Display substrate, manufacturing method thereof and display device

Abstract

This disclosure provides a display substrate, its manufacturing method, and a display device. The substrate includes: a substrate including multiple islands and multiple connecting bridges; multiple display units including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electroluminescent layer; an electrical connection unit including multiple signal lines disposed on the connecting bridges; each island also has at least one electrode ring, the electrode ring and the first electrode's orthographic projection on the substrate not overlapping; the multiple signal lines include a first signal line and a second signal line; the electrode ring includes a first region and a second region, the first signal line and the second electrode respectively overlapping the first region; the orthographic projection of the second signal line on the substrate passes through the second region from the bridge and is electrically connected to a thin-film transistor; the linewidth of the electrode ring in the first region is greater than the linewidth of the second region, or the second region is a vacant region. The display substrate, its manufacturing method, and the display device provided by this disclosure can reduce short circuit or signal crosstalk problems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display substrate, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Among related technologies, stretchable flexible display devices have become the future direction of display technology development.

[0003] While substrates and circuit layers in display devices, especially inorganic layers, possess a certain degree of flexibility, their stretchability is limited. Direct stretching would cause breakage or irreversible deformation of the inorganic and organic layers, substrates, and circuitry. Therefore, related technologies employ perforated areas in the substrate and the overlying film layers to create arrayed, separated islands on the display substrate, connected by multiple connecting bridges, thus enabling the substrate to be stretchable. Display units are positioned on the islands, and signal lines are routed along the connecting bridges. The number of pixels, package size, and perforated area size all affect the display effect. A well-designed wiring structure above the display units can effectively increase the number of leads, the number of pixels, and the pixel density (PPI). However, stretchable display substrates in related technologies are prone to short circuits or signal crosstalk. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a display substrate and its manufacturing method, as well as a display device, which can reduce short circuit or signal crosstalk problems.

[0005] The technical solutions provided in this disclosure are as follows:

[0006] This disclosure provides a display substrate in some embodiments, including:

[0007] A substrate comprising a plurality of islands arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of connecting bridges connecting each of the plurality of islands;

[0008] A plurality of display units are arranged in an array, with at least one display unit disposed on each island. Each display unit includes a thin-film transistor and a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes a first electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor, a second electrode located on the side of the first electrode away from the substrate, and an electroluminescent layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0009] A connection unit that electrically connects each of the display units, the connection unit comprising multiple signal lines laid on the connection bridge;

[0010] Each of the islands is further provided with at least one electrode ring, the electrode ring and the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate do not overlap, and the plurality of signal lines include at least a first signal line and a second signal line;

[0011] The electrode ring includes a first region and a second region. The first signal line and the second electrode are electrically connected by overlapping with the first region, respectively. The second signal line passes through the second region from the connecting bridge and is electrically connected to the thin-film transistor.

[0012] The line width of the electrode ring in the first region is greater than the line width in the second region, or the second region is a blank region.

[0013] For example, the second signal line is on the same layer and made of the same material as the first signal line.

[0014] For example, the substrate has at least one source / drain metal layer, and the pattern of the at least one source / drain metal layer includes the source and drain of the thin film transistor, the first signal line and the second signal line.

[0015] For example, the first signal line includes a first power supply voltage signal line; the second signal line includes at least one of a data signal line and a second power supply voltage signal line.

[0016] For example, the plurality of connecting bridges includes a first bridge arranged along a first tensile direction and a second bridge arranged along a second tensile direction, wherein the first tensile direction intersects the second tensile direction.

[0017] At least one of the first signal lines is laid on the first bridge, and at least one of the second signal lines is laid on the second bridge.

[0018] For example, at least one of the first signal lines is laid on the second bridge, and at least one of the first signal lines is located on the outer side of the plurality of signal lines.

[0019] For example, the first electrode and the electrode ring are disposed in the same layer and made of the same material, and the first electrode and the electrode ring are insulated from each other.

[0020] For example, the first electrode is the anode and the second electrode is the cathode.

[0021] For example, at least one of the electrode rings is provided corresponding to one of the display units, and the orthographic projection of at least one of the electrode rings on the substrate is located outside the orthographic projection of each of the first electrodes in the corresponding display unit on the substrate.

[0022] For example, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is a ring-shaped structure surrounding the display unit. The electrode ring includes four side portions surrounding the display unit and four corner portions connecting two adjacent side portions. The first region includes at least one of the side portions, and the second region includes at least one of the corner portions.

[0023] or,

[0024] The electrode ring includes at least two side portions surrounding the periphery of the display unit, and at least two adjacent side portions are disconnected to form a gap area. The first area includes at least one side portion, and the second area includes the gap area.

[0025] or,

[0026] The electrode ring includes a side portion located on a first side of the display unit, the first region includes the side portion, and the second region includes empty regions on the other sides of the display unit other than the first side;

[0027] Alternatively, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is a ring-shaped structure surrounding the display unit. The electrode ring includes at least two arc segments and at least two corner segments connecting adjacent arc segments. The first region includes at least one arc segment, and the second region includes at least one corner segment.

[0028] For example, the corner portion is an arc-shaped corner whose orthographic projection on the substrate is arc-shaped.

[0029] For example, at least one of the arc-shaped corners is an arc shape that protrudes outward from the annular structure; and / or, at least one of the arc-shaped corners is an arc shape that protrudes inward from the annular structure.

[0030] For example, one of the electrode rings is provided for one of the display units, and the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is located in the middle of the orthographic projection of the first electrode in the corresponding display unit on the substrate, and the first signal line is located in the middle position of the plurality of signal lines.

[0031] For example, the plurality of signal lines also includes a plurality of third signal lines located on the side of the first signal line and the second signal line closer to the substrate, wherein the line width of the overlapping area of ​​the third signal line and the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is less than or equal to the line width of the first area, or the overlapping area is a blank area.

[0032] For example, the overlap area between the first signal line and the first region has a width of 2 to 30 micrometers in the linewidth direction of the first signal line.

[0033] For example, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the island matches the shape of the island.

[0034] For example, the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the island covers the orthographic projection of the display unit on the island and at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate.

[0035] For example, the overlapping area of ​​the second electrode and the electrode ring on the substrate is located at least on opposite sides of the electrode ring.

[0036] For example, the display substrate is a stretchable display substrate.

[0037] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a display device, including a display substrate as described above.

[0038] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a display substrate, characterized in that the method for manufacturing the display substrate as described above includes the following steps:

[0039] A substrate is provided, the substrate comprising a plurality of islands arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of connecting bridges connecting each of the plurality of islands;

[0040] A plurality of display units, a connection unit electrically connecting each of the display units, and an electrode ring disposed on each of the islands are formed on the substrate. Each of the islands is provided with at least one display unit. The display unit includes a thin-film transistor and a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes a first electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor, a second electrode located on the side of the first electrode away from the substrate, and an electroluminescent layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The connection unit includes a plurality of signal lines arranged on the connection bridge. The electrode ring and the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate do not overlap. The plurality of signal lines include at least a first signal line and a second signal line. The electrode ring includes a first region and a second region. The first signal line and the second electrode are electrically connected by overlapping with the first region, respectively. The second signal line passes through the second region from the connection bridge and is electrically connected to the thin-film transistor. The line width of the electrode ring in the first region is greater than the line width in the second region, or the second region is a blank region.

[0041] For example, in the method, the first signal line and the second signal line are formed using the same patterning process, and the electrode ring is formed simultaneously with the formation of the first electrode using the same patterning process.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows:

[0043] In the above scheme, the display substrate uses an electrode ring to overlap with the second electrode, and the first signal line in the connection unit is connected to the electrode ring to achieve electrical connection between the first signal line and the second electrode. In order to avoid short circuits or signal crosstalk between the second signal line in the connection unit that does not need to overlap with the electrode ring and the electrode ring, the line width of the electrode ring (i.e., the second region) at the position where the second signal line enters the display unit from the bridge is reduced or removed, thereby reducing the phenomenon of short circuits or signal crosstalk between the second signal line and the electrode ring. At the same time, since the line width of the electrode ring in the second region is reduced or removed, the wiring space of the signal line can also be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 The image shown is a partial front view of the display substrate provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the local cross-sectional structure in the F-F' direction;

[0046] Figure 3 As shown Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the dashed box E;

[0047] Figure 4 The figure shown is a partial front view of a display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure, which illustrates the structure of the first electrode, electrode ring, first signal line and second signal line. The substrate and the second electrode are not shown in the figure.

[0048] Figure 5 As shown Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode ring and the first electrode in the middle;

[0049] Figure 6 The figure shown is a partial front view of a display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure, which illustrates the structure of the first electrode, electrode ring, first signal line, second signal line and second electrode;

[0050] Figure 7 The figure shown is a partial front view of a display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure, which illustrates the structure of the first electrode, electrode ring, first signal line and second signal line. The substrate and the second electrode are not shown in the figure.

[0051] Figure 8 As shown Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the electrode ring and the first electrode;

[0052] Figure 9 The figure shown is a partial front view of a display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure, which illustrates the structure of the first electrode, electrode ring, first signal line, second signal line and second electrode;

[0053] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the structure of the electrode ring in the display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the structure of the electrode ring in the display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0055] Figure 12 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the structure of the electrode ring in the display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the structure of the electrode ring in the display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 14 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the structure of the electrode ring in the display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 15 The diagram shown is a simplified representation of the structure of the electrode ring in the display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 16 The diagram shows a simplified view of the structure of the electrode ring in a display substrate provided in some other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0060] The components in the diagram are labeled as follows:

[0061] Substrate 100; Island 110; Connecting bridge 120; Hollow area 130; First bridge 121; Second bridge 122; Display unit 200; Thin film transistor 210; Source 211; Drain 212; Active layer 213; Gate 214; Light-emitting device 220; First electrode 221; Second electrode 222; Electroluminescent layer 223; Electrode ring 230; Side portion 231; Arc portion 233; First signal line 251; First trace 251a; Second trace 251b; Second signal line 252; First region S1; Second region S2; Pixel definition layer 260; Encapsulation layer 270; Buffer layer 310; First gate insulating layer 320; Second gate insulating layer 330; Third insulating layer 340. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0063] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0064] Before providing a detailed description of the display substrate, its manufacturing method, and the display device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, it is necessary to explain the related technologies as follows:

[0065] In related technologies, display substrates are created by hollowing out the substrate and the film layer above it, forming multiple islands arranged in an array and separated from each other, and multiple connecting bridges connecting each island, thus giving the display substrate stretchability. Display units can be placed on the islands, and signal lines can be routed on the connecting bridges. Each display unit can contain thin-film transistors, organic light-emitting devices, and packaging structures. The number of pixels, package size, and the size of the hollowed-out area in the display unit all affect the display effect. A well-designed wiring structure above the display unit can effectively increase the number of wirings, the number of pixels, and the PPI (Pixels Per Inch).

[0066] In related technologies, display substrates are prone to short circuits or signal crosstalk. The inventors have discovered through research that one of the reasons for this susceptibility is as follows:

[0067] Typically, the organic light-emitting device (OLED) in a display unit includes an anode, a cathode, and an organic light-emitting layer located between the anode and cathode. A cathode ring, closed-loop and grounded, is also disposed on the island surrounding the display unit. The cathode covers the entire display unit area and overlaps the cathode ring. A first power supply voltage signal line, used to provide a driving power supply voltage signal to the cathode, is routed on a connecting bridge. The cathode ring overlaps the first power supply voltage signal line (VSS signal line), thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first power supply voltage signal line and the cathode. With this configuration, since the signal lines routed on the connecting bridge need to enter the island to connect to the display unit, other signal lines besides the first power supply voltage signal line will also extend into the display unit through the electrode ring. This results in overlapping positions with the orthographic projection of the electrode ring onto the substrate. At these overlapping positions, short circuits or signal crosstalk can easily occur between the electrode ring and the signal lines.

[0068] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides a display substrate, a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device, which can reduce short circuit or signal crosstalk problems.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the display substrate includes: a substrate 100, a plurality of display units 200, and a connection unit. The substrate 100 includes a plurality of islands 110 arranged in an array and separated from each other, and a plurality of connecting bridges 120 connecting each of the plurality of islands 110. The plurality of display units 200 are arranged in an array, and at least one display unit 200 is disposed on each island 110. The display unit 200 includes a thin-film transistor 210 and a light-emitting device 220. The light-emitting device 220 includes a first electrode 221 electrically connected to the thin-film transistor 210, a second electrode 222 located on the side of the first electrode 221 away from the substrate 100, and an electroluminescent layer 223 located between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222. The connection unit electrically connects each of the display units 200, and the connection unit includes a plurality of signal lines arranged on the connecting bridges 120.

[0070] Each island 110 is further provided with at least one electrode ring 230, the electrode ring 230 and the orthographic projection of the first electrode 221 on the substrate 100 do not overlap, the plurality of signal lines include at least a first signal line 251 and a second signal line 252; the electrode ring 230 includes a first region S1 and a second region S2, the first signal line 251 and the second electrode 222 are electrically connected by overlapping with the first region S1 respectively, that is, the first region S1 is the region where the electrode ring 230 overlaps with the second electrode 222 and the first signal line 251; the orthographic projection of the second signal line 252 on the substrate 100 passes through the second region S2 from the connecting bridge 120 and is electrically connected to the thin film transistor 210, that is, the second region S2 is the region where the orthographic projection of the second signal line 252 and the electrode ring 230 on the substrate 100 overlap; wherein the line width of the electrode ring 230 in the first region S1 is greater than the line width in the second region S2, or the second region S2 is a vacant region.

[0071] It should be noted that in the above scheme, the line width of the electrode ring 230 in the first region S1 is greater than the line width in the second region S2, that is, the line width of the electrode ring 230 in the second region S2 is reduced.

[0072] The second region S2 is a blank region, which means that the electrode ring 230 is directly patterned in the second region S2 to form gaps, blank areas, or other forms of arbitrary removal of electrode ring material.

[0073] In the above scheme, the display substrate uses an electrode ring 230 to overlap with the second electrode 222, and the first signal line 251 in the connection unit is overlapped with the electrode ring 230 to achieve electrical connection between the first signal line 251 and the second electrode 222. In order to avoid short circuits or signal crosstalk between the second signal line 252, which does not need to overlap with the electrode ring 230 in the connection unit, the line width of the electrode ring 230 (i.e., the second region S2) at the position where the second signal line 252 enters the display unit 200 from the bridge is reduced or removed. That is, the line width of the second region S2 is designed to be smaller than the line width of the first region S1, or the second region S2 is designed as a blank area, thereby reducing the phenomenon of short circuits or signal crosstalk between the second signal line 252 and the electrode ring 230. At the same time, since the line width of the electrode ring 230 is reduced or removed in the second region S2, the wiring space of the signal line can also be increased.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, the second signal line 252 is disposed on the same layer and made of the same material as the first signal line 251. With this arrangement, since the second signal line 252 is on the same layer and made of the same material as the first signal line 251, the second signal line 252 is more prone to short circuits or signal crosstalk with the electrode ring 230. Therefore, in this embodiment, the line width at the overlap between the electrode ring 230 and these signal lines, which are disposed on the same layer as the first signal line 251, can be reduced or removed to avoid short circuits or signal crosstalk.

[0075] In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the substrate 100 has at least one source / drain metal layer, and the pattern of the at least one source / drain metal layer includes the patterns of the source 211 and drain 212 of the thin-film transistor 210, the first signal line 251, and the second signal line 252. In this embodiment, the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 can be formed simultaneously using the same patterning process when forming the source 211 and drain 212 of the thin-film transistor 210. Of course, it is understood that in practical applications, the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 can also be formed by patterning a metal layer that is different from the source 211 and drain 212 of the thin-film transistor 210.

[0076] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the display substrate is a single-layer thin-film transistor design, meaning there may be only one source / drain metal layer, and the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 may be disposed on the same layer and made of the same material as the source 211 and drain 212 of the thin-film transistor. In other embodiments not shown, the display substrate may also be a double-layer thin-film transistor design, meaning there may be at least two source / drain metal layers. In this case, the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 may be located on either source / drain metal layer. Preferably, since the first signal line 251 needs to overlap with the second electrode 222, the first signal line 251 may be formed by patterning the source / drain metal layer located closest to the second electrode 222.

[0077] In the display substrate, the plurality of connecting bridges 120 include a first bridge 121 arranged along a first stretching direction X and a second bridge 122 arranged along a second stretching direction Y, wherein the first stretching direction X and the second stretching direction Y intersect.

[0078] In some exemplary embodiments, the multiple signal traces connecting each display unit 200 mainly include: Rest lines, GOA (Gate Driver on Array) scan lines or EOA scan lines, Vinit (initial voltage line), first power supply voltage signal line (VSS), second power supply voltage signal line (VDD), and data signal lines. The first power supply voltage signal line can be used to provide a driving power supply voltage signal to the cathode, and the second power supply voltage signal line can be used to provide a driving power supply voltage signal to the anode. The GOA (Gate Driver on Array) scan lines or EOA scan lines and data signal lines intersect and are used to connect the source and drain of the thin-film transistor, respectively, to control the switching state of the thin-film transistor. Specifically, the number of signal lines is related to the number of sub-pixels within the display unit 200.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the first power supply voltage signal line, the data signal line, and the second power supply voltage signal line may be formed using source / drain metal layers. The first signal line 251 may include the first power supply voltage signal line; the second signal line 252 may include at least one of the data signal line and the second power supply voltage signal line. In this embodiment, the first electrode 221 may be an anode, and the second electrode 222 may be a cathode.

[0080] It is understood that the above is only an example. In other embodiments not shown, the first signal line 251 may not be limited to the first power supply voltage signal line, and the second signal line 252 may not be limited to the data signal line, the second power supply voltage signal line, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the plurality of connecting bridges 120 include a first bridge 121 arranged along a first tensile direction X and a second bridge 122 arranged along a second tensile direction Y, wherein the first tensile direction X and the second tensile direction Y intersect. Wherein, as Figure 4 As shown, at least one first signal line 251 can be laid on the first bridge 121, and at least one second signal line 252 can be laid on the second bridge 122.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one first signal line 251 and at least one second signal line 252 may also be arranged on the connecting bridge 120 in the same tensile direction. For example, at least one second signal line 252 may be arranged on the second bridge 122, and at least one first signal line 251 may also be arranged on the second bridge 122, with at least one first signal line 251 located on the outer side among the plurality of signal lines.

[0083] It should be noted here that, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In one specific exemplary embodiment, at least one first signal line 251 is arranged on the first bridge 121 along the first extension direction X, and at least one first signal line 251 and multiple second signal lines 252 are arranged on the second bridge 122. That is, the first signal lines 251 are evenly arranged on the first bridge 121 and the second bridge 122, and the first signal lines 251 on the first bridge 121 and the second bridge 122 are connected accordingly. The purpose of this arrangement is that since the first signal line 251 needs to be connected to the second electrode 222, if the first signal line 251 in one tensile direction is broken, it will affect the normal operation of the testing or display stage. Therefore, the first signal lines 251 can be evenly arranged in both tensile directions. Of course, it is understood that the first signal line 251 can also be arranged only in one tensile direction, and can be reasonably designed according to the actual needs of the product.

[0084] For example, please combine Figure 1 and Figure 4 ,exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the first bridge 121 and the island 110 are connected at two locations, namely the first position and the second position (corresponding to...). Figure 4 (Positions A and C in the middle), there are two connection points between the second bridge 122 and island 110, namely the third position and the fourth position (corresponding to...). Figure 4(Positions B and D in the diagram). The second signal line 252 enters the island 110 from positions B and D. At least one first signal line 251 is laid on the first bridge 121 and enters the island 110 from positions A and C, overlapping with the electrode ring 230. At least one first signal line 251 enters the island 110 from positions B and D. The first signal line 251 entering the island 110 from position A overlaps or is integrated with the first signal lines 251 entering the island 110 from positions B and D, while the first signal line 251 entering the island 110 from position D (in the diagram) may not be connected to the first signal line 251 laid on the second bridge 122. However, the first signal line 251 at position C and the first signal line 251 on the second bridge 122, as well as the first signal line 251 at position A, can be electrically connected via the electrode ring 230. For example, taking an island and the connecting bridge connected to the island as a repeating unit, the first signal line at position C of the island in any repeating unit (first repeating unit) is connected to position A of the island in another repeating unit (second repeating unit), and the first signal line at position A of the island in the other repeating unit (second repeating unit) is connected to positions B and D of the island in that repeating unit (second repeating unit). This arrangement is based on the wiring design requirements of multiple signal lines, and the above is only one way to achieve electrical connection between two first signal lines 251 in different stretching directions, but it is not limited to this. In practical applications, it can be reasonably set according to the actual product wiring space. It should be noted that, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the first signal line 251 on the first bridge 121 and the first signal line 251 on the second bridge 122 are connected, the first signal line 251 on the second bridge 122 can be set on the outermost side of the multiple second signal lines 252 on the second bridge 122 so as to facilitate connection with the first signal line 251 on the first bridge 121.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the first electrode 221 and the electrode ring 230 are disposed on the same layer and made of the same material, and the first electrode 221 and the electrode ring 230 are insulated from each other. Thus, the first electrode 221 and the electrode ring 230 can be formed in the same patterning process, simplifying the manufacturing process. For example, taking an LTPS display substrate as an example, when the first electrode 221 is the anode, the first electrode 221 and the electrode ring 230 are disposed on the same layer and made of the same material. Specifically, the patterns of the first electrode 221 and the electrode ring 230 can be formed by patterning an ITO / Ag / ITO film layer. The electrode ring 230 is a cathode ring, which is connected to the first power supply voltage signal line, and the first electrode 221 is an anode, which is electrically connected to the data signal line.

[0086] It is understandable that, in practical applications, the electrode ring 230 may also be a different layer and / or a different material from the first electrode 221.

[0087] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a partial cross-sectional view of a display substrate provided in some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of the dashed box E. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the example, in some embodiments, the structure of the display substrate is as follows:

[0088] The display substrate includes:

[0089] The substrate 100 includes a plurality of islands 110 arranged in an array and separated from each other, a plurality of connecting bridges 120 connecting each of the plurality of islands 110, and a plurality of hollow regions 130 separating the plurality of islands 110.

[0090] A display unit 200 is located on the island 110. The display unit 200 includes a thin-film transistor 210 and a light-emitting device 220 located on the substrate 100. The thin-film transistor 210 includes an active layer 213, a gate 214 (in the exemplary embodiment shown, the gate 214 may include a first gate 214a and a second gate 214b), a source 211, and a drain 212. A pixel definition layer (PDL) 260 is formed on the side of the thin-film transistor 210 away from the substrate 100, and a plurality of pixels are defined on the pixel definition layer 260. The light-emitting device 220 is located on the thin-film transistor 213. On the side of the substrate 100 away from the source electrode 211, the light-emitting device 220 includes a first electrode 221 attached to the source electrode 211, an electroluminescent layer 223 on the first electrode 221, and a second electrode 222 on the electroluminescent layer 223. A first signal line 251 and a second signal line 252 are disposed on the same layer as the source electrode 211 and the drain electrode 212. An electrode ring 230 of the same layer and material as the first electrode 221 is attached to the first signal line 251. The second signal line 252 is attached to the first electrode 221. The display unit 200 is encapsulated by an encapsulation layer 270.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the structural film layers described above, the display substrate also includes insulating layers and planarization layers located between the conductive film layers, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The buffer layer 310, the first gate insulating layer 320, the second gate insulating layer 330, the third insulating layer 340, etc. shown are shown.

[0092] It should be noted that the above are only schematic cross-sectional views of the display substrate in some embodiments. In other embodiments not shown, the cross-sectional structure of the display substrate is not limited to these.

[0093] Furthermore, at least one electrode ring 230 is provided for each display unit 200. The number and area (linewidth and line length) of the electrode rings 230 mainly depend on the number of pixels inside the corresponding display unit 200. When the number of pixels in the display unit 200 is large, the current demand is large, requiring an increase in the number and overlap area of ​​the electrode rings 230 to avoid current overload. When the number of pixels in the display unit 200 is small, the position, number, and overlap area of ​​the electrode rings 230 have a smaller impact, and there is no voltage drop problem.

[0094] The following describes in more detail the display substrate provided in the embodiments of this disclosure using some exemplary embodiments.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 12 As shown, the orthographic projection of at least one of the electrode rings 230 on the substrate 100 is located outside the orthographic projection of each of the first electrodes 221 in the corresponding display unit 200 on the substrate 100.

[0096] In this embodiment, at least one of the first signal lines 251 can be located at an outer position among the plurality of signal lines. It should be noted that the outer position here can refer to, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the first signal line 251 and other second signal lines 252 arranged on the same layer can be laid on the connecting bridge 120 along different stretching directions; or, the first signal line 251 and the second signal lines 252 can be laid on the same connecting bridge 120 along the same stretching direction, and the first signal line 251 is located on the outermost side of the multiple second signal lines 252.

[0097] In some embodiments, with Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 10 As shown in the example, the electrode ring 230 can be a ring-shaped structure surrounding the display unit 200. The electrode ring 230 can be an approximately rectangular closed ring structure, including four side portions 231 surrounding the display unit 200 and four corner portions connecting adjacent side portions 231. The first region S1 includes at least one of the side portions 231, and the second region S2 includes at least one corner portion. Specifically, in one embodiment, as shown... Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the electrode ring 230 is an approximately rectangular closed ring structure, and its four side portions 231 can all be straight edges. Taking the four corner portions of the electrode ring 230 as A, B, C and D as examples, the second signal line 252 enters the display unit 200 through the two opposite corner portions B and D of the electrode ring 230. The two opposite corner portions B and D are the overlapping areas with the second signal line 252. Therefore, the corresponding two opposite corner portions B and D of the electrode ring 230 are the second region S2, and the four side portions 231 and the other two opposite corner portions A and C are the first region S1. The line width of the second region S2 is designed to be smaller than the line width of the first region S1 to avoid short circuits or signal crosstalk between the second signal line 252 and the electrode ring 230.

[0098] It should be noted that this embodiment is an exemplary implementation, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first signal line 251 and the electrode ring 230 can be connected in the following way:

[0099] Taking at least one first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 arranged along different stretching directions as an example, at least one first signal line 251 is arranged along the second stretching direction Y, and the second signal line 252 is arranged along the first stretching direction X. Taking the four corners of the electrode ring 230 as A, B, C, and D as an example, at corner A, the first signal line 251 arranged along the second stretching direction Y is connected to and overlaps with the electrode ring 230, and the wiring shape of the first signal line 251 includes two branched lines, that is... Figure 4 The first trace 251a and the second trace 251b are respectively connected to the two side portions 231 of the corner A; similarly, at the corner C, the first signal line 251, which is laid along the second stretching direction Y, is connected to and overlaps with the electrode ring 230, and the wiring shape of the first signal line 251 includes two forked traces, that is... Figure 4 The first wiring 251a and the second wiring 251b are respectively connected to the two side parts 231 of the corner part C.

[0100] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the corner is not a right angle, but rather an arc-shaped corner whose orthographic projection on the substrate is curved. This is because, in this exemplary embodiment, the connection position between the connecting bridge 120 and the island 110 corresponds to the corner position of the electrode ring 230. Since the connection position between the connecting bridge 120 and the island 110 is subjected to greater stress during tension, if the corner is a right angle, the right angle may protrude to the connection position between the connecting bridge 120 and the island 110, which may easily lead to defects. Designing the corner as an arc-shaped corner, compared to a right angle, allows it to be further away from the connection position between the connecting bridge 120 and the island 110, thereby reducing the occurrence of defects.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least one of the arc-shaped corners is an arc shape that convexes outward from the annular structure. In other embodiments not shown, at least one of the arc-shaped corners may also be an arc shape that convexes inward from the annular structure.

[0102] It should be understood that the shape design of the corner portion is intended to be as far away as possible from the connection position between the connecting bridge 120 and the island 110, while still meeting the coverage area requirements of the electrode ring 230. Its specific shape is not limited. For example, the corner portion can also be a beveled shape connecting its two adjacent side portions 231. In other embodiments, ... Figures 12 to 13As shown in the example, the electrode ring can be a ring-shaped structure surrounding the display unit 200, and the electrode ring 230 can be a non-closed ring structure. The electrode ring 230 includes at least two side portions 231 surrounding the display unit 200, and at least two adjacent side portions 231 are disconnected to form a gap area. The first region S1 includes at least one side portion 231, and the second region S2 includes the gap area.

[0103] Specifically, Figure 13 The diagram illustrates that the electrode ring 230 includes four side portions 231 surrounding the display unit 200, with each pair of adjacent side portions 231 separated to form a gap area. Figure 12 The diagram illustrates that the electrode ring 230 includes four side portions 231 surrounding the display unit 200, wherein only the side portions 231 at the corners B and D where the electrode ring 230 overlaps with the second signal line 252 are disconnected, while the two adjacent side portions 231 at the other two corners A and C are not disconnected.

[0104] In other embodiments, with Figure 14 As shown in the example, the electrode ring 230 includes two side portions 231 located on opposite sides of the display unit 200, the first region S1 includes the two side portions 231, and the second region S2 includes a gap between the two side portions 231.

[0105] In other embodiments, with Figure 15 As shown in the example, the electrode ring 230 includes a side portion 231 located on the first side of the display unit 200, the first region S1 includes the side portion 231, and the second region S2 includes the empty regions on the other sides of the display unit 200 other than the first side.

[0106] It should be noted that the above exemplary embodiments are described using the example of the electrode ring 230 being a rectangular ring (or including a straight side portion 231). In other embodiments, the shape of the electrode ring 230 is not limited to this. For example, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring 230 on the substrate 100 is a ring structure surrounding the display unit 200. The electrode ring 230 may be a circular or elliptical closed ring, or a circular or elliptical non-closed ring. Figures 7 to 9 As shown in the example, the electrode ring 230 includes at least two arc segments 233 and at least two corner segments connecting two adjacent arc segments 233. The first region S1 includes at least one arc segment 233, and the second region S2 includes at least one corner segment.

[0107] It should also be noted that in the above embodiments, only the line width of the overlapping area between the second signal line 252 and the electrode ring 230 is reduced or removed. In other embodiments, the multiple signal lines also include multiple third signal lines located on the side of the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 near the substrate 100. The line width of the overlapping area between the third signal lines and the orthographic projection of the electrode ring 230 on the substrate 100 is less than or equal to the line width of the first area S1, or the overlapping area is a blank area.

[0108] In the above scheme, since the third signal line is on a different layer from the first signal line 251 and is located on the side of the first signal line 251 away from the electrode ring 230, short circuits or signal crosstalk are less likely to occur between the electrode ring 230 and the third signal line. Therefore, the overlapping area between the third signal line and the electrode ring 230 can maintain its line width. Figure 10 As shown, the electrode ring 230 structure is designed such that the line width is reduced only at the two opposite corners B and D that overlap with the second signal line 252, while the line width is not reduced at the other two corners A and C that overlap with the third signal line.

[0109] Of course, in some practical applications, to further reduce the risk of short circuits or signal crosstalk and improve wiring space, the line width of the overlapping area between the third signal line and the electrode ring 230 can be designed to be smaller than the line width of the first area S1, or the electrode ring 230 in the overlapping area can be removed to form a vacant area. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the electrode ring 230 structure with reduced linewidth at all four corners is illustrated; the linewidth at each of the four corners is smaller than the linewidth at each of the four side portions 231. Figure 13 As shown, the electrode ring 230 structure with the four corners removed to form a void area is illustrated, which retains only the four side portions 231 surrounding the display unit 200.

[0110] Furthermore, the above exemplary embodiment has been described with the electrode ring 230 located on the periphery of the display unit 200 as an example. In other embodiments, such as Figure 16 As shown, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring 230 on the substrate 100 can also be located in the middle of the orthographic projection of the first electrode 221 in the corresponding display unit 200 on the substrate 100. In this case, the first signal line 251 can be located in the middle of the plurality of signal lines.

[0111] It should be understood that the above are just examples. In practical applications, the number and area (line width and line length) of the electrode rings 230 mainly depend on the number of pixels inside the corresponding display unit 200. They can present various regular or irregular shapes and are set on the periphery or in the middle of the display unit 200.

[0112] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width of the overlap area between the first signal line 251 and the first region S1 in the linewidth direction of the first signal line 251 can range from 2 to 30 micrometers. This setting satisfies the overlap requirement between the first signal line 251 and the first region S1 and is also feasible in terms of manufacturing process. In practical applications, the overlap area between the first signal line 251 and the first region S1 can be set according to actual needs to achieve the overlap purpose.

[0113] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring 230 onto the island 110 matches the shape of the island 110. That is, the electrode ring 230 may be arranged around the perimeter of the island 110. For example, if the island 110 is approximately rectangular, the electrode ring 230 is approximately rectangular; if the island 110 is circular, the electrode ring 230 is circular.

[0114] In addition, in some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the orthographic projection of the second electrode 222 on the island 110 overlaps the orthographic projection of the display unit on the island 110. That is, the second electrode 222 can completely cover the display unit, and one second electrode 222 can correspondingly cover at least one display unit. The shape of the second electrode 222 can match the shape of the electrode ring 230. The orthographic projections of the second electrode 222 and the electrode ring 230 on the substrate 100 at least partially overlap, thus achieving the purpose of overlapping between them. It should be noted that the overlapping position of the second electrode 222 and the electrode ring 230 is located in at least a portion of the overlapping area. For example, the edge region of the second electrode 222 partially overlaps with the electrode ring 230 to achieve the overlap.

[0115] In one embodiment, the overlapping areas of the orthographic projections of the second electrode 222 and the electrode ring 230 on the substrate 100 are at least located on opposite sides of the electrode ring 230. That is, the second electrode 222 overlaps with at least two opposite sides of the electrode ring 230. Thus, when the display unit area is large, i.e., when the coverage area of ​​the second electrode 222 is large, a significant voltage drop may occur due to the long distance between the opposite sides of the second electrode 222. In this case, the opposite sides of the second electrode 222 can overlap with the opposite sides of the electrode ring 230 respectively to reduce the voltage drop. It should be understood that when the coverage area of ​​the second electrode 222 is small and the voltage drop between its opposite sides is negligible, the second electrode 222 may overlap with the electrode ring 230 on only one side.

[0116] It should be noted that the display substrate provided in this embodiment can be a stretchable display substrate. However, it is not limited to stretchable substrates.

[0117] Furthermore, another aspect of this disclosure provides a display device, including the display substrate described above.

[0118] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display substrate, characterized in that the method for manufacturing the display substrate provided in this disclosure includes the following steps:

[0119] A substrate 100 is provided, the substrate 100 including a plurality of islands 110 arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of connecting bridges 120 connecting each of the plurality of islands 110.

[0120] A plurality of display units 200, a connection unit electrically connecting each of the display units 200, and an electrode ring 230 disposed on each of the islands 110 are formed on the substrate 100. Each island 110 has at least one display unit 200. Each display unit 200 includes a thin-film transistor 210 and a light-emitting device 220. The light-emitting device 220 includes a first electrode 221 electrically connected to the thin-film transistor 210, a second electrode 222 located on the side of the first electrode 221 away from the substrate 100, and an electroluminescent layer 223 located between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222. The connection unit includes components disposed on the connection ring 230. The multiple signal lines on the bridge 120, wherein the electrode ring 230 and the first electrode 221 do not overlap on the orthographic projection of the first electrode 221 on the substrate 100, the multiple signal lines include at least a first signal line 251 and a second signal line 252; the electrode ring 230 includes a first region S1 and a second region S2, the first signal line 251 and the second electrode 222 are electrically connected by overlapping with the first region S1 respectively; the second signal line 252 passes through the second region S2 from the bridge and is electrically connected to the thin film transistor 210; the line width of the electrode ring 230 in the first region S1 is greater than the line width in the second region S2, or the second region S2 is a vacant region.

[0121] For example, in the method, the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252 are formed using the same patterning process. For instance, patterning processes such as exposure, development, and etching can be used to pattern the source / drain metal layer 212 to form the first signal line 251 and the second signal line 252.

[0122] For example, in the method, the electrode ring 230 is formed simultaneously with the formation of the first electrode 221 using the same patterning process. For instance, patterning processes such as exposure, development, and etching can be used to pattern the ITO / Ag / ITO film to form the first electrode 221 and the electrode ring 230.

[0123] The following points need to be explained:

[0124] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0125] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions is enlarged or reduced in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to actual scale. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being “above” or “below” another element, the element may be “directly” located “above” or “below” the other element or there may be intermediate elements.

[0126] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0127] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display substrate, comprising: A substrate comprising a plurality of islands arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of connecting bridges connecting each of the plurality of islands; A plurality of display units are arranged in an array, with at least one display unit disposed on each island. Each display unit includes a thin-film transistor and a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes a first electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor, a second electrode located on the side of the first electrode away from the substrate, and an electroluminescent layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode. A connection unit electrically connecting each of the display units, the connection unit comprising multiple signal lines arranged on the connection bridge; characterized in that... Each of the islands is further provided with at least one electrode ring, the electrode ring and the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate do not overlap, and the plurality of signal lines include at least a first signal line and a second signal line; The electrode ring includes a first region and a second region. The first signal line and the second electrode are electrically connected by overlapping with the first region, respectively. The orthographic projection of the second signal line on the substrate passes through the second region from the connecting bridge and is electrically connected to the thin-film transistor. in The line width of the electrode ring in the first region is greater than the line width in the second region, or the second region is a blank region.

2. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second signal line is on the same layer and made of the same material as the first signal line.

3. The display substrate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The substrate has at least one source / drain metal layer, and the pattern of the at least one source / drain metal layer includes the source and drain of at least one thin-film transistor, the first signal line and the second signal line.

4. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first signal line includes a first power supply voltage signal line; the second signal line includes at least one of a data signal line and a second power supply voltage signal line.

5. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of connecting bridges includes a first bridge arranged along a first tensile direction and a second bridge arranged along a second tensile direction, wherein the first tensile direction intersects the second tensile direction. At least one of the first signal lines is laid on the first bridge, and at least one of the second signal lines is laid on the second bridge.

6. The display substrate according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one of the first signal lines is laid on the second bridge, and at least one of the first signal lines is located on the outer side of the plurality of signal lines.

7. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode and the electrode ring are disposed in the same layer and made of the same material, and the first electrode and the electrode ring are insulated from each other.

8. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is the anode, and the second electrode is the cathode.

9. The display substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, At least one of the electrode rings is provided for one of the display units, and the orthographic projection of at least one of the electrode rings on the substrate is located outside the orthographic projection of each of the first electrodes in the corresponding display unit on the substrate.

10. The display substrate according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electrode ring is projected onto the substrate as a ring-shaped structure surrounding the display unit. The electrode ring includes four side portions surrounding the display unit and four corner portions connecting two adjacent side portions. The first region includes at least one of the side portions, and the second region includes at least one of the corner portions. or, The electrode ring includes at least two side portions surrounding the periphery of the display unit, and at least two adjacent side portions are disconnected to form a gap area. The first area includes at least one side portion, and the second area includes the gap area. or, The electrode ring includes a side portion located on a first side of the display unit, the first region includes the side portion, and the second region includes empty regions on the other sides of the display unit other than the first side; Alternatively, the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is a ring-shaped structure surrounding the display unit. The electrode ring includes at least two arc segments and at least two corner segments connecting adjacent arc segments. The first region includes at least one arc segment, and the second region includes at least one corner segment.

11. The display substrate according to claim 10, characterized in that, The corner portion is an arc-shaped corner whose orthographic projection on the substrate is arc-shaped.

12. The display substrate according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one of the arc-shaped corners is an arc shape that protrudes outward from the annular structure; and / or, at least one of the arc-shaped corners is an arc shape that protrudes inward from the annular structure.

13. The display substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, One electrode ring is provided for each display unit, and the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is located at the midpoint of the orthographic projection of the first electrode in the corresponding display unit on the substrate. The first signal line is located in the middle of the plurality of signal lines.

14. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple signal lines also include multiple third signal lines located on the side of the first signal line and the second signal line closer to the substrate. The line width of the overlapping area of ​​the third signal line and the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate is less than or equal to the line width of the first area, or the overlapping area is a blank area.

15. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overlap area between the first signal line and the first region has a width of 2 to 30 micrometers in the linewidth direction of the first signal line.

16. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the island matches the shape of the island.

17. The display substrate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the second electrode on the island covers the orthographic projection of the display unit on the island, and at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the electrode ring on the substrate.

18. The display substrate according to claim 17, characterized in that, The overlapping area of ​​the second electrode and the electrode ring on the substrate is located at least on opposite sides of the electrode ring. 19.The display substrate of claim 1, wherein, The display substrate is a stretchable display substrate.

20. A display device comprising: Includes the display substrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A method for manufacturing a display substrate, characterized by, The method for manufacturing a display substrate as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 includes the following steps: A substrate is provided, the substrate comprising a plurality of islands arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of connecting bridges connecting each of the plurality of islands; A plurality of display units, a connection unit electrically connecting each of the display units, and an electrode ring disposed on each of the islands are formed on the substrate. Each of the islands is provided with at least one display unit. The display unit includes a thin-film transistor and a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes a first electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor, a second electrode located on the side of the first electrode away from the substrate, and an electroluminescent layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The connection unit includes a plurality of signal lines arranged on the connection bridge. The electrode ring and the orthographic projection of the first electrode on the substrate do not overlap. The plurality of signal lines include at least a first signal line and a second signal line. The electrode ring includes a first region and a second region. The first signal line and the second electrode are electrically connected by overlapping with the first region, respectively. The second signal line passes through the second region from the connection bridge and is electrically connected to the thin-film transistor. The line width of the electrode ring in the first region is greater than the line width in the second region, or the second region is a blank region.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, In the method, the first signal line and the second signal line are formed using the same patterning process; The electrode ring is formed simultaneously with the formation of the first electrode using the same patterning process.

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