Display panel and display device

Abstract

This invention relates to a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a flexible substrate, a fixing layer, pixel islands, and an encapsulation layer. The flexible substrate has openings. At least a portion of the fixing layer is disposed within the openings and surrounds them to form a receiving area. The pixel islands are disposed on one side of the flexible substrate and located within the receiving area, with adjacent pixel islands connected by wires. The encapsulation layer is at least disposed on the side of the pixel islands facing away from the flexible substrate and is connected to the fixing layer. Embodiments of this invention provide a display panel and a display device that improve the stability of the encapsulation layer during stretching, resulting in higher reliability of the encapsulation effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to a display panel and a display device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electronic technology, electronic products are constantly being innovated. To enable these products to be applied in various fields, the characteristics of stretchability, thinness, and unrestricted shape are increasingly valued. Currently, stretchable display panels generally adopt an island-bridge structure, featuring pixel islands containing multiple pixels, with adjacent pixel islands connected by wire bridges.

[0003] However, the encapsulation performance of stretchable display panels needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a display panel and a display device that can improve the stability of the encapsulation layer during the stretching process, thereby making the encapsulation effect more reliable.

[0005] On one hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a display panel is provided, including a flexible substrate, a fixing layer, pixel islands and an encapsulation layer. The flexible substrate is provided with an opening; at least a portion of the fixing layer is disposed in the opening and surrounds it to form a receiving area; the pixel islands are disposed on one side of the flexible substrate and located in the receiving area, and adjacent pixel islands are connected by wires; the encapsulation layer is at least disposed on the side of the pixel islands away from the flexible substrate and is connected to the fixing layer.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of the fixing layer is located between adjacent pixel islands;

[0007] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the fixing layer on the flexible substrate is a closed ring structure, and it is arranged around the pixel island;

[0008] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the opening on the flexible substrate is a closed ring structure, and it is arranged around the pixel island.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fixing layer includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part connected to each other, the first fixing part being disposed in the opening and the second fixing part being disposed on the side of the first fixing part near the encapsulation layer;

[0010] Optionally, the orthographic projection of a portion of the second fixing part on the flexible substrate is located outside the orthographic projection of the opening on the flexible substrate, and is located on the side of the flexible substrate closer to the encapsulation layer.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the orthographic projection of the first fixing part on the flexible substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second fixing part on the flexible substrate;

[0012] Optionally, the projected area of ​​the first fixing part on the flexible substrate is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second fixing part on the flexible substrate.

[0013] Optionally, the height dimension of the surface of the second fixing part away from the flexible substrate in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate is greater than the height dimension of the surface of the pixel island away from the flexible substrate in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the material of the fixing layer includes an inorganic material, and the encapsulation layer includes an inorganic layer and an organic layer stacked together, wherein the encapsulation layer is connected to the fixing layer through the inorganic layer;

[0015] Optionally, the inorganic layer includes a first inorganic layer and a second inorganic layer stacked sequentially in a direction away from the flexible substrate. The first inorganic layer is disposed on the side of the pixel island away from the flexible substrate, and the organic layer is disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer. At least one of the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is connected to the fixing layer.

[0016] Optionally, the first inorganic layer covers a portion of the fixed layer and is connected to the fixed layer;

[0017] Optionally, the second inorganic layer covers the organic layer and the first inorganic layer and extends beyond the edge of the first inorganic layer to connect with the fixed layer.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a flexible substrate includes a first organic substrate, an inorganic substrate, and a second organic substrate stacked together, the inorganic substrate being disposed between the first organic substrate and the second organic substrate, a pixel island being disposed on the side of the second organic substrate away from the inorganic substrate, an opening passing through at least the second organic substrate, and a fixing layer being at least partially located in the opening and connected to the inorganic substrate.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the display panel further includes a dam structure disposed between the flexible substrate and the encapsulation layer, wherein the dam structure is disposed on the side of the fixing layer near the pixel island, or the dam structure is disposed on the side of the fixing layer away from the flexible substrate.

[0020] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the dam structure on the flexible substrate is a closed ring structure and is arranged around the pixel island. The surface of the dam structure facing away from the flexible substrate is higher than the surface of the pixel island facing away from the flexible substrate along the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

[0021] Optionally, the pixel island includes an array layer, a pixel definition layer, and light-emitting units. The array layer is disposed on a flexible substrate, and the pixel definition layer is disposed on the side of the array layer away from the flexible substrate. The pixel definition layer has multiple pixel openings, and multiple light-emitting units are disposed in the pixel openings. The display panel also includes a support pillar, which is disposed on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the array layer. The surface of the dam structure away from the flexible substrate is higher than the surface of the support pillar away from the flexible substrate along the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

[0022] The dam structure includes a first part, a second part, and a third part stacked in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate. The first part is stacked in the same layer as at least a portion of the array layer, the second part is stacked in the same layer as the pixel definition layer, and the third part is stacked in the same layer as the support pillar.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the display panel includes a reinforcing layer disposed between a flexible substrate and pixel islands, wherein the pixel islands and dam structures are located on the side of the reinforcing layer opposite to the flexible substrate.

[0024] Optionally, the elastic modulus of the reinforcing layer is greater than that of the flexible substrate;

[0025] Optionally, the reinforcing layer may be made of resin.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a groove is provided on a flexible substrate, the groove being at least partially located between two adjacent pixel islands, and a wire being at least partially located on the inner wall and bottom of the groove;

[0027] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the groove on the flexible substrate is a closed ring structure and is arranged around the pixel island and the fixing layer along the circumference of the pixel island.

[0028] Optionally, the grooves are multiple, and the multiple grooves are spaced apart from each other;

[0029] Optionally, the flexible substrate includes a first organic substrate, an inorganic substrate, and a second organic substrate stacked together, with the inorganic substrate disposed between the first and second organic substrates, the pixel island disposed on the side of the second organic substrate away from the inorganic substrate, and the groove disposed on the second organic substrate, wherein the depth dimension of the groove in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate is smaller than the thickness dimension of the second organic substrate in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

[0030] Optionally, the wire is located between the fixing layer and the flexible substrate, and the wire is at least partially located on the inner wall and bottom of the opening;

[0031] Optionally, the groove is located on the side of the opening and / or fixing layer surrounding the groove away from the pixel island surrounding the groove;

[0032] Optionally, the display panel is a stretchable display panel.

[0033] In another aspect, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device is provided, including the display panel as described above.

[0034] This invention provides a display panel and a display device. By setting openings on the flexible substrate of the display panel and disposing at least a portion of a fixing layer in the openings, it connects with the corresponding encapsulation layer on the pixel island. When the display panel is stretched, the fixing layer, since it is at least partially filled in the openings, is held in place by the openings, keeping it relatively stationary with the flexible substrate. This ensures that the fixing layer is always located around the pixel island, thereby allowing the encapsulation layer connected to the fixing layer to remain relatively stationary with the corresponding pixel island. This prevents the encapsulation layer from breaking or detaching during the stretching of the screen, thus providing a certain degree of fixation for the encapsulation layer and improving the stability of the pixel island encapsulation. At the same time, the fixing layer can also fix the position and size of the pixel display area, preventing the pixel display area from deforming due to the stretching and bending of the screen, resulting in a more stable display effect. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The features, advantages and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the pixel island location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a top-view planar view of the pixel island location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another pixel island location according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a plan view top view of another display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the groove location in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 This is another cross-sectional view of the groove location in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure label:

[0044] 100 - Display panel; Z - Thickness direction;

[0045] 10-Flexible substrate; 11-First organic substrate; 12-Second organic substrate; 13-Inorganic substrate; 14-Opening; 20-Fixing layer; 21-First fixing part; 22-Second fixing part;

[0046] 30 - Pixel island; 31 - Array layer; 32 - Pixel definition layer; 33 - Light-emitting unit;

[0047] 40 - Encapsulation layer; 41 - First inorganic layer; 42 - Second inorganic layer; 43 - Organic layer; 50 - Conductor;

[0048] 60 - Dam structure; 61 - First part; 62 - Second part; 63 - Third part; 70 - Support column; 80 - Reinforcing layer; 90 - Groove.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0051] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of the display panel and display device of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0053] In related technologies, each pixel island needs to be encapsulated with a thin film using an encapsulation layer to prevent external water and oxygen environments from entering the display screen. When the user continuously stretches the screen, the encapsulation layer is prone to breakage or detachment, resulting in encapsulation failure.

[0054] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel and a display device. For a better understanding of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 7 The display panel and display device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display panel 100 is provided, including a flexible substrate 10, a fixing layer 20, pixel islands 30, and an encapsulation layer 40. The flexible substrate 10 is provided with an opening 14; at least a portion of the fixing layer 20 is disposed in the opening 14 and surrounds it to form a receiving area; the pixel islands 30 are disposed on one side of the flexible substrate 10 and located in the receiving area, and adjacent pixel islands 30 are connected by wires 50; the encapsulation layer 40 is at least disposed on the side of the pixel islands 30 away from the flexible substrate 10 and is connected to the fixing layer 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, the pixel island 30 adopts an independent encapsulation structure, that is, each pixel island 30 is encapsulated by an encapsulation layer 40. The encapsulation layers 40 corresponding to each pixel island 30 are spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, it is mainly considered that during the stretching process of the screen body, the encapsulation layer 40 corresponding to each pixel island 30 is at risk of breakage or detachment, which will eventually lead to encapsulation failure. Therefore, the display panel 100 structure in this application is proposed.

[0057] For example, at least a portion of the fixing layer 20 is located between adjacent pixel islands 30. The fixing layer 20 and the pixel islands 30 are configured in a corresponding manner, for example, a one-to-one correspondence. For example, at least a portion of the opening 14 is located between adjacent pixel islands 30.

[0058] Optionally, an opening 14 can be provided on the flexible substrate 10. Specifically, it can be formed by an etching process. This application does not impose any special limitations on the depth and shape of the opening 14. It is only necessary to set it around the corresponding pixel island 30 to ensure that the fixing layer 20 can be set in the opening 14 so as to connect with the corresponding encapsulation layer 40.

[0059] To ensure that the screen can be stretched smoothly, the flexible substrate 10 may optionally be made of a flexible material, and the pixel island 30 may be disposed on the flexible substrate 10. The pixel island 30 may be composed of multiple sub-pixels, and color display is completed after color mixing. Specifically, it includes an array driving layer and a light-emitting layer disposed on the array driving layer.

[0060] Optionally, the encapsulation layer 40 can be a composite structure of inorganic and organic layers 43 stacked together. During molding, it needs to be connected to the fixing layer 20 in the bottom opening 14. When the user stretches the screen, the encapsulation layer 40 corresponding to the pixel island 30 is connected to the fixing layer 20. The fixing layer 20 will not shift due to the blocking effect of the bottom opening 14, and it will be firmly locked in the position of the opening 14, so that the fixing layer 20 and the encapsulation layer 40 connected to it remain relatively stationary with the pixel island 30, thereby preventing the encapsulation layer 40 from breaking or detaching from the pixel island 30.

[0061] Optionally, multiple pixel islands 30 can be arranged in an array on the flexible substrate 10, and adjacent pixel islands 30 can be connected by wires 50. The wires 50 can cross the fixing layer 20 around the pixel islands 30 to complete the connection and complete the transmission of current signals. The fixing layer 20 is made of insulating material and will not affect the current transmission.

[0062] This invention provides a display panel 100. By providing an opening 14 on the flexible substrate 10 of the display panel 100 and disposing at least a portion of the fixing layer 20 in the opening 14, it forms a connection with the corresponding encapsulation layer 40 on the pixel island 30. When the display panel 100 is stretched, the fixing layer 20, since it is at least partially filled in the opening 14, is held in place by the opening 14, keeping it relatively stationary with the flexible substrate 10. This ensures that the fixing layer 20 is always located around the pixel island 30, thereby allowing the encapsulation layer 40 connected to the fixing layer 20 to remain relatively stationary with the corresponding pixel island 30. This prevents the encapsulation layer 40 from breaking or detaching during the stretching of the screen, thus providing a certain degree of fixation for the encapsulation layer 40 and improving the stability of the pixel island 30 encapsulation. At the same time, the fixing layer 20 can also fix the position and size of the pixel display area, preventing the pixel display area from deforming due to the stretching and bending of the screen, resulting in a more stable display effect.

[0063] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The orthographic projection of the fixing layer 20 onto the flexible substrate 10 is a closed or non-closed annular structure, and / or the fixing layer 20 is disposed around the pixel island 30. For example, a non-closed annular structure is equivalent to having a notch. For example, a closed annular structure is equivalent to not having a notch.

[0064] In this embodiment, the fixing layer 20 can be arranged around the outline of the pixel island 30, so that the fixing layer 20 forms a closed ring structure. The corresponding opening 14 is also arranged around the pixel island 30, so that the fixing layer 20 fully surrounds the pixel island 30. At this time, the fixing layer 20 can be completely connected to the encapsulation layer 40, thus constraining the pixel island 30 in all directions.

[0065] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the opening 14 on the flexible substrate 10 is a closed or open annular structure, and / or the opening 14 is disposed around the pixel island 30.

[0066] Optionally, the structural range of the fixing layer 20 can be selectively arranged according to actual design requirements. The larger the contact area between the fixing layer 20 and the encapsulation layer 40, the higher the stability between the two and the further prevention of the encapsulation layer 40 from detachment. This application does not impose special limitations on the specific setting position and structure of the fixing layer 20, as long as the connection with the encapsulation layer 40 can be ensured.

[0067] This invention provides a display panel 100, which forms a larger area of ​​connection with the encapsulation layer 40 by forming a closed or open ring structure around the pixel island 30 with the fixing layer 20, and restricting the encapsulation layer 40 from all directions, thus effectively preventing relative movement of the encapsulation layer 40 and achieving higher structural stability.

[0068] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The fixing layer 20 includes a first fixing part 21 and a second fixing part 22 that are connected to each other. The first fixing part 21 is disposed in the opening 14 and the second fixing part 22 is disposed on the side of the first fixing part 21 near the encapsulation layer 40. The second fixing part 22 is disposed on the side of the first fixing part 21 away from the flexible substrate 10. The second fixing part 22 protrudes from the flexible substrate 10 in the thickness direction Z and is in the same layer as the pixel island 30.

[0069] Optionally, the orthographic projection of a portion of the second fixing part 22 on the flexible substrate 10 is outside the orthographic projection of the opening 14 on the flexible substrate 10, and is located on the side of the flexible substrate 10 close to the encapsulation layer 40.

[0070] In this embodiment, the fixing layer 20 consists of two parts, namely the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22. The first fixing part 21 is filled into the opening 14, and the second fixing part 22 is exposed at the top and protrudes from the surface of the flexible substrate 10. The purpose is to increase the height of the fixing layer 20, so as to facilitate the snap-fit ​​with the opening 14. When the screen is stretched, the fixing layer 20 can better snap-fit ​​with the opening 14.

[0071] At the same time, the second fixing part 22 increases the overall height of the fixing layer 20, which is also conducive to the overlap of the fixing layer 20 and the encapsulation layer 40. During the molding process, the two can form a connection more quickly and have a better supporting effect. This application does not make any special limitation on the specific height of the second fixing part 22.

[0072] This invention provides a display panel 100. By setting the fixing layer 20 as a first fixing part 21 and a second fixing part 22, and by utilizing the second fixing part 22 to protrude from the surface of the flexible substrate 10, it is easier to form a snap-fit ​​relationship with the opening 14 position, thereby improving the stability of the fixing layer 20, and further improving the structural stability of the encapsulation layer 40, and further reducing the risk of the encapsulation layer 40 detaching.

[0073] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The orthographic projection of the first fixing part 21 on the flexible substrate 10 is located within the orthographic projection of the second fixing part 22 on the flexible substrate 10.

[0074] Optionally, the projected area of ​​the first fixing part 21 on the flexible substrate 10 is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second fixing part 22 on the flexible substrate 10.

[0075] Optionally, the width of the second fixing part 22 can be greater than the width of the first fixing part 21. The first fixing part 21 serves as a filling base in the opening 14. When the second fixing part 22 protrudes from the surface of the flexible substrate 10 and its width increases, a stepped structure is formed between it and the first fixing part 21, which facilitates a more stable snap-fit ​​at the opening 14 position, thereby improving the overall structural stability of the fixing layer 20.

[0076] Optionally, the height dimension H2 of the surface of the second fixing part 22 away from the flexible substrate 10 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is greater than the height dimension H1 of the surface of the pixel island 30 away from the flexible substrate 10. That is, the distance between the surface of the second fixing part 22 away from the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is greater than the distance between the surface of the pixel island 30 away from the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10.

[0077] The height dimension of the second fixing part 22 in the thickness direction Z is greater than the height dimension of the pixel island 30. In other words, it is necessary to ensure that the upper surface of the second fixing part 22 is higher than the upper surface of the pixel island 30. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the thickness of the pixel island 30 is H1, the thickness of the second fixing part 22 is H2, and H2 needs to be greater than H1. In this way, the second fixing part 22 can not only connect to the encapsulation layer 40 around the pixel island 30, but also act as a dam for the pixel island 30.

[0078] When the encapsulation layer 40 is formed on the pixel island 30, since the second fixing part 22 is higher than the pixel island 30 and is arranged around the pixel island 30, it can block the flow of components in the encapsulation layer 40, which facilitates the formation of the encapsulation layer 40, prevents the overflow of the encapsulation material, and facilitates the connection with the encapsulation layer 40 to fix the encapsulation layer 40.

[0079] This application does not impose any special limitation on the specific protrusion height of the second fixing part 22. It is sufficient that it can play the dual role of facilitating the molding of the encapsulation layer 40 and fixing the encapsulation layer 40 in this embodiment. The height can be designed according to actual needs.

[0080] The height of each structure's surface can be based on the flexible substrate, increasing in the direction away from the flexible substrate.

[0081] This invention provides a display panel 100. By further defining the width and height of the second fixing part 22, a more stable connection structure can be formed with the opening 14 on the flexible substrate 10, which further prevents the relative detachment of the encapsulation layer 40. At the same time, the height design of the second fixing part 22 also helps to prevent the overflow of encapsulation material and facilitates the efficient molding of the encapsulation layer 40.

[0082] As an optional embodiment, the material of the fixing layer 20 includes inorganic materials, such as inorganic insulating materials, such as one or more of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0083] Optionally, the encapsulation layer 40 includes an inorganic layer and an organic layer 43 stacked together, and the encapsulation layer 40 is connected to the fixing layer 20 through the inorganic layer.

[0084] Optionally, in this embodiment, the fixing layer 20 can be made of inorganic material. Inorganic material has a certain structural hardness, which can better form a snap-fit ​​relationship with the opening 14 and improve the structural stability of the screen during the stretching process.

[0085] Optionally, the encapsulation layer 40 specifically includes an inorganic layer and an organic layer 43. The inorganic layer is typically formed using a chemical vapor deposition process, while the organic layer 43 can be formed using inkjet printing. The organic layer 43 has a certain degree of fluidity; therefore, in this embodiment, the inorganic layer can be connected to the fixing layer 20, forming a more stable bond because both are inorganic materials. The organic layer 43 may include organic insulating materials.

[0086] Optionally, the inorganic layer includes a first inorganic layer 41 and a second inorganic layer 42 stacked sequentially along a direction away from the flexible substrate 10. The first inorganic layer 41 is disposed on the side of the pixel island 30 away from the flexible substrate 10, and the organic layer 43 is disposed between the first inorganic layer 41 and the second inorganic layer 42. At least one of the first inorganic layer 41 and the second inorganic layer 42 is connected to the fixing layer 20.

[0087] In other words, the first inorganic layer 41 and the second inorganic layer 42 in the encapsulation layer 40 can be connected to the fixed layer 20 at the same time, thereby having a larger contact area and improving the overall stability of the structure. Of course, according to the actual connection requirements, one of the first inorganic layer 41 and the second inorganic layer 42 can be connected to the fixed layer 20. This application does not limit this.

[0088] The first inorganic layer 41 may include one or more inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The second inorganic layer 42 may include one or more inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. For example, the materials of the first inorganic layer 41 and the fixing layer 20 may be the same or different. For example, the materials of the second inorganic layer 42 and the fixing layer 20 may be the same or different.

[0089] Optionally, the first inorganic layer 41 covers a portion of the fixing layer 20 and is connected to the fixing layer 20. The first inorganic layer 41 may be located on the side of the fixing layer 20 away from the flexible substrate. Optionally, the second inorganic layer 42 covers the organic layer 43 and the first inorganic layer 41 and extends beyond the edge of the first inorganic layer 41 to connect with the fixing layer 20. This connection method makes the connection between the encapsulation layer 40 and the fixing layer 20 most reliable.

[0090] This invention provides a display panel 100. By setting the fixing layer 20 as an inorganic material and connecting the inorganic layer in the encapsulation layer 40 with the fixing layer 20, the two are made of the same material. Due to the same material properties, the two are easier to bond and the connection is more stable, which improves the overall connection strength and provides a reliable guarantee for the sustainable fixation of the encapsulation layer 40.

[0091] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The flexible substrate 10 includes a first organic substrate 11, an inorganic substrate 13, and a second organic substrate 12 stacked together. The inorganic substrate 13 is disposed between the first organic substrate 11 and the second organic substrate 12. The pixel island 30 is disposed on the side of the second organic substrate 12 away from the inorganic substrate 13. The opening 14 passes through at least the second organic substrate 12. The fixing layer 20 is at least partially located in the opening 14 and is connected to the inorganic substrate 13.

[0092] Optionally, the flexible substrate 10 in this embodiment specifically includes a composite layer structure of a first organic substrate 11, an inorganic substrate 13, and a second organic substrate 12. When an opening 14 is formed on the flexible substrate 10, the depth of the opening 14 can be determined according to actual design requirements, and this application does not limit this. The inorganic substrate 13 may include one or more inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The first organic substrate 11 may include an organic insulating material, such as polyimide. The second organic substrate 12 may include an organic insulating material, such as polyimide. For example, the inorganic substrate 13 and the fixing layer 20 may be made of the same or different materials.

[0093] Since the intermediate layer of the flexible substrate 10 is set as an inorganic substrate 13, and the fixing layer 20 is usually set as an inorganic material to improve the structural strength, the opening 14 can be extended to the position of the inorganic substrate 13 of the flexible substrate 10. When the fixing layer 20 is formed, the fixing layer 20 is deposited on the inorganic substrate 13. Since they are both inorganic materials, they can form a more continuous connection and have higher structural stability.

[0094] If the fixing layer 20 is connected to the inorganic layer in the encapsulation layer 40, that is, the top end of the fixing layer 20 is connected to the inorganic layer and the bottom end is connected to the inorganic substrate 13 of the flexible substrate 10, the fixing layer 20, the encapsulation layer 40 and the flexible substrate 10 form a continuous closed inorganic ring in the thickness direction Z. On the basis of the mutual fusion of materials, the position of the encapsulation layer 40 is further strengthened, so that it is firmly connected to the flexible substrate 10, and the probability of the encapsulation layer 40 shifting and detaching is reduced to the greatest extent.

[0095] Optionally, in order to better achieve the connection stability between the encapsulation layer 40, the fixing layer 20, and the flexible substrate 10, the inorganic layer, the fixing layer 20, and the inorganic substrate 13 can be made of the same inorganic material, such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide. This application does not limit this.

[0096] This invention provides a display panel 100. By setting the flexible substrate 10 as a three-layer composite stacked structure, the opening 14 is extended to the position of the inorganic substrate 13 therein, so that the fixing layer 20 can be connected to the inorganic substrate 13 through the opening 14. While using the opening 14 to improve the structural stability, it is also conducive to the connection between materials, and further improves the connection strength of the fixing layer 20 in the opening 14.

[0097] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display panel 100 also includes a dam structure 60 disposed on one side of the flexible substrate 10, for example, the dam structure 60 may be disposed between the flexible substrate 10 and the encapsulation layer 40.

[0098] The dam structure 60 is disposed on the side of the fixing layer 20 near the pixel island 30, or the dam structure 60 is disposed on the side of the fixing layer 20 away from the flexible substrate 10. The dam structure 60 can be located inside the fixing layer 20 or on top of the fixing layer 20. Its effect is to prevent the encapsulation organic layer from overflowing into the fixing area (i.e., the area where the fixing layer 20 is located) and to prevent the encapsulation inorganic layer from failing to connect with the inorganic layer of the fixing area, thereby causing encapsulation failure.

[0099] The orthographic projection of the dam structure 60 onto the flexible substrate 10 is a closed or open ring structure, and / or the dam structure 60 is arranged around the pixel island 30.

[0100] For example, the surface of the dam structure 60 facing away from the flexible substrate 10 is higher than the surface of the pixel island 30 facing away from the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10. That is, the distance H3 between the surface of the dam structure 60 facing away from the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is greater than the distance H1 between the surface of the pixel island 30 facing away from the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10.

[0101] Considering the fluidity of the organic layer 43 during the molding process of the encapsulation layer 40, in this embodiment, a dam structure 60 is provided inside the area enclosed by the fixed layer 20. The dam structure 60 can also form a closed ring structure on the inside, thereby effectively restricting the flow of the organic layer 43 in the surrounding direction during the molding process of the organic layer 43.

[0102] Of course, depending on the requirements for setting the dam structure 60, the dam structure 60 can be set on the top surface of the fixed layer 20. The dam structure 60 has a certain height and can also form a closed ring structure on the fixed layer 20, thereby effectively restricting the flow of the organic layer 43 in the surrounding directions during the forming process of the organic layer 43.

[0103] Optionally, the height of the dam structure 60 needs to be set to be greater than the height of the pixel island 30; that is, it needs to be ensured that the upper surface of the dam structure 60 is higher than the upper surface of the pixel island 30. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when the thickness of the pixel island 30 is H1, the thickness of the dam structure 60 is H3, and H3 needs to be greater than H1. This effectively blocks the flow of the organic layer 43 during the molding process, reducing the risk of the organic layer 43 failing to block the flow due to it crossing the dam structure 60. This application does not specify the exact height of the dam structure 60; it only needs to function as a barrier to the encapsulation.

[0104] Optionally, the pixel island 30 includes an array layer 31, a pixel definition layer 32, and light-emitting units 33. The array layer 31 is disposed on the flexible substrate 10, and the pixel definition layer 32 is disposed on the side of the array layer 31 away from the flexible substrate 10. The pixel definition layer 32 has multiple pixel openings, and multiple light-emitting units 33 are disposed in the pixel openings.

[0105] Optionally, the distance H2 between the surface of the fixing layer 20 away from the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is greater than the distance between the surface of the light-emitting unit 33 away from the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10.

[0106] For example, the light-emitting unit 33 includes an anode layer, a light-emitting layer and a cathode layer stacked in sequence.

[0107] Optionally, the display panel 100 further includes a support pillar 70, which is disposed on the side of the pixel definition layer 32 opposite to the array layer 31. The dam structure 60 is higher than the surface of the flexible substrate 10 opposite to the surface of the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction of the flexible substrate 10. That is, the distance H3 between the surface of the dam structure 60 opposite to the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z is greater than the distance between the surface of the support pillar 70 opposite to the flexible substrate 10 and the flexible substrate 10 along the thickness direction Z.

[0108] For example, pixel definition layer 32 may include organic insulating material. For example, support pillar 70 may include organic insulating material.

[0109] The dam structure 60 includes part or all of a first portion 61, a second portion 62, and a third portion 63 stacked in the thickness direction Z. For example, the first portion 61 is co-layered with at least a portion of the array layer 31, and / or the second portion 62 is co-layered with the pixel definition layer 32, and / or the third portion 63 is co-layered with the support pillar 70. For example, the thickness of the third portion 63 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is greater than the thickness of the support pillar 70 along the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10. For example, the first portion 61 is co-layered with at least a portion of the inorganic insulating layer and / or organic insulating layer in the array layer 31.

[0110] In this way, the dam structure 60 can be integrally formed with the pixel island 30. While forming each film layer structure of the pixel island 30, the dam structure 60 can be formed simultaneously, so that after being stacked, a complete dam structure 60 is formed, which plays a role in blocking the encapsulation while saving process steps and reducing process costs.

[0111] The first part 61 can be integrally formed when the array layer 31 of the pixel island 30 is formed. The first part 61 can be an array inorganic layer. The second part 62 can be formed when the pixel definition layer 32 is formed, that is, an organic insulating layer is formed. The third part 63 is integrally formed during the formation of the support pillar 70, or it can be an inorganic support layer. After etching to obtain the stacked structure of the first part 61, the second part 62 and the third part 63, the overall dam structure 60 is formed.

[0112] The above molding process is for the purpose of making the pixel island 30 integrally molded. This application does not limit the molding process, and different processes and materials can be used as long as they can play the blocking role of the dam structure 60.

[0113] This invention provides a display panel 100. By setting a dam structure 60 on the inner side of the fixed layer 20, the height of the dam structure 60 can block the molding of the encapsulation layer 40, which is beneficial to the molding of the encapsulation layer 40. At the same time, the dam structure 60 can be integrally molded with the film layer of the pixel island 30, saving process steps and reducing process difficulty and cost.

[0114] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The display panel 100 includes a reinforcing layer 80 disposed on a flexible substrate 10 and between the flexible substrate 10 and pixel islands 30. The pixel islands 30 and / or dam structures 60 are located on the side of the reinforcing layer 80 away from the flexible substrate 10. For example, the pixel islands 30 and dam structures 60 are located on the side of the reinforcing layer 80 away from the flexible substrate 10 in the thickness direction Z.

[0115] For example, the elastic modulus of the reinforcing layer 80 is greater than that of the flexible substrate 10. For example, the hardness of the reinforcing layer 80 is greater than that of the flexible substrate 10.

[0116] Optionally, the reinforcing layer 80 may include organic materials, such as resin materials or acrylic materials, and is disposed on the flexible substrate 10 to support the pixel islands 30. The elastic modulus of the reinforcing layer 80 is greater than that of the inorganic layer in the flexible substrate 10. This is mainly because the array layer 31 in the pixel islands 30 is made of inorganic materials, and the encapsulation layer 40 also contains inorganic layers. During the stretching of the screen, these inorganic rigid materials are easily damaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, a reinforcing layer 80 is disposed on the flexible substrate 10. The reinforcing layer 80, for example, by coating the pixel display area with resin material, strengthens the pixel display area (i.e., the area where the pixel guide is located) and prevents display deformation caused by stretching and bending of the pixel display area.

[0117] The reinforcement layer 80 increases the overall structural strength of the screen, providing better flexibility during stretching or bending, better stress absorption, and protection for the inorganic materials in the pixel island 30 and encapsulation layer 40. Optionally, this application does not specify the exact location of the reinforcement layer 80; it is sufficient to utilize the material properties of the reinforcement layer 80 to increase the overall structural strength of the screen.

[0118] This invention provides a display panel 100. By providing a reinforcing layer 80 on a flexible substrate 10, the display area of ​​the screen has higher structural strength by utilizing the material properties of the reinforcing layer 80, thereby better adapting to the stretching or bending process of the screen and protecting the inorganic materials at various locations, thus improving the overall structural safety performance.

[0119] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 A groove 90 is provided on the flexible substrate 10, and the groove 90 is at least partially located between two adjacent pixel islands 30. The wire 50 is at least partially located on the inner wall and bottom of the groove 90. For example, the wire 50 extends at least partially against the inner wall of the groove 90.

[0120] Considering that adjacent pixel islands 30 are connected by wires 50, the distance between adjacent pixel islands 30 will gradually increase during the stretching process of the screen. In order to protect the wires 50 from breaking during the stretching process, a groove 90 is provided between adjacent pixel islands 30 in this embodiment. When connecting, the wires 50 need to extend into the inner wall of the groove 90, thereby increasing the length of the wires 50 and adapting to the stretching process of the screen.

[0121] When the screen is stretched, the extension length of the conductor 50 is increased due to the function of the groove 90, so that the conductor 50 will not break immediately when stretched, but a certain length buffer is formed. The depth of the groove 90 determines the extension length of the conductor 50. This application does not limit this, and any extension of the conductor 50 can be achieved by means of the groove 90.

[0122] Optionally, the wire 50 is located between the fixing layer 20 and the flexible substrate 10. Optionally, the wire 50 is at least partially located on the inner wall and bottom of the opening 14.

[0123] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the groove 90 on the flexible substrate 10 is a closed or open annular structure, and / or the groove 90 is disposed around the pixel island 30 and the fixing layer 20 along the circumference of the pixel island 30; the fixing layer 20 can be disposed around the pixel island 30, thereby defining the position of the encapsulation layer 40 corresponding to the pixel island 30. At the same time, the groove 90 can also be disposed around the periphery of the fixing layer 20, which is beneficial for the extension of the wires 50 of the pixel island 30 in various directions.

[0124] Optionally, the recess 90 is located on the side of the opening 14 and / or the fixing layer 20 surrounding the recess 90 away from the pixel island 30 surrounding the recess 90.

[0125] For example, at least a portion of the recess 90 is located between adjacent pixel islands 30. Optionally, the display panel is a stretchable display panel. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, for the connection of the wires 50 between adjacent pixel islands 30, the wires 50 can be placed at the bottom of the opening 14 for conductive connection. At this time, the fixing layer 20 can be deposited on the wires 50 in the opening 14. Of course, the fixing layer 20 can also be deposited in the opening 14 first, and the wires 50 can cross the fixing layer 20 at the position of the opening 14, that is, be placed on the fixing layer 20, so as to ensure the connection between adjacent pixel islands 30. This application is not limited to this, as long as an effective connection can be formed between adjacent pixel islands 30.

[0126] Optionally, the wire 50 is located on the side of the fixing layer 20 away from the flexible substrate 10.

[0127] Optionally, there are multiple grooves 90, which are spaced apart from each other; that is, the grooves 90 can be set as multiple ring structures, so that they are interlocked as a whole, and the wire 50 can be extended in a progressive manner under the action of multiple grooves 90.

[0128] It is understandable that the more times the conductor 50 passes through the grooves 90, the better the extension effect. This application does not impose a special limit on the number of grooves 90, which can be determined according to the actual required length of the conductor 50. The figure illustrates this by setting two rings of grooves 90 around each pixel island 30.

[0129] Optionally, the flexible substrate 10 includes a first organic substrate 11, an inorganic substrate 13, and a second organic substrate 12 stacked together. The inorganic substrate 13 is disposed between the first organic substrate 11 and the second organic substrate 12. The pixel island 30 is disposed on the side of the second organic substrate 12 away from the inorganic substrate 13. A groove 90 is disposed on the second organic substrate 12. The depth dimension of the groove 90 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is smaller than the thickness dimension of the second organic substrate 12 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10. For example, the depth dimension of the groove 90 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is equal to half the thickness dimension of the second organic substrate 12 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10.

[0130] The depth dimension of the groove 90 in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10 is smaller than the depth dimension of the opening in the thickness direction Z of the flexible substrate 10. The opening can penetrate the second organic substrate 12.

[0131] Therefore, it can be seen that the groove 90 does not penetrate the second organic substrate 12 on the flexible substrate 10. Thus, while increasing the extension length of the wire 50 by means of the groove 90, it also meets the overall structural strength requirements of the flexible substrate 10, ensuring that the overall structural strength of the flexible substrate 10 is not significantly reduced, and providing stable support for structures such as the pixel island 30. Designers can determine the depth of the groove 90 by comprehensively balancing the required extension length of the wire 50 and the load-bearing strength of the flexible substrate 10.

[0132] This invention provides a display panel 100. By setting grooves 90 around pixel islands 30, the length of the conductors 50 between adjacent pixel islands 30 is extended. The length of the conductors 50 is adjusted by adjusting the depth, number, and other data of the grooves 90, so that the conductors 50 can better meet the stretching requirements of the screen body, providing better safety protection for the conductors 50 and reducing the risk of breakage during stretching.

[0133] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device is provided, including the display panel 100 as described above.

[0134] This invention provides a display panel and a display device. By setting openings on the flexible substrate of the display panel and disposing at least a portion of a fixing layer in the openings, it connects with the corresponding encapsulation layer on the pixel island. When the display panel is stretched, the fixing layer, since it is at least partially filled in the openings, is held in place by the openings, keeping it relatively stationary with the flexible substrate. This ensures that the fixing layer is always located around the pixel island, thereby allowing the encapsulation layer connected to the fixing layer to remain relatively stationary with the corresponding pixel island. This prevents the encapsulation layer from breaking or detaching during the stretching of the screen, thus providing a certain degree of fixation for the encapsulation layer and improving the stability of the pixel island encapsulation. At the same time, the fixing layer can also fix the position and size of the pixel display area, preventing the pixel display area from deforming due to the stretching and bending of the screen, resulting in a more stable display effect.

[0135] Display devices may include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, or in-vehicle displays.

[0136] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel, characterized in that, include: A flexible substrate having openings; A fixing layer, at least a portion of which is disposed in the opening and surrounds a receiving area; Pixel islands are disposed on one side of the flexible substrate and located in the receiving area, and adjacent pixel islands are connected by wires; An encapsulation layer is disposed at least on the side of the pixel island opposite to the flexible substrate and is connected to the fixing layer; The material of the fixing layer includes inorganic materials, and the encapsulation layer includes an inorganic layer and an organic layer stacked together. The encapsulation layer is connected to the fixing layer through the inorganic layer. The flexible substrate includes a first organic substrate, an inorganic substrate, and a second organic substrate stacked together. The inorganic substrate is disposed between the first organic substrate and the second organic substrate. The pixel island is disposed on the side of the second organic substrate away from the inorganic substrate. The opening passes through at least the second organic substrate. The fixing layer is at least partially located in the opening and connected to the inorganic substrate.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the fixed layer is located between adjacent pixel islands.

3. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the fixing layer on the flexible substrate is a closed ring structure, and it is arranged around the pixel island.

4. The display panel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the opening on the flexible substrate forms a closed ring structure and is arranged around the pixel island.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing layer includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part that are connected to each other. The first fixing part is disposed in the opening and the second fixing part is disposed on the side of the first fixing part near the encapsulation layer.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of a portion of the second fixing part on the flexible substrate is outside the orthographic projection of the opening on the flexible substrate, and is located on the side of the flexible substrate closer to the encapsulation layer.

7. The display panel according to claim 5, characterized in that, The orthographic projection of the first fixing part on the flexible substrate is located within the orthographic projection of the second fixing part on the flexible substrate.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The projected area of ​​the first fixing part on the flexible substrate is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second fixing part on the flexible substrate.

9. The display panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The height dimension of the surface of the second fixing part away from the flexible substrate in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate is greater than the height dimension of the surface of the pixel island away from the flexible substrate in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

10. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inorganic layer includes a first inorganic layer and a second inorganic layer stacked sequentially in a direction away from the flexible substrate. The first inorganic layer is disposed on the side of the pixel island away from the flexible substrate. The organic layer is disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer. At least one of the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is connected to the fixing layer.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first inorganic layer covers a portion of the fixed layer and is connected to the fixed layer.

12. The display panel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second inorganic layer covers the organic layer and the first inorganic layer and extends beyond the edge of the first inorganic layer to connect with the fixing layer.

13. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel further includes a dam structure disposed between the flexible substrate and the encapsulation layer. The dam structure is disposed on the side of the fixing layer near the pixel island, or the dam structure is disposed on the side of the fixing layer away from the flexible substrate.

14. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The dam structure, when projected onto the flexible substrate, forms a closed ring structure and is arranged around the pixel island. The surface of the dam structure facing away from the flexible substrate is higher than the surface of the pixel island facing away from the flexible substrate along the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

15. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The pixel island includes an array layer, a pixel definition layer, and light-emitting units. The array layer is disposed on the flexible substrate, and the pixel definition layer is disposed on the side of the array layer away from the flexible substrate. The pixel definition layer has multiple pixel openings, and multiple light-emitting units are disposed in the pixel openings. The display panel also includes a support pillar, which is disposed on the side of the pixel definition layer away from the array layer. The surface of the dam structure away from the flexible substrate is higher than the surface of the support pillar away from the flexible substrate along the thickness direction of the flexible substrate. The dam structure includes a first part, a second part, and a third part stacked in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate. The first part is disposed in the same layer as at least a portion of the array layer, the second part is disposed in the same layer as the pixel definition layer, and the third part is disposed in the same layer as the support column.

16. The display panel according to claim 13, characterized in that, The display panel includes a reinforcing layer disposed between the flexible substrate and the pixel islands, wherein the pixel islands and the dam structure are located on the side of the reinforcing layer opposite to the flexible substrate.

17. The display panel according to claim 16, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the reinforcing layer is greater than that of the flexible substrate.

18. The display panel according to claim 16, characterized in that, The reinforcing layer is made of resin.

19. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible substrate has a groove, which is at least partially located between two adjacent pixel islands, and the wire is at least partially located on the inner wall and bottom of the groove.

20. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The groove, when projected onto the flexible substrate, forms a closed ring structure and is arranged around the pixel island and the fixing layer along the circumference of the pixel island.

21. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The groove is multiple, and the multiple grooves are spaced apart from each other.

22. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The pixel island is disposed on the side of the second organic substrate away from the inorganic substrate, and the groove is disposed on the second organic substrate. The depth dimension of the groove in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate is smaller than the thickness dimension of the second organic substrate in the thickness direction of the flexible substrate.

23. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductor is located between the fixed layer and the flexible substrate, and the conductor is at least partially located on the inner wall and bottom of the opening.

24. The display panel according to claim 19, characterized in that, The groove is located on the side of the opening and / or the fixing layer surrounding the groove away from the pixel island surrounding the groove.

25. The display panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel is a stretchable display panel.

26. A display device, characterized in that, Includes the display panel as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

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