Display Devices

Abstract

The present application provides a display device, which includes a display panel, a polarizing layer, a supporting layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the display panel includes a curved area and a non-curved area adjacent to the curved area, the polarizing layer is on the display panel and overlaps with the non-curved area, the supporting layer is on the display panel and overlaps with the curved area, and the adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion between the non-curved area of ​​the display panel and the polarizing layer and a second adhesive portion between the curved area of ​​the display panel and the supporting layer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0023266, filed on February 27, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Herein, aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Various display devices for use in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation units, and game consoles have been developed. The display device may include a window, a display module for displaying an image, and a polarizing layer disposed on the display module. The display module may include a display panel for displaying an image and an input sensing layer for detecting an external input.

[0005] The image output through the display panel may be seen through the window. The external input detected by the input sensing layer may be substantially the external input applied to the window. A polarizing layer may be provided on the adhesive layer provided on the display module to reduce external reflection. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device including a polarization layer is provided. According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device that can simplify a manufacturing process is provided.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the inventive concept, a display device includes a display panel, a polarizing layer, a supporting layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the display panel includes a curved area and a non-curved area adjacent to the curved area; the polarizing layer is on the display panel and overlaps the non-curved area; the supporting layer is on the display panel and overlaps the curved area; the adhesive layer includes a first adhesive portion between the non-curved area of ​​the display panel and the polarizing layer and a second adhesive portion between the curved area of ​​the display panel and the supporting layer.

[0008] In an implementation, the supporting layer and the polarizing layer may be provided in an integral shape and in contact with each other.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second adhesive portion may have a curved shape and be disposed over the entire curved region of the display panel, and the supporting layer may have a curved shape and be disposed over the entire second adhesive portion.

[0010] In an embodiment, each of the support layer and the second adhesive portion may not overlap the non-bending region.

[0011] In an embodiment, the supporting layer may have the same thickness as the polarizing layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a base substrate, a display element layer, and an encapsulation layer, wherein the base substrate includes a flat portion corresponding to a non-bending area and a curved portion bent from the flat portion and corresponding to the curved area; the display element layer is on the flat portion; and the encapsulation layer is on the display element layer. The first adhesive portion may be between the encapsulation layer and the polarizing layer.

[0013] In an implementation, the planar portion may include a first planar portion and a second planar portion spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction of the base substrate.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display apparatus may further include a protection layer between the first planar portion and the second planar portion to support the first planar portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion may be provided in an integral shape, and the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion may have the same thickness as each other.

[0016] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a window and a window adhesive layer, wherein the window includes a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area and is arranged on the polarizing layer; the window adhesive layer is between the window and the polarizing layer. The curved area of ​​the display panel may completely overlap the non-display area.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments of the inventive concept, a display device includes a display panel, a polarizing layer, a supporting layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the display panel includes a curved area and a non-curved area adjacent to the curved area; the polarizing layer is on the display panel and overlaps the non-curved area; the supporting layer includes a first supporting portion on the display panel and overlapping the non-curved area and a second supporting portion on the display panel and overlapping the curved area; the adhesive layer includes a first portion between the display panel and the polarizing layer and overlapping the non-curved area and a remaining portion between the display panel and the first supporting portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first portion of the adhesive layer may have a planar area greater than a planar area of ​​a remaining portion of the adhesive layer.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second supporting portion may have a curved shape and be disposed over an entire curved area of ​​the display panel.

[0020] In embodiments, the adhesive layer may not overlap the bending region.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a base substrate, a display element layer, and an encapsulation layer, wherein the base substrate includes a flat portion corresponding to a non-bending area and a curved portion bent from the flat portion and corresponding to the curved area; the display element layer is on the flat portion; the encapsulation layer is on the display element layer and overlaps the flat portion. The first supporting portion may be on the adhesive layer overlapping the flat portion, and the second supporting portion may be on the curved portion.

[0022] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second supporting portion may be spaced apart from the display panel.

[0023] In an implementation, the polarizing layer and the supporting layer may be provided in an integral shape.

[0024] In embodiments, the adhesive layer may have a uniform thickness.

[0025] In an embodiment, the supporting layer may have the same thickness as the polarizing layer.

[0026] In an embodiment, the first supporting portion may contact the polarizing layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0029] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a display module according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0031] Figure 4A is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0032] Figure 4B is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of a display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0034] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a display device in FIG.

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a polarizing layer and a supporting layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0036] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the inventive concept; and

[0037] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polarizing layer and a supporting layer according to another embodiment of the inventive concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. However, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0039] In this specification, it is to be understood that when a component (or region, layer, part) is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another component, it may be directly disposed on / connected to / coupled to the other component, or one or more intermediate third components may also be present.

[0040] The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of components may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

[0041] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] It is to be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, an element referred to as a "first" element in one embodiment may be referred to as a "second" element in another embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise indicated, terms in the singular may include plural meanings.

[0043] In addition, "under", "below", "above", "upper" and the like may be used to explain the combination relationship of components shown in the drawings. However, the terms may be relative concepts and described based on the directions shown in the drawings, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0044] 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 is also understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0045] The meaning of “include” or “comprise” may list properties, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination thereof, but does not exclude other properties, fixed numbers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination thereof.

[0046] Herein, some exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the display surface DD-IS may have a shape extending in each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The normal direction of the display surface DD-IS, that is, the thickness direction of the display device DD, refers to the third direction DR3. In this specification, the expression "when observed from a plane or on a plane or a plane area" may represent the situation when observed in the third direction DR3. Here, the front surface (or top surface) and the rear surface (or bottom surface) of each of the layers or units are distinguished by the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be relative concepts and may be converted relative to each other.

[0048] Although the display device DD is described as having a display surface DD-IS partially having a curved shape on a plane, the display device DD may include a three-dimensional display surface or a rectangular display surface. The three-dimensional display surface may include a plurality of display areas indicating different directions from each other, for example, a display surface in a polygonal column shape.

[0049] Although not shown, the camera module and the power module mounted on the main board may be provided on the frame / housing together with the display device DD as electronic modules, and may constitute a mobile phone terminal. The display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be used for large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, and small and medium-sized electronic devices such as tablet computers, navigation units for vehicles, game consoles, and smart watches.

[0050] like Figure 1AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the display surface DD-IS includes a display area DD-DA displaying an image IM and a non-display area DD-NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DD-DA. The non-display area DD-NDA is an area on which no image is displayed. Figure 1A , images such as a clock window and an icon are shown as examples of the image IM. In another embodiment, the non-display area DD-NDA may be disposed adjacent to only one side of the display area DD-DA, or may be omitted.

[0051] The display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a first non-bending area NBA1, a second non-bending area NBA2, and a bending area BA. The first non-bending area NBA1, the second non-bending area NBA2, and the bending area BA may refer to the display panel DP (hereinafter referred to as Figure 4A Description) settings.

[0052] On a plane, the display device DD may have different widths in the second direction DR2 for each area. In an embodiment, each of the bending area BA and the second non-bending area NBA2 may have a width in the second direction DR2 that is smaller than a maximum width of the first non-bending area NBA1 in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, since the bending area BA has a relatively smaller width than the first non-bending area NBA1, the bending area BA may be easily bent. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the boundary region whose width gradually decreases in the second direction DR2 may be included in the first non-bending region NBA1. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the boundary region whose width gradually decreases in the second direction DR2 may be omitted.

[0053] Figure 1B The bending state of the display device DD is shown. The bending area BA is bent along a bending axis BX extending in the second direction DR2. In the bending state of the display device DD, the second non-bending area NBA2 faces the first non-bending area NBA1 while being spaced apart from the first non-bending area NBA1 in the third direction DR3.

[0054] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept; and

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display module according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 , in an embodiment, the display device DD includes a protection layer PM, a display module DM, a polarization layer POL, a window WM, a first adhesive layer PA, and a second adhesive layer OA.

[0057] Window WM can be limited Figure 1A In other words, the top surface of the window WM may correspond to the display surface DD-IS, and a display area DD-DA where an image is directly seen from the outside and a non-display area DD-NDA disposed adjacent to the display area DD-DA may be defined on the top surface of the window WM. The window WM may be made of various materials, such as a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite substrate.

[0058] The display area DD-DA defined in the window WM may correspond to a transmissive area through which an image provided from the display panel DP is substantially transmitted, and the non-display area DD-NDA may correspond to a non-transmissive area through which an image provided from the display panel DP is not transmitted. In addition, as described above, the non-transmissive area of ​​the window WM may be omitted.

[0059] In an embodiment, the display module DM includes a display panel DP for displaying an image and an input sensing layer ISU for detecting an external input.

[0060] The display panel DP is disposed between the protection layer PM and the input sensing layer ISU. The display panel DP may generate an image, and the generated image may be visible to an external user through the window WM.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the display panel DP may include an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. However, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not particularly limited thereto. The organic light emitting display panel includes an organic light emitting element. The liquid crystal display panel includes liquid crystal molecules. The quantum dot light emitting display panel includes quantum dots or quantum rods. In this article, the display panel DP according to an embodiment of the inventive concept will be described as an organic light emitting display panel.

[0062] In an embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display panel DP includes a base substrate SUB, a circuit element layer COL, a display element layer ED, and an encapsulation layer ECL. The display panel DP includes a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. The display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may be respectively Figure 1A The display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD in FIG.

[0063] The base substrate SUB may support all components of the display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISU, and include a flexible material. For example, the base substrate SUB may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, or an organic / inorganic composite substrate. In an embodiment, the base substrate SUB may be a laminated structure including a plurality of insulating layers. In an embodiment, the plastic substrate may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene resin.

[0064] According to the implementation of the inventive concept, Figure 1A and Figure 1B The bending area BA, the first non-bending area NBA1, and the second non-bending area NBA2 of the display device DD described in the specification may be defined by the base substrate SUB of the display panel DP. Here, in this specification, the bending area BA, the first non-bending area NBA1, and the second non-bending area NBA2 of the display panel DP are described as the bending area BA, the first non-bending area NBA1, and the second non-bending area NBA2 of the base substrate SUB.

[0065] The circuit element layer COL may include a plurality of insulating layers, a plurality of conductive layers, and a semiconductor layer. The plurality of conductive layers of the circuit element layer COL may constitute a signal line and a control circuit of a pixel.

[0066] The display element layer ED overlaps the display area DP-DA and is disposed on the base substrate SUB. The display element layer ED includes a display element, for example, an organic light emitting diode. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. For example, the display element layer ED may include an inorganic light emitting diode or an organic-inorganic hybrid light emitting diode.

[0067] The encapsulation layer ECL seals the display element layer ED. For example, the encapsulation layer ECL may overlap each of the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA, or may not overlap the non-display area DP-NDA.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the encapsulation layer ECL may be set as a thin film encapsulation layer. The thin film encapsulation layer protects the display element layer ED from moisture, oxygen, and foreign substances (such as dust particles). In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer ECL may include at least one organic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. The inorganic encapsulation layer protects the display element layer ED from moisture / oxygen, and the organic encapsulation layer protects the display element layer ED from foreign substances (such as dust particles). Although the inorganic encapsulation layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not particularly limited thereto. Although the organic encapsulation layer may include an acrylic organic layer, the embodiment of the inventive concept is not particularly limited thereto.

[0069] As another example, the encapsulation layer ECL may be provided as the encapsulation substrate, and, in this case, the encapsulation layer ECL may be coupled with the base substrate SUB. For example, the encapsulation layer ECL may include glass frit.

[0070] In an embodiment, the input sensing layer ISU may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. In this specification, the expression "component A is directly disposed on component B" indicates a state where no adhesive layer is disposed between component A and component B. In an embodiment, the input sensing layer ISU may be manufactured together with the display panel DP through a continuous process.

[0071] The input sensing layer ISU is disposed between the polarization layer POL and the display panel DP. The input sensing layer ISU may detect an input applied from the outside. The input applied from the outside may be provided in any of various types. For example, the external input may include any of various types of external inputs, such as a part of a user's body, a stylus, light, heat, or pressure. In addition, an input generated by contact with a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) and a spatial touch generated by proximity or approach (e.g., hovering) may be an external input.

[0072] In another embodiment, the input sensing layer ISU may not be directly disposed on the display panel DP, and an adhesive layer may be disposed between the display panel DP and the input sensing layer ISU. In addition, in another embodiment, the input sensing layer ISU may be omitted. In this case, the display module DM may include only the display panel DP.

[0073] Reference again Figure 2, the protective layer PM may support the display panel DP. The protective layer PM prevents or substantially prevents external moisture from penetrating into the display panel DP and absorbs external impact. In an embodiment, the protective layer PM may be made of a plastic resin. However, the embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to plastic resin as the material of the protective layer PM. For example, the protective layer PM may include an organic / inorganic composite material. In an embodiment, the protective layer PM may include a porous organic layer and an inorganic material filled in the pores of the organic layer. The protective layer PM may also include a functional layer disposed on a plastic film. The functional layer may include a resin layer and may be provided by a coating method.

[0074] The first adhesive layer PA is disposed between the display module DM and the polarization layer POL. In an embodiment, the first adhesive layer PA may include an optically transparent adhesive film (OCA), an optically transparent resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA). Here, the first adhesive layer PA will be exemplarily described as a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA).

[0075] The polarization layer POL may be disposed between the window WM and the display module DM to control polarization of external light incident through the window WM. The polarization layer POL may be connected to the display module DM through a first adhesive layer PA and to the window WM through a second adhesive layer OA. The second adhesive layer OA may be described as a window adhesive layer.

[0076] The second adhesive layer OA may be disposed between the window WM and the polarizing layer POL. In an embodiment, the second adhesive layer OA may include an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA). Here, the second adhesive layer OA will be exemplarily described as an optically clear adhesive film (OCA).

[0077] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, each of the first adhesive layer PA and the second adhesive layer OA may be made of a transparent material.

[0078] Figure 4A is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept; and Figure 4B is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of a display panel according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0079] refer to Figure 4A , the display panel DP may include a driving circuit GDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of pads (referred to herein as pads DPD) disposed on a pad area DPA, and a plurality of pixels PX (referred to herein as pixels). The pixels PX are disposed in the display area DP-DA. Each of the pixels PX includes an organic light emitting diode and a pixel driving circuit connected thereto. The driving circuit GDC, the signal lines SGL, the pads DPD disposed on the pad area DPA, and the pixel driving circuit may be included in Figure 3 In the circuit element layer COL.

[0080] The base substrate SUB includes a first flat portion SUB-S1 corresponding to the first non-bending area NBA1, a second flat portion SUB-S2 corresponding to the second non-bending area NBA2, and a bending portion SUB-SB corresponding to the bending area BA. On a plane, the first flat portion SUB-S1 may have an area larger than that of the second flat portion SUB-S2. The first flat portion SUB-S1 and the second flat portion SUB-S2 are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the base substrate SUB (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0081] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the pixels PX of the display panel DP and the driving circuit GDC of the circuit element layer COL may be disposed on the first planar portion SUB-S1 of the base substrate SUB. Figure 3 The display element layer ED in the base substrate SUB is disposed on the first flat portion SUB-S1, and the encapsulation layer ECL is disposed on the display element layer ED. The signal line SGL may be disposed on each of the first flat portion SUB-S1, the second flat portion SUB-S2, and the bent portion SUB-SB.

[0082] The driving circuit GDC generates a plurality of scanning signals (referred to herein as scanning signals) and sequentially outputs the scanning signals to a plurality of scanning lines GL (referred to herein as scanning lines). The driving circuit GDC may also output another control signal to the pixel driving circuit of the pixel PX.

[0083] The driving circuit GDC may include a plurality of thin film transistors which are manufactured by the same process as the pixel driving circuit of the pixel PX in an embodiment, for example, a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process.

[0084] The signal line SGL overlaps the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA and is connected to the pad DPD. The signal line SGL includes a scan line GL, a data line DL, a power line PL, and a control signal line CSL. The scan lines GL are respectively connected to corresponding pixels in the pixels PX, and the data lines DL are respectively connected to corresponding pixels in the pixels PX. The power line PL is also connected to the pixel PX. The control signal line CSL can provide a control signal to the scan drive circuit.

[0085] In an embodiment, the display device DD includes a connection circuit board FB connected to an end portion of the display panel DP and a driving circuit board PB connected to an end portion of the connection circuit board FB.

[0086] The connection circuit board FB may be provided as a flexible printed circuit board and may include a first pad area FPA1 on which a plurality of first connection pads FPD1 are provided and a second pad area FPA2 on which a plurality of second connection pads FPD2 are provided. The driving circuit board PB may include a driving pad area PPA on which a plurality of driving pads PPD are provided.

[0087] The first connection pads FPD1 are electrically coupled to pads DPD of the display panel DP. The second connection pads FPD2 are electrically coupled to driving pads PPD of the driving circuit board PB.

[0088] In addition, the driving element DC may be disposed on the connection circuit board FB. The driving element DC may be electrically connected to the first connection pad FPD1 and the second connection pad FPD2. The driving circuit board PB may transmit a driving signal required for driving the display device DD to the driving element DC. The driving element DC may receive the driving signal through the second connection pad FPD2 connected to the driving pad PPD. The driving element DC may generate a signal provided to the display panel DP based on the received driving signal, and provide the generated signal to the display panel DP through the first connection pad FPD1. For example, the driving element DC may be a data driver for generating an image signal and a control signal provided to the data line DL.

[0089] refer to Figure 4B , which shows by way of example Figure 4A Among the pixels in the embodiment, the pixel PX is connected to one scan line GL, one data line DL and the power line PL. However, the embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to Figure 4B For example, the pixel PX may vary in configuration.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a pixel PX includes an organic light emitting element OLED, a first electrode AE, a second electrode CE, and a pixel circuit PXC. The pixel PX includes an organic light emitting element OLED as a display element. The organic light emitting element OLED, the first electrode AE, and the second electrode CE may include Figure 3 In the display element layer ED.

[0091] The pixel circuit PXC as a circuit for driving the organic light emitting element OLED includes a first transistor T1 (or a switching transistor), a second transistor T2 (or a driving transistor), and a capacitor Cap. The pixel circuit PXC may include Figure 3 In the circuit element layer COL.

[0092] The organic light emitting element OLED generates light by an electrical signal provided from the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 .

[0093] The first transistor T1 outputs a data signal applied to the data line DL in response to a gate signal applied to the scan line GL. The capacitor Cap charges a voltage corresponding to the data signal received from the first transistor T1. The first power supply voltage ELVDD is provided to the first electrode AE ​​through the second transistor T2, and the second power supply voltage ELVSS is provided to the second electrode CE. The second power supply voltage ELVSS may be less than the first power supply voltage ELVDD.

[0094] The second transistor T2 is electrically connected to the organic light emitting element OLED through the first electrode AE. The second transistor T2 controls the driving current ID flowing through the organic light emitting element OLED corresponding to the amount of charge stored in the capacitor Cap. The organic light emitting element OLED emits light during the on phase of the second transistor T2.

[0095] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the inventive concept; Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a display device in FIG. 1 ; and Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a polarizing layer and a supporting layer according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0096] Figure 5 A display device according to such an embodiment is shown, in which Figure 3 The input sensing layer ISU is omitted among the components of the display device DD in FIG. Here, in this specification, although a display device in which the input sensing layer ISU may be omitted is described, the input sensing layer ISU may be provided on the display panel DP as another embodiment.

[0097] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 5 In an embodiment, the display area DP-DA of the display panel DP may completely overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and partially overlap the second non-bending area NBA2. In an embodiment, the bending area BA may completely overlap the non-display area DP-NDA.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first adhesive layer PA may overlap each of the first non-bending area NBA1 and the bending area BA. The first adhesive layer PA is disposed between the polarizing layer POL and the display panel DP. In addition, the first adhesive layer PA is disposed between the supporting layer BP and the display panel DP.

[0099] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first adhesive layer PA includes a first adhesive portion PAa and a second adhesive portion PAb. For convenience of description, Figure 7 The first adhesive layer PA is shown in FIG. 1 before bending.

[0100] The first adhesive portion PAa overlaps the first non-bending area NBA1 of the display panel DP and is disposed between the display panel DP and the polarizing layer POL. The first adhesive portion PAa may have a shape corresponding to the first flat portion SUB-S1 of the base substrate SUB and may be directly disposed on the Figure 3 On the encapsulation layer ECL of the display panel DP.

[0101] The second adhesive portion PAb overlaps the curved area BA of the display panel DP and is disposed between the display panel DP and the support layer BP. The second adhesive portion PAb may have a curved shape corresponding to the curved portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB, and may be disposed over the entire curved portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB. In an embodiment, the second adhesive portion PAb may be directly disposed on the curved portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB. The support layer BP has a curved shape and is arranged over the entire second adhesive portion PAb.

[0102] The first adhesive layer PA according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may have an integral shape of the first adhesive portion PAa and the second adhesive portion PAb. In an embodiment, the first adhesive portion PAa and the second adhesive portion PAb may have the same thickness as each other.

[0103] The polarizing layer POL may overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and may be disposed on the first adhesive portion PAa. The polarizing layer POL may have a shape corresponding to the first planar portion SUB-S1 of the base substrate SUB.

[0104] The support layer BP may be disposed on the second adhesive portion PAb while overlapping the bending area BA of the display panel DP. According to an embodiment, each of the support layer BP and the second adhesive portion PAb may not overlap the first non-bending area NBA1 and the second non-bending area NBA2. In addition, each of the support layer BP and the second adhesive portion PAb may have a curved shape corresponding to the curved portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB.

[0105] The support layer BP may cover the bent portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB to reduce the tensile stress of the display panel DP corresponding to the bent area BA. For example, the support layer BP may be made of polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyetherimide, or polyethersulfone. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to the material of the support layer BP. For example, the support layer BP may be made of any of a variety of materials.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the support layer BP and the polarizing layer POL may be provided in one integral shape. In an embodiment, the support layer BP and the polarizing layer POL may be provided on the display panel DP through one process.

[0107] For example, Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the first adhesive portion PAa of the first adhesive layer PA is adhered to the polarizing layer POL, and the second adhesive portion PAb of the first adhesive layer PA is adhered to the supporting layer BP. When the first adhesive portion PAa and the second adhesive portion PAb are arranged in an integral shape while contacting each other, the supporting layer BP and the polarizing layer POL respectively adhered to the first adhesive portion PAa and the second adhesive portion PAb may not be separated from each other. Although not shown, before the first adhesive layer PA is adhered to the display panel DP, a release film may be adhered to the first adhesive layer PA to prevent or substantially prevent the adhesive force of the first adhesive layer PA from being weakened.

[0108] Here, when the support layer BP is bent along the bent portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB, the support layer BP and the polarization layer POL, which are in contact with each other, may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (eg, a predetermined distance).

[0109] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, a method for arranging a support layer BP and a polarizing layer POL in an integral shape on a display panel DP may be performed such that a release film sheet adhered to the first adhesive layer PA is peeled off and then the first adhesive layer PA is adhered to the display panel DP. In this case, the first adhesive layer PA may be disposed on the display panel DP and then the bent portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB may be bent.

[0110] When the first adhesive portion PAa of the first adhesive layer PA is adhered to the display panel DP overlapping the first non-bending area NBA1, the polarizing layer POL may be disposed on the display panel DP through the first adhesive portion PAa. When the second adhesive portion PAb of the first adhesive layer PA is adhered to the display panel DP overlapping the bending area BA, the supporting layer BP may be disposed on the display panel DP through the second adhesive portion PAb.

[0111] According to the implementation mode of the inventive concept, Figure 7 As shown in , the supporting layer BP and the polarizing layer POL may have the same thickness as each other. In an embodiment, the supporting layer BP may have a smaller plane area than that of the polarizing layer POL.

[0112] On the other hand, representatively, unlike the embodiments of the inventive concept, each of the support layer and the polarizing layer is provided as a single component. For example, a process of forming the polarizing layer on the display panel and a process of forming the support layer on the display panel are separately performed.

[0113] However, in an embodiment of the inventive concept, when the supporting layer BP and the polarizing layer POL are formed on the display panel DP through one process, the process time may be shortened. In other words, the entire manufacturing process of the display device may be performed more easily.

[0114] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the inventive concept; and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a polarizing layer and a supporting layer according to another embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0115] When with Figure 6 When comparing display devices in Figure 8 The first adhesive layer PAz, the polarizing layer POL and the supporting layer BPz of the display device in the embodiment are deformed, but the remaining components can be Figure 6 The components of the display device in FIG. 1 are substantially the same. Therefore, description of the remaining components will be omitted for convenience of description.

[0116] refer to Figure 8 , the first adhesive layer PAz may not overlap with the bending area BA of the display panel DP but overlap with the first non-bending area NBA1 of the display panel DP.

[0117] The support layer BPz may overlap each of the first non-bending area NBA1 and the bending area BA. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the support layer BPz includes a first support portion BPza overlapping the first non-bending area NBA1 and a second support portion BPzb overlapping the bending area BA. The first support portion BPza may be disposed adjacent to the first flat portion SUB-S1 (reference Figure 4A ) is disposed on the overlapping first adhesive layer PAz, and the second support portion BPzb may be disposed on the bent portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB.

[0118] In addition, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG, the second support portion BPzb may be disposed on the bent portion SUB-SB of the base substrate SUB. In addition, at least a portion of the second support portion BPzb may be spaced apart from the display panel DP to define an inner space OP.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the first adhesive layer PAz may include a portion disposed between the polarization layer POL and the display panel DP and a remaining portion disposed between the first supporting portion BPza and the display panel DP. In an embodiment, this portion of the first adhesive layer PAz may have a larger plane area than a plane area of ​​the remaining portion of the first adhesive layer PAz.

[0120] In other words, Figure 8The support layer BPz and the polarizing layer POL in the embodiment may also have an integral shape in which the support layer BPz and the polarizing layer POL contact each other. At least a portion of the support layer BPz that prevents or substantially prevents the support layer BPz and the polarizing layer POL from being separated from each other may be bonded to the first adhesive layer PAz.

[0121] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the support layer and the polarizing layer may be provided in an integral shape adhered to the adhesive layer. Since the adhesive layer is arranged on the display panel through one process, the support layer adhered to the adhesive layer and the polarizing layer may also be arranged on the display panel at the same time. As a result, the entire process time of the display device may be shortened.

[0122] Although some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments, but various changes and modifications may be made by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as required by the appended claims. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Display equipment, including: A display panel comprising a curved region and a non-curved region adjacent to the curved region; a polarizing layer on the display panel and overlapping the non-bending area; a support layer on the display panel and overlapping the bending area; as well as an adhesive layer including a first adhesive portion between the non-bending area of ​​the display panel and the polarizing layer and a second adhesive portion between the bending area of ​​the display panel and the supporting layer, Wherein, the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion are configured in an integral shape.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting layer and the polarizing layer are provided in an integral shape and contact each other.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The second adhesive portion has a curved shape and is arranged over the entire curved area of ​​the display panel, and The support layer has a curved shape and is disposed over the entire second adhesive portion.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the support layer and the second adhesive portion does not overlap the non-bending region.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting layer has the same thickness as the polarizing layer.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel comprises: a base substrate including a flat portion corresponding to the non-bending region and a curved portion bent from the flat portion and corresponding to the curved region; a display element layer on the flat portion; and an encapsulation layer, on the display element layer, Wherein, the first adhesive portion is between the encapsulation layer and the polarization layer.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The planar portion includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction of the base substrate.

8. Display equipment, including: A display panel comprising a curved region and a non-curved region adjacent to the curved region; a polarizing layer on the display panel and overlapping the non-bending area; a support layer including a first support portion on the display panel and overlapping the non-bending area and a second support portion on the display panel and overlapping the bending area; as well as an adhesive layer including a first portion between the display panel and the polarizing layer and overlapping the non-bending region and a remaining portion between the display panel and the first supporting portion, Wherein, the first part and the remaining part are configured as an integral shape.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first portion of the adhesive layer has a planar area greater than a planar area of ​​the remaining portion of the adhesive layer.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The second supporting portion has a curved shape and is arranged over the entire curved area of ​​the display panel.

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