阅读说明：本技术 可拉伸显示面板、可拉伸显示设备和制造可拉伸显示面板的方法 (Stretchable display panel, stretchable display apparatus, and method of manufacturing stretchable display panel ) 是由 王品凡 张嵩 谢明哲 曹方旭 谢春燕 于 2018-12-05 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种具有多个封装岛和连接所述多个封装岛的多个桥的可拉伸显示面板。可拉伸显示面板包括多个发光元件。所述多个封装岛中的对应一个包括所述多个发光元件中的在基底基板上封装在其中的至少一个发光元件。所述多个发光元件中的对应一个包括：第一电极；发光层,其位于第一电极上；以及第二电极,其位于发光层的远离第一电极的一侧。可拉伸显示面板还包括分别通过所述多个桥连接所述多个发光元件的各第二电极的多条连接线。所述多条连接线包括不同于第二电极的材料的材料。(A stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulated islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulated islands. The stretchable display panel includes a plurality of light emitting elements. A corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands includes at least one of the plurality of light-emitting elements encapsulated therein on the base substrate. A corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements includes: a first electrode; a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode located on a side of the light emitting layer away from the first electrode. The stretchable display panel further includes a plurality of connection lines respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges. The plurality of connection lines include a material different from a material of the second electrode.)

1. A stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulated islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulated islands, comprising: a plurality of light emitting elements, a corresponding one of the plurality of package islands including at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements packaged in the corresponding one of the plurality of package islands on a base substrate;

wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements comprises: a first electrode; a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode located on a side of the light emitting layer away from the first electrode;

wherein the stretchable display panel further comprises a plurality of connection lines respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges; and is

The plurality of connection lines include a material different from a material of the second electrode.

2. The stretchable display panel of claim 1, wherein the second electrode in the corresponding one of the plurality of light-emitting elements is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines by a via that penetrates at least through an insulating layer.

3. The stretchable display panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of connection lines comprise a material that is more resistant to corrosion than a material of the second electrode.

4. The stretchable display panel according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stretchable display panel comprises, in the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulated islands:

the base substrate;

a passivation layer on the base substrate;

the at least one light-emitting element in the plurality of light-emitting elements is positioned on one side of the passivation layer away from the base substrate; and

an encapsulation layer encapsulating the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements;

wherein the second electrode in the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating at least the passivation layer.

5. The stretchable display panel according to claim 4, wherein the stretchable display panel further comprises, in the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands: a pixel defining layer defining at least one sub-pixel aperture;

a light emitting layer of the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is located in the at least one sub-pixel aperture; and is

The second electrode in the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating the passivation layer and the pixel defining layer.

6. The stretchable display panel according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of encapsulated islands and the plurality of bridges form a connection network; and is

The stretchable display panel further comprises a first barrier layer located at a perimeter of the connection network.

7. The stretchable display panel according to claim 6, wherein the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulation islands; and is

A corresponding one of the plurality of gaps is surrounded by a portion of the first barrier layer.

8. The stretchable display panel according to claim 6, wherein the first barrier layer has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the second side being located at a side of the first side remote from the base substrate and having a width greater than a width of the first side.

9. The stretchable display panel of claim 1, further comprising a second barrier layer substantially surrounding an area in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands corresponding to one or more of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

10. The stretchable display panel of claim 9, further comprising a pixel defining layer defining a plurality of sub-pixel apertures;

wherein the second barrier layer is positioned on one side of the pixel defining layer away from the base substrate.

11. The stretchable display panel according to claim 9, wherein the second barrier layer has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the second side being located at a side of the first side remote from the base substrate and having a width greater than a width of the first side.

12. The stretchable display panel according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein adjacent ones of a corresponding one of the rows of encapsulation islands are connected together by a corresponding one of the plurality of connecting lines;

the stretchable display panel further includes a plurality of signal lines passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of bridges; and is

The plurality of connection lines and the plurality of signal lines are located at the same layer in the corresponding one of the plurality of bridges.

13. The stretchable display panel according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of connection lines form an interconnected network throughout the plurality of connection islands and the plurality of bridges.

14. The stretchable display panel according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the plurality of bridges are a plurality of encapsulation bridges; and is

The stretchable display panel further includes an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plurality of encapsulation islands and the plurality of encapsulation bridges.

15. The stretchable display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulated islands.

16. The stretchable display panel of claim 15, wherein the plurality of gaps are arranged in a plurality of rows of gaps and a plurality of columns of gaps;

a corresponding one of the plurality of rows of gaps is located between two adjacent rows of encapsulation islands of the plurality of encapsulation islands;

a corresponding one of the columns of gaps is located between two adjacent columns of the plurality of encapsulation islands;

two adjacent gaps in one of the rows of gaps are spaced apart by gaps in a corresponding one of the columns of gaps; and is

Two adjacent gaps in one of the columns of gaps are spaced apart by gaps in a corresponding one of the rows of gaps.

17. A stretchable display device comprising the stretchable display panel of any one of claims 1 to 16, and one or more integrated circuits connected with the stretchable display panel.

18. A method of manufacturing a stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulating islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulating islands, the method comprising: forming a plurality of light emitting elements, a corresponding one of the plurality of package islands being formed to include at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements packaged in the corresponding one of the plurality of package islands on a base substrate;

wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is formed to include: a first electrode; a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode located on a side of the light emitting layer away from the first electrode;

wherein the method further comprises: forming a plurality of connection lines respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges; and is

The plurality of connection lines are formed using a material different from a material of the second electrode.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements are formed by depositing an electrode material by an open mask process.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, prior to depositing the electrode material in an open mask process: forming a barrier layer substantially surrounding one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements located in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a display technology, and more particularly, to a stretchable display panel, a stretchable display apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a stretchable display panel.

Background

In recent years, flexible electronic devices and stretchable electronic devices have been developed. Flexible electronic devices are devices that can be bent or folded, and are typically manufactured by mounting electronic devices on a flexible base substrate. A stretchable electronic device is a device that can be increased in length in one or more dimensions. Stretchable electronic devices may be useful in a variety of applications including display devices and sensor arrays.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides a stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulation islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulation islands, the stretchable display panel comprising: a plurality of light emitting elements, a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands including at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements encapsulated therein on a base substrate; wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements comprises: a first electrode; a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode located on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the first electrode; wherein the stretchable display panel further comprises a plurality of connection lines respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges; and the plurality of connection lines include a material different from a material of the second electrode.

Optionally, the second electrode in the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating at least the insulating layer.

Optionally, the plurality of connecting lines comprise a material more resistant to corrosion than a material of the second electrode.

Optionally, the stretchable display panel comprises, in the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulated islands: a base substrate; a passivation layer on the base substrate; the at least one light-emitting element in the plurality of light-emitting elements is positioned on one side of the passivation layer far away from the base substrate; and an encapsulation layer encapsulating the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements; wherein the second electrode in the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating at least the passivation layer.

Optionally, the stretchable display panel further comprises, in the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands: a pixel defining layer defining at least one sub-pixel aperture; a light emitting layer of the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is located in the at least one sub-pixel aperture; and the second electrode in the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is connected to the corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating the passivation layer and the pixel defining layer.

Optionally, the plurality of encapsulated islands and the plurality of bridges form a connecting network; and, the stretchable display panel further includes a first barrier layer located at a perimeter of the connection network.

Optionally, the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps respectively located between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulated islands; and, a corresponding one of the plurality of gaps is surrounded by a portion of the first barrier layer.

Optionally, the first barrier layer has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the second side being located on a side of the first side remote from the base substrate and having a width greater than a width of the first side.

Optionally, the stretchable display panel further comprises a second barrier layer substantially surrounding a region in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands corresponding to one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements.

Optionally, the stretchable display panel further comprises a pixel defining layer defining a plurality of sub-pixel apertures; the second blocking layer is positioned on one side of the pixel defining layer far away from the base substrate.

Optionally, the second barrier layer has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the second side being located on a side of the first side remote from the base substrate and having a width greater than a width of the first side.

Optionally, adjacent ones of the plurality of rows of package islands are connected together by a corresponding one of the plurality of connecting lines; the stretchable display panel further includes a plurality of signal lines passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of bridges; and the plurality of connection lines and the plurality of signal lines are located at the same layer in the corresponding one of the plurality of bridges.

Optionally, the plurality of connection lines form an interconnection network throughout the plurality of connection islands and the plurality of bridges.

Optionally, the plurality of bridges is a plurality of package bridges; and the stretchable display panel further comprises an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plurality of encapsulation islands and the plurality of encapsulation bridges.

Optionally, the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulated islands.

Optionally, the plurality of gaps are arranged in a plurality of rows of gaps and a plurality of columns of gaps; a corresponding one of the plurality of rows of gaps is located between two adjacent rows of encapsulation islands of the plurality of encapsulation islands; a corresponding one of the columns of gaps is located between two adjacent columns of the plurality of encapsulation islands; two adjacent gaps in one of the rows of gaps are spaced apart by gaps in a corresponding one of the columns of gaps; and two adjacent gaps in one of the columns of gaps are spaced apart by gaps in a corresponding one of the rows of gaps.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a stretchable display device comprising a stretchable display panel as described herein or manufactured by the method described herein and one or more integrated circuits connected to the stretchable display panel.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulation islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulation islands, the method comprising: forming a plurality of light emitting elements, a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands being formed to include at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements encapsulated therein on a base substrate; wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements is formed to include: a first electrode; a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode located on a side of the light-emitting layer away from the first electrode; wherein the method further comprises: forming a plurality of connection lines respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges; and, the plurality of connection lines are formed using a material different from a material of the second electrode.

Alternatively, the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements are formed by depositing an electrode material through an open mask process.

Optionally, before depositing the electrode material in the open mask process, the method further comprises: forming a barrier layer substantially surrounding one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements located in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands.

Drawings

The following drawings are merely exemplary for purposes of illustrating various embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a partial view of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line a-a' in fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first barrier layer in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a second barrier layer in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge of a stretchable display panel showing an arrangement of signal lines and connection lines in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge of a stretchable display panel showing an arrangement of signal lines and connection lines in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an interconnection network formed of a plurality of connection lines in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 12A-12F illustrate methods of manufacturing a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

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

It has been found in the present disclosure that in stretchable display panels, the bridges connecting the encapsulated islands (encapsulated island) are susceptible to damage because the bridges are subjected to frequent bending and stretching. Even if the bridge is encapsulated by the encapsulation layer, the encapsulation layer is prone to damage during use, thereby exposing the connection lines in the bridge.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, among other things, a stretchable display panel, a stretchable display apparatus, and a method of manufacturing the stretchable display panel thereof that substantially obviate one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulation islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulation islands. In some embodiments, the stretchable display panel includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands includes at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements encapsulated therein on the base substrate. Optionally, the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements comprises: a first electrode; a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode located on a side of the light emitting layer away from the first electrode. Optionally, the stretchable display panel further includes a plurality of connection lines respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges. Optionally, the plurality of connection lines comprise a material different from a material of the second electrode.

As used herein, the term "stretchable" refers to the ability of a material, structure, device, or device component to deform (e.g., lengthen and/or widen) under tensile forces without permanent deformation or failure such as rupture, e.g., the ability to elongate at least 10% of its length without permanent deformation, rupture, or breakage. The term is also intended to encompass substrates having components (whether or not the components themselves may be individually stretched as described above) constructed in the following manner: which accommodates a stretchable, expandable, or deployable surface and retains functionality when applied to the stretchable, expandable, or deployable surface stretched, expanded, or deployed, respectively. The term is also intended to encompass substrates that can elastically and/or plastically deform (i.e., after being stretched, the substrate can return to its original dimensions upon release of the stretching force, or the substrate can not return to its original dimensions and in some examples can remain in a stretched form), and can deform (i.e., stretch and optionally bend) during manufacture of the substrate, during assembly of a device incorporating the substrate (which can be considered part of the manufacturing process), and/or during use (e.g., a user can stretch and optionally bend the substrate).

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a partial view of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line a-a' in fig. 2. Referring to fig. 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel has a plurality of encapsulation islands Is and a plurality of bridges Br connecting the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. Optionally, the plurality of encapsulation islands Is and the plurality of bridges Br form an interconnect network. Optionally, the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps G respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. By providing a plurality of encapsulation islands Is and a plurality of bridges Br connecting the plurality of encapsulation islands Is, the currently stretchable display panel may be stretched in various directions.

In some embodiments, the plurality of bridges Br Is made more stretchable than the plurality of encapsulating islands Is. Optionally, the plurality of bridges Br has a young's modulus that Is less than a young's modulus of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. Optionally, a ratio of the young's modulus of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is to the young's modulus of the plurality of bridges Br Is greater than 2, e.g., greater than 3, greater than 4, greater than 5, greater than 7.5, greater than 10, greater than 20, greater than 30, greater than 40, greater than 50, greater than 60, greater than 70, greater than 80, greater than 90, and greater than 100.

In some embodiments, the plurality of encapsulation islands Is and the plurality of bridges Br are encapsulated, e.g., the plurality of bridges Br are encapsulated bridges. In some embodiments, the plurality of encapsulation islands Is are encapsulated while the plurality of bridges Br are not encapsulated, e.g., an encapsulation layer of the stretchable display panel Is limited to regions corresponding to the plurality of encapsulation islands Is and does not extend to regions corresponding to the plurality of bridges Br.

Referring to fig. 3, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel includes a plurality of light emitting elements LE. Each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is includes at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements LE encapsulated therein on the base substrate 10. Optionally, each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is includes a single light emitting element encapsulated therein of the plurality of light emitting elements LE. Optionally, each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is includes a plurality of light emitting elements encapsulated therein of the plurality of light emitting elements LE. Optionally, each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is includes a red sub-pixel, a blue sub-pixel, and a green sub-pixel.

Referring again to fig. 3, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of light emitting elements LE includes: a first electrode 40; a light emitting layer 41 on the first electrode 40; and a second electrode 42 located on a side of the light emitting layer 41 remote from the first electrode 40. In some embodiments, the plurality of light emitting elements LE are a plurality of organic light emitting diodes, and the stretchable display panel is an organic light emitting diode display panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of light emitting elements LE are a plurality of quantum dot light emitting diodes, and the stretchable display panel is a quantum dot light emitting diode display panel. In some embodiments, the plurality of light emitting elements LE are a plurality of micro light emitting diodes, and the stretchable display panel is a micro light emitting diode display panel. The stretchable display panel further includes a plurality of thin film transistors TFT for driving the plurality of light emitting elements LE to emit light. Alternatively, the first electrode 40 is connected to a drain electrode of a corresponding one of the plurality of thin film transistors TFT.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel further includes a plurality of connection lines CL respectively connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements LE through the plurality of bridges Br. In the present disclosure, the plurality of connection lines CL include a material different from that of the second electrode 42. In particular, the plurality of connection lines CL may include a material more resistant to corrosion than a material of the second electrode 42.

It is found in the present disclosure that in stretchable display panels, the bridges connecting the encapsulation islands are susceptible to damage because the bridges are subjected to frequent bending and stretching. Even if the bridge is encapsulated by the encapsulation layer, the encapsulation layer is prone to damage during use, thereby exposing the connection lines in the bridge. By providing the plurality of connection lines CL made of a corrosion-resistant material (e.g., aluminum), the plurality of connection lines CL can operate normally even when the plurality of bridges Br are not encapsulated or an encapsulation layer in the plurality of bridges Br is damaged. Therefore, the stretchable display panel can be made more resistant to oxygen and moisture in the environment, enhancing the lifetime of the stretchable display panel. For example, in some embodiments, the second electrode 42 is made of silver, which is susceptible to corrosion by oxygen or moisture. When the plurality of connection lines CL are formed in the same patterning process using the same material as the second electrode 42, the plurality of connection lines CL are also made of silver. When an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plurality of bridges Br is damaged, the plurality of connection lines CL in the plurality of bridges Br are exposed to an external environment and may be easily damaged.

Further, in some embodiments, the second electrode 42 in each of the plurality of light emitting elements LE is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL through a via hole penetrating at least the insulating layer. Referring to fig. 3, the second electrode 42 in each of the plurality of light emitting elements LE is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL through a via hole v passing through the pixel defining layer 30 and the passivation layer 20.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 4, in some embodiments, the second electrode 42 in each of the plurality of light emitting elements LE is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL through a via hole v penetrating the passivation layer 20.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel includes in each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is: a base substrate 10; a passivation layer 20 on the base substrate 10; at least one light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements LE on a side of the passivation layer 20 away from the base substrate 10; and an encapsulation layer 60 encapsulating the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements LE. In some embodiments, the stretchable display panel further comprises, in each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is: a pixel defining layer 30 defining at least one sub-pixel aperture. The light emitting layer 41 of the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements LE is positioned in the at least one sub-pixel hole. In fig. 3, the second electrode 42 in each of the plurality of light emitting elements LE is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL through a via hole v passing through the passivation layer 20 and the pixel defining layer 30. In fig. 4, the second electrode 42 in each of the plurality of light emitting elements LE is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL through a via hole v penetrating the passivation layer 20.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel further includes a first barrier layer 50. As shown in fig. 1, the plurality of encapsulation islands Is and the plurality of bridges Br form a connection network, at the perimeter of which a first barrier layer 50 Is located. For example, the combination of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is and the plurality of bridges Br (e.g., the stretchable display panel) forms a combined shape, and the first barrier layer 50 Is located at the perimeter of the combined shape.

Referring to fig. 1, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps G respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. Optionally, each of the plurality of gaps G is surrounded by a portion of the first barrier layer 50.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first barrier layer in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 5, in some embodiments, the first barrier layer 50 has a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite each other. The second side S2 is located on a side of the first side S1 away from the base substrate 10 and has a width greater than that of the first side S1. Optionally, the first barrier layer 50 also has a third side S3 and a fourth side S4 facing each other. Each of the third and fourth sides S3 and S4 connects the first side S1 to the second side S2. Alternatively, a cross section of the first barrier layer 50 along a plane perpendicular to the base substrate 10 and parallel to the width direction of the first barrier layer 50 has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape, and a long bottom side of the inverted trapezoidal shape is located on a side of a short bottom side of the inverted trapezoidal shape away from the base substrate 10.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 6, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel further includes a second barrier layer 70 substantially surrounding an area corresponding to one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements LE in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. The term "substantially surrounds" as used herein refers to surrounding at least 50% (e.g., at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, and 100%) of the perimeter of a region.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a second barrier layer in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 7, in some embodiments, the second barrier layer 70 has a fifth side S5 and a sixth side S6 opposite each other. The sixth side S6 is located on a side of the fifth side S5 away from the base substrate 10 and has a width greater than that of the fifth side S5. Optionally, the second barrier layer 70 further has a seventh side S7 and an eighth side S8 facing each other. Each of the seventh side S7 and the eighth side S8 connects the fifth side S5 to the sixth side S6. Alternatively, a cross section of the second barrier layer 70 along a plane perpendicular to the base substrate 10 and parallel to the width direction of the second barrier layer 70 has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape, and a long bottom side of the inverted trapezoidal shape is located on a side of a short bottom side of the inverted trapezoidal shape away from the base substrate 10.

Referring to fig. 6, in some embodiments, the second blocking layer 70 is positioned on a side of the pixel defining layer 30 away from the base substrate 10. By providing the second barrier layer 70, the second electrode 42 may be formed by depositing an electrode material to the base substrate 10 in an open mask process. Due to the shape of the second barrier layer 70, the second electrode 42 formed in the open mask process is separated from the electrode material deposited outside the sub-pixel apertures defined by the pixel defining layer 30 (also defined by the second barrier layer 70).

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 8, the plurality of encapsulation islands Is are arranged as a plurality of rows of encapsulation islands. Optionally, adjacent ones of the plurality of rows of package islands in each individual row are connected together by a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL. Optionally, adjacent ones of the plurality of rows of package islands in different two rows are unconnected, e.g., not connected by any of the plurality of connection lines CL. In particular, this arrangement is particularly suitable when the plurality of connection lines CL and other signal lines in the stretchable display panel are arranged in the same layer in the plurality of bridges Br.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge of a stretchable display panel showing an arrangement of signal lines and connection lines in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 9, in one of the bridges Br, the plurality of connection lines CL and the plurality of signal lines SL are located at the same layer. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bridge of a stretchable display panel showing an arrangement of signal lines and connection lines in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 10, in one of the bridges Br, the connection lines CL and the signal lines SL are located at different layers. Alternatively, the plurality of signal lines SL include a plurality of gate lines. Optionally, the plurality of signal lines SL include a plurality of data lines. Alternatively, the plurality of signal lines SL include a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an interconnection network formed of a plurality of connection lines in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 11 and 1, in some embodiments, the plurality of connection lines CL form an interconnection network throughout the plurality of encapsulation islands Is and the plurality of bridges Br. In particular, this arrangement is particularly suitable when the plurality of connection lines CL and other signal lines in the stretchable display panel are arranged in different layers in the plurality of bridges Br.

Referring again to fig. 1, in some embodiments, the stretchable display panel has a plurality of gaps G respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 1, the plurality of gaps G are arranged in a plurality of rows of gaps and a plurality of columns of gaps. Optionally, each row of the plurality of rows of gaps is located between two adjacent rows of encapsulation islands of the plurality of encapsulation islands, and each column of the plurality of columns of gaps is located between two adjacent columns of encapsulation islands of the plurality of encapsulation islands. Optionally, two adjacent gaps in one of the rows of gaps are spaced apart by a gap in a corresponding one of the columns of gaps; and two adjacent gaps in one of the columns of gaps are spaced apart by gaps in a corresponding one of the rows of gaps.

Optionally, each of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is has a width in a range of about 100 μm to about 1000 μm, for example, in a range of about 100 μm to about 200 μm, in a range of about 200 μm to about 300 μm, in a range of about 300 μm to about 400 μm, in a range of about 400 μm to about 500 μm, in a range of about 500 μm to about 600 μm, in a range of about 600 μm to about 700 μm, in a range of about 700 μm to about 800 μm, in a range of about 800 μm to about 900 μm, and in a range of about 900 μm to about 1000 μm.

Optionally, adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulation islands Is are spaced apart by a distance of less than 100 μm, for example, in a range of about 10 μm to about 100 μm.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a stretchable display device comprising a stretchable display panel described herein or manufactured by the methods described herein. Examples of suitable display devices include, but are not limited to: electronic paper, mobile phones, tablet computers, televisions, monitors, notebook computers, digital photo frames, GPS, and the like. Optionally, the stretchable display device further comprises one or more integrated circuits connected with the stretchable display panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting elements are a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes and the stretchable display device is an organic light-emitting diode display device. In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting elements are a plurality of quantum dot light-emitting diodes, and the stretchable display device is a quantum dot light-emitting diode display device. In some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting elements are a plurality of micro light-emitting diodes and the stretchable display device is a micro light-emitting diode display device.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a stretchable display panel having a plurality of encapsulation islands and a plurality of bridges connecting the plurality of encapsulation islands. In some embodiments, the method comprises: a plurality of light emitting elements are formed. Optionally, the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands is formed to include at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements encapsulated therein on the base substrate. Optionally, forming the corresponding one of the plurality of light emitting elements comprises: forming a first electrode; forming a light emitting layer on the first electrode; and forming a second electrode on the side of the light-emitting layer far away from the first electrode.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: a plurality of connection lines connecting the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements through the plurality of bridges, respectively, are formed. The plurality of connection lines are formed using a material different from a material of the second electrode.

In some embodiments, the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements are formed in a patterning process (e.g., a photolithography process). In one example, an electrode material is deposited on a base substrate, and the electrode material is patterned using a mask to form a plurality of electrode blocks separated from each other. Optionally, each of the plurality of electrode blocks is limited to one of the plurality of encapsulation islands and encapsulated by an encapsulation layer in the one of the plurality of encapsulation islands. Optionally, each of the plurality of electrode blocks constitutes a second electrode for a single light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements. Optionally, each of the plurality of electrode blocks constitutes a second electrode for a plurality of light emitting elements among the plurality of light emitting elements encapsulated in a single one of the plurality of encapsulation islands.

In some embodiments, the second electrodes of the plurality of light emitting elements are formed in an open mask process. In one example, the electrode material is deposited on the base substrate in an open mask process. Optionally, before depositing the electrode material in the open mask process, the method further comprises: forming a barrier layer substantially surrounding one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements located in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands.

In some embodiments, prior to depositing the electrode material for forming the second electrode, the method further comprises forming a via at least through the insulating layer on the base substrate. The second electrode in each of the plurality of light emitting elements is formed to be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating at least the insulating layer. Optionally, an electrode material used to form the second electrode is different from a material used to form the plurality of connection lines. Optionally, the plurality of connection lines are formed using a material more resistant to corrosion than a material of the second electrode.

The plurality of connection lines may be fabricated using various suitable conductive materials. Examples of suitable conductive materials for making the plurality of connecting lines include: metals, alloys, graphene, carbon nanotubes, flexible conductive polymers, and other flexible conductive materials.

Various suitable conductive materials may be used to make the second electrode. Examples of suitable conductive materials for making the second electrode include: various transparent conductive materials (such as metallic materials, including silver) and transparent metal oxides (such as indium tin oxide).

In some embodiments, the base substrate is a flexible base substrate. Various suitable flexible materials may be used to fabricate the base substrate. Examples of suitable flexible materials for making the base substrate include: polyimides, polycarbonates, polyether sulfones, polyethylene terephthalates, polyethylene naphthalates, polyarylates and fiber-reinforced plastics. Optionally, the base substrate is a transparent base substrate. Optionally, the base substrate is a non-transparent base substrate.

In some embodiments, forming each of the plurality of encapsulation islands comprises: a passivation layer is formed on the base substrate. Forming the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements on a side of the passivation layer remote from the base substrate; and forming an encapsulation layer encapsulating the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements. In some embodiments, forming the encapsulation layer includes forming a plurality of sub-layers, including forming one or more inorganic encapsulation sub-layers and forming one or more organic encapsulation sub-layers to enhance the encapsulation ability to prevent oxygen or moisture from entering the display substrate. In one example, forming the encapsulation layer includes: forming a first organic encapsulation sublayer; forming a first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer on the first organic encapsulation sub-layer; forming a second organic encapsulation sub-layer on one side of the first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer, which is far away from the first organic encapsulation sub-layer; and forming a second inorganic encapsulation sub-layer on a side of the second organic encapsulation sub-layer away from the first inorganic encapsulation sub-layer.

Optionally, the step of forming a via includes forming a via that extends through at least the passivation layer; and the second electrode in each of the plurality of light emitting elements is formed to be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating at least the passivation layer.

In some embodiments, forming each of the plurality of encapsulation islands further comprises forming a pixel defining layer defining at least one sub-pixel aperture. The light emitting layer of the at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is formed in the at least one sub-pixel hole. The second electrode in each of the plurality of light emitting elements is formed to be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines through a via hole penetrating the passivation layer and the pixel defining layer.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: a first barrier layer is formed on a base substrate. Optionally, the plurality of encapsulated islands and the plurality of bridges form a connecting network, the first barrier layer being formed at a perimeter of the connecting network.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming a plurality of gaps respectively between adjacent ones of the plurality of encapsulated islands. Optionally, each of the plurality of gaps penetrates the base substrate. Optionally, each of the plurality of gaps extends through one or more structural layers on the base substrate, but at least a portion of the base substrate remains. Optionally, the first barrier layer is formed such that each of the plurality of gaps is surrounded by a portion of the first barrier layer.

In some embodiments, the first barrier layer is formed to have a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the second side being formed on a side of the first side remote from the base substrate and having a width greater than a width of the first side. Alternatively, the first barrier layer is formed such that a cross section of the first barrier layer along a plane perpendicular to the base substrate and parallel to a width direction of the first barrier layer has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape whose long base side is located on a side of a short base side of the inverted trapezoidal shape away from the base substrate.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: and forming a second barrier layer. Optionally, a second barrier layer is formed to substantially surround a region in a corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands corresponding to one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements. Optionally, the second barrier layer is formed on a side of the pixel defining layer remote from the base substrate. Optionally, the second barrier layer is formed to have a first side and a second side opposite to each other, the second side being located on a side of the first side away from the base substrate and having a width greater than a width of the first side. Alternatively, the second barrier layer is formed such that a cross section of the second barrier layer along a plane perpendicular to the base substrate and parallel to a width direction of the second barrier layer has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape whose long base side is located on a side of a short base side of the inverted trapezoidal shape away from the base substrate.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming a plurality of signal lines through each of the plurality of bridges. Alternatively, the plurality of connection lines and the plurality of signal lines are formed in the same layer in each of the plurality of bridges. Alternatively, the plurality of connection lines and the plurality of signal lines are formed in different layers in each of the plurality of bridges.

Various suitable insulating materials and various suitable manufacturing methods may be used to fabricate the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer. For example, the insulating material may be deposited on the substrate and patterned by a Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) process. Examples of suitable insulating materials for making the first and second barrier layers include, but are not limited to: silicon oxide (SiO)_x) Silicon nitride (SiN)_yE.g. Si₃N₄) Silicon oxynitride (SiO)_xN_y). Optionally, the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer are made of an inorganic material.

Fig. 12A-12F illustrate methods of manufacturing a stretchable display panel in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to fig. 12A, a plurality of connection lines CL are formed on a base substrate 10, and a passivation layer 20 is formed on a side of the plurality of connection lines CL away from the base substrate 10. Referring to fig. 12B, a pixel defining material layer 30' is formed on a side of the passivation layer 20 away from the base substrate 10. The pixel defining material layer 30' is formed to define a plurality of sub-pixel apertures. Referring to fig. 12C, a first electrode 40 is formed on a side of the passivation layer 20 away from the base substrate 10, and a light emitting layer 41 is formed on a side of the first electrode 40 away from the base substrate 10. The light emitting layer 41 is formed in one of the sub-pixel holes defined by the pixel defining material layer. A via hole v is formed to penetrate the pixel defining material layer and the passivation layer 20, thereby forming a pixel defining layer 30, as shown in fig. 12C.

Referring to fig. 12D, a first barrier layer 50 is formed at the perimeter of the connection network of the plurality of encapsulation islands and the plurality of bridges as described above, and a second barrier layer 70 is formed at a side of the pixel defining layer 30 away from the base substrate 10. The first barrier layer 50 and the second barrier layer 70 are formed in a single patterning process using a single mask and the same material. As used herein, the term "same layer" refers to a relationship between layers formed simultaneously in the same step. In one example, the first barrier layer 50 and the second barrier layer 70 are located in the same layer when they are formed as a result of one or more steps of the same patterning process performed in the same material layer. In another example, the first barrier layer 50 and the second barrier layer 70 may be formed at the same layer by simultaneously performing the step of forming the first barrier layer 50 and the step of forming the second barrier layer 70. The term "same layer" does not always mean that the thickness of the layer or the height of the layer is the same in the sectional view.

Referring to fig. 12E, an electrode material is deposited on the base substrate 10 in an open mask process, thereby forming the second electrode 42. Due to the presence of the first barrier layer 50 and the second barrier layer 70, the second electrode 42 formed in the open mask process is separated from the electrode material deposited outside the area corresponding to one or more of the plurality of light emitting elements in the corresponding one of the plurality of encapsulation islands. Therefore, patterning of the electrode material is not required. The second electrode 42 is formed to be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of connection lines CL through a via hole v penetrating the pixel defining layer 30 and the passivation layer 20.

Referring to fig. 12F, an encapsulation layer 60 Is formed to encapsulate the plurality of light emitting elements LE respectively located in the plurality of encapsulation islands Is. Thereby, a stretchable display panel is formed. In the stretchable display panel formed by the current method, the plurality of connection lines are formed using a material different from that of the second electrode.

The foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form or exemplary embodiments disclosed. The foregoing description is, therefore, to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its best mode practical application to enable one skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be interpreted in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the terms "invention," "present invention," and the like, do not necessarily limit the scope of the claims to particular embodiments, and references to exemplary embodiments of the invention do not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, these claims may refer to the use of the terms "first," "second," etc. followed by a noun or element. Such terms are to be understood as a meaning and not as a limitation on the number of elements modified by such a meaning unless a specific number is given. Any advantages and benefits described do not necessarily apply to all embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, no element or component in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly recited in the appended claims.