Display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device. The display device includes: a flexible base substrate; a first active pattern and a second active pattern disposed on the base substrate; an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the first active pattern and the second active pattern and defining an opening region; a first organic insulating pattern disposed in the opening region; a bridging electrode disposed on the first organic insulating pattern; a second organic insulating layer disposed on the bridging electrode; a fourth organic insulating layer disposed on the second organic insulating layer; a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer, and the first pixel electrode is electrically connected to the first active pattern, and the second pixel electrode is electrically connected to the second active pattern; and a third organic insulating pattern disposed between the second organic insulating layer and the fourth organic insulating layer, overlapping with the second pixel electrode and not overlapping with the first pixel electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a flexible display device having an improved display quality. Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the development of technology, display products having smaller sizes, lighter weights, and better performances are being produced. Conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions have been widely used as display devices having many advantages in terms of performance and price. However, display devices such as plasma display devices, liquid crystal display devices, organic light emitting display devices, etc., which overcome the disadvantages of CRTs in terms of miniaturization or portability and have advantages such as miniaturization, light weight characteristics, and low power consumption, are being spotlighted.

[0003] An organic light emitting display (OLED) element may be configured such that holes provided from an anode and electrons provided from a cathode are combined in a light emitting layer provided between the anode and the cathode to emit light. When using an OLED element, a display device having a wide viewing angle, a fast response speed, a thin thickness, and low power consumption can be realized.

[0004] Recently, technologies for realizing a flexible display device that can be bent have been developed by using OLED elements. Since a flexible display device has a complex structure compared to a general display device (rigid), the display quality may deteriorate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problem

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a display device having an improved display quality.

[0007] Solution

[0008] According to an aspect of an embodiment, a display device may include: a base substrate that is flexible; a first active pattern and a second active pattern disposed on the base substrate; an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the first active pattern and the second active pattern and defining an opening area; a first organic insulating pattern disposed within the opening area; a bridging electrode disposed on the first organic insulating pattern; a second organic insulating layer disposed on the bridging electrode; a fourth organic insulating layer disposed on the second organic insulating layer; a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the first active pattern and the second active pattern, respectively; and a third organic insulating pattern disposed between the second organic insulating layer and the fourth organic insulating layer, overlapping the second pixel electrode, and not overlapping the first pixel electrode.

[0009] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a third active pattern disposed on the base substrate, and a third pixel electrode disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the third active pattern. In addition, the third organic insulating pattern may not overlap with the third pixel electrode.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first pixel electrode may correspond to a red sub-pixel, the second pixel electrode may correspond to a green sub-pixel, and the third pixel electrode may correspond to a blue sub-pixel.

[0011] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a third active pattern disposed on the base substrate, and a third pixel electrode disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the third active pattern. In addition, the third organic insulating pattern may overlap with the third pixel electrode.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first pixel electrode may correspond to a green sub-pixel, the second pixel electrode may correspond to a red sub-pixel, and the third pixel electrode may correspond to a blue sub-pixel.

[0013] In an embodiment, when observed in a plan view, the inorganic insulating layer may be separated by the opening regions to correspond to each of the plurality of sub-pixels.

[0014] In an embodiment, when observed in a plan view, the opening regions may have a lattice shape.

[0015] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a pixel defining layer disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer, a light emitting layer disposed on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode, and a counter electrode disposed on the pixel defining layer and the light emitting layer.

[0016] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the counter electrode, and a color filter layer disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first pixel electrode and the first active pattern may be included in the pixel circuit of the first sub-pixel, the second pixel electrode and the second active pattern may be included in the pixel circuit of the second sub-pixel, and the bridging electrode may electrically connect the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel to each other.

[0018] In an embodiment, the inorganic insulating layer may include a buffer layer disposed on the base substrate and a gate insulating layer disposed on the buffer layer.

[0019] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode, disposed on the gate insulating layer and overlapping with the first active pattern and the second active pattern respectively; a first inorganic insulating layer, disposed on the gate insulating layer; a first conductive pattern, disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer; a second inorganic insulating layer, disposed on the first conductive pattern; a second conductive pattern, disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer; a third inorganic insulating layer, disposed on the second conductive pattern; a third conductive pattern, disposed on the third inorganic insulating layer; an insulating layer, disposed on the third conductive pattern; and a fourth conductive pattern, disposed on the insulating layer. In addition, the first inorganic insulating layer to the third inorganic insulating layer may be included in the inorganic insulating layer. In addition, a third organic insulating pattern and a fourth organic insulating layer may be disposed between the fourth conductive pattern and the second pixel electrode.

[0020] In an embodiment, a bridging electrode may be included in the third conductive pattern.

[0021] In an embodiment, the third organic insulating pattern may include a siloxane-based resin, and the fourth organic insulating layer may include a polyimide-based resin.

[0022] In an embodiment, the third organic insulating pattern and the fourth organic insulating layer may include the same material.

[0023] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a light blocking portion overlapping with the opening region of the inorganic insulating layer.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display device may further include an insulating layer, disposed between the second organic insulating layer and the inorganic insulating layer, covering the bridging electrode, and including an organic insulating material.

[0025] In an embodiment, the base substrate may include a display region for displaying an image and a peripheral region surrounding the display region. In addition, a curved opening may be formed in the peripheral region by partially removing the inorganic insulating layer, and the first organic insulating pattern may be disposed within the curved opening.

[0026] According to another aspect of the embodiment, the display device includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel configured to emit lights of different colors. The display device may include: a base substrate, which is flexible; a first pixel circuit, a second pixel circuit, and a third pixel circuit disposed on the base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode electrically connected to the first pixel circuit to the third pixel circuit respectively; and a plurality of inorganic insulating layers and a plurality of organic insulating layers disposed between the base substrate and the first pixel electrode to the third pixel electrode. Here, when observed in a plan view, an opening region may be formed between the first pixel electrode to the third pixel electrode, and the opening region is a region where no inorganic insulating layer is formed, and an organic insulating layer may be disposed within the opening region. In addition, the number of organic insulating layers disposed between the second pixel electrode and the base substrate may be different from the number of organic insulating layers disposed between the first pixel electrode and the base substrate or between the third pixel electrode and the base substrate.

[0027] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a bridging electrode overlapping with the opening region. In addition, the bridging electrode may electrically connect two adjacent pixel circuits among the first pixel electrode to the third pixel electrode to each other.

[0028] Advantageous Effects

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device may have an asymmetric structure in which a third organic insulating pattern is disposed below a pixel electrode corresponding to at least one sub-pixel, and the third organic insulating pattern is not disposed below a pixel electrode corresponding to at least one other sub-pixel, so that a reflection color band of a specific color can be prevented from appearing.

[0030] In addition, an opening region for stress relaxation may be formed in the inorganic insulating layer, and the opening region may be filled with a layer including an organic insulating material, so that cracks or tears caused by stress in the inorganic insulating layer can be prevented.

[0031] However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and various extensions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a view showing Figure 1 a partial enlarged view of a part of sub-pixels in a display area of the display device.

[0034] Figure 3 is along Figure 2A cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in

[0035] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 1 line II-II' in

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a view showing a reflective ribbon of a flexible display device when the configuration of the present invention is not applied.

[0038] Figure 7a and Figure 7b are scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs showing sections corresponding to the first and second sub-pixels of a flexible display device when the configuration of the present invention is not applied.

[0039] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9a is a view showing an example in which Figure 8 the electronic device is implemented as a television.

[0041] Figure 9b is a view showing an example in which Figure 8 the electronic device is implemented as a smart phone. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 , the display device 10 may include a display area DA for displaying an image, and a peripheral area PA surrounding the display area DA. The peripheral area PA may include a bending area BA where the display device 10 is bent, and a pad area PAD connected to an external driver.

[0045] Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view showing a part of sub-pixels in the display area of Figure 1 the display device, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along Figure 2 line I-I' in Figure 4 and Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along

[0046] Referring toFigures 2 to 4 The display device may include a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in a matrix form in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. For example, the sub-pixels may include a first sub-pixel PX1, a second sub-pixel PX2, and a third sub-pixel PX3, and the first sub-pixel PX1 to the third sub-pixel PX3 may be a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, respectively.

[0047] Pixel circuits corresponding to the sub-pixels may be formed. An inorganic insulating layer INO to be described below may be separated by an opening region OA filled with a first organic insulating pattern OL1 to correspond to each of the sub-pixels.

[0048] In other words, when observed in a plan view, the opening region OA may have a lattice shape in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0049] Meanwhile, signal wirings such as scan signal lines and data signal lines may be formed across the pixel circuits to bridge the pixel circuits through bridge electrodes BRE, that is, to electrically connect the pixel circuits of the corresponding sub-pixels to each other.

[0050] Referring again to Figure 3 , in a display area DA, the display device may include a base substrate 100, a buffer layer 110, a first active pattern ACT1, a second active pattern ACT2, and a third active pattern ACT3, a gate insulating layer 120, a gate electrode layer, a first inorganic insulating layer 130, a first conductive pattern CON1, a second inorganic insulating layer 140, a second conductive pattern CON2, a third inorganic insulating layer 150, a third conductive pattern CON3, a first organic insulating pattern OL1, an insulating layer 160, a fourth conductive pattern CON4, a second organic insulating layer OL2, a third organic insulating pattern OL3, a fourth organic insulating layer OL4, a first pixel electrode PE1, a second pixel electrode PE2, a third pixel electrode PE3, a pixel defining layer PDL, a first light emitting layer EL1, a second light emitting layer EL2, a third light emitting layer EL3, a counter electrode CE, a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, a light blocking part BM, and a color filter layer CF.

[0051] The base substrate 100 may include a flexible substrate. The base substrate 100 may be implemented to have a curved surface and may include a transparent insulating material suitable for supporting stacked conductive patterns and layers. For example, the base substrate 100 may include polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, etc. For example, the base substrate 100 may have a stacked structure including a first polyimide layer 101, a first barrier layer 102 provided on the first polyimide layer 101, a second polyimide layer 103 provided on the first barrier layer 102, and a second barrier layer 104 provided on the second polyimide layer 103.

[0052] The buffer layer 110 may be disposed on the base substrate 100. The buffer layer 110 may provide a flat surface on the top surface of the base substrate 100 and prevent the diffusion of water or impurities. The buffer layer 110 may include an inorganic insulating material. The buffer layer 110 may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon compounds and metal oxides.

[0053] The first active pattern ACT1, the second active pattern ACT2, and the third active pattern ACT3 may be disposed on the buffer layer 110.

[0054] The first active pattern ACT1, the second active pattern ACT2, and the third active pattern ACT3 may include amorphous silicon, polysilicon, etc. In another embodiment, the first active pattern ACT1, the second active pattern ACT2, and the third active pattern ACT3 may include an oxide semiconductor. Each of the first active pattern ACT1, the second active pattern ACT2, and the third active pattern ACT3 may include a drain region and a source region doped with impurities, and a channel region disposed between the drain region and the source region.

[0055] The gate insulating layer 120 may be disposed on the buffer layer 110 on which the first active pattern ACT1, the second active pattern ACT2, and the third active pattern ACT3 are disposed. The gate insulating layer 120 may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon compounds and metal oxides.

[0056] The gate electrode layer may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 120. The gate electrode layer may include a first gate electrode GE1, a second gate electrode GE2, and a third gate electrode GE3. The first gate electrode GE1 may overlap with the channel region of the first active pattern ACT1. The second gate electrode GE2 may overlap with the channel region of the second active pattern ACT2. The third gate electrode GE3 may overlap with the channel region of the third active pattern ACT3. The gate electrode layer may be formed by using a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc.

[0057] The first active pattern ACT1 and the first gate electrode GE1 may be included in the first thin film transistor TFT1 of the pixel circuit constituting the first sub-pixel PX1. The second active pattern ACT2 and the second gate electrode GE2 may be included in the second thin film transistor TFT2 of the pixel circuit constituting the second sub-pixel PX2. The third active pattern ACT3 and the third gate electrode GE3 may be included in the third thin film transistor TFT3 of the pixel circuit constituting the third sub-pixel PX3.

[0058] Each of the first thin film transistor TFT1 to the third thin film transistor TFT3 may be a thin film transistor having a top gate structure. However, the above-described embodiments have been provided for illustrative purposes, and thus the structure of the thin film transistor is not limited thereto. For example, the thin film transistor may be a thin film transistor having a bottom gate structure.

[0059] The first inorganic insulating layer 130 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 120 on which the gate electrode layer is disposed. The first inorganic insulating layer 130 may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon compound and a metal oxide.

[0060] The first conductive pattern CON1 may be disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer 130. The first conductive pattern CON1 may form part of a pixel circuit. The first conductive pattern CON1 may be formed by using a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like.

[0061] The second inorganic insulating layer 140 may be disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer 130 on which the first conductive pattern CON1 is disposed. The second inorganic insulating layer 140 may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon compound and a metal oxide.

[0062] The second conductive pattern CON2 may be disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 140. The second conductive pattern CON2 may form part of a pixel circuit. The second conductive pattern CON2 may be formed by using a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like.

[0063] The third inorganic insulating layer 150 may be disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 140 on which the second conductive pattern CON2 is disposed. The third inorganic insulating layer 150 may include an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon compound and a metal oxide.

[0064] In this case, the buffer layer 110, the gate insulating layer 120, the first inorganic insulating layer 130, the second inorganic insulating layer 140, and the third inorganic insulating layer 150 may be included in the inorganic insulating layer INO.

[0065] An opening region OA may be formed in the inorganic insulating layer INO. The opening region OA may overlap with the pixel defining layer PDL and the light blocking portion BM, and the opening region OA may be partially or completely filled with the first organic insulating pattern OL1.

[0066] The first organic insulating pattern OL1 may be disposed within the opening region OA of the inorganic insulating layer INO. The first organic insulating pattern OL1 may be formed by using an organic insulating material such as a photoresist, an acrylic-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a silicone-based resin.

[0067] When the flexible display device 10 is bent, stress may be caused by compressive or tensile forces in the inorganic insulating layer INO including an inorganic insulating material. An opening area OA for stress relaxation may be formed in the inorganic insulating layer INO, and the opening area OA may be filled with a first organic insulating pattern OL1 including an organic insulating material. Accordingly, cracks or tears caused by stress in the inorganic insulating layer INO can be prevented.

[0068] A third conductive pattern CON3 may be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer INO and the first organic insulating pattern OL1. The third conductive pattern CON3 may form part of a pixel circuit. The third conductive pattern CON3 may include a bridging electrode BRE. The third conductive pattern CON3 may be formed by using a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like.

[0069] An insulating layer 160 may be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer INO on which the third conductive pattern CON3 is disposed. The insulating layer 160 may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material. For example, the insulating layer 160 may include a siloxane-based resin.

[0070] A second organic insulating layer OL2 may be disposed on the insulating layer 160. The second organic insulating layer OL2 may be formed by using an organic insulating material such as a photoresist, an acrylic-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a siloxane-based resin.

[0071] A fourth conductive pattern CON4 may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer OL2. The fourth conductive pattern CON4 may form part of a pixel circuit. The fourth conductive pattern CON4 may be formed by using a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, or the like.

[0072] A third organic insulating pattern OL3 may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer OL2 on which the fourth conductive pattern CON4 is disposed. The third organic insulating pattern OL3 may be formed to correspond to the second sub-pixel PX2. In other words, the third organic insulating pattern OL3 may be formed only in a portion overlapping with the second pixel electrode PE2 and may not overlap with the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrode PE3.

[0073] The third organic insulating pattern OL3 may be formed by using an organic insulating material such as a photoresist, an acrylic-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a siloxane-based resin. For example, the third organic insulating pattern OL3 may include a siloxane-based resin.

[0074] The fourth organic insulating layer OL4 may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer OL2 on which the third organic insulating pattern OL3 and the fourth conductive pattern CON4 are disposed. The fourth organic insulating layer OL4 may be formed by using an organic insulating material such as a photoresist, an acrylic-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a siloxane-based resin. For example, the fourth organic insulating layer OL4 may include a polyimide-based resin. In this case, although the third organic insulating pattern OL3 and the fourth organic insulating layer OL4 have been described as including mutually different materials, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the third organic insulating pattern OL3 and the fourth organic insulating layer OL4 may include the same material.

[0075] The first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer OL4. The first pixel electrode PE1 may be electrically connected to the first thin film transistor TFT1 through the pixel circuit of the first sub-pixel PX1, for example, electrically connected to the first active pattern ACT1. The second pixel electrode PE2 may be electrically connected to the second thin film transistor TFT2 through the pixel circuit of the second sub-pixel PX2, for example, electrically connected to the second active pattern ACT2. The third pixel electrode PE3 may be electrically connected to the third thin film transistor TFT3 through the pixel circuit of the third sub-pixel PX3, for example, electrically connected to the third active pattern ACT3. According to the light emission scheme of the display device, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be formed by using a reflective material or a transmissive material. In an embodiment, each of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may be formed as a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a metal film, an alloy film, a metal nitride film, a conductive metal oxide film, and / or a transparent conductive material film.

[0076] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, due to the differences in the arrangement and structure of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3, the pixel circuits disposed under the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have mutually different types of stepped structures. Therefore, although the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 have been shown in the figure as having a flat surface, the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 may have minute curves and inclinations such that a reflected color band having a specific color may be caused by the deviation of the curves and inclinations of the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 (see Figure 6 , Figure 7a and Figure 7b ).

[0077] However, according to the present embodiment, the embodiment may have an asymmetric structure in which the third organic insulating pattern OL3 overlaps with the second pixel electrode PE2 and does not overlap with the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrode PE3, and the third organic insulating pattern OL3 may be used to mitigate the curvature and inclination of the second pixel electrode PE2, thereby preventing the occurrence of a reflective color band having a specific color.

[0078] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer OL4 on which the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 are disposed. The pixel defining layer PDL may be formed by using an organic material, an inorganic material, or the like. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may be formed by using a photoresist, an acrylic fiber-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, a silicone resin compound, or the like. In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer PDL may be etched to form openings that respectively partially expose the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3. The emission region and the non-emission region of the display device may be defined by the openings of the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the portion in which the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL is located may correspond to the emission region, and the non-emission region may correspond to the portion adjacent to the opening of the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0079] The first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3 may be respectively disposed on the first pixel electrode PE1, the second pixel electrode PE2, and the third pixel electrode PE3 exposed through the openings of the pixel defining layer PDL. In addition, each of the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3 may extend to the sidewalls of the openings of the pixel defining layer PDL. In an embodiment, each of the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3 may have a multilayer structure including an organic emission layer, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and the like. In another embodiment, except for the organic emission layer, the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the electron transport layer, and the electron injection layer may be commonly formed corresponding to a plurality of pixels. The organic emission layers of the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3 may be formed by using light-emitting materials for generating different colors of light, such as red light, green light, and blue light, according to each of the pixels of the display device. According to other embodiments, each of the organic emission layers of the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3 may have a structure formed by stacking a plurality of light-emitting materials for emitting white light by realizing different colors of light such as red light, green light, and blue light. In this case, the above light-emitting structure may be commonly formed corresponding to the pixels, and the pixels may be classified by a color filter layer CF.

[0080] The counter electrode CE can be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3. According to the light emission scheme of the display device, the counter electrode CE can include a transmissive material or a reflective material. In an embodiment, the counter electrode CE can also be formed as a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a metal film, an alloy film, a metal nitride film, a conductive metal oxide film, and / or a transparent conductive material film.

[0081] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE can be disposed on the counter electrode CE. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE can prevent moisture and oxygen from penetrating from the outside. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE can include at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer. The at least one organic layer and the at least one inorganic layer can be alternately stacked with each other. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE can include two inorganic layers and one organic layer disposed therebetween, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a sealing substrate can be provided instead of the thin film encapsulation layer to prevent external air and moisture from infiltrating into the display device.

[0082] The light blocking portion BM and the color filter layer CF can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0083] The light blocking portion BM can include a material for blocking light. The light blocking portion BM can overlap with the opening area OA of the inorganic insulating layer INO and the pixel defining layer PDL.

[0084] The color filter layer CF can include red, green, and blue color filter layers corresponding to the light-emitting colors of the first light-emitting layer EL1, the second light-emitting layer EL2, and the third light-emitting layer EL3. Meanwhile, when the light-emitting layers EL1, EL2, and EL3 have different colors, the color filter layer CF can include color filter layers having colors corresponding to the colors of the light-emitting layers EL1, EL2, and EL3. A low-temperature color filter that can be manufactured in a low-temperature process of 100 °C or lower can be used as the color filter layer CF. The low-temperature color filter can be manufactured by using an organic material, where a curing process is performed by ultraviolet rays at a temperature of about 100 °C or lower. In this case, the color filter layer CF can be directly formed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE by a low-temperature process. Therefore, it is not necessary to apply an additional polarizing film to improve outdoor visibility.

[0085] Refer again to Figure 4 , in the bending region BA, the display device can include a base substrate 100, an inorganic insulating layer INO, a first organic insulating pattern OL1, an insulating layer 160, a second organic insulating layer OL2, a fourth conductive pattern CON4, a third organic insulating pattern OL3, a fourth organic insulating layer OL4, a pixel defining layer PDL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE.

[0086] The base substrate 100 may include a first polyimide layer 101, a first barrier layer 102, a second polyimide layer 103, and a second barrier layer 104. The inorganic insulating layer INO may include a buffer layer 110, a gate insulating layer 120, a first inorganic insulating layer 130, a second inorganic insulating layer 140, and a third inorganic insulating layer 150.

[0087] A bending opening may be formed by partially removing the inorganic insulating layer INO, and a first organic insulating pattern OL1 may be disposed within the bending opening. In other words, the bending opening may be formed through the third inorganic insulating layer 150, the second inorganic insulating layer 140, the first inorganic insulating layer 130, the gate insulating layer 120, the buffer layer 110, and the second barrier layer 104, and the bending opening may be filled with the first organic insulating pattern OL1 and a second organic insulating layer OL2.

[0088] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 , except for the position where the third organic insulating pattern OL3 is formed, the display device is substantially the same as Figures 1 to 4 the display device. Thus, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0090] The display device may include a base substrate 100, a buffer layer 110, a first active pattern ACT1, a second active pattern ACT2, and a third active pattern ACT3, a gate insulating layer 120, a gate electrode layer, a first inorganic insulating layer 130, a first conductive pattern CON1, a second inorganic insulating layer 140, a second conductive pattern CON2, a third inorganic insulating layer 150, a third conductive pattern CON3, a first organic insulating pattern OL1, an insulating layer 160, a fourth conductive pattern CON4, a second organic insulating layer OL2, a third organic insulating pattern OL3, a fourth organic insulating layer OL4, a first pixel electrode PE1, a second pixel electrode PE2, a third pixel electrode PE3, a pixel defining layer PDL, a first light-emitting layer EL1, a second light-emitting layer EL2, a third light-emitting layer EL3, a counter electrode CE, a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, a light blocking portion BM, and a color filter layer CF.

[0091] In this case, the first sub-pixel PX1 in which the first pixel electrode PE1 is located may be a red sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel PX2 in which the second pixel electrode PE2 is located may be a green sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel PX3 in which the third pixel electrode PE3 is located may be a blue sub-pixel.

[0092] With Figures 1 to 4Unlike the display device, the display device may be configured such that the third organic insulating pattern OL3 overlaps with the first pixel electrode PE1 and the third pixel electrode PE3 and does not overlap with the second pixel electrode PE2.

[0093] Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram showing a reflection color band of a flexible display device when the configuration of the present invention is not applied.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 , in the case of a flexible display device without applying the configuration of the present invention, as shown in the figure, a reflection color band is observed. As shown in the figure, when the flexible display device displays white, a green reflection band (indicated by "G") is observed on the upper side and the left side, and a blue reflection band (indicated by "B") is observed on the lower side and the right side, so that the flexible display device exhibits uneven reflection characteristics as a whole.

[0095] Although not shown, it is found that when the configuration of the present invention is applied, the uneven reflection characteristics disappear and no reflection color band with a specific color is observed.

[0096] Figure 7a and Figure 7b are scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs showing sections corresponding to the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel of the flexible display device when the configuration of the present invention is not applied.

[0097] According to Figure 7a , it is found that due to the complex wiring structure provided below the first pixel electrode PE1, a step is generated below the first pixel electrode PE1. In addition, according to Figure 7b , it is found that due to the complex wiring structure provided below the second pixel electrode PE2 and the bridging electrode provided in the opening region OA, the steps and inclinations of the lower part of the second pixel electrode PE2 are generally different from those of the lower part of the first pixel electrode PE1.

[0098] In other words, the wiring structure below the pixel electrode may be complex, and the deviation of the steps and inclinations of the lower parts of the corresponding pixel electrodes of the red, green, and blue sub-pixels may be caused by the structure such as the bridging electrode, so that a reflection color band with a specific color can be observed.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device may have an asymmetric structure in which a third organic insulating pattern is provided below a pixel electrode corresponding to at least one sub-pixel, and the third organic insulating pattern is not provided below a pixel electrode corresponding to at least one other sub-pixel, so that the appearance of a reflection color band with a specific color can be prevented.

[0100] Figure 8is a block diagram showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9a is a diagram showing an example in which Figure 8 the electronic device is implemented as a television, and FIG. 9b is a diagram showing an example in which Figure 8 the electronic device is implemented as a smart phone.

[0101] Referring to Figures 8 to 9b , the electronic device 500 may include a processor 510, a memory device 520, a storage device 530, an input / output (I / O) device 540, a power supply 550, and a display device 560. Here, the display device 560 may be Figure 1 the display device 10. In addition, the electronic device 500 may further include a plurality of ports for communicating with a video card, a sound card, a memory card, a universal serial bus (USB) device, other electronic devices, etc. In an embodiment, as Figure 9a shown in Figure 9b , the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a television. In another embodiment, as Figure 9b shown in

[0102] , the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a smart phone. However, the electronic device 500 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 500 may be implemented as a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display (HMD) device, etc.

[0102] The processor 510 may perform various computing functions. The processor 510 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), etc. The processor 510 may be connected to other components via an address bus, a control bus, a data bus, etc. In addition, the processor 510 may be connected to an expansion bus such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. The memory device 520 may store data for the operation of the electronic device 500. For example, the memory device 520 may include non-volatile memory devices such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) devices, flash memory devices, phase change random access memory (PRAM) devices, resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices, nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) devices, polymer random access memory (PoRAM) devices, magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices, ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) devices, etc. and / or volatile memory devices such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, mobile DRAM devices, etc. The storage device 530 may include a solid state drive (SSD) device, a hard disk drive (HDD) device, a CD-ROM device, etc. The I / O device 540 may include input devices such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse device, a touchpad, a touch screen, etc. and output devices such as a printer, a speaker, etc. The power supply 550 may supply power for the operation of the electronic device 500.

[0103] The display device 560 may be connected to other components via a bus or other communication link. In some embodiments, the display device 560 may be included in the I / O device 540. As described above, the display device 560 may have an asymmetric structure in which a third organic insulating pattern is disposed under the pixel electrode corresponding to at least one sub-pixel and the third organic insulating pattern is not disposed under the pixel electrode corresponding to at least one other sub-pixel, so that a reflective color band having a specific color can be prevented from occurring. In addition, an opening area for stress relaxation may be formed in the inorganic insulating layer, and the opening area may be filled with a layer including an organic insulating material, so that cracks or tears caused by stress in the inorganic insulating layer can be prevented. However, since these have been described above, repetitive descriptions related thereto will not be repeated.

[0104] Industrial Applicability

[0105] The present invention can be applied to an organic light emitting display device and an electronic device including the organic light emitting display device. For example, the present invention can be applied to a cellular phone, a smart phone, a video phone, a smart board, a smart watch, a tablet PC, a car navigation system, a television, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, a head-mounted display (HMD) device, an MP3 player, etc.

[0106] The foregoing description is illustrative of embodiments and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although several embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Accordingly, it will be understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of various embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments as well as other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0107] Description of Reference Marks

[0108] 100: Base substrate

[0109] 110: Buffer layer

[0110] 120: Gate insulating layer

[0111] 130: First inorganic insulating layer

[0112] 140: Second inorganic insulating layer

[0113] 150: Third inorganic insulating layer

[0114] 160: Insulating layer

[0115] TFT1, TFT2, TFT3: First thin film transistor to third thin film transistor

[0116] OL1: First organic insulating pattern

[0117] OL2: Second organic insulating layer

[0118] OL3: Third organic insulating pattern

[0119] OL4: Fourth organic insulating layer

[0120] PDL: Pixel defining layer

[0121] PE1, PE2, PE3: First pixel electrode to third pixel electrode

[0122] EL1, EL2, EL3: First light emitting layer to third light emitting layer

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a base substrate, the base substrate being flexible; a first active pattern and a second active pattern, disposed on the base substrate; an inorganic insulating layer, disposed on the first active pattern and the second active pattern and defining an opening region; a first organic insulating pattern, disposed within the opening region; a bridging electrode, disposed on the first organic insulating pattern; a second organic insulating layer, disposed on the bridging electrode; a fourth organic insulating layer, disposed on the second organic insulating layer; a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode, disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the first active pattern and the second active pattern respectively; and a third organic insulating pattern, disposed between the second organic insulating layer and the fourth organic insulating layer, overlapping with the second pixel electrode, and not overlapping with the first pixel electrode.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a third active pattern, disposed on the base substrate; and a third pixel electrode, disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the third active pattern, wherein the third organic insulating pattern does not overlap with the third pixel electrode.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, the first pixel electrode corresponds to a red sub-pixel, the second pixel electrode corresponds to a green sub-pixel, and the third pixel electrode corresponds to a blue sub-pixel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a third active pattern, disposed on the base substrate; and a third pixel electrode, disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer and electrically connected to the third active pattern, wherein the third organic insulating pattern overlaps with the third pixel electrode.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, the first pixel electrode corresponds to a green sub-pixel, the second pixel electrode corresponds to a red sub-pixel, and the third pixel electrode corresponds to a blue sub-pixel.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, when observed in a plan view, the inorganic insulating layer is separated by the opening region to correspond to each of a plurality of sub-pixels.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, when observed in the plan view, the opening region has a lattice shape.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a pixel defining layer, disposed on the fourth organic insulating layer; a light emitting layer, disposed on the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode; and a counter electrode, disposed on the pixel defining layer and the light emitting layer.

9. The display device according to claim 8, further comprising: a thin film encapsulation layer, disposed on the counter electrode; and a color filter layer, disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the first pixel electrode and the first active pattern are included in a pixel circuit of a first sub-pixel, wherein the second pixel electrode and the second active pattern are included in a pixel circuit of a second sub-pixel, and Wherein, the bridging electrode is configured to electrically connect the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel to each other.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the inorganic insulating layer includes: a buffer layer disposed on the base substrate; and a gate insulating layer disposed on the buffer layer.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further including: a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer and overlapping with the first active pattern and the second active pattern respectively; a first inorganic insulating layer disposed on the gate insulating layer; a first conductive pattern disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer; a second inorganic insulating layer disposed on the first conductive pattern; a second conductive pattern disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer; a third inorganic insulating layer disposed on the second conductive pattern; a third conductive pattern disposed on the third inorganic insulating layer; an insulating layer disposed on the third conductive pattern; and a fourth conductive pattern disposed on the insulating layer, wherein, the first inorganic insulating layer to the third inorganic insulating layer are included in the inorganic insulating layer, and wherein, the third organic insulating pattern and the fourth organic insulating layer are disposed between the fourth conductive pattern and the second pixel electrode.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, the bridging electrode is included in the third conductive pattern.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the third organic insulating pattern includes a siloxane-based resin, and wherein, the fourth organic insulating layer includes a polyimide-based resin.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the third organic insulating pattern and the fourth organic insulating layer include the same material.

16. The display device according to claim 1, further including: a light blocking portion overlapping with the opening region of the inorganic insulating layer.

17. The display device according to claim 1, further including: an insulating layer disposed between the second organic insulating layer and the inorganic insulating layer, covering the bridging electrode, and including an organic insulating material.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, the base substrate includes a display region for displaying an image and a peripheral region surrounding the display region, and wherein, a curved opening is formed in the peripheral region by partially removing the inorganic insulating layer, and the first organic insulating pattern is disposed within the curved opening.

19. A display device, including a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel configured to emit lights of different colors, the display device including: a base substrate, the base substrate being flexible; a first pixel circuit, a second pixel circuit, and a third pixel circuit disposed on the base substrate; a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, and a third pixel electrode electrically connected to the first pixel circuit to the third pixel circuit respectively; and a plurality of inorganic insulating layers and a plurality of organic insulating layers disposed between the base substrate and the first pixel electrode to the third pixel electrode, Among them, when observed in a plan view, an opening region is formed between the first pixel electrode and the third pixel electrode. The opening region is a region where the inorganic insulating layer is not formed, and the organic insulating layer is disposed within the opening region, and among them, the number of the organic insulating layers disposed between the second pixel electrode and the base substrate is different from the number of the organic insulating layers disposed between the first pixel electrode and the base substrate or between the third pixel electrode and the base substrate.

20. The display device according to claim 19, further comprising: a bridging electrode overlapping with the opening region, wherein the bridging electrode is configured to electrically connect two adjacent pixel circuits among the first pixel circuit to the third pixel circuit to each other.

Images