17is not inverted trapezoid and T-shaped, and the second light-emitting functional layer24covers the sidewalls of the spacer17and the sacrifice pattern18, the stripping liquid may also penetrate through the second light-emitting functional layer24into the sacrificial pattern18, thereby dissolving the sacrifice pattern; after the sacrifice pattern18is dissolved, due to the small thickness of the second light-emitting functional layer24, the stress in the film layer is not enough to block the spacer17, so that the spacer17may still be detached from the display substrate1′.

The description that “the orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11is non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11” includes following cases. Referring toFIGS.8D and8E, part, proximate to the first opening1301, of the border of the orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11coincides with a border of the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11; referring toFIGS.8A to8C and8F to8I, the orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11have a gap therebetween.

The orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11is non-overlapping with the orthogonal projection of the first opening1301on the base11, which may ensure that the second light-emitting functional layer24completely cover the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301when the second light-emitting functional layer24is evaporated subsequently, thereby ensuring a large contact area between the first electrode12and the second light-emitting functional layer24.

Referring toFIGS.8A to8I, the spacer17is located on the sacrifice pattern18, the first surface171(a lower surface) of the spacer17is in contact with the upper surface of the sacrificial pattern18, and a length of the first surface of the spacer17is less than or equal to a length of the sacrificial pattern18, and a width of the first surface of the spacer17is less than or equal to a width of the sacrificial pattern18, so as to ensure that the spacer17is able to be detached from the display substrate1′ after the sacrifice pattern18is removed.

For example, as shown inFIGS.8A,8C,8D,8E,8H and8I, the second light-emitting function layer24covers the pixel defining layer13, the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301and the spacer17, and the second light-emitting function layer24completely covers the surface (second surface172) of the spacer17away from the base11.

For another example, referring toFIGS.8B and8G, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers part of the pixel defining layer13, the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301and part of the spacer17, and the second light-emitting functional layer24covers part of the surface (the second surface172) of the spacer17away from the base11.

Referring toFIG.8F, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers part of the pixel defining layer13and the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301, and the second light-emitting functional layer24does not cover the surface (second surface172) of the spacer17away from the base11.

Whether the second light-emitting functional layer24covers the second surface of the spacer17, that is, whether there is a material for forming the second light-emitting functional layer24on the second surface of the spacer17, it depends on the shadow generated by an evaporation opening corresponding to each sub-pixel in the FMM used in evaporating the second light-emitting functional layer24. In a case where the shadow generated by the evaporation opening extends to the second surface of the spacer17, the material for forming the second light-emitting functional layer24may exist on the second surface of the spacer17; in a case where the shadow does not extend to the second surface of the spacer17, there is no material for forming the second light-emitting functional layer24on the second surface of the spacer17.

For the introduction of the material and the structure of the internal layer (i.e., the layer included in the second light-emitting functional layer24, such as the light-emitting layer) of the second light-emitting functional layer24, reference may be made to the introduction of the first light-emitting functional layer14. After the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are removed, the second light-emitting functional layer24becomes a first light-emitting functional layer14. After the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are removed, the structure of the second light-emitting functional layer24may or may not be changed. For example, referring toFIG.8A, the second light-emitting functional layer24covers the second surface172of the spacer17, and after the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are removed, part of the second light-emitting functional layer on the second surface of the spacer17is also removed, so that the structure of the second light-emitting functional layer24is changed. For another example, referring toFIG.8F, the second light-emitting functional layer24does not cover the second surface172of the spacer17, so that after the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are removed, the structure of the second light-emitting functional layer24does not change. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, regardless of whether the structure of the second light-emitting functional layer24is changed after the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are removed, the light-emitting function layer that the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are not removed is referred to as the second light-emitting functional layer24, and the light-emitting functional layer that the sacrificial pattern18and the spacer17are removed is referred to as the first light-emitting functional layer14.

The display substrate1′ in the embodiments of the present disclosure is provided with the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17, and the spacers17are used to support the FMM used when the second light-emitting functional layer24is evaporated. After the second light-emitting functional layer24is formed, the spacers17are detached from the display substrate1′ through removing the sacrifice patterns18. For the method of removing the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17, reference may be made to the description of the removal of the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17in the display panel1above. The structure of the display substrate1′ after the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are removed is the same as that of the display panel1, and for the advantages of the display substrate1′ after the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are removed, reference may be made to the description in the display panel1above, and will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.8A to8I, the maximum size of the second surface172of the spacer17is smaller than the maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130. The maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130may be the maximum size of the first opening1301or the maximum size of the second opening1302. For example, if the maximum size of the second opening1302is greater than the maximum size of the first opening1301, the description that “the maximum size of the second surface in the spacer17is smaller than the maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130” means that the maximum size of the second surface of the spacer17is smaller than the maximum size of the second opening1302. The maximum size of the second surface of the spacer17is the maximum distance between any two points on the border of the second surface of the spacer17, and the maximum size of the second opening1302is the maximum distance between any two points on the border of the second opening1302. In another example, the shape of the second surface of the spacer17and the second opening1302are both rectangular, then the maximum size of the second surface of the spacer17is a length of a diagonal thereof, and the maximum dimension of the second opening1302is a length of a diagonal thereof.

In some other embodiments, the second surface of the spacer17is, for example, in a shape of a rectangle, and the second opening1302is, for example, in a shape of a hexagon.

Since the size of the first hollowed-out portion130is at the sub-pixel level, and the maximum size of the second surface of the spacer17is smaller than the maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130, the size of the spacer17is also at the sub-pixel level, so that the size of the spacer17may be made small, which facilitates to remove the spacer17subsequently through removing the sacrifice pattern18.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.8A to8C,8F and8G to8I, the orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the second opening1302on the base11have a gap therebetween. In a case where the orthogonal projection of the spacer17on the base11and the orthogonal projection of the second opening1302on the base11have a gap therebetween, the gap is located in an orthogonal projection of the second light-emitting functional layer24on the base11, so as to ensure that the second light-emitting functional layer24completely cover the at least part of the first electrode12exposed by the first opening1301. The larger the contact area between the second light-emitting functional layer24and the first electrode12, the larger the light-emitting area of the light-emitting diode.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.8G to8I, in the case where the first opening1301and the second opening1302are both in a shape of a rectangle, the length of the first opening1301is smaller than the length of the second opening1302. The length of the first opening1301is smaller than the length of the second opening1302, so that the sidewall of the first hollowed-out portion130is an inclined plane, and in turn, an obtuse angle α is formed between a surface away from the base11and a sidewall proximate to the first hollowed-out portion130of the pixel defining layer13. The larger the a is, the less likely the second light-emitting layer is cracked at a position of the angle α, and the better the film quality is.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.8A to8I, a thickness of the sacrifice pattern18is greater than a thickness of the second light-emitting functional layer24. For example, the thickness of the sacrifice pattern18is, for example, 0.1 μm to 2 μm, inclusive.

In a case where the thickness of the sacrifice pattern18is greater than the thickness of the second light-emitting functional layer24, part of the sidewall of the sacrifice pattern18(in a thickness direction of the sacrifice pattern18) uncovered by the second light-emitting functional layer24is large, which is beneficial to increase a contact area between the sacrifice pattern18and the stripping liquid, and reduce the time required to remove the sacrifice pattern18.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.9A and9B, the display substrate1′ further includes thin film transistors disposed between the base11and the first electrode12, and a source or a drain of the thin film transistor is electrically connected to the first electrode12.

The structures of the thin film transistors included in the display substrate1′ is the same as the structure of the thin film transistors included in the display panel1, so reference may be made to the description of the thin film transistors in the display panel1above.

Referring toFIGS.9A and9C, the top views of the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are both, for example, in a shape of a rectangle, and the top view of the first hollowed-out portion130is, for example, in a shape of a hexagon.

In some other embodiments, referring toFIG.9B, the display substrate1′ further includes a substrate10disposed on a side of the base11away from the thin film1otransistors. The substrate10is, for example, a glass substrate. During the manufacturing process of the display substrate1′, the base11is formed on the substrate10.

On this basis, after the second light-emitting functional layer24is formed on the pixel defining layer13and the first electrode12, the overall structure of the display substrate1′ is, for example, shown inFIG.9D.

The display panel1′ has the same beneficial effects as the display panel1, which will not be repeated herein.

Referring toFIG.10A, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a manufacturing method for a display panel1′. The method includes following steps (S1to S4).

In S1, as shown inFIG.10B, first electrodes12are formed on a base11.

A material of the second electrodes12is ITO. An ITO film is formed on the base11firstly, and then the ITO film is manufactured into a plurality of first electrodes12by processes such as coating, exposure, development, and etching in a patterning process.

In S2, referring toFIG.10C, a pixel defining layer13is formed on the base11on which the first electrode12is formed; the pixel defining layer13includes first hollowed-out portions130. The first hollowed-out portion130includes a first opening1301and a second opening1302that are arranged oppositely, and the first opening1301is closer to the base11than the second opening1302. The first opening1301exposes at least part of the first electrode12.

An organic film is formed on the first electrodes12, and the first hollowed-out portions130are formed through a patterning process, thereby forming the pixel defining layer13. A material of the organic film is, for example, polyimide.

In S3, referring toFIGS.10D to10F, a sacrifice pattern18and a spacer17that are stacked are formed on the pixel defining layer13, and the sacrifice pattern18is closer to the base11than the spacer17.

For example, referring toFIG.10D, there are a plurality of sacrificial patterns18and a plurality of spacers17, and the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are both small in size; for example, the maximum sizes of the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17are both smaller than the maximum size of the hollowed-out portion130. In this structure, since the size of the spacer17is small, it is easier to be detached from the display substrate1′.

For another example, referring toFIG.10E, there are a plurality of sacrificial patterns18and a plurality of spacers17, and the sacrifice patterns18and spacers17are both large in size; for example, the maximum sizes of the sacrifice patterns18and spacers17are both larger than the maximum size of the first hollowed-out portion130. In this structure, it is convenient to manufacture the sacrifice patterns18and the spacers17through a patterning process.

For yet another example, referring toFIG.10F, there is one sacrifice pattern18and one spacer17, and both the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are large in size: for example, the maximum sizes of the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are both larger than the maximum size of the hollowed-out portion130. In this structure, the spacer17has a good supporting stability for the FMM.

In S4, referring toFIGS.10G and10H, a mask2is provided opposite to the base11on which the spacers17are formed, and the spacers17are in contact with the mask2. A light-emitting functional material is evaporated onto a side, on which the spacer is formed, of the base11through the mask2to form a second light-emitting functional layer24.

The mask2is placed opposite to the base11on which the spacers17are formed, and the spacers17are in contact with the mask2. That is, the mask2is placed on a side of the spacer17away from the base11, and the spacer17plays the role of supporting the mask2. The mask2is, for example, an FMM. The mask2is provided with a plurality of evaporation openings20corresponding to the first hollowed-out portions130in a one-to-one correspondence. The light-emitting functional material is evaporated onto the first electrodes12and the pixel defining layer13through the evaporation openings20to form the second light-emitting functional layer24. The light-emitting functional material includes all materials used to form all film layers in the second light-emitting functional layer24; for example, the light-emitting functional material includes an organic electroluminescent material for forming the light-emitting layer and a material for forming an electron transport layer; the material of the electron transport layer includes, for example, cesium, lithium, silicon monoxide and the like.

Referring toFIGS.10D to10F, the difference in the structures of the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17is able to affect the structure of the second hollowed-out portion140formed after the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17are removed. For example, in the structure of the display substrate1′ shown inFIG.10E, a length of the sacrifice pattern18is smaller than a width of the display substrate1′, and after the sacrifice pattern18is removed, the structure of the second hollowed-out portion140and the structure of the sacrifice pattern18are the same or approximately the same, so that a first light-emitting functional layer14formed through the second light-emitting functional layer24is continuous, and the second hollowed-out portions140are disposed in the first light-emitting functional layer14at intervals. For another example, referring toFIG.10E, in a case where the length of the sacrifice pattern18is equal to a length of the display substrate1′, after the sacrifice pattern18is removed, the first light-emitting functional layer14, formed through the second light-emitting functional layer24, is divided into a plurality of unconnected light-emitting functional patterns, and a gap between adjacent light-emitting functional patterns may still be understood as the second hollowed-out portion140in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

The manufacturing method for the display substrate1′ has the same beneficial effects as the display substrate1′ described above, and details will not be repeated herein.

In some other embodiments, forming the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17that are stacked on the pixel defining layer13includes following steps (S300to S301).

S300, a first film is formed on the base11on which the pixel defining layer13is formed, and the first film is patterned to form the sacrifice pattern18on the side of the pixel defining layer13away from the base11.

For example, in a case where a material of the first film is an organic material containing fluorine, the first film is formed at a low temperature of 90° C. The low temperature is conducive to protecting the characteristics of the organic material, so that the quality of the formed first film is good.

S301, a second film is formed on the base11on which the sacrifice pattern18is formed, and the second thin film is patterned to form the spacer17on the side of the sacrifice pattern18away from the base11.

The difficulty in patterning the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17during the manufacturing process of the display substrate1′ above is relatively low.

In some other embodiments, forming the sacrifice patterns18and spacers17that are stacked on the pixel defining layer13includes:

S300′, forming a first film on the base11on which the pixel defining layer13is formed:

S301′, forming a second film on the first film; and

S302′, patterning the first film and the second film simultaneously to form the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17that are stacked.

The patterning process of the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17in the manufacturing process of the display substrate1′ above is relatively simple.

Referring toFIG.11A, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a manufacturing method for a display panel1. The method includes following steps (S10to S52).

In S10, first electrodes12are formed on the base11.

For a process of forming the first electrodes12, reference may be made to the process of forming the first electrodes12in the display substrate1′ above.

In S20, a pixel definition layer13is formed on the base11on which the first electrodes12are formed; the pixel definition layer13includes first hollowed-out portions130. The first hollowed-out portion130includes a first opening1301and a second opening1302that are arranged oppositely, and the first opening1301is closer to the base11than the second opening1302. The first opening1301exposes at least part of the first electrode12.

For the process of forming the pixel definition layer13, reference may be made to the process of forming the pixel definition layer13in the display substrate1′ above.

In S30, a sacrifice pattern18and a spacer17that are stacked are formed on the pixel defining layer13. The sacrifice pattern18is closer to the base11than the spacer17.

For the process of forming the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17, reference may be made to the process of forming the sacrifice pattern18and the spacer17in the display substrate1′ above.

In S40, a mask2is provided opposite to the base11on which the spacer17are formed; the spacer17is in contact with the mask2, a light-emitting functional material is evaporated onto a side, on which the spacer17is formed, of the base11through the mask2to form a second light-emitting functional layer24.

For the process of forming the second light-emitting functional layer24, reference may be made to the process of forming the second light-emitting functional layer24in the display substrate1′ above.

In S50, referring toFIG.11B, the sacrifice pattern18is removed, so that the spacer17disposed on the side of the sacrifice pattern18away from the base11is detached from the display panel1to form the first light-emitting functional layer14through the second light-emitting functional layer24.

For example, the sacrifice pattern18is dissolved by the stripping solution, so that the spacer17falls by itself to achieve the purpose of removing the spacer17.

The manufacturing process of the display substrate1′ has the same beneficial effects as the display substrate1′ described above, and details will not be repeated herein.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.4A and11A, the manufacturing method for the display panel1further includes:

S51, forming a second electrode15on the base11on which the first light-emitting functional layer14is formed.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.4B and11A, the manufacturing method for the display panel1further includes:

S52, forming an encapsulation layer111on the second electrode15.

Referring toFIG.4B, forming the encapsulation layer111includes, for example:

S520, forming a first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1111on the second electrode15:

S521, forming an organic sub-encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer1113; and

S522, forming a second inorganic encapsulation layer1112on the organic encapsulation layer1113.

For the description of the first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1111, the organic encapsulation layer111and the second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1112, reference may be made to the above description of the first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer1111, the organic encapsulation layer111and the second inorganic encapsulation1112in the display panel1, which will not be repeated here.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.7B, before the first electrode12is formed, the manufacturing method for the display panel1further includes:

forming a base11on a substrate10; a material of the base11being, for example, polyimide.

On this basis, in some embodiments, referring toFIG.7B, after the base11is formed, and before the first electrode12is formed, the manufacturing method for the display panel1further includes: forming a thin film transistor on the base11.

For example, at least an active film, a first gate insulating layer194, a gate metal film, a second gate insulating layer196and a third metal film are formed on a side of the base11, and an active layer193, a gate layer, a source and a drain are formed by patterning processes to form the thin film transistor.

In the present disclosure, the same reference numerals may be understood as signal terminals, and may also be understood as signal lines and signals. For example, Data may be understood as both the data signal terminal and the data signal lines and the data signal.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, for a first electrode corresponds to a sub-pixel in the display substrate, the drawings provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only schematic, and the number of the first electrodes shown therein is only schematic, and the number of the first electrodes in the present disclosure is not limited accordingly, and similarly, the number of the plurality of spacers and the plurality of sacrifice patterns shown in the accompanying drawings is not limited accordingly.

It can be understood by those skilled in the art that, the term “same layer” refers to a layer structure formed through a patterning process by using a same mask in which a film layer for forming specific patterns is formed by using a same film forming process.

Depending on different specific patterns, the same patterning process may include exposure, development and etching processes, and the specific patterns in the formed layer structure may be continuous or discontinuous, and these specific patterns may also be at different heights or have different thicknesses.