Patent ID: 12232400

It should be understood that the dimensions of various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn according to actual proportional relations. In addition, the same or similar components are denoted by the same or similar reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is in no way intended as a limitation to the present disclosure, its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms, which are not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noticed that: relative arrangement of components and steps, material composition, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in these embodiments, unless specifically stated otherwise, should be explained as merely illustrative, and not as a limitation.

The use of the terms “first”, “second” and similar words in the present disclosure do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are merely used to distinguish between different parts. A word such as “comprise”, “have” or variants thereof means that the element before the word covers the element(s) listed after the word without excluding the possibility of also covering other elements. The terms “up”, “down”, or the like are used only to represent a relative positional relationship, and the relative positional relationship may be changed correspondingly if the absolute position of the described object changes.

In the present disclosure, when it is described that a specific component is disposed between a first component and a second component, there may be an intervening component between the specific component and the first component or between the specific component and the second component. When it is described that a specific part is connected to other parts, the specific part may be directly connected to the other parts without an intervening part, or not directly connected to the other parts with an intervening part.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It should also be understood that terms as defined in general dictionaries, unless explicitly defined herein, should be interpreted as having meanings that are consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant art, and not to be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formalized sense.

Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, these techniques, methods, and apparatuses should be considered as part of this specification.

The inventors have noticed that in the related art, some layers such as cathode extend from a display area to a peripheral area, which results in that water vapor and oxygen are likely to enter the display area through these layers, thereby affecting the display effect of the display panel.

In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide the following technical solutions.

FIG.1Ais a schematic top view showing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.1Bis a schematic cross-sectional view taken along B-B′ shown inFIG.1A.FIG.1Cis a schematic view showing a first orthographic projection and a second orthographic projection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.1Dis a schematic cross-sectional view showing an encapsulation layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be introduced in conjunction withFIGS.1A to1D.

As shown inFIGS.1A and1B, the display panel comprises a base substrate11, a separator12, a cathode13and an encapsulation layer16.

Referring toFIG.1A, the base substrate11comprises a display area111and a peripheral area112surrounding the display area111. Here, the display area111is schematically shown to be substantially in a shape of circle, and the peripheral area112is schematically shown to be substantially in a shape of circular ring. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the display area111may be substantially in an irregular shape such as a heart shape. For example, the display area111may be substantially in a shape of rectangular, and the peripheral area112may be substantially in a shape of rectangular ring. In some embodiments, the base substrate11may comprise a flexible substrate, such as a polyimide (PI) substrate or the like.

A plurality of sub-pixels P of the display panel is located at the display area111. For example, the plurality of sub-pixels P comprises a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel.

The separator12is located at the peripheral area112. Here, the separator12comprises at least one separation portion121at least partially surrounding the display area111.FIG.1Ashows a case where the separator12completely surrounds the display area111. It should be understood that in a case where the separator12comprises a plurality of separation portions121, the plurality of separation portions121is spaced apart from each other in a direction from the display area111to the peripheral area112.

Referring toFIG.1B, each separation portion121comprises a first separation layer1211and a second separation layer1212sequentially stacked on the base substrate11. Referring toFIG.1C, the first orthographic projection1211′ of the first separation layer1211on the base substrate11is within the second orthographic projection1212′ of the second separation layer1212on the base substrate11. In some embodiments, the material of the first separation layer1211comprises aluminum, and the material of the second separation layer1212comprises titanium.

Continuing to refer toFIG.1B, the cathode13comprises a first cathode portion131and a second cathode portion132spaced apart from the first cathode portion131. Here, the first cathode portion131is located on one side of the separator12close to the display area111, and the second cathode portion132is located on one side of the separator12away from the display area111. In other words, two portions of the cathode13located on both sides of the separator12are spaced apart. In some embodiments, the first cathode portion131extends from the display area111to the peripheral area112, and the plurality of sub-pixels P shares the first cathode portion131.

Referring toFIG.1B, the encapsulation layer16is located on one side of the cathode13away from the base substrate11. Referring toFIG.1D, the encapsulation layer16comprises a first inorganic layer161, a second inorganic layer162, and an organic layer163located between the first inorganic layer161and the second inorganic layer162. The edge of the orthographic projection of the first inorganic layer161on the base substrate11, the edge of the orthographic projection of the organic layer163on the base substrate11and the edge of the orthographic projection of the second inorganic layer162on the base substrate11overlap. It should be understood that the term “overlap” here refers to completely overlap. In other words, the orthographic projections of the first inorganic layer161, the second inorganic layer162, and the organic layer163on the base substrate11are the same.

In the above embodiments, the peripheral area112is provided with a separator12comprising at least one separation portion121, each separation portion121comprises a first separation portion1211and a second separation portion1212, and the first cathode portion131and the second cathode portion132of the cathode13located on both sides of the separator12are spaced apart. Such a structure helps to block water vapor and oxygen from entering the display area111through the cathode13, thereby reducing the adverse effect of water vapor and oxygen on the display panel and improving the display effect of the display panel.

In some embodiments, the number of separation portions121in the separator12is greater than or equal to 7, for example, 15, 20, 25, etc. In this way, water vapor and oxygen can be blocked from entering the display area111through the cathode13more effectively, thereby further improving the display effect of the display panel. In some embodiments, the number of separation portions121in the separator12is greater than or equal to 30, for example, 35, 40, 50, etc. In this way, water vapor and oxygen can be blocked from entering the display area111through the cathode13more effectively, thereby still further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In some embodiments, the minimum distance between two adjacent separation portions121in the separator12is greater than or equal to 10 micrometers and less than or equal to 15 micrometers, for example, 12 micrometers, 14 micrometers, etc. In this way, the cathode13can be partitioned into different parts more effectively.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.1C, the edge of the first orthographic projection1211′ does not overlap with the edge of the second orthographic projection1212′. In other words, a side surface of the first separation layer1211close to the display area111is more away from the display area111than a side surface of the second separation layer1212close to the display area111, and a side surface of the first separation layer1211away from the display area111is closer to the display area111than a side surface of the second separation layer1212away from the display area111. Accordingly, it is more helpful to partition the cathode13.

As some implementations, the minimum distance between an edge of the first orthographic projection1211′ away from the display area111and an edge of the second orthographic projection1212′ away from the display area111is 1 micrometer to 3 micrometers, for example, 1.5 micrometers, 2 micrometers, and 2.5 micrometers, etc. Within such a range, a portion of the second separation layer1212that does not cover the first separation layer1211is not likely to collapse, thereby ensuring that the cathode13can be partitioned into different portions, and further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In addition to the first cathode portion131and the second cathode portion132, the cathode13may also be partitioned into more portions, which will be described below in conjunction with different embodiments.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.1B, in addition to the first cathode portion131and the second cathode portion132, the cathode13further comprises a third cathode portion133. The third cathode portion133is located on one side of each separation portion121away from the base substrate11and spaced apart from the first cathode portion131and the second cathode portion132. Such a structure is more favorable to block water vapor and oxygen from entering the display area111through the cathode13, thereby further reducing the adverse effect of water vapor and oxygen on the display panel, and thus further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In other embodiments, the separator12comprises a plurality of separation portions121. Referring toFIG.1B, in addition to the first cathode portion131, the second cathode portion132and the third cathode portion133, the cathode13further comprises a fourth cathode portion134. The fourth cathode portion134is located between two adjacent separation portions121of the plurality of separation portions121and spaced apart from the third cathode portion133. Such a structure is more favorable to block water vapor and oxygen from entering the display area111through the cathode13, thereby further reducing the adverse effect of water vapor and oxygen on the display panel, and thus further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In addition to the cathode13, certain layer or some layers between the cathode13and the base substrate11may also be partitioned into different portions.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.1B, the display panel further comprises a functional layer23located between the cathode13and the base substrate11. Here, the functional layer23comprises at least one of an electron transport layer or an electron injection layer. The functional layer23comprises a first functional portion231and a second functional portion232spaced apart from the first functional portion231. The first functional portion231is located on one side of the separator12close to the display area111, and the second functional portion232is located on one side of the separator12away from the display area111. Similar to the cathode13, the two portions of the functional layer23on both sides of the separator12are also spaced apart. Such a structure is favorable to block water vapor and oxygen from entering the display area111through the functional layer23, thereby reducing the adverse effect of water vapor and oxygen on the display panel and thus improving the display effect of the display panel.

It should be understood that in a case where the functional layer23comprises an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer located between the cathode13and the electron transport layer, the first functional portion131and the second functional portion132each comprises two layers, of which one layer is a part of the electron transport layer, and the other layer is a part of the electron injection layer.

In other embodiments, referring toFIG.1B, the functional layer23further comprises at least one of a third functional portion233or a fourth functional portion234. The third functional portion233is located between the second separation layer1212of the separation portion121and the third cathode portion133, and the fourth functional portion234is located between two adjacent separation portions121and located between the fourth cathode portion134and the base substrate11. Such a structure is more favorable to block water vapor and oxygen from entering the display area111through the functional layer23, thereby further reducing the adverse effect of water vapor and oxygen on the display panel, and thus further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In addition, in a case where the display panel further comprises other layers (for example, an organic cover layer) between the cathode13and the encapsulation layer16, the other layers may also be partitioned by the separator12, thereby further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In addition to the first separation layer1211and the second separation layer1212, each separation portion121may also comprise other layers, which will be described below in conjunction with different embodiments.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.1B, each separation portion121further comprises a third separation layer1213located between the first separation layer1211and the base substrate11. The first orthographic projection1211′ is within the third orthographic projection of the third separation layer1213on the base substrate11. For example, the third orthographic projection may completely overlap with the second orthographic projection1212′ shown inFIG.1C. In some embodiments, the material of the third separation layer1213may comprise titanium.

In other embodiments, referring toFIG.1B, each separation portion121further comprises a support layer1214located between the third separation layer1213and the base substrate11. Here, the first orthographic projection1211′, the second orthographic projection1212′, and the third orthographic projection are within the orthographic projection of the support layer1214on the base substrate11. In this manner, the possibility of collapse of the first separation layer1211, the second separation layer1212, and the third separation layer1213is reduced, and the reliability of the separation portion121is improved, thereby further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In still other embodiments, referring toFIG.1B, each separation portion121further comprises a first conductive portion1215located on one side of the second separation layer1212away from the base substrate11. Here, the orthographic projection of the first conductive portion1215on the base substrate11is within the second orthographic projection1212′. For example, the material of the first conductive portion1215comprises a transparent material, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) or the like. It should be understood that in a case where the separation portion121comprises the first conductive portion1215, the third cathode portion133of the cathode13is located on one side of the first conductive portion1215away from the base substrate11, and the third functional portion233of the functional layer23is located between the first conductive portion1215and the second separation layer1212.

In some embodiments, the display panel further comprises a power line20and a second conductive portion21located at the peripheral area112. The power line20is located between the support layer1214and the base substrate11and the power line20is connected to each separation portion121. The second conductive portion21is located between the separator12and the display area111, and the second conductive portion21is located between the first cathode portion131and the power line20. Here, the second conductive portion21is in contact with the first cathode portion131, and connected to the power line20. In other words, the first cathode portion131is connected to the power line20via the second conductive portion21. For example, the material of the second conductive portion21comprises a transparent material, for example, ITO or the like.

With such a structure, each separation portion121is connected to the power line20which is connected to the first cathode portion131, which helps to discharge static electricity, thereby reducing the adverse effect of static electricity on the display panel, and thus further improving the display effect of the display panel.

Hereinafter, some implementations of the connection between the separation portion121and the power line20will be introduced.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.1B, the display panel further comprises a first insulating layer IL1, a second insulating layer IL2, a third insulating layer IL3, and a fourth insulating layer IL4. Each separation portion121further comprises a first connecting portion CP1, a second connecting portion CP2, and a third connecting portion CP3.

The first insulating layer IL1comprises a first insulating portion IL11located at the peripheral area112, the second insulating layer IL2comprises a second insulating portion IL21located at the peripheral area112, and the third insulating layer IL3comprises a third insulating portion IL31located at the peripheral area112, and the fourth insulating layer IL4comprises a fourth insulating portion IL41located at the peripheral area112.

The first insulating portion IL11is located between the support layer1214and the power line20, the second insulating portion IL21is located between the support layer1214and the first insulating portion IL11, the third insulating portion IL31is located between the support layer1214and the third separation layer1213, and the fourth insulating portion IL41is located between the second separation layer1212and the first conductive portion1215.

The first connecting portion CP1penetrates through the second insulating portion IL21and the first insulating portion IL11and is connected to the support layer1214and the power line20. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion CP1and the support layer1214are integrally provided.

The second connecting portion CP2penetrates through the third insulating portion IL31and is connected to the third separation layer1213and the support layer1214. In some embodiments, the second connecting portion CP2and the third separation layer1213are integrally provided.

The third connecting portion CP3penetrates through the fourth insulating portion IL41and is connected to the first conductive portion1215and the second separation layer1212. In some embodiments, the third connecting portion CP3and the first conductive portion1215are integrally provided. It should be understood that, in a case where the display panel further comprises the third functional portion233, the third connecting portion CP3also penetrates through the third functional portion233.

In the above implementations, the separation portion121is connected to the power line20via the first connecting portion CP1, and various layers in the separation portion121are connected to each other via the second connecting portion CP2and the third connecting portion CP3. The static electricity can be conducted to the power line20more effectively.

Hereinafter, some implementations of the connection between the second conductive portion21and the power line20will be introduced.

In some implementations, referring toFIG.1B, the display panel further comprises a connecting layer22, at least one fourth connecting portion CP4, at least one fifth connecting portion CP5, and at least one sixth connecting portion CP6. In some embodiments, the display panel comprises a plurality of fourth connecting portions CP4, a plurality of fifth connecting portions CP5, and a plurality of sixth connecting portions CP6.

The connecting layer22is located between the second conductive portion21and the power line20and is located between the separator12and the display area111. The connecting layer22comprises a first connecting layer221located between the second conductive portion21and the power line20, and a second connecting layer222located between the second conductive portion21and the first connecting layer221. In some embodiments, the first connecting layer221and the second connecting layer222each comprises a stacked layer, for example, Ti/Al/Ti.

The fourth connecting portion CP4penetrates through the second insulating portion IL21and the first insulating portion IL11and is connected to the first connecting layer221and the power line20. In some embodiments, the fourth connecting portion CP4and the first connecting layer221are integrally provided.

The fifth connecting portion CP5penetrates through the third insulating portion IL31and is connected to the second connecting layer222and the first connecting layer221. In some embodiments, the fifth connecting portion CP5and the second connecting layer222are integrally provided.

The sixth connecting portion CP6penetrates through the fourth insulating portion IL41and is connected to the second conductive portion21and the second connecting layer222. In some embodiments, the sixth connecting portion CP6and the second conductive portion21are integrally provided. It should be understood that, in a case where the display panel further comprises the first functional portion231, the sixth connecting portion CP6also penetrates through the first functional portion231.

In the above implementations, the second conductive portion21is connected to the power line20via the first connecting layer221and the second connecting layer222, which is favorable to reduce the resistance of the connecting layer22and thus improve the uniformity of the power signal applied via the power line20.

It can be understood that the power signal applied via the power line20can be transmitted to the first cathode portion131via the connecting layer22and the second conductive portion21, and then applied to sub-pixels P located at the display area111.

In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first connecting layer221on the base substrate11is within the orthographic projection of the second connecting layer222on the base substrate11. In this way, it is ensured that the second connecting layer222can be connected to the first connecting layer221via the fifth connecting portion CP5, thereby ensuring that the second conductive portion21is connected to the power line20.

It should be understood that certain layer(s) located at the peripheral area112and certain layer(s) of the sub-pixels located at the display area111may be located in a same layer. It should also be understood that certain layer(s) located at the peripheral area112may extend from the display area111to the peripheral area112, which will be described in conjunction withFIG.2.

FIG.2is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sub-pixel in the display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.2, a sub-pixel P comprises a pixel driving circuit, which may comprise a thin film transistor T and a capacitor C. It should be understood that the pixel driving circuit may also comprise other thin film transistors. For example, the pixel driving circuit may comprise six thin film transistors and one capacitor C (6T1C); for another example, the pixel driving circuit may comprise seven thin film transistors and one capacitor C (7T1C).

The thin film transistor T comprises an active layer AT located on one side of the base substrate11, a fifth insulating layer IL5located on one side of the active layer AT away from the base substrate11, a gate GT located on one side of the fifth insulating layer IL5away from the base substrate11, and a first electrode ED1and a second electrode ED2which penetrate through the first insulating layer IL1and the second insulating layer IL2. Here, the first insulating layer IL1is located on one side of the gate GT away from the base substrate11, and the second insulating layer IL2is located on one side of the first insulating layer IL1away from the base substrate11.

The capacitor C comprises a first electrode plate C1located between the fifth insulating layer IL5and the first insulating layer IL1, and a second electrode plate C2located between the first insulating layer IL1and the second insulating layer IL2. It should be understood that the capacitor C further comprises the first insulating layer IL1located between the first electrode plate C1and the second electrode plate C2. For example, the first electrode plate C1and the gate GT may be located in a same layer, that is, formed by patterning a same material layer. As some implementations, the material of at least one of the first electrode plate C1or the second electrode plate C2may comprise metal or alloy.

The sub-pixel P further comprises an anode AND, which is connected to the second electrode ED2of the thin film transistor T via a connecting member CM. The connecting member CM is connected to the second electrode ED2via a via hole that penetrates through the third insulating layer IL3and the first planarization layer PLN1, and the anode AND is connected to the connecting member CM via a via hole that penetrates through the fourth insulating layer IL4and the second planarization layer PLN2. Here, the third insulating layer IL3covers the first electrode ED1and the second electrode ED2and is located on one side of the second insulating layer IL2away from the base substrate11, the first planarization layer PLN1is located on one side of the third insulating layer IL3away from the base substrate11, the fourth insulating layer IL4is located on one side of the first planarization layer PLN1away from the base substrate11, the connecting member CM is located between the first planarization layer PLN1and the fourth insulating layer IL4, the second planarization layer PLN2is located on one side of the fourth insulating layer IL4away from the base substrate11, and the anode AND is located on one side of the second planarization layer PLN2away from the base substrate11.

It should be understood that the sub-pixel P further comprises a light-emitting layer (not shown inFIG.2) located on one side of the anode AND away from the base substrate11and the cathode13shown inFIG.1B. For example, more than one sub-pixel P may share the cathode13.

As some implementations, the material of the active layer AT may comprise one or more of amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO), zinc oxynitride (ZnON), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), amorphous silicon (a-Si), polysilicon (p-Si), sexithiophene and polythiophene. As some implementations, the material of each of the first insulating layer IL1, the second insulating layer IL2, the third insulating layer IL3, the fourth insulating layer IL4, and the fifth insulating layer IL5may comprise inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. As some implementations, the material of each of the first planarization layer PLN1and the second planarization layer PLN2may comprise organic material such as polyimide. As some implementations, the material of at least one of the first electrode ED1or the second electrode ED2may comprise metal or alloy. For example, the first electrode ED1and the second electrode ED1may comprise a stack, which may be Ti/Al/Ti, for example.

FIG.2also shows a pixel defining layer PDL for defining the sub-pixels P and a buffer layer BF in the display panel. The buffer layer BF is located between the base substrate11and the active layer AT and used for blocking water vapor and oxygen from entering the active layer AT.

In some embodiments, the power line20shown inFIG.1Bmay be located in a same layer as the gate GT shown inFIG.2. In some embodiments, the support layer1214and the first connecting layer221which are shown inFIG.1Bmay be located in a same layer as the first electrode ED1and the second electrode ED2which are shown inFIG.2.

In some embodiments, the second connecting layer221shown inFIG.1Bmay be located in a same layer as the connecting member CM shown inFIG.2. In a case where the connecting member CM comprises a stack, the first separation layer1211, the second separation layer1212, and the third separation layer1213which are shown inFIG.1Bmay be respectively located in a same layer as a certain layer in the stack of the connecting member CM.

In some embodiments, the first conductive portion1215and the second conductive portion21which are shown inFIG.1Bmay be located in a same layer as the anode AND shown inFIG.2.

FIG.3is a schematic top view showing a display panel according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that a schematic cross-sectional view taken along B-B′ shown inFIG.3is still as shown inFIG.1B.

As shown inFIG.3, the peripheral area112comprises a bonding area1121and a non-bonding area1122other than the bonding area1121. Here, the bonding area1121surrounds the first edge E1of the edge of the display area111, and the non-bonding area1122surrounds the second edge E2of the edge of the display area111other than the first edge E1. Each separation portion121comprises a first separation portion121A located at the no-bonding area1122and surrounding the second edge E2. It should be noted thatFIG.3only schematically shows one separation portion121, and for the structures of other separation portions121, reference can be made to the separation portion121inFIG.3.

It should be understood that the bonding area1121is used for establishing an electrical connection with an external circuit (for example, a circuit board, an integrated circuit chip, etc.) in a bonding manner. The bonding area1121may be provided with a pad14and other signal line(s). The external circuit can provide a signal to the display panel via the pad114.

It should also be understood that the boundary between the bonding area1121and the non-bonding area1122shown inFIG.3is only schematic. Those skilled in the art understand that the frame size of the bonding area1121is generally greater than that of the non-bonding area1122, that is, the minimum distance between an edge of the bonding area1121away from the display area111and the edge of the display area111is greater than the minimum distance between an edge of the non-bonding area1122away from the display area111and the edge of the display area111. Therefore, according to the frame size, it can be determined that a part of the peripheral area112is the bonding area1121, and the remaining part of the peripheral area112is the non-bonding area1122.

In the above embodiments, the first separation portion121A surrounding the second edge E2can block water vapor and oxygen from entering the display area111via the cathode13, thereby improving the display effect of the display panel.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.3, each separation portion121further comprises a second separation portion121B and a third separation portion121C which are located at the bonding area1121. The second separation portion121B is connected to one end of the first separation portion121A, and the third separation portion121C is connected to the other end of the first separation portion121A. Here, the third separation portion121C and the second separation portion121B both extend in a direction away from the display area111.

It can be understood that the starting point and the ending point of the first separation portion121A extending around the second edge E2are the two ends of the first separation portion121A. The two ends of the first separation portion121A are shown inFIG.3as positions where the first separation portion121A intersects with the two dashed lines.

In addition, although the second separation portion121B and the third separation portion121C shown inFIG.3extend in a same direction, this is not restrictive.

In the above embodiments, each separation portion121further comprises a second separation portion121B and a third separation portion121C located at the peripheral area. Accordingly, water vapor and oxygen can be blocked from entering the display area111via the cathode13more effectively, thereby further improving the display effect of the display panel.

FIG.4Ais a partially enlarged schematic view of the bonding area shown inFIG.3.FIG.4Bis a schematic cross-sectional view taken along C-C′ shown inFIG.4A.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.4A,3and1B, the display panel further comprises the pad14and at least one dam15.

In some embodiments, the display panel comprises a plurality of dams15arranged at intervals in a direction from the first edge E1to the pad14. As shown inFIG.4B, for example, the dam15may comprise a first layer151, a second layer152, and a third layer153that are sequentially located on the third insulating layer IL3. For example, the first layer151may be located in a same layer as the first planarization layer PLN1, the second layer152may be located in a same layer as the second planarization layer PLN2, and the third layer153may be located in a same layer as the pixel defining layer PDL.

The pad14and the dam15are located at the bonding area1121. The dam15is located between the first edge E1and the pad14, and the dam15extends in a direction from the second separation portion121B to the third separation portion121C.

The encapsulation layer16is located on one side of the cathode13and the at least one dam15away from the base substrate11. Here, the orthographic projection of the pad14on the base substrate11is outside the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer16on the base substrate11, and the orthographic projection of the dam15on the base substrate11is within the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer16on the base substrate11. In other words, the pad14is not covered by the encapsulation layer16, and each dam15is covered by the encapsulation layer.

In the above embodiments, the dam15is provided such that the encapsulation layer16extends in a longer path. Accordingly, water vapor and oxygen can be blocked from entering the display area111via the encapsulation layer16more effectively, and the encapsulation effect of the encapsulation layer is improved, thereby further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.4A, the dam15is located between the cathode13and the pad14. Accordingly, the possibility of water vapor and oxygen entering the cathode13is further reduced, thereby further improving the display effect of the display panel.

In some embodiments, referring toFIGS.3and1B, the display panel further comprises a glue portion17, a glue layer18and a cover plate19. As shown inFIG.3, the glue portion17is located at the bonding area1121and located between the dam15and the pad14. As shown inFIG.1B, the glue layer18is located on one side of the encapsulation layer16away from the base substrate11, and the cover plate19is located on one side of the glue layer18away from the base substrate11. The glue portion17can reduce the impact on the pad14when a glue material is filled to form the glue layer18, thereby improving the reliability of the display panel.

It should be understood that the display panels provided by different embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined.

FIG.5is a schematic flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a display panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

At step502, a base substrate is provided. The base substrate comprises a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area.

At step504, a separator located at the peripheral area is formed.

Here, the separator comprises at least one separation portion at least partially surrounding the display area, and each separation portion comprises a first separation layer and a second separation layer sequentially stacked on the base substrate. The first orthographic projection of the first separation layer on the base substrate is within the second orthographic projection of the second separation layer on the base substrate.

At step506, a cathode is formed.

Here, the cathode comprises a first cathode portion located on one side of the separator close to the display area and a second cathode portion located on one side of the separator away from the display area, and the second cathode portion is spaced apart from the first cathode portion.

At step508, an encapsulation layer is formed on one side of the cathode away from the base substrate.

Here, the encapsulation layer comprises a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer, and an organic layer located between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer. The edge of the orthographic projection of the first inorganic layer on the base substrate, the edge of the orthographic projection of the organic layer on the base substrate, and the edge of the orthographic projection of the second inorganic layer on the base substrate overlap.

Hereinafter, some implementations of forming the separator will be introduced in conjunction withFIGS.6A-6CandFIGS.7A-7D. In these implementations, each separation portion further comprises the third separation layer1213, the support layer1214, and the first conductive portion1215introduced above.

As shown inFIGS.6A and7A, at least one initial separator12A is formed on the base substrate11. Each initial separator12A comprises a support layer1214, a third separation layer1213, a first initial separation layer1211A, and a second separation layer1212that are sequentially stacked on the base substrate11. The edge of the orthographic projection of the first initial separation layer1211A on the base substrate11close to the display area111, the edge of the orthographic projection of the second separation layer1212on the base substrate11close to the display area111, and the edge of the orthographic projection of the third separation layer1213on the base substrate11close to the display area111overlap. The edge of the orthographic projection of the first initial separation layer1211A on the base substrate11away from the display area111, the edge of the orthographic projection of the second separation layer1212on the base substrate11away from the display area111, and the edge of the orthographic projection of the third separation layer1213on the base substrate11away from the display area111overlap.

Next, a first conductive portion1215is formed, and at least one of the first side surface S1of the first initial separation layer1211A close to the display area111or the second side surface S2away from the display area111is etched to form a first separation layer1211.

First, some implementations of forming the first conductive portion1215and forming the first separation layer1211will be introduced in conjunction withFIGS.6B-6C.

As shown inFIG.6B, a fourth insulating portion IL41is formed on one side of the second separation layer1212away from the base substrate11. The fourth insulating portion IL41defines an opening V exposing a part of a surface of the second isolation layer1212away from the base substrate11. In addition, after the fourth insulating portion IL41is formed, the first side surface S1and the second side surface S2are exposed.

As shown inFIG.6C, a conductive material layer1215A partially located in the opening V and covering the first side surface S1and the second side surface S2is formed, and then a wet etching is performed on the conductive material layer1215A to obtain the first conductive portion1215partially located in the opening V. Here, the wet etching simultaneously causes at least one of the first side surface S1or the second side surface S2to be etched to obtain the first separation layer1211.

That is, the first conductive portion1215is formed by the same wet etching process for etching the first side surface S1and the second side surface S2.

Hereinafter, other implementations of forming the first conductive portion1215and forming the first separation layer1211will be introduced in conjunction withFIGS.7B-7C.

As shown inFIG.7B, a fourth insulating material layer IL4A covering the first side surface S1and the second side surface S2is formed. The fourth insulating material layer IL4A defines an opening V exposing a part of a surface of the second separation layer1212away from the base substrate11.

As shown inFIG.7C, a conductive material layer1215A partially located in the opening V and covering the fourth insulating material layer IL4A is formed, and then a first wet etching is performed on the conductive material layer1215A to obtain the first conductive portion1215partially located in the opening V.

As shown inFIG.7D, a dry etching is performed on the fourth insulating material layer IL4A to expose the first side surface S1and the second side surface S2. Then, a second wet etching is performed on at least one of the first side surface S1or the second side surface S2to obtain the first separation layer1211.

That is, the first conductive portion1215is formed by another wet etching process different from the wet etching for etching the first side surface S1and the second side surface S2.

FIG.8is a schematic flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a display panel according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS.9A and9Bare schematic top views showing a display panel according to still other embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the method shown inFIG.5further comprises step802to step808shown inFIG.8. In addition, the base substrate11further comprises a sacrificial area113, as shown inFIGS.9A and9B.

Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing a display panel will be described in conjunction withFIGS.8,9A and9B.

At step802, an initial glue portion17A is formed on the sacrificial area113and the peripheral area112. The display area111is within the space SPE defined by the initial glue portion17A. The orthographic projection of the initial glue portion17A on the base substrate11is a regular pattern. Here, the regular pattern may be, for example, a square as shown inFIG.9A, or a rectangle as shown inFIG.9B.

At step804, after the encapsulation layer16is formed, an initial glue layer18A is filled within the space SPE, as shown inFIG.9B.

At step806, a cover plate19is formed on one side of the initial glue layer18A away from the base substrate11. For the cover19, reference may be made toFIG.1B, for example.

At step808, a cutting process is performed to remove the sacrificial area113, a part of the initial glue portion17A located on the sacrificial area113, a part of the initial glue layer18A located above the sacrificial area113, and a part of the cover plate19located above the sacrificial area113to form the display panel shown inFIGS.3and1B. Here, a part of the initial glue portion17A located at the peripheral area112serves as the glue portion17, and the remaining part of the initial glue layer18A serves as the glue layer18.

In the above embodiments, since the initial glue portion17A is formed, the initial glue layer18A may be more uniformly filled, which reduces bubbles in the glue layer18and improves the encapsulation effect of the display panel.

The present disclosure also provides a display device, which may comprise the display panel according to any some of the above embodiments. In some embodiments, the display device may be any product or member having a display function, such as a smart wearable device (for example, a smart watch), a mobile terminal, a television, a display, a notebook computer, a digital photo frame, a navigator, or an electronic paper.

Hereto, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. Some details well known in the art are not described to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure. According to the above description, those skilled in the art would fully know how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are only for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications to the above embodiments and equivalent substitution of part of the technical features can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the following claims.