Patent Description:
Organic light emitting diode (OLED) display apparatuses are self-emissive devices, and do not require backlights. OLED display apparatuses also provide more vivid colors and a larger color gamut as compared to the conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatuses. Further, OLED display apparatuses can be made more flexible, thinner, and lighter than a typical LCD.

An OLED display apparatus typically includes an anode, an organic layer including an organic light emitting layer, and a cathode. OLEDs can either be a bottom-emission type OLED or a top-emission type OLED. In bottom-emission type OLEDs, the light is extracted from an anode side. In bottom-emission type OLEDs, the anode is generally transparent, while a cathode is generally reflective. In a top-emission type OLED, light is extracted from a cathode side. The cathode is optically transparent, while the anode is reflective. Subject-matter related to the present disclosure is disclosed by <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Optionally, an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer on the base substrate substantially covers an orthographic projection of the recess on the base substrate.

Optionally, an orthographic projection of the recess on the base substrate substantially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer on the base substrate.

Optionally, the recess has a width in a range of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>.

Optionally, the display substrate further comprises a plurality of organic light emitting diodes respectively in the plurality of subpixel regions; wherein each of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes comprises a first electrode on the planarization layer; an organic light emitting layer on a side of the first electrode distal to the planarization layer; and a second electrode on a side of the organic light emitting layer distal to the first electrode.

Optionally, the display substrate is a bottom emission type display substrate; and light emitted from the organic light emitting layer emits out of the display substrate from the base substrate along a direction away from the planarization layer.

Optionally, the display substrate further comprises a color filter between the planarization layer and the base substrate; wherein the color filter comprises a plurality of color filter blocks, each of which substantially in one of the plurality of subpixel regions; the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer is a white light.

Optionally, the pixel definition layer is made of a light shielding material.

The disclosure will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of some embodiments are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

Conventional organic light emitting diode substrates include a plurality of subpixel regions defined by a pixel definition layer. The plurality of subpixel regions may emit light of various colors, e.g., a white light, a red light, a green light, and a blue light. In conventional organic light emitting diode substrates, there exists issues of light leakage and color mixing between adjacent subpixel regions. For example, light emitted from a red subpixel region may transmit into an adjacent green subpixel region due to the isotropic nature of light emission, resulting in color mixing in the green subpixel region.

<FIG> are schematic diagrams illustrating the structures of conventional display substrates. Referring to <FIG>, a conventional organic light emitting diode substrate includes a plurality of subpixel regions defined by the pixel definition layer <NUM>. The plurality of subpixel regions emit light of different colors. As shown in <FIG>, when the pixel definition layer <NUM> is made of a transparent material, light emitted from one subpixel region transmits into an adjacent subpixel region, resulting in light leakage and color mixing between adjacent subpixel regions. For example, due to the isotropic nature of light emission, light emitted from a red subpixel region <NUM> may transmit into an adjacent green subpixel region <NUM> along the light path depicted in <FIG>, resulting in color mixing in the green subpixel region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, these issues remain in an organic light emitting diode substrate having a pixel definition layer <NUM> made of a non-transparent material.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, inter alia, a display substrate, a display apparatus, and a method of fabricating a display substrate that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a display substrate. In some embodiments, the display substrate includes a base substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors for driving image display on the base substrate; a planarization layer on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors distal to the base substrate; and a pixel definition layer defining a plurality of subpixel regions. Optionally, the display substrate includes a recess extending into the planarization layer, the recess is in an inter-subpixel region of the display substrate. In some embodiments, the display substrate further includes a recess fill layer in the recess. Optionally, the recess fill layer has a light transmittance rate lower than that of the planarization layer. Optionally, the recess fill layer is made of a light shielding material. Optionally, the recess fill layer is in direct contact with the pixel definition layer. Optionally, the recess fill layer is an integral part of the pixel definition layer extending into the recess.

As used herein, a subpixel region refers to a light emission region of a subpixel, such as a region corresponding to a pixel electrode in a liquid crystal display or a region corresponding to a light emissive layer in an organic light emitting diode display panel. Optionally, a pixel may include a number of separate light emission regions corresponding to a number of subpixels in the pixel. Optionally, the subpixel region is a light emission region of a red color subpixel. Optionally, the subpixel region is a light emission region of a green color subpixel. Optionally, the subpixel region is a light emission region of a blue color subpixel. Optionally, the subpixel region is a light emission region of a white color subpixel. As used herein, an inter-subpixel region refers to a region between adjacent subpixel regions, such as a region corresponding to a black matrix in a liquid crystal display or a region corresponding a pixel definition layer in an organic light emitting diode display panel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is a region between adjacent subpixel regions in a same pixel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is a region between two adjacent subpixel regions from two adjacent pixels. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is a region between a subpixel region of a red color subpixel and a subpixel region of an adjacent green color subpixel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is a region between a subpixel region of a red color subpixel and a subpixel region of an adjacent blue color subpixel. Optionally, the inter-subpixel region is a region between a subpixel region of a green color subpixel and a subpixel region of an adjacent blue color subpixel.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display substrate in some embodiments not forming part of the present invention but useful to understand it. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display substrate in some embodiments according to the present invention. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display substrate in some embodiments includes a base substrate <NUM>; a plurality of thin film transistors <NUM> for driving image display and a plurality of signal lines <NUM> on the base substrate <NUM>; a planarization layer <NUM> on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM> distal to the base substrate <NUM>; and a pixel definition layer <NUM> defining a plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. Optionally, the display substrate includes a recess R extending into the planarization layer <NUM>. A portion of the pixel definition layer <NUM> is in the recess R, e.g., the pixel definition layer <NUM> substantially fills in the recess R. The recess R is in an inter-subpixel region <NUM> of the display substrate. In some embodiments, an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer <NUM> on the base substrate <NUM> substantially covers an orthographic projection of the recess R on the base substrate <NUM>. Optionally, an orthographic projection of the recess R on the base substrate <NUM> substantially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer <NUM> on the base substrate <NUM>.

According to the present invention, the pixel definition layer <NUM> extends into the recess R to a depth D substantially blocking light emitted from one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> from transmitting into an adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. By having this design, light emitted from the one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> toward the adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> will be blocked (e.g., absorbed or reflected) by a portion of the pixel definition layer <NUM> in the recess R. Accordingly, light leakage and color mixing among adjacent subpixel regions of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> can be effectively avoided. As used herein, the term "substantially blocking" refers to no more than <NUM>% (e.g., no more than <NUM>%, no more than <NUM>%, no more than <NUM>%, no more than <NUM>%, and no more than <NUM>%) of light emitted from one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> from transmitting into an adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>.

In one example, not forming part of the present invention but useful to understand it, shown in <FIG>, the recess R is a through-hole via extending through the planarization layer <NUM>, e.g., the pixel definition layer <NUM> and the planarization layer <NUM> are substantially on a same horizontal plane, and the depth D of the recess R is substantially the same as the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM>.

According to the present invention, as shown in <FIG>, the recess R is a blind via partially extending into the planarization layer <NUM>, e.g., the pixel definition layer <NUM> is on a side of the planarization layer <NUM> distal to the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM>, and the depth D of the recess R is less than the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM>. By having this design, the inter-subpixel region <NUM> of the display substrate can be at least partially planarized. Moreover, the segment difference between the pixel definition layer <NUM> and the planarization layer <NUM> is relatively small, avoiding issues caused by a steep slope in this region during the step of forming the pixel definition layer <NUM>.

The greater the depth D of the recess R, the more effective it blocks light leakage between adjacent subpixel regions. To achieve an excellent light leakage blocking, in some embodiments, a ratio of the depth D of the recess R to the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM> is in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, e.g., approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, and approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>.

The wider the recess R, the more effective it blocks light leakage between adjacent subpixel regions. To achieve an excellent light leakage blocking and a relatively high aperture ratio, the recess R in some embodiments has a width W in a range of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the display substrate further includes a color filter between the plurality of organic light emitting diodes and the base substrate. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the color filter <NUM> is between the planarization layer <NUM> and the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM>. Optionally, the color filter comprises a plurality of color filter blocks, each of which substantially in one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> show two of the plurality of color filter blocks, e.g., a red color filter block <NUM> and a green color filter block <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the display substrate is an organic light emitting diode display substrate, and further includes a plurality of organic light emitting diodes respectively in the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes includes a first electrode <NUM> on the planarization layer <NUM>; an organic light emitting layer <NUM> on a side of the first electrode <NUM> distal to the planarization layer <NUM>; and a second electrode <NUM> on a side of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> distal to the first electrode <NUM>. Optionally, the pixel definition layer <NUM> extends into the recess R to a depth D substantially blocking light emitted from the organic light emitting layer <NUM> of one of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes from transmitting into an adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>.

The organic light emitting layer <NUM> emits light when driven by an electrical potential difference between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. Optionally, the organic light emitting layer <NUM> is a white light organic light emitting layer. Optionally, the organic light emitting layer <NUM> is an organic light emitting layer emitting light of a single color, e.g., a red light, a green light, and a blue light.

Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is an anode, and the second electrode <NUM> is a cathode. Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is a cathode, and the second electrode <NUM> is an anode. Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is electrically connected to a drain electrode of one of the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM>. Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is a transparent electrode. Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is a metallic electrode. Optionally, the second electrode <NUM> is a metallic electrode. Optionally, the second electrode <NUM> is a transparent electrode.

In some embodiments, the display substrate is a bottom emission type display substrate, light emitted from the subpixel region <NUM> (e.g., the organic light emitting layer <NUM>) emits out of the display substrate from the base substrate <NUM>. Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is a transparent electrode.

In some embodiments, the pixel definition layer <NUM> is made of a light shielding material. Optionally, the pixel definition layer <NUM> is made of a black material for absorbing light. Optionally, the pixel definition layer <NUM> is made of a material capable of reflecting light, thereby blocking light emitted from one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> from transmitting into an adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. Optionally, the pixel definition layer <NUM> is made of a material capable of both absorbing light and reflecting light.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a display substrate in some embodiments not forming part of the present invention but useful to understand it. Referring to <FIG>, the display substrate in some embodiments includes a base substrate <NUM>; a plurality of thin film transistors <NUM> for driving image display and a plurality of signal lines <NUM> on the base substrate <NUM>; a planarization layer <NUM> on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM> distal to the base substrate <NUM>; and a pixel definition layer <NUM> defining a plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. Optionally, the display substrate includes a recess R extending into the planarization layer <NUM>. The recess R is in an inter-subpixel region <NUM> of the display substrate. The recess R is on a side of the planarization layer <NUM> proximal to the pixel definition layer <NUM>, i.e., on a side of the planarization layer <NUM> distal to the base substrate <NUM>. The display substrate further includes a recess fill layer 7a in the recess R. Optionally, the recess fill layer 7a fills in the recess R. Optionally, the recess fill layer includes a light shielding material. Optionally, the recess fill layer 7a is on a side of the planarization layer <NUM> proximal to the pixel definition layer <NUM>, i.e., on a side of the planarization layer <NUM> distal to the base substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments, an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer <NUM> on the base substrate <NUM> substantially covers orthographic projections of the recess R and the recess fill layer 7a on the base substrate <NUM>. Optionally, orthographic projections of the recess R and the recess fill layer 7a on the base substrate <NUM> substantially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer <NUM> on the base substrate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the recess fill layer 7a and the pixel definition layer <NUM> are made of different materials. For example, the recess fill layer 7a is made of a light shielding material and the pixel definition layer <NUM> is made of a substantially transparent material. Optionally, the recess fill layer 7a and the pixel definition layer <NUM> are formed in two different patterning processes.

In some embodiments, the recess fill layer 7a extends into the recess R to a depth D substantially blocking light emitted from one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> from transmitting into an adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM>. By having this design, light emitted from the one of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> toward the adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> will be blocked (e.g., absorbed or reflected) by the recess fill layer 7a in the recess R. Accordingly, light leakage and color mixing among adjacent subpixel regions of the plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> can be effectively avoided. Optionally, and as shown in <FIG>, the recess R is a blind via partially extending into the planarization layer <NUM>, e.g., the recess fill layer 7a is on a side of the planarization layer <NUM> distal to the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM>, and the depth D of the recess R is less than the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM>. Optionally, the recess R is a through-hole via extending through the planarization layer <NUM>, e.g., the recess fill layer 7a and the planarization layer <NUM> are substantially on a same horizontal plane, and the depth D of the recess R is substantially the same as the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM>. Optionally, a ratio of the depth D of the recess R to the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM> is in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, e.g., approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, and approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>. Optionally, the recess R in some embodiments has a width W in a range of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a display substrate in accordance with claim <NUM>.

Optionally, the recess is formed so that a ratio of the depth D of the recess R to the thickness of the planarization layer <NUM> is in a range of approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, e.g., approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>, and approximately <NUM>:<NUM> to approximately <NUM>:<NUM>.

Optionally, the step of forming the recess includes forming a through-hole via extending through the planarization layer. Optionally, the step of forming the recess includes forming a blind via partially extending into the planarization layer, and the pixel definition layer is formed on a side of the planarization layer distal to the plurality of thin film transistors.

Optionally, the pixel definition layer and the recess are formed so that an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer on the base substrate substantially covers an orthographic projection of the recess on the base substrate. Optionally, the pixel definition layer and the recess are formed so that an orthographic projection of the recess on the base substrate substantially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the pixel definition layer on the base substrate.

Optionally, the recess is formed to have a width in a range of approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>, and approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a plurality of organic light emitting diodes respectively in the plurality of subpixel regions. Optionally, each of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes is formed to include a first electrode on the planarization layer; an organic light emitting layer on a side of the first electrode distal to the planarization layer; and a second electrode on a side of the organic light emitting layer distal to the first electrode. Optionally, the pixel definition layer is formed to extend into the recess to a depth D substantially blocking light emitted from the organic light emitting layer of one of the plurality of organic light emitting diodes from transmitting into an adjacent subpixel region of the plurality of subpixel regions.

In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a color filter between the plurality of organic light emitting diodes and the base substrate. Optionally, the step of forming the color filter includes forming a plurality of color filter blocks, each of which substantially formed in one of the plurality of subpixel regions.

<FIG> illustrate a process of fabricating a display substrate in some embodiments according to the present invention. <FIG> illustrate a process of fabricating a display substrate in some embodiments not forming part of the present invention but useful to understand it. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of thin film transistors <NUM> and a plurality of signal lines (e.g., gate lines and data lines) are formed on a base substrate <NUM>. Subsequently, a color filter <NUM> is formed on a side of the plurality of thin film transistor <NUM> distal to the base substrate <NUM>. The step of forming the color filter <NUM> includes forming a plurality of color filter blocks, e.g., a red color filter block <NUM> and a green color filter block <NUM>. Optionally, the base substrate is made of glass or quartz. Optionally, each of the plurality of thin film transistors is formed to have a gate electrode connected to the corresponding gate line, and a source electrode connected to a corresponding data line.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an insulating material layer <NUM>' is formed on a side of the color filter <NUM> distal to the plurality of thin film transistor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion of the insulating material layer <NUM>' in the inter-subpixel region <NUM> is removed, thereby forming the recess R. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, a half-tone or gray-tone mask plate <NUM> is used, and the portion of the insulating material layer <NUM>' in which the recess R is to be formed is partially exposed, and the remainder of the insulating material layer <NUM>' is unexposed. Referring to <FIG>, the recess R formed is a blind via. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the portion of the insulating material layer <NUM>' in which the recess R is to be formed is fully exposed. Referring to <FIG>, the recess R formed is a through-hole via. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, subsequent to forming the recess R, the planarization layer <NUM> is formed on a side of the color filter <NUM> distal to the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM>. Optionally, the insulating material layer <NUM>' is made of a photoresist material, e.g., a photoresist resin. Optionally, a photoresist layer is formed on the insulating material layer <NUM>' to pattern the insulating material layer <NUM>'.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a pixel definition layer <NUM> is formed, thereby defining a plurality of subpixel regions <NUM> in the display substrate. The pixel definition layer <NUM> is formed to extend into the recess R, e.g., a portion of the pixel definition layer <NUM> is formed in the recess R. The recess R is formed in an inter-subpixel region <NUM> of the display substrate. Optionally, the pixel definition layer <NUM> is formed using a light shielding material.

A first electrode <NUM> is formed in each of the plurality of subpixel region <NUM>, and is formed to electrically connected to a drain electrode of one of the plurality of thin film transistors <NUM>. Optionally, the first electrode <NUM> is formed using a transparent conductive material.

An organic light emitting layer <NUM> is then formed on a side of the first electrode <NUM> distal to the planarization layer <NUM>, and a second electrode <NUM> is formed on a side of the organic light emitting layer <NUM> distal to the first electrode <NUM>.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display panel having a display substrate described herein or fabricated by a method described herein. Optionally, the display panel is an organic light emitting diode display panel.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a display apparatus having a display substrate described herein or fabricated by a method described herein. Optionally, the display apparatus is an organic light emitting diode display apparatus. Examples of appropriate display apparatus includes, but are not limited to, an electronic paper, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a television, a monitor, a notebook computer, a digital album, a GPS, etc..

Claim 1:
A display substrate, comprising:
a base substrate (<NUM>);
a plurality of thin film transistors (<NUM>) for driving image display on the base substrate (<NUM>);
a planarization layer (<NUM>) on a side of the plurality of thin film transistors (<NUM>) distal to the base substrate; and
a pixel definition layer (<NUM>) defining a plurality of subpixel regions (<NUM>);
wherein the display substrate comprises a recess (R) extending into the planarization layer (<NUM>) and in an inter-subpixel region (<NUM>) of the display substrate;
the display substrate further comprises a recess fill layer (7a) in the recess (R); and
the recess fill layer (7a) has a light transmittance rate lower than that of the planarization layer (<NUM>);
characterized in that the depth of the recess is less than the thickness of the planarization layer, the planarization layer is continuous under the recess, and the recess fill layer (7a) is an integral part of the pixel definition layer (<NUM>) extending into the recess.