Display device

Abstract

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a display device includes a substrate including a display area and a non-display area configured to surround the display area, an inorganic insulating layer on the substrate, a metal layer on the inorganic insulating layer, a dam structure on the metal layer within the non-display area and including a first dam portion and a second dam portion, the second dam portion being positioned closer to an outer side of the substrate than the first dam portion, a sealing portion configured to cover a portion of the display area and a portion of the non-display area and cover a surface of the dam structure, and wherein the metal layer is patterned between the first dam portion and the second dam portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0184325, filed on December 21, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device used in a dam. Background Technology

[0004] Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays are self-emissive display devices. Unlike liquid crystal displays (LCDs), OLEDs do not require a separate light source, allowing them to be manufactured in thinner and lighter designs. Furthermore, because OLEDs operate at low voltage, they offer advantages in power consumption. Moreover, due to their superior performance in response speed, viewing angle, and contrast ratio, OLEDs are being considered as next-generation display technologies.

[0005] Furthermore, a drawback of organic light-emitting display devices is that the light-emitting elements are easily degraded by external factors such as moisture or oxygen. To address these issues, organic light-emitting display devices can incorporate a sealing portion configured to prevent external moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the light-emitting elements. Generally, the sealing portion comprises an inorganic layer and an organic layer, thereby preventing oxygen or moisture from seeping into the light-emitting elements.

[0006] An organic layer is formed to cover the light-emitting element. The organic layer is typically made of a polymer. It is formed by applying a liquid organic material to a substrate and then curing the material. Because the organic layer is fluid before the curing process, it may overflow in some areas intended to form a sealing portion. To address this problem, recently, dams have been formed along the outer periphery of the light-emitting element to prevent the organic layer from overflowing. However, the problem remains that even when dams are formed, the organic material constituting the organic layer still flows across the outer periphery of the dam. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of this disclosure is to provide a display device in which the organic sealing layer of the sealed portion can be suppressed to prevent it from flowing through the outer periphery of the dam portion.

[0008] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a display device in which the application status of an organic sealing layer of a sealed portion can be inspected.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area configured to surround the display area; an inorganic insulating layer on the substrate; a metal layer on the inorganic insulating layer; a dam structure located on the metal layer in the non-display area and including a first dam portion and a second dam portion, the second dam portion being positioned closer to the outer side of the substrate than the first dam portion; and a sealing portion configured to cover a portion of the display area and a portion of the non-display area and to cover the surface of the dam structure, wherein the metal layer is patterned between the first dam portion and the second dam portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the metal layer includes a plurality of holes disposed between the first dam section and the second dam section.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first dam section and the second dam section includes a recessed-protruding pattern disposed on one or more side surfaces of two opposite surfaces of the at least one dam section.

[0013] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, additional spacers are also included, which are disposed on the first dam and the second dam and are made of the same material as the spacers located in the display area.

[0014] Further details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the Detailed Description section and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] According to this disclosure, multiple metal layers are patterned, which ensures that space can be provided to accommodate the organic sealing layer of the sealing portion.

[0016] According to this disclosure, holes are formed between the dam sections, which allows for easy inspection of the application status of the organic sealing layer of the sealing section through the holes.

[0017] According to this disclosure, a recessed-protruding pattern is formed on the side surface of the dam section, which makes it possible to suppress the organic sealing layer from flowing through the outer periphery of the dam section.

[0018] According to this disclosure, additional spacers are provided on the first and second dam sections, which further inhibits the organic sealing layer from flowing through the outer periphery of the dam sections.

[0019] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to the examples given above, and this specification also includes many other effects. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic top plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged top view of region A in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 3A It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by line IIIa-IIIa' in the diagram schematically illustrates the display device;

[0024] Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by line IIIb-IIIb' in the figure schematically illustrates the display device;

[0025] Figure 4 Is with Figure 1 An enlarged top view of a region similar to region A in the diagram schematically illustrates a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken by line VV in the diagram schematically illustrates the display device;

[0027] Figures 6A to 6D Is with Figure 1 An enlarged top view of a region similar to region A in the diagram, schematically illustrating a display device according to various embodiments;

[0028] Figure 7 This schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic, enlarged partial top view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments provided are merely examples to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure will be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0031] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, quantities, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally indicate the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed explanations of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless these terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0032] Even if not explicitly stated, the components are interpreted as including the normal error range.

[0033] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “adjacent” to describe the positional relationship between two components, one or more components may be located between the two components unless these terms are used in conjunction with the terms “immediately adjacent” or “directly.”

[0034] When one element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, other layers or other elements can be directly inserted on or between that other element.

[0035] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, the first component mentioned below can be the second component in the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0036] Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally indicate the same elements.

[0037] The size and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are for ease of description, and this disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

[0038] The features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or wholly attached to or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of ways, and these embodiments may be performed independently of each other or in relation to each other.

[0039] Hereinafter, a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic top plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of illustration, Figure 1 Only the substrate and dam structure among the various components of the display device are shown.

[0041] refer to Figure 1According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device 100 includes a display area A / A, a non-display area N / A, and a pad area P / A.

[0042] Display area A / A is located in the central portion of substrate 110. Display area A / A is the area in which an image is displayed. Multiple pixels are disposed within display area A / A. Each pixel includes an organic light-emitting element and a driving element. The organic light-emitting element and the driving element can be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the driving element may include a switching transistor and one or more driving transistors. The driving element can be electrically connected to signal lines (gate lines, data lines, etc.) configured to communicate with gate drivers, data drivers, etc., disposed within non-display area N / A. (Refer to...) Figure 2 A more detailed description of the structure of display area A / A.

[0043] The non-display area N / A is configured to surround the display area A / A. A gate driver and a data driver, serving as driving circuit components, are disposed within the non-display area N / A, allowing the organic light-emitting element disposed within the display area A / A to emit light. The gate driver and data driver can each be implemented as a thin-film transistor (TFT). The gate driver may be referred to as a gate in-panel (GIP).

[0044] The non-display area N / A may include various additional components for generating various signals or driving pixels within the display area A / A. Additional components for driving pixels may include inverter circuits, multiplexers, electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuits, etc. Furthermore, additional components related to functions other than driving pixels may be disposed within the non-display area N / A. For example, additional components providing touch detection functions, user authentication functions, multi-level pressure detection functions, haptic feedback functions, etc., may be disposed within the non-display area N / A. In embodiments of this disclosure, the configuration in which additional components for driving pixels and additional components related to functions other than driving pixels are disposed within the non-display area N / A has been described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] The pad area P / A is the area in which the pad portion of the display device 100 is disposed. The pad portion may include multiple pads. Stretchable printed circuit boards, COF (chip-on-film), and the like can be bonded to the multiple pads.

[0046] A dam structure DAM is disposed within the non-display area N / A. The dam structure DAM is configured to control the expansion of the organic sealing layer constituting the sealing portion disposed within the display area A / A and the non-display area N / A of the substrate 110. The dam structure DAM may include a first dam portion DAM1 and a second dam portion DAM2. The first dam portion DAM1 may be disposed adjacent to and surrounding the display area A / A. The second dam portion DAM2 may surround the outer periphery of the first dam portion DAM. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 3B A more detailed description of the sealing section and dam structure DAM.

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged top view of region A in the diagram. Figure 3A It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by line IIIa-IIIa' in the figure schematically illustrates the display device. Figure 3B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by line IIIb-IIIb' in the diagram schematically illustrates the display device. For ease of illustration, Figure 2 Only the second metal layer of the dam structure, passivation layer, and auxiliary metal layer among the various constituent elements of the display device 100 is shown.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a thin film transistor 120, a light-emitting element 140, a substrate 110, a buffer layer 111, a gate insulating layer 112, an interlayer insulating layer 113, a passivation layer 114, a first planarization layer 116, a second planarization layer 117, a connecting electrode 161, a dam 118, a spacer 119, a gate driving portion GIP, an auxiliary metal layer 150, a dam structure DAM, and a sealing portion 190.

[0049] The substrate 110 can support various components of the display device 100.

[0050] The substrate 110 may be made of a flexible plastic material. When the substrate 110 is made of a plastic material, it may be made of, for example, polyimide (PI), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0051] refer to Figure 3A A buffer layer 111 having a single-layer or multi-layer structure may be disposed on the substrate 110. The buffer layer 111 disposed on the substrate 110 may be a single layer made of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx) or a multilayer including the above layers.

[0052] The buffer layer 111 can be used to increase the bonding strength between the substrate 110 and the layers formed on the buffer layer 111, and to prevent alkaline substances from leaking from the substrate 110. However, the buffer layer 111 is not a necessary component. The buffer layer 111 can be omitted depending on the type and material of the substrate 110, the structure and type of the thin-film transistor, etc.

[0053] The thin-film transistor 120 may be disposed on the buffer layer 111 and used to drive the light-emitting element 140 located in the display area A / A of the substrate 110. The thin-film transistor 120 may include an active layer 121, a gate electrode 124, a source electrode 122, and a drain electrode 123.

[0054] The active layer 121 of the thin-film transistor 120 may be disposed on the buffer layer 111 within the display region A / A of the substrate 110. The active layer 121 may include low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The active layer 121 may include an oxide semiconductor, such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium tin oxide (IGTO), or indium gallium oxide (IGO).

[0055] A gate insulating layer 112 may be disposed on the buffer layer 111 and cover the upper surface of the active layer 121 of the thin-film transistor 120. The gate insulating layer 112 may be a single layer or a multilayer comprising silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). The gate insulating layer 112 may have contact holes through which the source electrode 122 and the drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 are connected to the active layer 121 of the thin-film transistor 120.

[0056] refer to Figure 3A The gate insulating layer 112 can be disposed on the active layer 121 within the display area A / A. Furthermore, the gate insulating layer 112 can be disposed on the buffer layer 111 within the non-display area N / A. Figure 3A As shown, the gate insulating layer 112 may be formed on the front surface of the substrate 110. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the gate insulating layer 112 may be patterned to have the same width as the gate electrode 122.

[0057] Gate lines may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 within the display area A / A of the substrate 110 and connected to the gate electrode 124 of the thin-film transistor 120. The gate electrode 124 and the gate lines may each be configured as a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) or alloys thereof, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The gate electrode 124 may be formed on the gate insulating layer 112 and overlap with the channel region of the active layer 121 of the thin-film transistor 120.

[0058] The gate drive portion (GIP) can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 within the non-display area N / A. The gate drive portion (GIP) may include multiple thin-film transistors, capacitors, and wires.

[0059] refer to Figure 3A An interlayer insulating layer 113 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 within the display area A / A and cover the gate electrode 124. The interlayer insulating layer 113 may be a single layer made of inorganic insulating layers (such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx)) or a multilayer comprising the aforementioned layers. The interlayer insulating layer 113 may have contact holes through which the source and drain regions of the active layer 121 of the thin-film transistor 120 are exposed. Furthermore, as... Figure 3A As shown, the interlayer insulating layer 113 may be formed on the front surface of the substrate 110, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] The source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113 within the display area A / A of the substrate 110. Furthermore, the source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 can be connected to the active layer 121 of the thin-film transistor 120 through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 112 and the interlayer insulating layer 113. Therefore, the source electrode 122 of the thin-film transistor 120 can be connected to the source region of the active layer 121 through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 112 and the interlayer insulating layer 113. Similarly, the drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 can be connected to the drain region of the active layer 121 through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 112 and the interlayer insulating layer 113. The source electrode 122 and the drain electrode 123 may each be configured as a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni) and neodymium (Nd) or their alloys.

[0061] For ease of description, Figure 3A Only the driving thin-film transistor, one of the various thin-film transistors that can be included in the display device 100, is shown. However, the display device 100 may also include other thin-film transistors, such as switching thin-film transistors. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the thin-film transistor 120 has been described as having a coplanar structure. However, the thin-film transistor can be implemented with other structures, such as an interleaved structure.

[0062] refer to Figure 3AThe first metal layer 151 of the auxiliary metal layer 150 may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113 within the non-display area N / A. The auxiliary metal layer 150 may be disposed within the non-display area N / A and formed on the same layer as the metal layer in the display area A / A and made of the same material as the metal layer in the display area A / A. The auxiliary metal layer 150 may include a first metal layer 151 and a second metal layer 152. The first metal layer 151 may be disposed on the same layer as the source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 and made of the same material as the source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first metal layer 151 may be made of the same material as the gate electrode 122 or the connection electrode 161. Furthermore, the first metal layer 151 may serve as a conductor for supplying a low potential voltage (VSS).

[0063] refer to Figure 3A A passivation layer 114 may be disposed on the thin-film transistor 120, the first metal layer 151, and the gate driving portion GIP within the display area A / A and the non-display area N / A. The passivation layer 114 may be configured to cover the thin-film transistor 120, the first metal layer 151, and the gate driving portion GIP. The passivation layer 114 may be a single layer made of silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), or a multilayer comprising the aforementioned layers. Within the display area A / A, the passivation layer 114 may have contact holes through which the drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 is exposed.

[0064] A first planarization layer 116 may be disposed on the passivation layer 114 within the display area A / A and the non-display area N / A. Within the display area A / A, the first planarization layer 116 may have contact holes through which the drain electrode 123 is exposed. The first planarization layer 116 may be a layer for protecting the thin-film transistor 120 and the gate drive portion GIP. The first planarization layer 116 is used to planarize the upper part of the substrate 110 by reducing the height difference on the substrate 110. For example, the first planarization layer 116 may be made of (but not limited to) organic materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

[0065] The connection electrode 161 may be disposed on the first planarization layer 116 within the display area A / A of the substrate 110. Furthermore, the connection electrode 161 may be connected to the drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 through contact holes in the first planarization layer 116 and the passivation layer 114, with the drain electrode 123 exposed through these contact holes. The connection electrode 161 may be used to electrically connect the thin-film transistor 120 and the light-emitting element 140. For example, the connection electrode 161 may be used to electrically connect the drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 and the first electrode 141 of the light-emitting element 140. The connection electrode 161 may be configured as a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and neodymium (Nd) or alloys thereof, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The connection electrode 161 may be made of the same material as the source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120.

[0066] Furthermore, a second metal layer 152 of the auxiliary metal layer 150 may be disposed on the first planarization layer 116 within the non-display area N / A of the substrate 110. Additionally, the second metal layer 152 may be disposed in the region where an opening is formed between the first planarization layer 116 and the passivation layer 114. The second metal layer 152 may be disposed on the first metal layer 151. The second metal layer 152 may be disposed between the first metal layer 151 and the dam structure DAM. One end of the second metal layer 152 may be disposed on the first planarization layer 116, and the other end may be disposed on the passivation layer 114. Furthermore, since the first metal layer 151 can serve as a conductor for providing a low potential voltage (VSS), the second metal layer 152 can be used to provide a low potential voltage to the second electrode 143 of the light-emitting element 140. The second metal layer 152 may be formed on the same layer as the connecting electrode 161 and made of the same material as the connecting electrode 161. However, the second metal layer 152 may be formed on the same layer as the source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120 and made of the same material as the source electrode 122 and drain electrode 123 of the thin-film transistor 120, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Specifically, the second metal layer 152 may be configured as a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), nickel (Ni) and neodymium (Nd) or alloys thereof, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] refer to Figure 3AThe first planarization layer 116 may be disposed within the display area A / A and the non-display area N / A. However, the first planarization layer 116 may not be disposed in the area of ​​the non-display area N / A where at least one of the auxiliary metal layer 150 and the dam structure DAM is located. For example, the first planarization layer 116 may not be disposed in the area where the dam structure DAM is disposed and in the area where the first metal layer 151 is exposed by the passivation layer 114.

[0068] The second planarization layer 117 can be disposed on the connection electrode 161 and the first planarization layer 116 within the display area A / A of the substrate 110. For example, the second planarization layer 117 can be disposed on the first planarization layer 116 and cover the connection electrode 161. Furthermore, as... Figure 3A As shown, the second planarization layer 117 may have contact holes through which the connection electrode 161 is exposed. The second planarization layer 117 may be an organic layer that additionally protects the lower structure while reducing the height difference of the lower structure caused by the connection electrode 161 located on the first planarization layer 116. For example, the second planarization layer 117 may be made of (but not limited to) organic materials such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin. The second planarization layer 117 may be made of the same material as the first planarization layer 116.

[0069] Furthermore, the second planarization layer 117 may be disposed on the first planarization layer 116 within the non-display area N / A of the substrate 110. Additionally, the second planarization layer 117 may be disposed to cover one side of the second metal layer 152. Furthermore, the second planarization layer 117 may not be disposed within the area where the first metal layer 151 is located.

[0070] Since the two planarization layers 116 and 117 are disposed between the thin-film transistor 120 and the light-emitting element 140 within the display area A / A, it may be difficult to electrically connect the first electrode 141 and the thin-film transistor 120 using a process that forms a single contact hole. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection electrode 161 electrically connected to the thin-film transistor 120 may be disposed on the first planarization layer 116 within the display area A / A, and the connection electrode 161 may be connected to the first electrode 141 disposed on the second planarization layer 117 through a contact hole in the second planarization layer 117.

[0071] The light-emitting element 140 can be disposed on the second planarization layer 117 within the display area A / A of the substrate 110. The light-emitting element 140 may include a first electrode 141, a light-emitting structure 142, and a second electrode 143.

[0072] refer to Figure 3AThe first electrode 141 of the light-emitting element 140 can be disposed on the second planarization layer 117 within the display area A / A. The first electrode 141 can be electrically connected to the connection electrode 161 through a contact hole formed in the second planarization layer 117. Therefore, the first electrode 141 can be electrically connected to the thin-film transistor 120 through the connection with the connection electrode 161 via the contact hole formed in the second planarization layer 117.

[0073] The first electrode 141 may have a multilayer structure comprising a transparent conductive film and an opaque conductive film with high reflectivity. The transparent conductive film may be made of a material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) having a relatively large work function value. Furthermore, the opaque conductive film may have a single-layer or multilayer structure made of aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), or alloys thereof. For example, the first electrode 141 may have a structure in which the transparent conductive film, the opaque conductive film, and the transparent conductive film are sequentially stacked. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first electrode 141 may have a structure in which the transparent conductive film and the opaque conductive film are sequentially stacked.

[0074] Since the display device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is a top-emitting display device, the first electrode 141 can be an anode electrode. When the display device 100 is a bottom-emitting display device, the first electrode 141 disposed on the second planarization layer 117 can be a cathode electrode.

[0075] A dam 118 may be disposed on the first electrode 141 and the second planarization layer 117. Within the display area A / A, the dam 118 may have an opening through which the first electrode 141 is exposed. The dam 118 may be configured to cover the two opposing ends of the first electrode 141. A spacer 119 may be further disposed on the dam 118.

[0076] The dam 118 and the spacer 119 may be made of the same material. Alternatively, the dam 118 and the spacer 119 may each be made of an organic material. For example, the dam 118 and the spacer 119 may each be made of (but not limited to) a polyimide-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, or a benzocyclobutene (BCB)-based resin.

[0077] Furthermore, the light-emitting structure 142, including the light-emitting layer, can be further disposed on the first electrode 141. Figure 3AThe illustration shows the light-emitting structure 142 patterned for each pixel, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The light-emitting structure 142 can be a common layer formed for multiple pixels. The light-emitting structure 142 can be formed by stacking a hole layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron layer on a first electrode 141 in either the following order or the reverse order. Furthermore, the light-emitting structure 142 can have a first light-emitting structure and a second light-emitting structure facing each other, with a charge-generating layer interposed between them. In this case, the light-emitting layer of either the first light-emitting structure or the second light-emitting structure emits blue light, while the light-emitting layer of the other light-emitting structure emits yellow-green light. Therefore, white light can be emitted by the first light-emitting structure and the second light-emitting structure. The white light emitted by the light-emitting structure 142 can enter a color filter positioned on the upper part of the light-emitting structure 142, thereby realizing a color image. Furthermore, the light-emitting structure 142 can each emit colored light corresponding to each sub-pixel, thereby realizing a color image without the need for a separate color filter. For example, the light-emitting structure 142 for the red (R) sub-pixel can emit red light, the light-emitting structure 142 for the green (G) sub-pixel can emit green light, and the light-emitting structure 142 for the blue (B) sub-pixel can emit blue light.

[0078] refer to Figure 3A The second electrode 143 may be further disposed on the light-emitting structure 142 within the display area A / A. The second electrode 143 may be disposed on the light-emitting structure 142 and face the first electrode 141, with the light-emitting structure 142 inserted therebetween. In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrode 143 may be a cathode electrode.

[0079] refer to Figure 3A The sealing portion 190 can be formed to cover the light-emitting element 140, thereby suppressing moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting element 140. For example, the sealing portion 190 for suppressing moisture penetration can be provided on the second electrode 143. Alternatively, the sealing portion 190 can also be provided on the gate drive portion GIP.

[0080] The sealing portion 190 may include at least one inorganic sealing layer and at least one organic sealing layer. For example, the sealing portion 190 may include a first inorganic sealing layer 191, an organic sealing layer 192, and a second inorganic sealing layer 193. The first inorganic sealing layer 191 of the sealing portion 190 may be disposed on the second electrode 143. Furthermore, the organic sealing layer 192 may be disposed on the first inorganic sealing layer 191. Furthermore, the second inorganic sealing layer 193 may be disposed on the organic sealing layer 192. The first inorganic sealing layer 191 and the second inorganic sealing layer 193 of the sealing portion 190 may each be made of an inorganic material, such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx). The organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 may be made of an organic material, such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyamide resin, and polyimide resin.

[0081] refer to Figure 3A A dam structure DAM can be disposed on the passivation layer 114 within the non-display area N / A. The dam structure DAM suppresses the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190. The dam structure DAM may include a second dam portion DAM2 and a first dam portion DAM1 disposed between the second dam portion DAM2 and the display area A / A. For example, the first dam portion DAM1 and the second dam portion DAM2 may be disposed on the passivation layer 114 and the auxiliary metal layer 150. The first dam portion DAM1 and the second dam portion DAM2 may overlap with the first metal layer 151 and the second metal layer 152. For example, the first dam portion DAM1 and the second dam portion DAM2 may be configured such that the lower surface of the first dam portion DAM1 and the lower surface of the second dam portion DAM2 overlaps with the upper surface of the second metal layer 152. The first dam portion DAM1 may be disposed between the second dam portion DAM2 and the gate drive portion GIP. The first dam portion DAM1 may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the display area A / A and primarily block the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190. Furthermore, the dam structure DAM can be positioned between the display area A / A and the pad area P / A, and prevent the overflow of the organic sealant layer 192 to suppress the organic sealant layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 from entering the pad area P / A. Additionally, the first dam portion DAM1 can be positioned spaced apart from one side of the first planarization layer 116, thereby exposing the auxiliary metal layer 150.

[0082] refer to Figure 3AThe first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2 can each be configured as multiple layers. For example, the first dam section DAM1 may include a first layer DAM1-1, a second layer DAM1-2, and a third layer DAM1-3. Similarly, the second dam section DAM2 may include a first layer DAM2-1, a second layer DAM2-2, and a third layer DAM2-3. The first layer DAM1-1 and the first layer DAM2-1 of the first dam section can be disposed on the passivation layer 114 and the second metal layer 152. The first layer DAM1-1 and the first layer DAM2-1 of the first dam section can be formed using the same process as the first planarization layer 116 and are made of the same material as the first planarization layer 116.

[0083] The second layer DAM1-2 of the first dam section can be disposed on the first layer DAM1-1 of the first dam section. Furthermore, the second layer DAM2-2 of the second dam section can be disposed on the first layer DAM2-1 of the second dam section. The second layers DAM1-2 of the first dam section and DAM2-2 of the second dam section can be formed using the same process as the second planarization layer 117, and are made of the same material as the second planarization layer 117.

[0084] The third layer DAM1-3 of the first dam section can be disposed on the second layer DAM1-2 of the first dam section. Furthermore, the third layer DAM2-3 of the second dam section can be disposed on the second layer DAM2-2 of the second dam section. Moreover, the third layer DAM1-3 of the first dam section and the third layer DAM2-3 of the second dam section can be formed using the same process as the dike section 118 and are made of the same material as the dike section 118.

[0085] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display device 100 is shown to include a dam structure DAM comprising two dam sections DAM1 and DAM2, each having three layers, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the dam structure DAM may have two, four, or more layers.

[0086] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe auxiliary metal layer 150 can be patterned; for example, it can include multiple holes H1 within a region of the dam structure DAM (i.e., the region between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2). That is, within a portion of the region between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2, the first metal layer 151 and the second metal layer 152 are not provided, thus exposing a portion of the interlayer insulation layer. Therefore, the first metal layer 151 and the second metal layer 152 are provided in the lower regions of the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. However, the first metal layer 151 and the second metal layer 152 are disconnected between the lower regions of the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2, allowing the first inorganic sealing layer 191 to abut against the upper surface of the interlayer insulation layer 113 through the multiple holes H1.

[0087] refer to Figure 2 Each of the plurality of holes H1 may have a width equal to the interval between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. Since each of the plurality of holes H1 has a width equal to the interval between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2, in this plan view, the two opposite ends of each of the plurality of holes H1 may be adjacent to the dam structure DAM. However, even though the two opposite ends of the plurality of holes H1 are adjacent to the dam structure DAM, the first metal layer 151 and the second metal layer 152 are also disposed at the lower part of the dam structure DAM. In this plan view, the plurality of holes H1 may have a rectangular shape; therefore, the auxiliary metal layer 150 may have a shape with a striped pattern. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0088] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of holes H1 are provided between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2, such that there is additional space to accommodate the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion, and the application state of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 can be checked. The dam structure DAM can be provided within the non-display area N / A and suppress the overflow of the organic layer of the sealing portion 190. That is, the first dam section DAM1 can be provided around the outer periphery of the display area A / A and mainly prevent the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190. The second dam section DAM2 can be provided around the outer periphery of the first dam section DAM1 and suppress the organic sealing layer 192 from entering the pad area P / A. Therefore, the organic material of the organic sealing layer 192 can be provided on the display area A / A and is provided in a local area between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. In other words, even though the first dam section DAM1 primarily blocks the overflow of organic material, the organic material flowing through the first dam section DAM1 can still be applied to the area between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. In this case, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of holes H1 are provided in the auxiliary metal layer 150 between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. Therefore, there are local areas where the first metal layer 151 and the second metal layer 152 made of opaque metal are not provided. Therefore, compared to the case where the auxiliary metal layer 150 does not have individual holes, the plurality of holes in the auxiliary metal layer 150 ensure that space can be accommodated for the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190, and check whether the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 has been applied to a certain extent. Therefore, in the case of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the region where the organic sealing layer 192 is disposed between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2 can be easily determined, for example, by measuring the reflectivity difference between the region where the organic sealing layer 192 is disposed and the region where the organic sealing layer 192 is not disposed. The measurement of the reflectivity difference can be performed by emitting light from the rear surface of the substrate 110 to a plurality of holes H1 in the auxiliary metal layer 150.

[0089] Figure 4 Is with Figure 1 An enlarged top view of a region similar to region A in the diagram schematically illustrates a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along the center line V-V', schematically illustrating the display device. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 200 shown is configured similarly to Figures 1 to 3BThe display device 100 shown is basically the same as the one shown, except for the auxiliary metal layer 250. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0090] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The auxiliary metal layer 250 may include a plurality of holes H2 within a region of the dam structure DAM (i.e., the region between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2). Each of the plurality of holes H2 has a width smaller than the interval between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. That is, the two opposite ends of each of the plurality of holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 may be spaced apart from the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2 and are disposed between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2.

[0091] Furthermore, since each of the plurality of holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 has a width smaller than the spacing between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2, the plurality of holes H2 can be positioned at different locations between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. That is, as Figure 4 As shown, multiple holes H2 can be randomly arranged between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Multiple holes H2 can be regularly arranged between the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2.

[0092] Furthermore, the multiple holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 can each have a quadrilateral shape, such as... Figure 4 As shown, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the multiple holes H2 can each have various shapes, such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes and elliptical shapes.

[0093] Therefore, in the display device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of holes H2 are provided between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2, such that there is additional space to accommodate the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion, and the application state of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 can be checked. As described above, the organic material of the organic sealing layer 192 can be provided on the display area A / A and is provided in a local area between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2. Even though the first dam DAM1 mainly blocks the overflow of the organic material, the organic material flowing through the first dam DAM1 can be applied to the area between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2. Therefore, in the case of the display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the area where the organic sealing layer 192 is provided between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2 can be easily determined, for example, by measuring the reflectivity difference between the area where the organic sealing layer 192 is provided and the area where the organic sealing layer 192 is not provided. The measurement of reflectivity difference can be performed by emitting light from the rear surface of substrate 110 into multiple holes H2 of auxiliary metal layer 250.

[0094] Furthermore, the display device 200 according to another embodiment of this disclosure can be robust to cracks because the plurality of holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 each have a width smaller than the interval between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2, and the plurality of holes H2 are randomly arranged. In the case of flexible display devices in the related art, as the flexible display device is bent or folded, stress is applied to the flexible display device, and the stress is concentrated in the bending area. Moreover, even in the case of general display devices and flexible display devices, stress may be concentrated in the frame area, which is a weak area, due to the repeated bending or unfolding of the flexible display device that may be performed during the manufacturing process. That is, the area between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2 may be an area susceptible to stress. Therefore, the plurality of holes H2 each have a width smaller than the interval between the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2, and the plurality of holes H2 are randomly arranged between the dams, which makes it possible to reduce and disperse stress. Therefore, cracks in the first dam DAM1 and the second dam DAM2 can be suppressed. Furthermore, it can reduce the occurrence of defects in the display device 200, which can be caused by the propagation of cracks toward the interior of the display area A / A. Additionally, it can suppress the introduction of external moisture or oxygen through the cracks, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the display device 200.

[0095] Figures 6A to 6D It is similar to Figure 1 An enlarged top view of region A in the diagram schematically illustrates a display device according to various embodiments. Figures 6A to 6D The display devices 300a, 300b, 300c and 300d shown are configured similarly to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display devices 200 shown are basically the same, except for the shapes of the dam structures DAM1, DAM2, DAM3, and DAM4. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same parts will be omitted. For ease of description, Figures 6A to 6D Only the second metal layer of the dam structure, passivation layer, and auxiliary metal layer in the various constituent elements of display devices 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d is shown.

[0096] The first dam section DAM1 surrounds the outer periphery of the display area A / A to primarily prevent the overflow of the organic sealant layer 192 of the sealing portion 190. The second dam section DAM2 surrounds the outer periphery of the first dam section DAM1 to suppress the overflow of the organic sealant layer 192 into the pad area P / A. In this case, the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2 can each be configured as multiple layers. At least one of the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2 may have a recessed-protruding pattern provided on one or more side surfaces of two opposite surfaces of the at least one dam section.

[0097] In this configuration, the recessed-protruding pattern may include at least one protruding portion and at least one recessed portion, which have specific shapes and are disposed on the side surfaces of each of the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2. That is, the sidewalls of each of the first dam section DAM1 and the second dam section DAM2 may have serrated surfaces, wherein the protruding and recessed surfaces are continuously formed. In this configuration, the at least one protruding portion and the at least one recessed portion may have various shapes, such as polygonal, circular, and elliptical shapes. Figures 6A to 6D The protruding portion of the quadrilateral shape is shown, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] First, refer to Figure 6A In a display device 300a according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dam structure DAM1a may be provided, and the dam structure DAM1a includes a recessed-protruding pattern formed on the side surface of the first dam portion DAM1a adjacent to the display area A / A. That is, the first dam portion DAM1a may include a first internal recessed-protruding pattern provided on its inner surface. However, the outer surface of the first dam portion DAM1a and the side surface of the second dam portion DAM2 may each be provided as a flat shape without a recessed-protruding pattern.

[0099] Next, refer to Figure 6BIn a display device 300b according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dam structure DAMb may be provided, and the dam structure DAMb includes recessed-protruding patterns formed on both the side surface of the first dam portion DAM1b adjacent to the display area A / A and the side surface of the first dam portion DAM1b opposite to the side surface of the first dam portion DAM1b adjacent to the display area A / A. That is, the first dam portion DAM1b may include a first internal recessed-protruding pattern provided on its inner surface and a first external recessed-protruding pattern provided on its outer surface. In this case, the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern may be configured to correspond to each other. The protruding portions of the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the protruding portions of the first external recessed-protruding pattern may face each other. The recessed portions of the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the recessed portions of the first external recessed-protruding pattern may face each other.

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 6C In a display device 300c according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dam structure DAMc may be provided, and the dam structure DAMc includes recessed-protruding patterns formed on two opposite surfaces of a first dam portion DAM1b and on a side surface of a second dam portion DAM2c adjacent to the first dam portion DAM1b. That is, the first dam portion DAM1b may include a first internal recessed-protruding pattern disposed on its inner surface and a first external recessed-protruding pattern disposed on its outer surface. The second dam portion DAM2c may include a second internal recessed-protruding pattern disposed on its inner surface. In this case, the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern may be configured to correspond to each other. The second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern may be configured to correspond to each other. The protruding portions of the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern may face each other. The recessed portions of the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern may face each other.

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 6DIn a display device 300d according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a dam structure DAMd may be provided, and the dam structure DAMd includes recessed-protruding patterns formed on two opposite surfaces of a first dam portion DAM1d and on the side surface of a second dam portion DAM2c adjacent to the first dam portion DAM1d. That is, the first dam portion DAM1d may include a first internal recessed-protruding pattern provided on its inner surface and a first external recessed-protruding pattern provided on its outer surface. The second dam portion DAM2c may include a second internal recessed-protruding pattern provided on its inner surface. In this case, the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. The protruding portion of the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the recessed portion of the first external recessed-protruding pattern may face each other. The protruding portion of the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the recessed portion of the first external recessed-protruding pattern can face each other. The recessed portion of the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the protruding portion of the first external recessed-protruding pattern can face each other.

[0102] Therefore, in the display devices 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, recessed-protruding patterns are provided on one or more side surfaces of two opposite surfaces of each of the dam structures DAM1, DAM2, DAMc, and DAMd. This increases the contact area between the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 and the sidewalls of the dam structures DAM1, DAM2, DAMc, and DAMd. The organic sealing layer 192 can be configured to conform to the recessed-protruding pattern formed on the side surface of each of the dam structures DAM1, DAM2, DAMc, and DAMd. That is, the organic sealing layer 192 can be configured to fill the recessed portion of the recessed-protruding pattern formed on the side surface of each of the dam structures DAM1, DAM2, DAMc, and DAMd. The structure of the organic sealing layer 192, which fills the portion between the recessed and protruding patterns of each of the dam structures DAMa, DAMb, DAMc, and DAMd, increases the contact area between the organic sealing layer 192 and each of the dam structures DAMa, DAMb, DAMc, and DAMd. Therefore, the surface tension of the organic sealing layer 192, made of organic material, can be increased. The dam structures DAMa, DAMb, DAMc, and DAMd are used to suppress the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192. Therefore, the increase in the surface tension of the organic sealing layer 192 relative to each of the dam structures DAMa, DAMb, DAMc, and DAMd can reduce the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192, thereby suppressing the occurrence of defects.

[0103] The contact area between the organic sealing layer 192 and the dam structure DAMb, which includes a first internal recessed-protrusion pattern and a first external recessed-protrusion pattern respectively formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the first dam section DAM1b, is greater than the contact area between the organic sealing layer 192 and the dam structure DAM1a, which only includes a first internal recessed-protrusion pattern formed on the inner surface of the first dam section DAM1a. Furthermore, the contact area between the organic sealing layer 192 and the dam structure DAMc or DAMd, which further includes a second internal recessed-protrusion pattern formed on the inner surface of the second dam section DAM2c, is greater than the contact area between the organic sealing layer 192 and the dam structure DAMb, which includes a first internal recessed-protrusion pattern and a first external recessed-protrusion pattern respectively formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the first dam section DAM1b. The surface tension of the organic sealing layer 192 relative to each of the dam structures DAM1a, DAM2a, DAM3a, and DAM4a increases with increasing contact area. Dam structures with numerous recessed-protruding patterns in dam structures DAM1, DAM2, DAM3, and DAM4 can effectively suppress the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192. In other words, display device 300b including dam structure DAM2 is more advantageous than display device 300a including dam structure DAM2 in suppressing the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192. Display devices 300c or 300d including dam structures DAM2 or DAM4 are more advantageous than display device 300b including dam structure DAM2 in suppressing the occurrence of defects.

[0104] Specifically, in a display device 300d according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inner recessed-protruding pattern and the first outer recessed-protruding pattern of the first dam portion DAM1d are arranged in a zigzag manner, making the display device robust to stress concentrated in the bezel area. As described above, even in the case of flexible display devices and display devices in the related art, stress may be concentrated in the bezel area due to the repeated bending or unfolding of the flexible display device that may be performed during the manufacturing process. Therefore, the area in which the dam structures DAM1d, DAMb, DAMc, or DAMd are disposed within the bezel area may be susceptible to cracks caused by stress concentration. However, in the case of the display device 300d according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, because the first inner recessed-protruding pattern and the first outer recessed-protruding pattern are arranged in a zigzag manner, even if the protruding portions and recessed portions are repeatedly formed when forming the recessed-protruding pattern on the first dam portion DAM1d, the width of the first dam portion DAM1d may not decrease in a certain area. In other words, the width of the first dam section DAM1d is constant at all points, which allows stress to be dispersed while suppressing stress from concentrating in specific areas, thus making the display device robust to cracks.

[0105] Figure 7 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The display device 400 shown is configured with Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 200 shown is essentially the same, except for the dam structure DAM'. Therefore, repeated descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0106] refer to Figure 7 The dam structure DAM' can be disposed on the passivation layer 114 within the non-display area N / A. The dam structure DAM' suppresses the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190. The dam structure DAM' may include a second dam section DAM2' and a first dam section DAM1' disposed between the second dam section DAM2' and the display area A / A.

[0107] The first dam section DAM1' and the second dam section DAM2' can each be configured as multiple layers. For example, the first dam section DAM1' may include a first layer DAM1-1, a second layer DAM1-2, a third layer DAM1-3, and a fourth layer DAM1-4. Similarly, the second dam section DAM2' may include a first layer DAM2-1, a second layer DAM2-2, a third layer DAM2-3, and a fourth layer DAM2-4. The first layer DAM1-1 and the first layer DAM2-1 of the first dam section can be disposed on the passivation layer 114 and the second metal layer 252. The first layer DAM1-1 and the first layer DAM2-1 of the first dam section can be formed using the same process as the first planarization layer 116 and are made of the same material as the first planarization layer 116.

[0108] The second layer DAM1-2 of the first dam section can be disposed on the first layer DAM1-1 of the first dam section. Furthermore, the second layer DAM2-2 of the second dam section can be disposed on the first layer DAM2-1 of the second dam section. The second layer DAM1-2 of the first dam section and the second layer DAM2 of the second dam section can be formed by the same process as the second planarization layer 117 and are made of the same material as the second planarization layer 117.

[0109] The third layer DAM1-3 of the first dam section can be disposed on the second layer DAM1-2 of the first dam section. Furthermore, the third layer DAM2-3 of the second dam section can be disposed on the second layer DAM2-2 of the second dam section. Moreover, the third layer DAM1-3 of the first dam section and the third layer DAM2-3 of the second dam section can be formed using the same process as the dike section 118 and are made of the same material as the dike section 118.

[0110] The fourth layer DAM1-4 of the first dam section can be disposed on the third layer DAM1-3 of the first dam section. Furthermore, the fourth layer DAM2-4 of the second dam section can be disposed on the third layer DAM2-3 of the second dam section. Moreover, the fourth layers DAM1-4 of the first dam section and the fourth layers DAM2-4 of the second dam section can be formed by the same process as spacer 119 and are made of the same material as spacer 119. Therefore, the fourth layers DAM1-4 of the first dam section and the fourth layers DAM2-4 of the second dam section can each be referred to as additional spacers. The fourth layers DAM1-4 of the first dam section and the fourth layers DAM2-4 of the second dam section can each have a cross-section whose area decreases upwards in a plan view. The fourth layers DAM1-4 of the first dam section and the fourth layers DAM2-4 of the second dam section can each have a triangular cross-section, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0111] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display device 400 is shown as including a dam structure DAM' having two dam sections (each having four layers), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, each of the two dam sections of the dam structure DAM' may have four or more layers.

[0112] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 400 includes two dam sections, each having four layers. This allows for more effective suppression of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 from flowing over the outer periphery of the dam structure DAM'. The first dam section DAM1' also includes a fourth layer DAM1-4, and the second dam section DAM2' also includes a fourth layer DAM2-4, allowing for increased heights of the first dam section DAM1' and the second dam section DAM2'. This ensures sufficient space to accommodate the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190. Therefore, the extent to which the organic sealing layer 192 flows primarily over the outer periphery of the first dam section DAM1' can be reduced. Furthermore, even if the organic sealing layer 192 flows over the outer periphery of the first dam section DAM1', it can be more effectively suppressed from secondary flow over the outer periphery of the second dam section DAM2'. Therefore, the occurrence of film defects in the sealing portion 190 can be suppressed by minimizing the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 onto the dam structure DAM'. Furthermore, by protecting the display device 400 from external moisture and foreign substances, stability and reliability can be improved.

[0113] Figure 8 This is a schematic, enlarged partial top view of a display device according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The display device 500 shown is configured similarly to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 200 shown is essentially the same, except for the dam structure DAM and multiple holes H2. Therefore, repeated descriptions of identical components will be omitted. For ease of description, Figure 8 Only the substrate, first dam, second dam, and multiple holes among the various constituent elements of the display device 500 are shown.

[0114] refer to Figure 8 The auxiliary metal layer 250 may include a plurality of holes H2 located in a region of the dam structure DAMe (i.e., the region between the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e). Figure 8 The plurality of holes H2 shown have a width smaller than the interval between the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e. That is, the two opposite ends of each of the plurality of holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 can be spaced apart from the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e, respectively.

[0115] Furthermore, since each of the multiple holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 has a width smaller than the interval between the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e, the multiple holes H2 can be randomly set at different positions between the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e.

[0116] However, the plurality of holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 may only be disposed in the area corresponding to the corner of the display area A / A between the first dam DAM1e and the second dam DAM2e. Only the corner of each of the first dam DAM1e and the second dam DAM2e may be designed to be rounded. In this case, the plurality of holes H2 in the auxiliary metal layer 250 may only be randomly disposed in the rounded corner area. That is, the plurality of holes H2 may only exist in the four corner areas of the substrate 110.

[0117] Furthermore, the recessed-protruding pattern may be provided on one or more side surfaces of at least one of two opposite surfaces of the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e. In this case, the recessed-protruding pattern may include at least one protruding portion or at least one recessed portion of a specific shape on the side surface of each of the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e. That is, the sidewall of each of the first dam section DAM1e and the second dam section DAM2e may have a serrated surface, wherein the protruding surface and the recessed surface are formed continuously. In this case, at least one protruding portion or at least one recessed portion may have various shapes, such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes, and elliptical shapes.

[0118] Furthermore, the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern of the first dam section DAM1e can be arranged in a zigzag pattern. The first external recessed-protruding pattern of the first dam section DAM1e and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern of the second dam section DAM2e can also be arranged in a zigzag pattern. The protruding portions of the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the recessed portions of the first external recessed-protruding pattern can face each other. The recessed portions of the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the protruding portions of the first external recessed-protruding pattern can face each other. The protruding portions of the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the recessed portions of the first external recessed-protruding pattern can face each other. The recessed portions of the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the protruding portions of the first external recessed-protruding pattern can face each other.

[0119] However, the first internal recessed-protruding pattern of the first dam portion DAM1e, the first external recessed-protruding pattern of the first dam portion DAM1e, and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern of the second dam portion DAM2e can only be set in the area corresponding to the corner of the display area A / A. That is, only the corner of each of the first dam portion DAM1e and the second dam portion DAM2e can be designed to be rounded. In this case, the first internal recessed-protruding pattern, the first external recessed-protruding pattern, and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern can only be formed in the rounded corner area of ​​the dam structure DAMe. That is, the recessed-protruding patterns can only exist in the four corner areas of the substrate 110.

[0120] Therefore, in the display device 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of holes H2 and the recessed-protruding pattern are only provided in the corner area corresponding to the display area A / A. Therefore, the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 can be more effectively prevented from flowing over the outer periphery of the dam structure DAMe. Specifically, when the first dam portion DAM1e and the second dam portion DAM2e each have rounded corners, the corner area may be relatively more susceptible to overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 of the sealing portion 190 than other areas. Therefore, even if the plurality of holes H2 are only provided in the corner area where it is difficult to prevent the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192, it is possible to effectively check whether the organic sealing layer 192 has been properly applied to the corner area. Therefore, the organic sealing layer 192 can be effectively prevented from flowing over the outer periphery of the dam structure DAMe. Therefore, the occurrence of film defects in the sealing portion 190 can be suppressed by minimizing the overflow of the organic sealing layer 192 on the dam structure DAMe. Furthermore, stability and reliability can be effectively improved by protecting the display device 500 from external moisture and foreign matter.

[0121] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows:

[0122] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area configured to surround the display area; an inorganic insulating layer located on the substrate; a metal layer located on the inorganic insulating layer; a dam structure located on the metal layer within the non-display area and including a first dam portion and a second dam portion, the second dam portion being positioned closer to the outer side of the substrate than the first dam portion; and a sealing portion configured to cover a portion of the display area and a portion of the non-display area and to cover the surface of the dam structure, wherein the metal layer is patterned between the first dam portion and the second dam portion.

[0123] The metal layer may include a plurality of holes disposed between the first dam section and the second dam section.

[0124] Each of the multiple holes may have a width equal to the interval between the first dam section and the second dam section.

[0125] Each of the multiple holes can be randomly positioned between the first dam section and the second dam section.

[0126] Each of the multiple holes may have a width smaller than the interval between the first dam section and the second dam section.

[0127] Each of the multiple holes has two opposite ends that are spaced apart from the first dam section and the second dam section, respectively.

[0128] Each of the multiple holes can have any of the following shapes: polygonal, circular, and elliptical.

[0129] At least one of the first dam section and the second dam section may include a recessed-protruding pattern disposed on one or more side surfaces of two opposite surfaces of the at least one dam section.

[0130] The first dam section includes a first internal recessed-protruding pattern that can be disposed on the inner surface of the first dam section adjacent to the display area.

[0131] The first dam section includes a first internal recessed-protruding pattern and a first external recessed-protruding pattern that can be respectively disposed on an inner surface adjacent to the display area and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the first dam section, and the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern can be configured to correspond to each other.

[0132] The second dam section includes a second internal recessed-protruding pattern that can be disposed on the inner surface of the second dam section adjacent to the first dam section, and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern can be configured to correspond to the first external recessed-protruding pattern.

[0133] The first dam section includes a first internal recessed-protruding pattern and a first external recessed-protruding pattern that can be respectively disposed on the inner surface of the first dam section adjacent to the display area and on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern can be disposed in a zigzag pattern.

[0134] The second dam section includes a second internal recessed-protruding pattern that can be disposed on the inner surface of the second dam section adjacent to the first dam section, and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern can be disposed in a zigzag pattern.

[0135] The display device may include spacers disposed within the display area, and additional spacers may be disposed on the first dam and the second dam and made of the same material as the spacers, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the additional spacers in the plan view may have an area decreasing upwards.

[0136] Multiple holes and recessed-protruding patterns can be set only in the area corresponding to the corner of the display area.

[0137] The corners of each of the first and second dam sections can be rounded.

[0138] The sealing portion can be adjacent to the inorganic insulating layer through these multiple holes.

[0139] A recessed-protruding pattern may include at least one protruding portion and at least one recessed portion having a polygonal, circular, or elliptical shape.

[0140] The sealing portion can be configured to fill the recessed portion of the recessed-protruding pattern.

[0141] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the following claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope of these claims should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate, comprising a display area and a non-display area configured to surround the display area; An inorganic insulating layer located on the substrate; The metal layer located on the inorganic insulating layer; A dam structure located on the metal layer in the non-display area and comprising a first dam portion and a second dam portion, the second dam portion being positioned closer to the outer side of the substrate than the first dam portion; and The sealing portion is configured to cover a portion of the display area and a portion of the non-display area, and to cover the surface of the dam structure. The metal layer is patterned between the first dam section and the second dam section and includes a plurality of holes disposed between the first dam section and the second dam section. The sealing portion contacts the inorganic insulating layer through the plurality of holes.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of holes has a width equal to the interval between the first dam section and the second dam section.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of holes is randomly disposed between the first dam section and the second dam section.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of holes has a width smaller than the interval between the first dam section and the second dam section.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of holes has two opposite ends that are spaced apart from the first dam section and the second dam section, respectively.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of holes has any one of a polygonal shape, a circular shape, and an elliptical shape.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first dam section and the second dam section includes a recessed-protruding pattern disposed on one or more side surfaces of two opposite surfaces of the at least one dam section.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first dam section includes a first internal recessed-protruding pattern disposed on the inner surface of the first dam section adjacent to the display area.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first dam portion includes a first internal recessed-protruding pattern and a first external recessed-protruding pattern respectively disposed on an inner surface adjacent to the display area and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the first dam portion, and the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern are configured to correspond to each other.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The second dam portion includes a second internal recessed-protruding pattern disposed on the inner surface of the second dam portion adjacent to the first dam portion, and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern is configured to correspond to the first external recessed-protruding pattern.

11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first dam section includes a first internal recessed-protruding pattern and a first external recessed-protruding pattern respectively disposed on the inner surface of the first dam section adjacent to the display area and on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface, and the first internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern are arranged in a sawtooth pattern.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The second dam portion includes a second internal recessed-protruding pattern disposed on the inner surface of the second dam portion adjacent to the first dam portion, and the second internal recessed-protruding pattern and the first external recessed-protruding pattern are arranged in a serrated manner.

13. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The display device further includes: Spacers, which are disposed within the display area; and Additional spacers, which are disposed on the first dam section and the second dam section and are made of the same material as the spacers, In the plan view, the cross-sectional shape of the additional spacer has an area that decreases upwards.

14. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of holes and the recessed-protruding pattern are only set in the area corresponding to the corner of the display area.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The corners of each of the first and second dam sections are rounded.

16. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The recessed-protruding pattern includes at least one protruding portion and at least one recessed portion having a polygonal, circular, or elliptical shape.

17. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The sealing portion is configured to fill the recessed portion of the recessed-protruding pattern.

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