Display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device, the display device comprising a display panel bent relative to a bending area. A coating layer is disposed below the display panel and may include a resin. A portion of the coating layer adjacent to the bending area may have a thickness that gradually decreases in a direction toward the bending area.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0111532 filed on September 18, 2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device including a foldable display panel. Background Art

[0004] The display device displays various images on a display screen to provide information to the user. Generally, the display device displays information within an assigned screen. In recent years, a flexible display device including a foldable flexible display panel has been developed. Unlike a rigid display device, a flexible display device may be foldable, rollable, or bendable. A flexible display device that can be variously changed in shape can be carried regardless of a typical screen size, thereby improving user convenience.

[0005] The display device may include a display panel, and a film for protecting or supporting the display panel may be disposed under the display panel.

[0006] Due to the thickness of the above-mentioned film, when a portion of the display panel is folded, some portions of the film may contact each other and cause damage to the portions of the film. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device has a structure in which a coating layer disposed under a display panel is not damaged when a portion of the display panel is folded.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the inventive concept, a display device includes a base layer, a light emitting element layer, a driving circuit, and a first coating layer.

[0009] The base layer includes a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion and bent to have a curvature (eg, a predetermined curvature), and a third portion extending from the second portion and facing the first portion.

[0010] The light emitting element layer is disposed on the first surface of the first portion and includes a plurality of light emitting elements.

[0011] The driving circuit is disposed on the first surface of the third portion and is electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting elements.

[0012] The first coating layer is disposed on the second surface of the first portion and includes a first coating portion and a second coating portion extending from the first coating portion and disposed adjacent to the second portion, and the second coating portion has a thickness smaller than that of the first coating portion.

[0013] In embodiments, the first coating layer may contact the second surface of the first portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first coating layer may include a resin.

[0015] In an embodiment, the thickness of the second coating portion may gradually decrease in a direction toward the second portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, an end portion of the second coating portion may have a chamfered shape in cross section.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a second coating layer disposed on the second surface of the third portion, and the second coating layer includes a third coating portion and a fourth coating portion extending from the third coating portion and disposed adjacent to the second portion, and the fourth coating portion may have a thickness less than that of the third coating portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second coating layer may contact the second surface of the third portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second coating layer may include a resin.

[0020] In an embodiment, the thickness of the fourth coating portion may gradually decrease in a direction toward the second portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, an end portion of the fourth coating portion may have a chamfered shape in a cross section.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first coating layer may contact only the first portion of the base layer, and the second coating layer may contact only the third portion of the base layer.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first coating layer and the second coating layer may face each other.

[0024] In an embodiment, each of the thickness of the first coating portion and the thickness of the third coating portion may be about 75 μm or more and about 100 μm or less.

[0025] In an embodiment, at least one of the first coating layer and the second coating layer may include a plurality of sub-coating layers.

[0026] In an embodiment, at least one of said sub-coating layers comprises carbon or graphite.

[0027] In an embodiment, the thickness of the first coating layer can be deformed by heat applied from the outside by about 5 μm or more and about 20 μm or less.

[0028] In an embodiment, the first coating layer is not thermally deformed by heat of about 120° C. or more and about 180° C. or less.

[0029] In an embodiment, the plurality of sub-coating layers may have different lengths from each other.

[0030] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display device includes a base layer, a circuit layer, a light emitting element layer, and a first coating layer.

[0031] The base layer includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. Here, the first surface includes a first area, a second area extending from the first area, and a third area extending from the second area, and the second surface includes a fourth area opposite to the first area, a fifth area opposite to the second area, and a sixth area opposite to the third area.

[0032] The circuit layer contacts the first surface and includes a plurality of transistors and signal lines electrically connected to the plurality of transistors.

[0033] The light emitting element layer includes a plurality of light emitting elements electrically connected to the plurality of transistors and overlaps the first region.

[0034] The first coating layer contacts the fourth region and includes a portion having a thickness gradually decreasing in a direction toward the fifth region.

[0035] In an embodiment, the display device further includes a second coating layer contacting the sixth region and including a portion having a thickness gradually decreasing in a direction toward the fifth region.

[0036] In an embodiment, each of the second region and the fifth region is bent to have a curvature.

[0037] In an embodiment, at least one of the first coating layer and the second coating layer includes a plurality of sub-coating layers.

[0038] In an embodiment, at least one of said sub-coating layers comprises carbon or graphite. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description are used to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0041] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Each of them shows Figure 1 A view showing a state in which the display device can be folded;

[0042] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0043] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are cross-sectional views respectively illustrating display modules according to embodiments of the inventive concept;

[0044] Figure 5 is a view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0045] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a pixel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0046] Figure 7 is an exemplary illustration of the application to Figure 6 A view of a light emitting control signal and a scanning signal of a pixel in FIG.

[0047] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a pixel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0048] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a view exemplarily illustrating a display panel and a coating layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0049] Fig.10 The present invention is exemplarily shown in the embodiment of the present invention. Fig.9A A view of the coating in FIG. 1 ; and

[0050] Figures 11 to 13 are views each illustrating a coating layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Herein, some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of components may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration.As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0053] As used herein, “includes” or “comprising” specifies an attribute, a fixed number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, or a combination thereof, but does not exclude other attributes, other fixed numbers, other steps, other operations, other elements, other components, or a combination thereof.

[0054] When an element is described as being associated with another element, such as being “on” another element or being “located on” a different element or layer, this includes the case where the element is directly on the other element or layer and the case where the element is on the other element via another layer or yet another element. In contrast, when an element is described as being associated with another element, such as being “directly on” another element or being “directly on” a different element or layer, this means the case where the element is on the other element or layer with no intervening elements or layers therebetween.

[0055] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or like parts.

[0056] It will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, a component, a region, a layer or a part from another element, another component, another region, another layer or another part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below may be named as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0057] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," or "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as "below" or "below" other elements or other features would subsequently be positioned as "above" the other elements or other features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may encompass both "above" and "below" orientations. The device may be otherwise positioned (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0058] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept belong. It will be further understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0060] Figure 1 2 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 1 As shown, the display surface IS on which the image IM is displayed is parallel to the surface defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. The normal direction of the display surface IS, that is, the thickness direction of the display device DD, is indicated by the third direction axis DR3. The front surface (or top surface) and the rear surface (or bottom surface) of each component are distinguished by the third direction axis DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 may be relative concepts and may change relative to each other. Herein, the first direction to the third direction may be the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3, and may be represented by the same reference numerals, respectively.

[0061] The display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a foldable display device. The display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention may be used for large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, and small and medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation units, game consoles, and smart watches.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the display surface IS of the display device DD may include a plurality of regions. The display device DD includes a display region DD-DA on which an image IM is displayed and a non-display region DD-NDA disposed adjacent to the display region DD-DA. The non-display region DD-NDA may be a region on which no image is displayed. Figure 1An application icon and a clock window are shown as examples of the image IM. In an embodiment, the display area DD-DA may have a rectangular shape, and the non-display area DD-NDA may surround the display area DD-DA. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA may be variously designed in shape.

[0063] The display device DD may include a housing HS. The housing HS may be disposed at the outside of the display device DD and accommodate components in the housing HS.

[0064] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Each of which is exemplarily shown Figure 1 A view of a state in which the display device DD can be folded.

[0065] Reference Figure 2A , the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be folded inwardly with respect to the bending axis BX. Figure 2B , the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be folded outwardly with respect to the bending axis BX. Figure 2C , the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be folded inward from the end of the display device DD. Figure 2D , the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be folded outward from the end of the display device DD. Figure 2E , the display device DD according to the embodiment of the inventive concept can be folded in a diagonal direction. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E A method of folding a display device DD is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 8 , but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0066] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 4A and Figure 4B 2 are cross-sectional views respectively illustrating display modules DM and DM- 1 according to embodiments of the inventive concept. Figure 3 A cross section defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 is shown.

[0067] The display device DD may include a display module DM, first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 , a coating layer BF, a shock absorbing member CSH, a supporting member PT, and first to fifth adhesive members AD1 to AD5 .

[0068] In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first to fifth adhesive members AD1 to AD5 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0069] First to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be disposed over the display module DM.

[0070] The first functional layer FC1 may be attached to the display module DM by the first adhesive member AD1. The second functional layer FC2 may be attached to the first functional layer FC1 by the second adhesive member AD2. The third functional layer FC3 may be attached to the second functional layer FC2 by the third adhesive member AD3.

[0071] Each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may include a polymer material. Each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be a film type. In an embodiment, each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may have a modulus of about 2 GPa or more and about 100 GPa or less.

[0072] In an embodiment, each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may have a thickness of about 35 μm or more and about 60 μm or less. When each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 has a thickness less than about 35 μm, the performance of the originally intended function may deteriorate, and when each of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 has a thickness greater than about 60 μm, the flexibility of the display device DD may decrease. In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the first functional layer FC1 may be a polarizing functional layer that polarizes incident light. The second functional layer FC2 may be an impact absorbing functional layer for absorbing impact applied from the outside. The third functional layer FC3 may be a window functional layer that provides an external shape of the display device DD. In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, one or more of the first to third functional layers FC1 to FC3 may be omitted.

[0073] A coating layer BF, a shock absorbing member CSH, and a supporting member PT are disposed under the display module DM.

[0074] In an embodiment, the coating layer BF may be directly attached to the display module DM. The coating layer BF may include a polymer material. For example, the coating layer BF may include an acrylate-based material, polyurethane, or polyethylene. However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. FIG. 9A to FIG. 10 The coating layer BF is described in more detail.

[0075] The shock absorbing member CSH may be attached to the coating layer BF through the fourth adhesive member AD4. The shock absorbing member CSH may include a polymer material. The shock absorbing member CSH may be a layer for absorbing shock applied from the outside.

[0076] The supporting member PT may be attached to the shock absorbing member CSH by a fifth adhesive member AD5. The supporting member PT may support the display module DM. In an embodiment, the supporting member PT may include a hinge (not shown) for folding or bending the display module DM. The supporting member PT may have a rigid property.

[0077] Reference Figure 4A , the display module DM may include a display panel DP and an input sensing circuit ISC. The input sensing circuit ISC may detect a touch and / or pressure applied from the outside.

[0078] The input sensing circuit ISC may be directly disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer (not shown) of the display panel DP. Here, the feature of "directly disposed" means that the input sensing circuit ISC is disposed on the display panel DP without an additional adhesive member between the input sensing circuit ISC and the display panel DP.

[0079] Reference Figure 4B , a display module DM-1 according to another embodiment may include a display panel DP, an input sensing circuit ISC, and a sixth adhesive member AD6. The display panel DP and the input sensing circuit ISC may be attached by the sixth adhesive member AD6.

[0080] Figure 5 is a view illustrating a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0081] On a plane, the display panel DP includes a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. In an embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined along an edge of the display area DP-DA. The display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP correspond to Figure 1 The display device DD in FIG. 2 includes a display area DD-DA and a non-display area DD-NDA.

[0082] The display panel DP may include a scan driving unit 100, a data driving unit 200, a plurality of scan lines SL, a plurality of emission control lines ECL, a plurality of data lines DL, a plurality of power lines PL, and a plurality of pixels PX (hereinafter referred to as pixels). The pixels PX are arranged on the display area DP-DA. Each pixel PX includes an organic light emitting element OLED (refer to Figure 6 ) and a pixel circuit CC connected to the organic light emitting element OLED (see Figure 6 ).

[0083] The scan driving unit 100 may include a scan driving part and a light emission control driving part.

[0084] The scan driving part generates a scan signal, and the generated scan signal is sequentially output to the scan lines SL. The light emission control driving part generates a light emission control signal, and outputs the generated light emission control signal to the light emission control lines ECL.

[0085] In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the scan driving part and the light emission control driving part may be integrated into one circuit without being separated from each other in the scan driving unit 100 .

[0086] The scan driving unit 100 may include a plurality of thin film transistors formed by the same process as a driving circuit of each pixel PX, such as a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process.

[0087] The data driving unit 200 outputs a data signal to the data line DL. The data signal is an analog voltage corresponding to a gradation value of image data.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data driving unit 200 may be directly mounted to the display panel DP. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention, the data driving unit 200 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (not shown), and the printed circuit board (not shown) may be connected to a pad provided on one end of the data line DL.

[0089] The scan lines SL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1 crossing the second direction DR2. Although in embodiments of the inventive concept, the second direction DR2 and the first direction DR1 may be perpendicular to each other, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto.

[0090] The light emission control lines ECL may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. That is, each of the light emission control lines ECL may be arranged to be parallel to a corresponding scan line of the scan lines SL.

[0091] The data lines DL may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be arranged in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. The data lines DL may provide data signals to corresponding pixels PX.

[0092] The power lines PL extend in the first direction DR1 and are arranged in the second direction DR2. The power lines PL may provide the first voltage ELVDD to the corresponding pixels PX.

[0093] Each of the plurality of pixels PX is connected to a corresponding scan line among the scan lines SL, a corresponding light emission control line among the light emission control lines ECL, a corresponding data line among the data lines DL, and a corresponding power line among the power lines PL.

[0094] The non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may include a bending area BA. When the display panel DP is bent relative to the bending area BA, the surface area of ​​the non-display area DP-NDA may be reduced to provide a display device DD having a narrow frame on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. That is, a display device DD having a narrow frame on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be provided. Figure 1 The non-display area DD-NDA in the display device DD has a small surface area.

[0095] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a pixel PX according to an embodiment of the inventive concept; and Figure 7 is an exemplary illustration of the Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the light emission control signal Ei of the pixel PX and the scanning lines Si-1, Si, and Si+1. Figure 6 , a pixel PX connected to an i-th scan line SLi and an i-th emission control line ECLi is exemplarily shown.

[0096] The pixel PX may include an organic light emitting element OLED and a pixel circuit CC. The pixel circuit CC may include first to seventh transistors T1 to T7 and a capacitor CP. The pixel circuit CC controls the amount of current flowing through the organic light emitting element OLED in response to a data signal.

[0097] The organic light emitting element OLED may emit light having brightness (eg, predetermined brightness) in response to the amount of current supplied from the pixel circuit CC. To this end, the first voltage ELVDD may have a level greater than that of the second voltage ELVSS.

[0098] Each of the first to seventh transistors T1 to T7 may include an input electrode (or source electrode), an output electrode (or drain electrode), and a control electrode (or gate electrode). In this specification, for convenience, one of the input electrode and the output electrode may be referred to as a first electrode, and the other may be referred to as a second electrode.

[0099] The first transistor T1 includes a first electrode connected to the first voltage ELVDD through a fifth transistor T5 and a second electrode connected to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED through a sixth transistor T6. In this specification, the first transistor T1 may be referred to as a driving transistor.

[0100] The first transistor T1 controls the amount of current flowing through the organic light emitting element OLED in response to a voltage applied to the control electrode.

[0101] The second transistor T2 is connected between the data line DL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. In addition, the control electrode of the second transistor T2 is connected to the i-th scan line. When the i-th scan signal Si is provided to the i-th scan line SLi, the second transistor T2 is turned on and electrically connects the data line DL to the first electrode of the first transistor T1.

[0102] The third transistor T3 is connected between the second electrode and the control electrode of the first transistor T1. The control electrode of the third transistor T3 is connected to the i-th scan line SLi. When the i-th scan signal Si is provided to the i-th scan line SLi, the third transistor T3 is turned on and the second electrode of the first transistor T1 is electrically connected to the control electrode. Therefore, when the third transistor T3 is turned on, the first transistor T1 is connected in a diamond form.

[0103] The fourth transistor T4 is connected between the node ND and the initialization voltage generating unit (not shown). In addition, the control electrode of the fourth transistor T4 is connected to the i-1th scan line SLi-1. When the i-1th scan signal Si-1 is supplied to the i-1th scan line SLi-1, the fourth transistor T4 is turned on and the initialization voltage V int Provided to node ND.

[0104] The fifth transistor T5 is connected between the power line PL and the first electrode of the first transistor T1. A control electrode of the fifth transistor T5 is connected to the i-th light emission control line ECLi.

[0105] The sixth transistor T6 is connected between the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. In addition, the control electrode of the sixth transistor T6 is connected to the i-th light emission control line ECLi.

[0106] The seventh transistor T7 is connected between the initialization voltage generating component (not shown) and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. In addition, the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is connected to the i+1th scan line SLi+1. When the i+1th scan signal Si+1 is provided to the i+1th scan line SLi+1, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on and the initialization voltage V int Provided to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0107] The seventh transistor T7 can improve the black performance of the pixel PX. Specifically, when the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the parasitic capacitor (not shown) of the organic light emitting element OLED is discharged. Then, when black brightness is achieved, the organic light emitting element OLED may not emit light due to the leakage current from the first transistor T1, and thus, the black performance can be improved.

[0108] In addition, despite Figure 6The control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 is connected to the i+1th scan line SLi+1, but the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the control electrode of the seventh transistor T7 may be connected to the i-th scan line SLi or the i-1th scan line SLi-1.

[0109] although Figure 6 It is illustrated with respect to PMOS, but embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel PX may include an NMOS. In another embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixel PX may include a combination of an NMOS and a PMOS.

[0110] The capacitor CP is disposed between the power line PL and the node ND. The capacitor CP stores a voltage corresponding to the data signal. When the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on, the amount of current flowing through the first transistor T1 may be determined based on the voltage stored in the capacitor CP.

[0111] However, the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited to Figure 6 In other embodiments of the present inventive concept, in order to allow the organic light emitting element OLED to emit light, the pixel PX may be implemented in any of various shapes.

[0112] Reference Figure 7 , the light emission control signal Ei may have a high level E-HIGH or a low level E-LOW. Each of the scan signals SLi-1, SLi, and SLi+1 may have a high level S-HIGH or a low level S-LOW.

[0113] When the light emission control signal Ei has a high level E-HIGH, the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned off. When the fifth transistor T5 is turned off, the first electrode of the first transistor T1 is electrically disconnected from the power line PL. When the sixth transistor T6 is turned off, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 is electrically disconnected from the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED. Therefore, the organic light emitting element OLED does not emit light during a period in which the light emission control signal Ei having a high level E-HIGH is supplied to the i-th light emission control line ECLi.

[0114] Afterwards, when the i-1th scan signal Si-1 supplied to the i-1th scan line SLi-1 has a low level S-LOW, the fourth transistor T4 is turned on. When the fourth transistor T4 is turned on, the initialization voltage V int Provided to node ND.

[0115] When the i-th scan signal Si supplied to the i-th scan line SLi has a low level S-LOW, the second transistor T2 and the third transistor T3 are turned on.

[0116] When the second transistor T2 is turned on, the data signal is supplied to the first electrode of the first transistor T1. Here, since the node ND is initialized by the voltage V int Initialization occurs, so the first transistor T1 is turned on. When the first transistor T1 is turned on, a voltage corresponding to the data signal is supplied to the node ND. Here, the capacitor CP stores a voltage corresponding to the data signal.

[0117] When the i+1th scan signal Si+1 supplied to the i+1th scan line SLi+1 has the low level S-LOW, the seventh transistor T7 is turned on.

[0118] When the seventh transistor T7 is turned on, the initialization voltage V int The anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED is supplied, and the parasitic capacitor of the organic light emitting element OLED is discharged.

[0119] When the light emitting control signal Ei supplied to the light emitting control line ECLi has a low level E-LOW, the fifth transistor T5 and the sixth transistor T6 are turned on. When the fifth transistor T5 is turned on, the first voltage ELVDD is supplied to the first electrode of the first transistor T1. When the sixth transistor T6 is turned on, the second electrode of the first transistor T1 and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting element OLED are electrically connected to each other. Then, the organic light emitting element OLED generates light having a brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied (e.g., a predetermined brightness).

[0120] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a pixel PX according to an embodiment of the inventive concept (see FIG. Figure 6 ). Figure 8 Although the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 are exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , the embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to the structures of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2. Figure 8 The second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 directly contacts the anode electrode AE ​​of the organic light emitting element OLED, but this diagram only shows the cross-sectional shape. In an embodiment, the first transistor T1 can be connected to the anode electrode AE ​​of the organic light emitting element OLED through the sixth transistor T6, such as Figure 6 However, embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, the second electrode ED2 of the first transistor T1 directly contacts the anode electrode AE ​​of the organic light emitting element OLED.

[0121] Display panel DP (see Figure 5 ) may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer CL, a light emitting element layer ELL and an encapsulation layer TFE.

[0122] The circuit layer CL may include a buffer layer BFL, first and second gate insulating layers GI1 and GI2 , an interlayer insulating layer ILD, a circuit insulating layer VIA, and first and second transistors T1 and T2 .

[0123] The light emitting element layer ELL may include an organic light emitting element OLED and a pixel defining layer PDL.

[0124] The encapsulation layer TFE may seal the light emitting element layer ELL to protect the light emitting element layer ELL from external oxygen or moisture.

[0125] The buffer layer BFL is disposed on one surface of the base layer BL.

[0126] The buffer layer BFL prevents or substantially prevents impurities present in the base layer BL from being introduced into the pixel PX during a manufacturing process. Specifically, the buffer layer BFL prevents or substantially prevents impurities from diffusing into active portions ACL of the first and second transistors T1 and T2 constituting the pixel PX.

[0127] When the base layer BL is thermally decomposed, impurities may be introduced from the outside or may be generated. The impurities may include gas or sodium discharged from the base layer BL. In addition, the buffer layer BFL blocks moisture from being introduced into the pixel PX from the outside.

[0128] The active portion ACL constituting each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. In an embodiment, each active portion ACL may include amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon. In an embodiment, each active portion ACL may include a metal oxide semiconductor.

[0129] Each of the active portions ACL may include a channel region, which serves as a channel through which electrons or holes are movable, and first and second ion doping regions, which are disposed between the first and second ion doping regions.

[0130] The first gate insulating layer GI1 covering the active portion ACL is disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first gate insulating layer GI1 includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The first gate insulating layer GI1 may include a plurality of inorganic thin films. The plurality of inorganic thin films may include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0131] The control electrode GE1 constituting each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 is disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The control electrode GE1 of the first transistor T1 may be one of two electrodes constituting the capacitor CP. Figure 5 ) and the light emission control line ECL (see Figure 5) may be disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1.

[0132] The second gate insulating layer GI2 covering the control electrode GE1 is disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1. The second gate insulating layer GI2 includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The second gate insulating layer GI2 may include a plurality of inorganic thin films. The plurality of inorganic thin films may include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0133] The capacitor CP (see Figure 6 The other electrode GE2 of the two electrodes ) may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2. That is, in the embodiment, the electrode GE1 disposed on the first gate insulating layer GI1 and the electrode GE2 disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2 overlap each other to provide Figure 6 However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to the arrangement structure of electrodes constituting the capacitor CP.

[0134] The interlayer insulating layer ILD covering the electrode GE2 is disposed on the second gate insulating layer GI2. The interlayer insulating layer ILD includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The interlayer insulating layer ILD may include a plurality of inorganic thin films. The plurality of inorganic thin films may include a silicon nitride layer and a silicon oxide layer.

[0135] Data line DL (see Figure 5 ) and the power line PL (see Figure 5 ) may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 of each of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0136] The first and second electrodes ED1 and ED2 may be respectively connected to corresponding active portions ACL through vias penetrating the first and second gate insulating layers GI1 and GI2 and the interlayer insulating layer ILD.

[0137] A circuit insulating layer VIA covering the first electrode ED1 and the second electrode ED2 is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The circuit insulating layer VIA includes an organic layer and / or an inorganic layer. The circuit insulating layer VIA may provide a planarized surface.

[0138] The pixel defining layer PDL and the organic light emitting element OLED are disposed on the circuit insulating layer VIA.

[0139] The organic light emitting element OLED may include an anode electrode AE, a hole control layer HL, a light emitting layer EML, an electron control layer EL, and a cathode electrode CE.

[0140] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B2 is a view exemplarily showing a display panel DP and a coating layer BF according to an embodiment of the inventive concept; Fig.10 It is exemplarily shown Fig.9A View of the coating layer BF.

[0141] Fig.9A shows the display panel DP and the coating layer BF before assembling the display device DD; Fig. 9B The display panel DP and the coating layer BF after assembling the display device DD are shown. The coating layer BF may include a first coating layer BF1 and a second coating layer BF2.

[0142] Reference Figure 5 , Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the bending area BA of the display panel DP is bent, such as Fig. 9B shown.

[0143] The base layer BL may include a first portion BLS1 , a second portion BLS2 extending from the first portion BLS1 , and a third portion BLS3 extending from the second portion BLS2 .

[0144] The base layer BL may include a first surface SF1 and a second surface SF2. The first surface SF1 and the second surface SF2 may be separated from each other. The first surface SF1 may include a first area AR1, a second area AR2 extending from the first area AR1, and a third area AR3 extending from the second area AR2. The second surface SF2 may include a fourth area AR4 opposite to the first area AR1, a fifth area AR5 opposite to the second area AR2 and extending from the fourth area AR4, and a sixth area AR6 opposite to the third area AR3 and extending from the fifth area AR5.

[0145] The circuit layer CL may contact the first surface SF1 of the base layer BL.

[0146] The light emitting element layer ELL may be disposed on the circuit layer CL and overlap the first area AR1. The first coating layer BF1 may contact the fourth area AR4.

[0147] The second portion BLS2 may correspond to the bending area BA. The second portion BLS2 may be bent to have a curvature (eg, a predetermined curvature).

[0148] The data driving unit 200 may be disposed to overlap the third area AR3. The second coating layer BF2 may contact the sixth area AR6.

[0149] Reference Fig.10, the first coating layer BF1 may include a first coating portion BFS1 and a second coating portion BFS2. The second coating portion BFS2 may be disposed closer to a second portion BLS2 of the base layer BL than the first coating portion BFS1.

[0150] The first coating portion BFS1 may have a first thickness WD1, and the second coating portion BFS2 may have a second thickness WD2. The second thickness WD2 is smaller than the first thickness WD1. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first thickness WD1 may be about 75 μm or more and about 100 μm or less.

[0151] In an embodiment, the first thickness WD1 of the first coating portion BFS1 may be constant in the first direction DR1.

[0152] On the other hand, the second thickness WD2 of the second coating portion BFS2 may gradually decrease in the first direction DR1 in a direction toward the second portion BLS2 of the base layer BL. Therefore, in a cross section, one end of the second coating portion BFS2 may have a chamfered shape.

[0153] In an embodiment, the first coating layer BF1 may be printed on the second surface of the first portion BLS1 by a coating device in an inkjet printing method. Therefore, the second thickness WD2 may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of the coating solution sprayed from the coating device.

[0154] The second coating layer BF2 may include a third coating portion BFS3 and a fourth coating portion BFS4. The fourth coating portion BFS4 may be disposed closer to the second portion BLS2 of the base layer BL than the third coating portion BFS3.

[0155] The third coating portion BFS3 may have a third thickness WD3, and the fourth coating portion BFS4 may have a fourth thickness WD4. The fourth thickness WD4 is smaller than the third thickness WD3. In an embodiment of the inventive concept, the third thickness WD3 may be about 75 μm or more and about 100 μm or less.

[0156] In an embodiment, the third thickness WD3 of the third coating portion BFS3 may be constant in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the third thickness WD3 may be substantially the same as the first thickness WD1.

[0157] On the other hand, the fourth thickness WD4 of the fourth coating portion BFS4 may gradually decrease in the first direction DR1 in a direction toward the second portion BLS2 of the base layer BL. Therefore, in a cross section, one end of the fourth coating portion BFS4 may have a chamfered shape.

[0158] In an embodiment, the second coating layer BF2 may be printed on the second surface of the third portion BLS3 by a coating device in an inkjet printing method. Therefore, the fourth thickness WD4 may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of the coating solution sprayed from the coating device.

[0159] As described above, when the bending area BA of the display panel DP is bent, the portion of the coating layer BF adjacent to the bending area BA may be prevented or substantially prevented from being damaged by adjusting the second thickness WD2 of the second coating portion BFS2 and the fourth thickness WD4 of the fourth coating portion BFS4.

[0160] In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the range of deformation of each of the first coating layer BF1 and the second coating layer BF2 due to heat may be about 5 μm or more and about 20 μm or less. In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, the range of thickness variation of each of the first coating layer BF1 and the second coating layer BF2 may be about 5% or more and about 30% or less.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the first coating layer BF1 and the second coating layer BF2 may not be thermally deformed even in the range of about 120° C. or more and about 180° C. or less. That is, each of the first coating layer BF1 and the second coating layer BF2 may perform a function without deformation in shape even in the range of about 120° C. or more and about 180° C. or less.

[0162] Figures 11 to 13 are views respectively illustrating coating layers BF-1, BF-2, and BF-3 according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0163] Reference Fig.11 , the coating layer BF-1 may include a first coating layer BF1-1 and a second coating layer BF2-1.

[0164] The first coating layer BF1-1 may include a plurality of first sub-coating layers 101 to 105. One end portion of each of the first sub-coating layers 101 to 105 may have a chamfered shape.

[0165] The first sub-coating layers 101 to 105 may have different lengths from each other in the first direction DR1. As described above, the first coating layer BF1-1 may be adjusted in shape by utilizing the length differences between the first sub-coating layers 101 to 105.

[0166] In an embodiment, each of the first sub-coating layers 101 to 105 may be printed by a coating device in an inkjet printing method. That is, the first coating layer BF1-1 may be formed by coating a plurality of times using a coating device.

[0167] The second coating layer BF2-1 may include a plurality of second sub-coating layers 201 to 205. One end portion of each of the second sub-coating layers 201 to 205 may have a chamfered shape.

[0168] The second sub-coating layers 201 to 205 may have different lengths from each other in the first direction DR1. As described above, the second coating layer BF2-1 may be adjusted in shape by utilizing the length differences between the second sub-coating layers 201 to 205.

[0169] In an embodiment, each of the second sub-coating layers 201 to 205 may be printed by a coating device in an inkjet printing method. That is, the second coating layer BF2-1 may be formed by coating multiple times using a coating device.

[0170] Despite Fig.11 exemplarily shows five first sub-coating layers 101 to 105 and five second sub-coating layers 201 to 205, but the embodiments of the present inventive concept are not limited thereto. In another embodiment of the present inventive concept, each of the number of the first sub-coating layers and the number of the second sub-coating layers may be less than or greater than about five.

[0171] Reference Fig.12 , the coating layer BF-2 may include a first coating layer BF1-2 and a second coating layer BF2-2.

[0172] The first coating layer BF1-2 may include a plurality of first sub-coating layers 111 to 115. Fig.11 The first sub-coating layers 101 to 105, Fig.12 One end portion of each of the first sub-coating layers 111 to 115 may not have a chamfered shape.

[0173] The second coating layer BF2-2 may include a plurality of second sub-coating layers 211 to 215. Fig.11 The second sub-coating layers 201 to 205 in Fig.12 One end portion of each of the second sub-coating layers 211 to 215 may not have a chamfered shape.

[0174] Other descriptions besides the above description can be referred to Fig.11 The contents described are basically the same and therefore omitted.

[0175] Reference Fig.13 , the coating layer BF-3 may include a first coating layer BF1-3 and a second coating layer BF2-3.

[0176] The first coating layer BF1-3 may include a first adhesive layer 121, a first thickness determining layer 122, and a first heat dissipation layer 123. The second coating layer BF2-3 may include a second adhesive layer 221, a second thickness determining layer 222, and a second heat dissipation layer 223. In an embodiment, the first heat dissipation layer 123 and the second heat dissipation layer 223 may include carbon or graphite.

[0177] In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 221 may each include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), wherein each of a thickness of the first adhesive layer 121 and a thickness of the second adhesive layer 221 is about 5 μm or more and about 20 μm or less.

[0178] In an embodiment, the first thickness determining layer 122 and the second thickness determining layer 222 may each include a protective layer or a buffer layer, wherein each of the thickness of the first thickness determining layer 122 and the thickness of the second thickness determining layer 222 is approximately 45 μm or more and approximately 80 μm or less.

[0179] In an embodiment, the first heat dissipation layer 123 and the second heat dissipation layer 223 may each include carbon or graphite, wherein each of the thickness of the first heat dissipation layer 123 and the thickness of the second heat dissipation layer 223 is about 10 μm or more and about 30 μm or less.

[0180] In addition to the above description, the description of various aspects can be referred to Fig.11 The contents described are basically the same and therefore omitted.

[0181] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when a portion of a display panel is folded, a coating layer disposed under the display panel is not damaged, and a display device having a narrow bezel may be provided.

[0182] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, improvements and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, the scope of the inventive concept is determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the claims and their equivalents, and should not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: a base layer including a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion and bent to have a curvature, and a third portion extending from the second portion and facing the first portion; a light emitting element layer, the light emitting element layer being located on the first surface of the first portion and comprising a plurality of light emitting elements; a driving circuit located on the first surface of the third portion and electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting elements; and A first coating layer, the first coating layer is located on the second surface of the first part and includes a first coating part and a second coating part extending from the first coating part and positioned adjacent to the second part, wherein the second coating part has a thickness less than the thickness of the first coating part, the thickness of the second coating part gradually decreases in a direction toward the second part, and in a cross section, an end of the second coating part has a chamfered shape that protrudes and bends outward.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first coating layer contacts the second surface of the first portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first coating layer includes resin.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display device also includes a second coating layer located on a second surface of the third portion, and the second coating layer includes a third coating portion and a fourth coating portion extending from the third coating portion and positioned adjacent to the second portion, wherein the fourth coating portion has a thickness less than a thickness of the third coating portion.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The second coating layer contacts the second surface of the third portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The second coating layer includes resin.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The thickness of the fourth coating portion gradually decreases in a direction toward the second portion.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: In cross section, an end portion of the fourth coating portion has a chamfered shape.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The first coating layer contacts only the first portion of the base layer, and the second coating layer contacts only the third portion of the base layer.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The first coating layer and the second coating layer face each other.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the thickness of the first coating portion and the thickness of the third coating portion is 75 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

12. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the first coating layer and the second coating layer includes a plurality of sub-coating layers.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the sub-coating layers comprises carbon or graphite.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the first coating layer can be deformed by 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less due to heat applied from the outside.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first coating layer is not thermally deformed by heat of 120° C. or more and 180° C. or less.

16. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: a base layer, the base layer comprising a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a first region, a second region extending from the first region, and a third region extending from the second region, and the second surface comprises a fourth region opposite to the first region, a fifth region opposite to the second region, and a sixth region opposite to the third region; a circuit layer contacting the first surface and including a plurality of transistors and a signal line electrically connected to the plurality of transistors; a light emitting element layer including a plurality of light emitting elements electrically connected to the plurality of transistors and overlapping the first region; and A first coating layer contacts the fourth region and includes a portion having a thickness gradually reduced in a direction toward the fifth region, and an end of the first coating layer has a chamfered shape protrudingly bent outward in a cross section.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein: The display device further includes a second coating layer contacting the sixth region and including a portion having a thickness gradually decreasing in a direction toward the fifth region.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: Each of the second region and the fifth region is bent to have a curvature.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: At least one of the first coating layer and the second coating layer includes a plurality of sub-coating layers.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: At least one of the sub-coating layers comprises carbon or graphite.

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