Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a first layer having a display area including a pixel and a non-display area surrounding the display area, a second layer disposed on the first layer and including an intermediate inorganic film and an intermediate organic film, a third layer disposed on the second layer and including a display element, a first dam structure disposed outside an edge of the intermediate organic film and extending along the edge of the intermediate organic film, a fourth layer including a first encapsulation inorganic film and a second encapsulation inorganic film and an encapsulation organic film, a fifth layer disposed on the fourth layer, a sixth layer disposed on the fifth layer and including a light-blocking layer, a plurality of color filters, and a seventh layer covering the light-blocking layer and the plurality of color filters, and a second dam structure disposed on the non-display area and defining a boundary of the seventh layer.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0012781, filed on February 3, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the invention generally relate to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device having an anti-reflective component. Background Technology

[0003] The display device displays images. The display device includes a display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel including organic light-emitting diode (OLED) elements or quantum dot electroluminescent (QD-EL) elements.

[0004] Mobile electronic devices typically include a display device that provides images to the user. The number of mobile electronic devices with larger display screens that are the same size or thickness as, or smaller than, conventional mobile electronic devices is increasing, and foldable display devices that can be folded and unfolded to provide a larger screen only when in use are also being developed.

[0005] Recently, in order to improve the folding characteristics and light efficiency of foldable display devices, methods have been studied to use light blocking layers and color filters to replace thick polarizers as anti-reflective components.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background art of the inventive concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The applicant discovered that when polarizers are used in the manufacture of display devices, they increase the thickness of the display devices and reduce their light efficiency.

[0008] Display devices constructed according to the principles of the invention and exemplary embodiments can reduce the thickness of the display panel and prevent a decrease in brightness. For example, an anti-reflective component constructed according to the principles of the invention and some exemplary embodiments includes a light-blocking layer and a color filter, thereby eliminating the need for another polarizer.

[0009] The method for manufacturing antireflective components according to the principles of the invention can reduce the number of masking processes used to form the antireflective components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity. For example, according to the principles of the invention and some exemplary embodiments, a dam structure for forming the boundary of the outer coating is simultaneously formed during the patterning process of the light-blocking layer and the color filter of the antireflective component. Therefore, the display device can form the antireflective component by using a reduced number of masking processes compared to the number of processes required by related technologies.

[0010] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description, and these additional features will be clear to some extent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concept.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, a display device includes: a first layer having a display area including pixels and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a second layer disposed on the first layer and including an intermediate inorganic film and an intermediate organic film, the intermediate inorganic film being stacked with the display area and the non-display area, the intermediate organic film being disposed on the intermediate inorganic film and exposing a portion of the intermediate inorganic film in the non-display area; a third layer disposed on the second layer and including display elements in the display area; a first dam structure disposed outside the edge of the intermediate organic film and extending along the edge of the intermediate organic film; and a fourth layer including a first encapsulating inorganic film and A second encapsulating inorganic film and an encapsulating organic film, the first and second encapsulating inorganic films being stacked with a third layer and a first dam structure, the encapsulating organic film being placed between the first and second encapsulating inorganic films and having an end portion adjacent to the side of the first dam structure; a fifth layer disposed on the fourth layer; a sixth layer disposed on the fifth layer and including a light-blocking layer, a plurality of color filters, and a seventh layer covering the light-blocking layer and the plurality of color filters; and a second dam structure disposed on a non-display area and defining the boundary of the seventh layer, wherein the second dam structure is formed of the same material as at least one of the light-blocking layer and the plurality of color filters.

[0012] The second layer can be a circuit element layer, and can include signal lines electrically connected to display elements and signal pads connected to the ends of the signal lines, and the non-display area can have a pad area in which the signal pads are disposed.

[0013] Part of the first dam structure and part of the second dam structure can be set to be substantially parallel to the pad area.

[0014] The second dam structure can be set between the display area and the pad area.

[0015] The first dam structure may include a first dam section, and the second dam structure includes a second dam section superimposed on the first dam section.

[0016] Each pixel in the pixel may include: a first sub-pixel for emitting a first color light; a second sub-pixel for emitting a second color light; and a third sub-pixel for emitting a third color light, and wherein the color filter may include: a first color filter superimposed on the first sub-pixel; a second color filter superimposed on the second sub-pixel; and a third color filter superimposed on the third sub-pixel.

[0017] The second dam structure may include an eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh layer, wherein: the eighth layer may be formed simultaneously with the light-blocking layer from the same material, the ninth layer may be formed simultaneously with the first color filter from the same material, the tenth layer may be formed simultaneously with the second color filter from the same material, and the eleventh layer may be formed simultaneously with the third color filter from the same material.

[0018] The first color filter can be a green color filter, the second color filter can be a blue color filter, and the third color filter can be a red color filter.

[0019] The seventh layer may be an outer coating, which may also include a scatterer formed from at least one selected from TiO2, Al2O3 and SiO2.

[0020] The third layer may include a display element layer, which further includes a pixel defining film having an opening defining an emission area.

[0021] The display device may further include: a spacer protruding from the pixel defining film in the thickness direction, wherein the first dam structure may include an eighth layer and a ninth layer, the eighth layer being formed simultaneously with the pixel defining film from the same material, and the ninth layer being formed simultaneously with the spacer from the same material.

[0022] The light-blocking layer can be stacked with the pixel-defining film in the thickness direction.

[0023] The light-blocking layer may have a first width between its ends in one direction, the pixel defining film may have a second width between its ends in said one direction, and the first width may be smaller than the second width.

[0024] The pixel-defining film may include a light-absorbing material, and the light-absorbing material includes at least one selected from carbon-based black pigments, chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum and titanium (MoTi), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni).

[0025] The intermediate organic membrane may include: a first intermediate organic membrane disposed on an intermediate inorganic membrane; and a second intermediate organic membrane disposed on the first intermediate organic membrane.

[0026] The non-display area may include a first inflexible area, a second inflexible area, and a flexible area, wherein the second inflexible area is spaced apart from the first inflexible area in a first direction, the flexible area is defined between the first inflexible area and the second inflexible area, and wherein the flexible area can be bent such that the bending axis can be defined along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0027] The intermediate inorganic film may have a groove that exposes a portion of the non-display area of ​​the first layer, and a dummy organic pattern is set inside the groove.

[0028] The second layer may be a circuit element layer and includes signal lines electrically connected to display elements and signal pads connected to the ends of the signal lines, and the second inflexible region may include a pad area in which the signal pads are disposed.

[0029] The second dam structure can be located in the first inflexible zone.

[0030] The first dam structure may include a first dam section, and the second dam structure includes a second dam section superimposed on the first dam section.

[0031] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention. The drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the invention.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device.

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A floor plan of the display panel.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The equivalent circuit diagram of a representative pixel.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display panel.

[0038] Figure 6A yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a touch sensing unit.

[0039] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A plan view of the touch sensing unit.

[0040] Figure 7A yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensing unit.

[0041] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A plan view of the touch sensing unit.

[0042] Figure 8A It is along Figure 6B A sectional view taken by line I-I'.

[0043] Figure 8B It is along Figure 6B The sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0044] Figure 8C It is along Figure 6B The sectional view taken from line III-III'.

[0045] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensing unit.

[0046] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 The sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0047] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the invention.

[0048] Figure 12 yes Figure 11A and Figure 11B A plan view of the touch sensing unit.

[0049] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The sectional view taken from line II-II'. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “embodiment” and “implementation” are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, a particular shape, construction, and characteristic of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0051] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) of various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0052] Crosshairs and / or shading are typically used in accompanying drawings to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. A particular process sequence may be performed differently than the order described when exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of description. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0053] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or bonded to the other component or layer, or there may be intermediate components or layers present. However, when a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another component or layer, there are no intermediate components or layers present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical, electrical, and / or fluid connection with or without intermediate components. Furthermore, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used here to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the publicly stated teachings, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0055] Spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side (side)” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein for descriptive purposes to describe the relationship of one element to another (additional) element as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, then an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would subsequently be oriented “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “basically,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and thus to explain inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms such as those defined in general dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0058] In the following description, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a display device DD constructed based on the principles of the invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device DD.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the display surface IS can be parallel to the surface defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 can indicate the normal direction of the display surface IS (i.e., the thickness direction of the display device DD). The front (or upper) and rear (or lower) surfaces of each component are separated on the third direction DR3. However, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are relative directions and can be converted to other directions. In the following, for ease of description, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction can be represented by the same reference numerals as the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3.

[0061] The display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment can be a flexible display device. For example, the display device DD can include a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate can be one of a film substrate and a plastic substrate comprising a polymeric organic material. For example, the substrate can be a polyimide film. The display device DD can be divided into multiple regions according to the folded and unfolded positions. For example, the display device DD can be divided into a foldable region FA in which the display device DD is folded and two substantially flat non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2. The non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2 are arranged along a first direction DR1, and the foldable region FA is disposed between the two non-foldable regions NFA1 and NFA2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, one foldable region FA is defined in the display device DD. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this, and multiple foldable regions can be defined in the display device DD. The display device DD can be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions and monitors, as well as small and medium-sized electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, car navigation devices, game consoles, smartwatches, etc.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the display device DD may include a display area DD-DA on which an image is displayed and a non-display area DD-NDA adjacent to the display area DD-DA. The non-display area DD-NDA is an area where no image is displayed. The display area DD-DA may have a generally quadrilateral shape. The non-display area DD-NDA may surround the display area DD-DA. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this, and the shapes of the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA may be designed relatively differently.

[0063] Reference Figure 2The display device DD may include a display panel DP, a touch sensing unit TS (or a touch sensing layer), and an anti-reflective layer RFL. The display device DD may also include a protective member disposed on the lower surface of the display panel DP and a window member disposed on the upper surface of the anti-reflective layer RFL.

[0064] The display panel DP can be a light-emitting display panel, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. In an organic light-emitting display panel, the emitting layer may include organic light-emitting materials. In a quantum dot light-emitting display panel, the emitting layer may include quantum dots and quantum rods. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the display panel DP will be described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0065] The display panel DP may include a substrate layer SUB, a circuit element layer DP-CL disposed on the substrate layer SUB, a display element layer DP-OLED, and a thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. For example, the display panel DP may also include functional layers such as an anti-reflective layer and a refractive index control layer.

[0066] The substrate SUB may include at least one plastic film. The substrate SUB is a flexible substrate and may include a plastic substrate, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, an organic / inorganic composite substrate, etc.

[0067] The reference can be similarly defined in the matrix layer SUB. Figure 1 The description includes the display area DD-DA and the non-display area DD-NDA.

[0068] The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one intermediate insulating layer and circuit elements. The intermediate insulating layer may include at least one intermediate inorganic film and at least one intermediate organic film. The circuit elements may include signal lines, pixel driving circuits, etc. A detailed description is provided below.

[0069] The display element layer of a DP-OLED may include at least organic light-emitting diodes. The display element layer of a DP-OLED may also include organic films such as pixel-defining films.

[0070] A thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) can seal the DP-OLED display element layer. The TFE can include at least one inorganic film (hereinafter referred to as the encapsulation inorganic film). The TFE can also include at least one organic film (hereinafter referred to as the encapsulation organic film). The encapsulation inorganic film can protect the DP-OLED display element layer from moisture or oxygen. Furthermore, the encapsulation organic film can protect the DP-OLED display element layer from foreign substances such as dust particles. The encapsulation inorganic film can include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer and a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, etc. The encapsulation organic film can include an acrylamide-based organic film, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0071] The touch sensing unit TS can acquire coordinate information from external input. The touch sensing unit TS is directly disposed on the display panel DP (organic light-emitting display panel DP). As used herein, "directly disposed" means formed through a continuous process without using a separate adhesive layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing unit TS is indirectly disposed on the display panel DP (organic light-emitting display panel DP), such that an intermediate layer (such as an adhesive layer) can be disposed between them.

[0072] The touch sensing unit TS can have a multi-layer structure. The touch sensing unit TS may include a single conductive layer or multiple conductive layers. The touch sensing unit TS may include a single insulating layer or multiple insulating layers.

[0073] For example, the touch sensing unit TS can sense external input using a capacitive method. However, the operation of the touch sensing unit TS is not particularly limited to this. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing unit TS can sense external input using an electromagnetic induction method or a pressure sensing method.

[0074] An anti-reflective layer RFL can be disposed on the touch sensing unit TS. The anti-reflective layer RFL can be used to prevent the reflection of external light. For example, the anti-reflective layer RFL may include a light-blocking layer formed of a light-blocking material. Therefore, since a separate polarizer can be omitted to benefit the anti-reflective layer RFL, the thickness of the display panel DP can be minimized while preventing a decrease in the brightness of the display device DD. (See below for further details.) Figures 8A to 8C Provide a detailed description of the anti-reflective layer RFL.

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A floor plan of the display panel (DP). Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The equivalent circuit diagram of the representative pixel PX. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the display panel DP.

[0076] like Figure 3As shown, the display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-display area NDA may be defined along the edge of the display area DA. The display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP may respectively correspond to Figure 1 The display device DD shown has a display area DD-DA and a non-display area DD-NDA. For example, the display area DA and non-display area NDA of the display panel DP can be substantially the same as the display area DD-DA and non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD. Optionally, the display area DA and non-display area NDA of the display panel DP can be different from the display area DD-DA and non-display area DD-NDA of the display device DD, and can be changed according to the structure or design of the display panel DP.

[0077] The display panel DP may include driving circuitry, multiple signal lines SGL, and multiple pixels PX. The multiple pixels PX are disposed within the display area DA. Each pixel PX may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and pixel driving circuitry connected to the OLED. The driving circuitry, multiple signal lines SGL, and pixel driving circuitry may be included... Figure 2 The circuit element layer DP-CL is shown.

[0078] The driving circuit may include a scan driving circuit GDC. The scan driving circuit GDC can generate multiple scan signals and sequentially output these signals to multiple scan lines GL, as will be described later. The scan driving circuit GDC can also output another control signal to the driving circuit of pixel PX.

[0079] The scan drive circuit GDC may include multiple thin-film transistors formed by the same process as the drive circuit that forms the pixel PX (e.g., low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) process or low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process).

[0080] The multiple signal lines SGL can include scan lines GL, data lines DL, power lines PL, and control signal lines CSL. Scan lines GL are connected to corresponding pixels PX within the multiple pixels PX, and data lines DL are connected to corresponding pixels PX within the multiple pixels PX. Power lines PL are connected to the multiple pixels PX. Control signal lines CSL provide control signals to the scan drive circuit GDC.

[0081] The display panel (DP) may include signal pads (also known as solder pads) DP-PDs connected to the ends of signal lines (SGL). The signal pads DP-PDs can be circuit elements. The area within the non-display area (NDA) where the signal pads DP-PDs are located is defined as the pad area NDA-PD. For example, touch pads TS-PDs connected to touch signal lines described later may also be located within the pad area NDA-PD.

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment, the display panel DP may include at least one dam structure, such as a first dam section DMP1. For example, the display panel DP may include two first dam sections, such as a first first dam section DMP1-1 and a second first dam section DMP1-2. The first first dam section DMP1-1 may extend along the edge of the display area DA. The first first dam section DMP1-1 may surround the display area DA. The second first dam section DMP1-2 may extend along the edge of the first first dam section DMP1-1. The second first dam section DMP1-2 may surround the first first dam section DMP1-1. A portion of the first dam section DMP1 may be disposed parallel to the pad area NDA-PD.

[0083] Furthermore, the display panel DP may include at least one second dam section DMP2. For example, the display panel DP may include two second dam sections, such as a first second dam section DMP2-1 and a second second dam section DMP2-2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second dam section DMP2 may be superimposed on the first dam section DMP1 in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). The first second dam section DMP2-1 may be disposed on the first first dam section DMP1-1 and may extend along the edge of the display area DA. The first second dam section DMP2-1 may surround the display area DA. The second second dam section DMP2-2 may be superimposed on the second first dam section DMP1-2 and may extend along the edge of the first second dam section DMP2-1. A portion of the second dam section DMP2 may be disposed parallel to the pad area NDA-PD.

[0084] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, a pixel PX can be connected to any scan line GL, any data line DL, and any power line PL. The construction of a pixel PX is not limited to this and can be modified to have various structures.

[0085] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be a front-surface light-emitting diode or a rear-surface light-emitting diode. A pixel PX may include a first transistor T1 (e.g., a switching transistor), a second transistor T2 (e.g., a driving transistor), and a capacitor Cst as elements of a pixel driving circuit for driving the OLED. A first power voltage ELVDD is provided to the second transistor T2, and a second power voltage ELVSS is provided to the OLED. The second power voltage ELVSS may be a voltage lower than the first power voltage ELVDD.

[0086] The first transistor T1 can output a data signal applied to the data line DL to the capacitor Cst in response to a scan signal applied to the scan line GL. The capacitor Cst can be charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal received from the first transistor T1.

[0087] A second transistor T2 is connected to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The second transistor T2 can control the driving current flowing through the OLED in accordance with the amount of charge stored in the capacitor Cst. The OLED emits light during the on-state of the second transistor T2.

[0088] Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the display panel DP corresponding to the equivalent circuit shown. The circuit element layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-OLED, and the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE are sequentially disposed on the substrate layer SUB.

[0089] The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one inorganic film, at least one organic film, and circuit elements. The circuit element layer DP-CL includes a buffer film BFL having an inorganic film, a first intermediate inorganic film 10 and a second intermediate inorganic film 20, and may include an intermediate organic film 30 having an organic film.

[0090] Inorganic membranes may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon oxide, etc. Organic membranes may include at least one of acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polyisoprene, vinyl resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins. Circuit elements may include conductive patterns and / or semiconductor patterns.

[0091] The buffer film (BFL) improves the adhesion between the substrate layer (SUB) and the conductive or semiconductor pattern. For example, a barrier layer to prevent foreign matter from entering the device can be further disposed on the upper surface of the substrate layer (SUB). The buffer film (BFL) and the barrier layer can be selectively provided or omitted.

[0092] The semiconductor pattern OSP1 of the first transistor T1 (hereinafter referred to as the first semiconductor pattern) and the semiconductor pattern OSP2 of the second transistor T2 (hereinafter referred to as the second semiconductor pattern) are disposed on the buffer film BFL. The first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 may be formed of at least one of amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon and metal oxide semiconductor.

[0093] A first intermediate inorganic film 10 is disposed on a first semiconductor pattern OSP1 and a second semiconductor pattern OSP2. A control electrode GE1 (hereinafter referred to as the first control electrode) of the first transistor T1 and a control electrode GE2 (hereinafter referred to as the second control electrode) of the second transistor T2 are disposed on the first intermediate inorganic film 10. The first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 can be connected to form a scan line GL (refer to...). Figure 3 The same photolithography process is used to form the same photolithography process.

[0094] A second intermediate inorganic film 20 covering the first control electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 is disposed on the first intermediate inorganic film 10. The input electrode DE1 (hereinafter referred to as the first input electrode) and output electrode SE1 (hereinafter referred to as the first output electrode) of the first transistor T1, and the input electrode DE2 (hereinafter referred to as the second input electrode) and output electrode SE2 (hereinafter referred to as the second output electrode) of the second transistor T2 are disposed on the second intermediate inorganic film 20.

[0095] The first input electrode DE1 and the first output electrode SE1 are connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 through a first via CH1 and a second via CH2 passing through the first intermediate inorganic film 10 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20, respectively. The second input electrode DE2 and the second output electrode SE2 are connected to the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 through a third via CH3 and a fourth via CH4 passing through the first intermediate inorganic film 10 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20, respectively. In another exemplary embodiment, some of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may be modified to have a bottom gate structure.

[0096] An intermediate organic film 30 covering the first input electrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2 is disposed on the second intermediate inorganic film 20. The intermediate organic film 30 may have a flat surface.

[0097] The intermediate organic film 30 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the intermediate organic film 30 may comprise a first intermediate organic film 31 covering the first input electrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2 on the second intermediate inorganic film 20, and a second intermediate organic film 32 disposed on the first intermediate organic film 31. When the intermediate organic film 30 is formed of multiple layers, the planarization characteristics of the intermediate organic film 30 can be improved.

[0098] The display element layer DP-OLED is disposed on the second intermediate organic film 32. The display element layer DP-OLED may include a pixel defining film PDL and an organic light-emitting diode OLED. The pixel defining film PDL may include organic materials as included in the intermediate organic film 30. A first electrode AE ​​is disposed on the second intermediate organic film 32. The first electrode AE ​​is connected to the second output electrode SE2 through a fifth through-hole CH5 passing through the intermediate organic film 30. An opening OP is defined in the pixel defining film PDL. The opening OP of the pixel defining film PDL exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

[0099] Furthermore, the pixel-defining film (PDL) may include a light-absorbing material. Additionally, the PDL may be coated with a light-absorbing agent to absorb light introduced from the outside. For example, the PDL may include a carbon-based black pigment. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the PDL may include an opaque metallic material with high light absorption, such as chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum and titanium (MoTi), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), or nickel (Ni).

[0100] A pixel PX can be disposed within a pixel region. The pixel region may include an emitting region PXA and a non-emitting region NPXA adjacent to the emitting region PXA. The non-emitting region NPXA may surround the emitting region PXA. In an exemplary embodiment, the emitting region PXA is defined to correspond to a portion of the first electrode AE ​​exposed by the opening OP.

[0101] The hole control layer (HCL) can be set together in the emission region PXA and the non-emission region NPXA. For example, it can be set in multiple pixels PX (refer to...). Figure 3 They collectively form a common layer (e.g., hole control layer HCL).

[0102] An emission layer EML is disposed on a hole control layer HCL. The emission layer EML can be disposed in a region corresponding to an opening OP. For example, the emission layer EML can be formed individually in multiple corresponding pixels PX. The emission layer EML can include organic and / or inorganic materials to emit a predetermined color. For example, a pixel PX can include a first sub-pixel to a third sub-pixel. Each of the first to third sub-pixels can emit red, green, or blue light.

[0103] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the emission layer EML may be disposed together in multiple pixels PX. In this case, the emission layer EML may emit white light.

[0104] The electronic control layer (ECL) is disposed on the emitter layer (EML). For example, the electronic control layer (ECL) can be formed together on multiple pixels (PX) (see reference). Figure 3 )middle.

[0105] The second electrode CE is disposed on the electronic control layer ECL. The second electrode CE is disposed in multiple pixels PX.

[0106] like Figure 8B As shown, when the individual spacer SPC is further disposed on the pixel defining film PDL, the second electrode CE can be disposed on the spacer SPC.

[0107] A thin-film encapsulation layer TFE is disposed on the second electrode CE. The thin-film encapsulation layers TFE are commonly disposed in multiple pixels PX. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may be directly disposed on the second electrode CE. In the exemplary embodiment, a capping layer covering the second electrode CE may be further disposed between the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE and the second electrode CE. In this case, the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may be directly disposed on the capping layer.

[0108] Figure 6A yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the touch sensing unit TS. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A plan view of the touch sensing unit TS. Figure 7A yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensing unit TS. Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A plan view of the touch sensing unit TS.

[0109] like Figure 6AAs shown, the touch sensing unit TS may include a first conductive layer TS-CL1, a first insulating layer TS-IL1 (hereinafter referred to as the first touch insulating layer), a second conductive layer TS-CL2, and a second insulating layer TS-IL2 (hereinafter referred to as the second touch insulating layer). The first conductive layer TS-CL1 is directly disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. Exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and another inorganic or organic layer may be further disposed between the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0110] Each of the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR3. The conductive layers in the multi-layer structure may include at least two of a variety of transparent conductive layers and a variety of metal layers. The conductive layers in the multi-layer structure may include metal layers containing different metals. The transparent conductive layers may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), PEDOT, metal nanowires, or graphene. The metal layers may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. For example, each of the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may have a titanium / aluminum / titanium three-layer structure.

[0111] Each of the first conductive layer TS-CL1 and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 may include multiple patterns. Hereinafter, the first conductive layer TS-CL1 includes a first conductive pattern, and the second conductive layer TS-CL2 includes a second conductive pattern. Each of the first and second conductive patterns may include a touch electrode and a touch signal line.

[0112] Each of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 may comprise an inorganic or organic material. At least one of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 may comprise an inorganic film. The inorganic film may comprise at least one of alumina, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0113] At least one of the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one selected from acrylic resins, methacrylic resins, polyisoprene, vinyl resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, cellulose resins, siloxane resins, polyimide resins, polyamide resins, and perylene resins. In the exemplary embodiments shown, for ease of description, the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 is described as a touch inorganic film, and the second touch insulating layer TS-IL2 is described as a touch organic film.

[0114] like Figure 6BAs shown, the touch sensing unit TS may include first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5, first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 connected to the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5, second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4, second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 connected to the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4, and a touch pad TS-PD connected to the first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 and the second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4. The first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 are each connected to one end of the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5. The second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 are each connected to both ends of the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4. In another exemplary embodiment, the first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 are also connected to the two ends of the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 respectively, or the second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 can be connected to one end of the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 respectively.

[0115] Figure 6B Additionally, a first dam portion DMP1 disposed in the display panel DP is shown to illustrate the relative position of the first dam portion DMP1 with respect to the touch sensing unit TS. Each of the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 may have a grid shape in which a plurality of touch openings are defined. Each of the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 may include a plurality of first touch sensor portions SP1 and a plurality of first connecting portions CP1. The first touch sensor portions SP1 are arranged along a second direction DR2. Each of the first connecting portions CP1 can connect two adjacent first touch sensor portions SP1. For example, the first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 may also have a grid shape.

[0116] The second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may be insulated from and intersect with the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5. Each of the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may have a grid shape in which a plurality of touch openings are defined. Each of the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may include a plurality of second touch sensor sections SP2 and a plurality of second connecting sections CP2. The second touch sensor sections SP2 are arranged along a first direction DR1. Each of the second connecting sections CP2 can connect two adjacent second touch sensor sections SP2. The second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may also have a grid shape.

[0117] The first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 and the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 are electrostatically coupled. For example, the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 and the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 can be operated together through electrostatic coupling between them. For example, when an object approaches the touch sensing unit TS, the capacitance between the first touch sensor section SP1 and the second touch sensor section SP2 changes. Furthermore, when a touch sensing signal is applied to the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5, the change in capacitance between the first touch sensor section SP1 and the second touch sensor section SP2 is detected.

[0118] Some of the multiple first touch sensor units SP1, multiple first connectors CP1, first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5, multiple second touch sensor units SP2, multiple second connectors CP2, and multiple second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 can be patterned. Figure 6A The first conductive layer TS-CL1 shown is formed. The plurality of first touch sensor units SP1, the plurality of first connection units CP1, the first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5, the plurality of second touch sensor units SP2, the plurality of second connection units CP2, and the others among the plurality of second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 can be patterned. Figure 6A The second conductive layer TS-CL2 shown is used to form the first conductive layer TS-CL1. For example, a plurality of first connection portions CP1 can be formed by patterning the first conductive layer TS-CL1. For example, a plurality of first touch sensor portions SP1, first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5, a plurality of second touch sensor portions SP2, a plurality of second connection portions CP2, and second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 can be formed by patterning the second conductive layer TS-CL2. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0119] Although a touch sensing unit TS in which multiple first connecting portions CP1 and multiple second connecting portions CP2 intersect each other is shown, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, each of the second connecting portions CP2 may be deformed into a V-shape so as not to overlap with the multiple first connecting portions CP1. The V-shaped second connecting portions CP2 may overlap with the first touch sensor portion SP1. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the first touch sensor portion SP1 and the second touch sensor portion SP2 are shown to have a generally rhomboid or triangular shape, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0120] like Figure 7AAs shown, the touch sensing unit TS can be a single-layer touch sensing unit comprising a conductive layer TS-CL and an insulating layer TS-IL (touch insulating layer). The single-layer touch sensing unit can obtain coordinate information through the self-capacitance method.

[0121] The conductive layer TS-CL can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR3. The multi-layer conductive layer can include at least two of a variety of transparent conductive layers and a variety of metal layers. The conductive layer TS-CL can include multiple patterns, such as touch electrodes and touch signal lines. The touch insulating layer TS-IL can include at least an inorganic film. The touch insulating layer TS-IL can also include an organic film.

[0122] like Figure 7B As shown, the touch sensing unit TS may include touch electrodes TE and touch signal lines SL spaced apart from each other. The touch electrodes TE may be arranged in a matrix and connected to the touch signal lines SL respectively. There are no particular limitations on the shape and arrangement of the touch electrodes TE. Some of the touch signal lines SL may be located in the display area DA, and some of the touch signal lines SL may be located in the non-display area NDA.

[0123] Figure 8A It is along Figure 6B A sectional view taken by line I-I'. Figure 8B It is along Figure 6B The sectional view taken from line II-II'. Figure 8C It is along Figure 6B The sectional view taken from line III-III'. Figure 8B A cross-section superimposed on the data line DL is shown. Figure 8C The cross-section shown is not superimposed on the data line DL.

[0124] The stacked structure of the circuit element layer DP-CL, the display element layer DP-OLED, and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed in the display area DA is compared with the reference. Figure 5 The structures described are identical, therefore their detailed descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy. However, the hole control layer (HCL) and the electronic control layer (ECL) are not described in... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown in the figure. The stacked structure of the touch sensing unit TS is also similar to that of the reference. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The structures described are identical, therefore detailed descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy. Furthermore, Figure 8A The touch signal line SL included in the touch sensing unit TS is shown. A thin film encapsulation layer TFE is shown, comprising a first encapsulated inorganic film IOL1, a second encapsulated inorganic film IOL2, and an encapsulated organic film OL disposed between the first encapsulated inorganic film IOL1 and the second encapsulated inorganic film IOL2.

[0125] like Figure 8A As shown, the scan drive circuit GDC of the circuit element layer DP-CL is disposed in the non-display area NDA. The scan drive circuit GDC may include at least one transistor GDC-T formed using the same process as the second transistor T2. The scan drive circuit GDC may include a signal line GDC-SL disposed on the same layer as the input electrode DE2 of the second transistor T2. For example, the scan drive circuit GDC may also include a signal line disposed on the same layer as the control electrode GE2 of the second transistor T2.

[0126] The power electrode PWE, which provides the second electrical voltage ELVSS, is disposed outside the scan drive circuit GDC. The power electrode PWE can receive the second electrical voltage ELVSS from an external device. The connecting electrode E-CNT is disposed on the intermediate organic film 30. The connecting electrode E-CNT can connect the power electrode PWE and the second electrode CE to each other. Since the connecting electrode E-CNT is formed by the same process as the first electrode AE, the connecting electrode E-CNT can have the same layer structure and the same material as the first electrode AE. The connecting electrode E-CNT and the first electrode AE ​​can have substantially the same thickness.

[0127] For example, in Figure 8B The image shows a data line DL disposed on the second intermediate inorganic membrane 20. Signal pads DP-PD are connected to the end of the data line DL.

[0128] like Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the display panel DP may include at least one first dam section DMP1. For example, the display panel DP may include two first dam sections DMP1-1 and DMP1-2. The first first dam section DMP1-1 may have a multilayer structure. The lower DM1 may be formed simultaneously with the pixel defining film PDL from the same material. The upper DM2 may be formed simultaneously with the spacer SPC from the same material. Furthermore, the second first dam section DMP1-2 may have a multilayer structure. The lower DM3 may be formed simultaneously with the intermediate organic film 30 from the same material. The middle DM4 may be formed simultaneously with the pixel defining film PDL from the same material. The upper DM5 may be formed simultaneously with the spacer SPC from the same material. The second first dam section DMP1-2 may have a height greater than the thickness of the intermediate organic film 30 of the first first dam section DMP1-1. For example, the top surface of the second first dam section DMP1-2 may be located at a higher level than the top surface of the first first dam section DMP1-1.

[0129] The first dam section DMP1 prevents liquid organic material from diffusing or leaking to the outside during the process of forming the encapsulating organic film OL. The encapsulating organic film OL can be formed on the first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 using an inkjet method. In this case, the first dam section DMP1 can define or limit the boundary of the area where the liquid organic material is disposed.

[0130] The first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 and the second encapsulating inorganic film IOL2 can be stacked on top of the first dam section DMP1. The first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 can contact the second intermediate inorganic film 20. Figure 8B In this configuration, a portion of the data line DL is positioned between the second intermediate inorganic film 20 and the first encapsulation inorganic film IOL1. However, as... Figure 8C As shown, the first encapsulating inorganic film IOL1 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20 can contact each other in the area where the data line DL is not provided.

[0131] The touch insulation layers TS-IL1 and TS-IL2 can be stacked with the first dam section DMP1, such as Figure 8A As shown in the diagram, the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 can contact the first encapsulated inorganic film IOL1, the second encapsulated inorganic film IOL2, and the second intermediate inorganic film 20. Figure 8B In this configuration, the data cable DL is positioned between the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20. However, as... Figure 8C As shown, the first touch insulating layer TS-IL1 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20 can contact each other in another area where the data line DL is not provided.

[0132] The anti-reflective layer RFL can be applied to the touch sensing unit TS, such as... Figure 8B As shown in the diagram. Because the anti-reflective layer RFL can block external light reflection, a separate polarizer can be omitted to benefit the anti-reflective layer RFL. Therefore, as described above, the thickness of the display panel DP can be minimized while preventing a decrease in the brightness of the display device DD.

[0133] The anti-reflective layer RFL may include a light-blocking layer BM and color filters CF1, CF2 and CF3.

[0134] The light-blocking layer BM can be disposed on the second insulating layer TS-IL2.

[0135] The light-blocking layer BM may include a light-absorbing material. For example, the light-blocking layer BM may be coated with a light absorber to absorb light introduced from the outside. In this case, the light-blocking layer BM may include a carbon-based black pigment. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the light-blocking layer BM may include an opaque metallic material with high light absorption, such as chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), an alloy of molybdenum and titanium (MoTi), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), or nickel (Ni).

[0136] The light-blocking layer BM can be stacked with the pixel-defining film PDL in the thickness direction (i.e., in the third direction DR3).

[0137] According to an exemplary embodiment, the width of the light-blocking layer BM in one direction may differ from the width of the pixel-defining film PDL in that direction. Furthermore, the width of the light-blocking layer BM in that direction may be the same as the width of the pixel-defining film PDL in that direction. For example, the width of the light-blocking layer BM in that direction may be smaller than the width of the pixel-defining film PDL in that direction. Here, the width of the pixel-defining film PDL in that direction refers to the gap between the ends of the pixel-defining film PDL disposed between adjacent emissive layers EML in that direction. The width of the light-blocking layer BM in that direction refers to the gap between the ends of the light-blocking layer BM disposed between adjacent color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 in that direction.

[0138] When the width of the light-blocking layer BM is smaller than the width of the pixel-defining film PDL, the absorption of light emitted from the emitting layer EML to the light-blocking layer BM can be minimized. Therefore, the side brightness ratio can be improved, and the white angular dependency (WAD) can be enhanced. Here, WAD refers to the problem of identifying a green (or another color) hue at the edge of the display device DD based on the observer's viewing angle.

[0139] However, when the width of the light-blocking layer BM is extremely small, the external light absorption function of the light-blocking layer BM is reduced. Therefore, the width of the light-blocking layer BM can be adjusted taking into account the side brightness ratio, WAD, and reflectivity.

[0140] Color filters CF1, CF2 and CF3 can be set on the light-blocking layer BM.

[0141] One surface of the second insulating layer TS-IL2 can be exposed through an opening defined by the light-blocking layer BM. Color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be disposed within the opening defined by the light-blocking layer BM. In this case, the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can directly contact the second insulating layer TS-IL2 within the opening. Furthermore, the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can extend from the edge of the opening to the upper surface of the light-blocking layer BM and directly contact the upper surface of the light-blocking layer BM.

[0142] Color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 can be overlaid with the emission layer EML of pixel PX.

[0143] For example, the first color filter CF1 can be a green color filter superimposed on the emission layer EML1 of the first sub-pixel, the second color filter CF2 can be a blue color filter superimposed on the emission layer EML2 of the second sub-pixel, and the third color filter CF3 can be a red color filter superimposed on the emission layer EML3 of the third sub-pixel.

[0144] like Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown, since the light-blocking layer BM and color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 are disposed on the second insulating layer TS-IL2, a significant step difference is formed between the light-blocking layer BM and the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3. Therefore, the anti-reflective layer RFL may include an outer coating OC to flatten the step difference between the light-blocking layer BM and the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3. The outer coating OC may be an organic film formed from an organic material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or a polyimide resin.

[0145] The outer coating OC can be superimposed on the entire display area DA in the thickness direction DR3, and can also be superimposed on a portion of the non-display area NDA in the thickness direction DR3. For example, the outer coating OC can be superimposed on a portion of the first dam DMP1-1 in the thickness direction DR3. The outer coating OC can contact the light blocking layer BM, color filters CF1, CF2 and CF3, and the second insulating layer TS-IL2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the outer coating OC can be from about 5 μm to 30 μm. For example, the thickness of the outer coating OC refers to the shortest distance between the upper surface of the second insulating layer TS-IL2 and the upper surface of the outer coating OC.

[0146] The outer coating OC may include a plurality of scattering surface scattering devices (SCTs) (such as light scattering elements). The SCTs can scatter light incident on the outer coating OC to increase the amount of light emitted from the outer coating OC. For example, the SCTs can scatter light incident on the outer coating OC such that the front and side brightness are substantially uniform. The SCTs may include at least one selected from TiO2, Al2O3, and SiO2, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0147] The display panel DP may include at least one second dam section DMP2. For example, the display panel DP may include two second dam sections DMP2-1 and DMP2-2.

[0148] The first and second dam sections DMP2-1 and DMP2-2 can be located in the non-display area NDA, instead of in the pad area NDA-PD. For example, the first and second dam sections DMP2-1 can be superimposed on the first dam section DMP1-1 in the thickness direction DR3, and the second dam section DMP2-2 can be superimposed on the second dam section DMP1-2 in the thickness direction DR3.

[0149] The second dam section, DMP2, can have a multi-layered structure comprising at least two layers. For example, as... Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the second dam section DMP2 can be formed of four layers. The second dam section DMP2 can be formed of the same material as at least one of the light blocking layer BM and the color filters CF1, CF2 and CF3.

[0150] During the patterning process of the anti-reflective layer RFL, the light-blocking layer BM, and the color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3, the second dam DMP2 can be formed simultaneously. The first layers DM6 and DM10 can be formed simultaneously with the light-blocking layer BM from the same material. The second layers DM7 and DM11 can be formed simultaneously with the first color filter CF1 from the same material. The third layers DM8 and DM12 can be formed simultaneously with the second color filter CF2 from the same material. The fourth layers DM9 and DM13 can be formed simultaneously with the third color filter CF3 from the same material.

[0151] In the process of forming the outer coating OC, the second dam DMP2 can prevent the liquid organic material from diffusing or leaking to the outside of the first intermediate inorganic film 10 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20, and prevent the liquid organic material from covering the pad area NDA-PD. The outer coating OC can be achieved by forming the liquid organic material on the second insulating layer TS-IL2 using an inkjet method. In this case, the second dam DMP2 can set or define the boundary of the area where the liquid organic material is disposed.

[0152] After forming the second dam DMP2, which serves as the boundary of the area containing the liquid organic material, the outer coating OC is formed using an inkjet method. Therefore, forming the second dam DMP2 reduces the number of mask processes required to form the anti-reflective layer RFL.

[0153] Other exemplary embodiments will be described below. In the exemplary embodiments below, the same constructions as those in the already described embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and the differences will be described primarily to avoid redundancy.

[0154] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensing unit TS. Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 The sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0155] Figure 9 and Figure 10 and Figure 6B The difference in the embodiment is that the second dam section DMP2 is configured not to overlap with the first dam section DMP1.

[0156] Specifically, according to this exemplary embodiment, the display panel DP may include at least one first dam section DMP1. For example, the display panel DP may include two first dam sections DMP1-1 and DMP1-2. The first first dam section DMP1-1 may extend along the edge of the display area DA. The first first dam section DMP1-1 may surround the display area DA. The second first dam section DMP1-2 may extend along the edge of the first first dam section DMP1-1. The second first dam section DMP1-2 may surround the first first dam section DMP1-1. A portion of the first dam section DMP1 may be disposed substantially parallel to the pad area NDA-PD.

[0157] Furthermore, the display panel DP may include at least one second dam section DMP2. For example, the display panel DP may include two second dam sections DMP2-1 and DMP2-2.

[0158] The first and second dam sections DMP2-1 and DMP2-2 can be positioned in the non-display area NDA between the first dam section DMP1 and the pad area NDA-PD. For example, the second dam section DMP2 can be configured not to overlap with the first dam section DMP1 in the thickness direction DR3. The first and second dam sections DMP2-1 can extend along the edge of the second first dam section DMP1-2. The first and second dam sections DMP2-1 can surround the second first dam section DMP1-2. The second and second dam sections DMP2-2 can extend along the edge of the first and second dam sections DMP2-1. The second and second dam sections DMP2-2 can surround the first and second dam sections DMP2-1.

[0159] The outer coating OC can be stacked with the entire display area DA in the thickness direction DR3, and can also be stacked with a portion of the non-display area NDA in the thickness direction DR3. For example, the outer coating OC can be stacked with the first first dam DMP1-1 and the second first dam DMP1-2 in the thickness direction DR3. The outer coating OC can contact the light blocking layer BM, the color filters CF1, CF2 and CF3, and the second insulating layer TS-IL2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the outer coating OC can be from about 5 μm to 30 μm. For example, the thickness of the outer coating OC refers to the shortest distance between the upper surface of the second insulating layer TS-IL2 and the upper surface of the outer coating OC.

[0160] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a display device DD constructed according to the principles of the invention. Figure 12 yes Figure 11A and Figure 11B A plan view of the touch sensing unit TS. Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0161] Figures 11A to 13 and Figure 6B The difference in the embodiments is as follows: Figures 11A to 13 The embodiments include a flexible region.

[0162] Specifically, the display device DD can be a substantially flat, rigid display device. In this case, the display device DD may include a rigid substrate. The rigid substrate may be formed of at least one material selected from glass, quartz, aluminosilicate, borosilicate, and boroaluminosilicate.

[0163] The display device DD includes a first inflexible region NBA1, a second inflexible region NBA2 spaced apart from the first inflexible region NBA1 in a first direction DR1, and a flexible region BA defined between the first inflexible region NBA1 and the second inflexible region NBA2. The display region DD-NDA may be included within the first inflexible region NBA1. A portion of the non-display region DD-NDA corresponds to the second inflexible region NBA2 and the flexible region BA, respectively, and the portion of the non-display region DD-NDA adjacent to the display region DD-DA is included within the first inflexible region NBA1.

[0164] The bendable region BA can be bent such that the bending axis BX is defined along a second direction DR2 orthogonal to the first direction DR1. The second inflexible region NBA2 faces the first inflexible region NBA1. The bendable region BA and the second inflexible region NBA2 can have a smaller width in the second direction DR2 than the width of the first inflexible region NBA1 in the second direction DR2. For example, Figure 1 The display device DD shown may also include a bendable region corresponding to the bendable region BA.

[0165] In one direction (e.g., the second direction DR2), the width of the flexible region BA and the width of the second inflexible region NBA2 can be smaller than the width of the first inflexible region NBA1.

[0166] The grooved GRV of the non-display area NDA of the exposed substrate layer SUB can be confined within the buffer film BFL of the flexible region BA and the first intermediate inorganic film 10 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20. A dummy organic pattern DOP can be disposed within the grooved GRV. Removing the inorganic film in the flexible region BA can reduce the stress in the flexible region BA and prevent cracking of the first intermediate inorganic film 10 and the second intermediate inorganic film 20.

[0167] Although some exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but is limited to the broader scope of the appended claims and the various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: The first layer has a display area including pixels and a non-display area surrounding the display area; The second layer is disposed on the first layer and includes an intermediate inorganic film and an intermediate organic film. The intermediate inorganic film is stacked with the display area and the non-display area. The intermediate organic film is disposed on the intermediate inorganic film and exposes a portion of the intermediate inorganic film in the non-display area. The third layer is disposed on the second layer and includes display elements in the display area; The first dam structure is disposed outside the edge of the intermediate organic membrane and extends along the edge of the intermediate organic membrane; The fourth layer includes a first encapsulating inorganic film, a second encapsulating inorganic film, and an encapsulating organic film. The first encapsulating inorganic film and the second encapsulating inorganic film are stacked with the third layer and the first dam structure. The encapsulating organic film is placed between the first encapsulating inorganic film and the second encapsulating inorganic film and has an end portion adjacent to the side of the first dam structure. The fifth layer is located on top of the fourth layer; The sixth layer is disposed on the fifth layer and includes a light-blocking layer, a plurality of color filters, and a seventh layer covering the light-blocking layer and the plurality of color filters; as well as The second dam structure is located on the fifth layer in the non-display area and defines the boundary of the seventh layer. The second dam structure comprises multiple layers, one of which is formed of the same material selected from the group consisting of the light-blocking layer and the multiple color filters, and at least another of the multiple layers is formed of the same material selected from the group consisting of the light-blocking layer and the multiple color filters.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second layer is a circuit element layer, and includes signal lines electrically connected to the display element and signal pads connected to the ends of the signal lines. The non-display area has a pad area in which the signal pad is disposed.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, A portion of the first dam structure and a portion of the second dam structure are configured to be parallel to the pad region.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The second dam structure is disposed between the display area and the pad area.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The first dam structure includes a first dam section, and the second dam structure includes a second dam section superimposed on the first dam section.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each pixel in the pixel group includes: The first sub-pixel is used to emit light of the first color. The second sub-pixel is used to emit light of the second color; and The third sub-pixel is used to emit light of the third color, and The plurality of color filters include: The first color filter is superimposed on the first sub-pixel; A second color filter, superimposed on the second sub-pixel; and The third color filter is superimposed on the third sub-pixel.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of layers includes an eighth layer, a ninth layer, a tenth layer, and an eleventh layer, wherein: The eighth layer and the light-blocking layer are formed simultaneously from the same material. The ninth layer and the first color filter are formed simultaneously from the same material. The tenth layer and the second color filter are formed simultaneously from the same material, and The eleventh layer and the third color filter are formed simultaneously from the same material.

8. The display device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The first color filter is a green color filter, the second color filter is a blue color filter, and the third color filter is a red color filter.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The seventh layer is an outer coating layer, which further includes a scatterer formed from at least one selected from TiO2, Al2O3 and SiO2.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third layer includes a display element layer, which further includes a pixel defining film having an opening defining an emission area.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising: Spacers protrude from the pixel defining film in the thickness direction. The first dam structure includes an eighth layer and a ninth layer. The eighth layer and the pixel defining film are formed simultaneously from the same material, and the ninth layer and the spacer are formed simultaneously from the same material.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The light-blocking layer is stacked with the pixel-defining film in the thickness direction.

13. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The light-blocking layer has a first width between its ends in one direction, the pixel defining film has a second width between its ends in the same direction, and the first width is smaller than the second width.

14. The display device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The pixel-defining film includes a light-absorbing material, and The light-absorbing material includes at least one selected from carbon-based black pigments, chromium, molybdenum, alloys of molybdenum and titanium, tungsten, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate organic membrane includes: a first intermediate organic membrane disposed on the intermediate inorganic membrane; and a second intermediate organic membrane disposed on the first intermediate organic membrane.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The non-display area includes a first inflexible area, a second inflexible area, and a flexible area. The second inflexible area is spaced apart from the first inflexible area in a first direction. The flexible area is defined between the first inflexible area and the second inflexible area. The bendable region is bent such that the bending axis is defined along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The intermediate inorganic film has a groove that exposes a portion of the non-display area of ​​the first layer, and a dummy organic pattern is disposed inside the groove.

18. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The second layer is a circuit element layer, and includes signal lines electrically connected to the display element and signal pads connected to the ends of the signal lines. The second inflexible region includes a pad region in which the signal pad is disposed.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein, The second dam structure is located in the first inflexible region.

20. The display device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, The first dam structure includes a first dam section, and the second dam structure includes a second dam section superimposed on the first dam section.

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